DataStage represents null internally using a single byte with bit pattern 1000000 (or Char(128)). Windows uses this byte to represent the Euro symbol.
I believe there's a way to change the DataStage internal representation, but can't recall what it is (and am not currently working on a Windows server).
IBM Software Services Group
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Can't you simply avoid sending an actual NULL to any fields? For example, make sure they are explicitly set to an empty string - "" - instead? Or is there more to the problem?
-craig
"You can never have too many knives" -- Logan Nine Fingers
For text files, change the representation of NULL (either at the file level or at the individual column level) from "" to something else, perhaps "<NULL>".
IBM Software Services Group
Any contribution to this forum is my own opinion and does not necessarily reflect any position that IBM may hold.
I am not sure whether this will work out. Try converting the column using Iconv(col_name,"MCP"). This converts the non readable characters to "." a period.