title: Convert .dat File to .xls file
body: <p>I am using automation to download a .dat file and parse it using excel parser module in perl.
  But whenever i tried to access the .dat file it says not a valid excel file. (all these operation has been done in linux)</p>
  
  <p>As a work around I have moved the .dat file to windows machine and opened it using excel file.
  Then saved the .dat file as an excel file in windows. Then resend that file to Linux machine. Now the perl script can parse the file.</p>
  
  <p>Instead of this long path can I convert the .dat file to excel file in linux itself?
  If yes then how?</p>
  
  <p>First Few Lines from my .dat file :</p>
  
  <p>F_NF_CD ART_GRP_NO      ART_GRP_DESCR   ART_GRP_SUB_NO  ART_GRP_SUB_DESCR       ART_NO  ART_DESC        SELL_UNIT       PACK_TYPE       SELL_PR VAT_PERC        MRP_PRICE       STOCK   ART_STATUS      EXTRA_INFO      BLOCK_IND</p>
  
  <p>F       191     HYGIENE PAPERS  3       LADIE'S HYGIENE 287432  SOFY SIDE WALLS LARGE SOFT15P   1       EA      89.8    5       99      47      1       SELL</p>
  
  <p>F       191     HYGIENE PAPERS  3       LADIE'S HYGIENE 287422  SOFY SIDE WALLS REGULAR SOFT15P 1       EA      80.73   5       89      0       1       SELL</p>