MEMBERSHIP PREVIEW

How to check a text import for invalid UTF-8

PREVIEW BEFORE YOU REGISTER

What this guide helps you do

Inspect up to 5 MiB of a local file for UTF-8 decoding errors and common BOM markers, without printing its contents or rewriting it.

Format: Step-by-step · Platform: Node.js 20+; save as .cjs · Reading estimate: 2 minutes (task time varies)

Preview the first step

Identify the export format

Ask the source application owner which encoding and delimiter were selected. A .csv extension does not guarantee UTF-8. Preserve the original file and avoid uploading business data to online converters.

Prerequisites, sources and content date

Before starting: confirm the device or account is yours to manage, save your work and check the permissions in each step. Some guides include changes; stop if you lack approval.

Expected result: a documented check and next action, with verification steps in the full guide.

Content date: 2026-10-16. Review the vendor guidance for your version; this is not a guarantee of testing on your device.

Reference 1

Free registration unlocks 5 script choices and 5 guide PDF choices every week. A paid pass unlocks unlimited scripts and guides during its active period.

Create my free account — no card needed

Take this how-to guide with you

Free account: choose 5 branded guide PDFs each week. Paid pass: unlimited scripts and guides throughout your access period.

How much help would you like?

Choose the amount of explanation that suits you. You can change it at any time.

Your choice is saved only in this browser. No age or date of birth is collected. PDF downloads use the standard guide edition.

Go at your own pace

Read the whole step before touching a setting. Keep this guide open on another screen if you can.
On a computer, “click” means press the left mouse button once. On a phone or tablet, “tap” means touch the screen once.
After each change, wait for it to finish and check what happened. If your screen looks different, stop and use the maker’s guide for your model.
Keep passwords, recovery codes and payment details private. A child should ask a parent or trusted adult before creating accounts, buying anything or changing security settings.

Inspect up to 5 MiB of a local file for UTF-8 decoding errors and common BOM markers, without printing its contents or rewriting it.

FREE GUIDE SAMPLE

Before you begin

END OF FREE SAMPLE

Continue with full access

Choose this guide using your free weekly allowance above, or buy a pass for unlimited guides, scripts and complete troubleshooting packs.

One payment. No automatic renewal. Access lasts for your chosen pass duration.

Buy full access →

Already have an active pass? Sign in to continue.

What the full guide covers

Identify the export format
Check without changing content
Re-export deliberately

Explore the JavaScript library →

All support guide previews

FULL-ACCESS PASS

More support when you need it.

Preview the guide above, then use a free weekly guide choice or a paid pass for the complete resource. One-off full-access passes start at £3.95 worldwide where supported by Stripe. Sign in to choose a pass.

Your free account includes 5 scripts and 5 guide downloads per week across all six scripting desks, with tailoring, copying and downloading for your weekly choices.

Create my free account →Compare access Browse script desks

Related troubleshooting guides

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Free sample PDFs

No account needed. These are short excerpts; Free accounts can choose 5 guide PDFs weekly; active paid passes unlock unlimited guides. PDF editions are currently in English.

Download connectivity sample ↓ · Download Outlook sample ↓

Explain the words in this guide

Open the full Jargon Buster →

Operating system: The main software that runs your device, such as Windows, macOS, Android or iOS.
Update: New software supplied by the maker to fix problems or add improvements. Use the device’s settings or the maker’s official app.
Restart: Turn the device off and on using its Restart option. Save your work first. Do not interrupt an update.
Backup: A separate copy of your files that you can use if the original is lost. Check you can open a copied file before deleting anything.
Account: Your personal sign-in for a service. Use your own account, or ask your workplace IT team which account belongs on a work device.
Wi-Fi: A wireless connection to a nearby network. Choose your own trusted network; an unfamiliar network name may belong to someone else.
Factory reset: A process that can erase files and settings. Do not choose this as an ordinary restart.
Managed device: A device controlled by your school or employer. Ask their IT team before changing its setup.

My workspace