Why did all my files suddenly become UNIX Executable Files?

After reformatting my hard drive and installing Panther server, I restored the Retrospect back up of files to my home directory. Unfortunately, all the files that didn't have suffixes (eg: .doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.) suddenly had their icons replaced with an icon of a black console with the word "exec" typed in. And their kind was lost and all became: UNIX Executable File.
Ever since this Panther server has been acting eratically.
I have been able to resurrect the affected files by opening them in their native application and resaving them with the proper suffix. But there are thousands of files and dozens of applications that could have made each file.
Is there a way to resurrect these files without having to open and resave every single file in its native application one at a time? Could these thousands of UNIX Executable Files be causing problems for Panther server?
Thanks for your input.
Gregg

Hi TropicalReef,
At some point during your backup/restore process the executable bit was set on your files. This should not cause a problem with the overall performance of the operating system. But to some extent this is a security risk. There are a number of GUI applications that can change file permission. I recommend you download one and remove the executable bit from your files. Read the developers documentation carefully. Changing file permission especially in batch mode can be very dangerous.
The easiest way to make you files double clickable is to add the appropriate suffix to the file name. Again there a number of shareware and freeware apps that will do this. Check MacUpdate and VersionTracker.

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The file sizes range from 22.2 MB to 67.9 MB.
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Welcome to Apple Discussions!
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Why did all my files suddenly become UNIX Executable Files?

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