Getting Data In

unarchive_cmd doesn't work for CSV file

dmillis
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

In 6.2.0, I have written a pre-processor script for a particular CSV log format, to produce a useable timestamp. The script is designed to be used as a 'unarchive_cmd' script for the input. I.e., from the CLI, it functions like this:
cat | convert.pl

The problem: no matter how much I play with inputs.conf and props.conf, the unarchive_cmd is ignored. Here is inputs.conf:
[monitor:///var/cool_csv_logs/file.csv]
disabled = 0
followTail = 0
host = some_host
index = scratch
sourcetype = cool_csv

and props.conf:
`[cool_csv]
SHOULD_LINEMERGE = false
pulldown_type = true
INDEXED_EXTRACTIONS = csv
KV_MODE = node
category = Structured
invalid_cause = archive

[source::/var/cool_csv_logs/file.csv]
unarchive_cmd = /opt/splunk/bin/convert.pl`

Why is the unarchive_cmd not working?

Tags (2)
0 Karma
1 Solution

dmillis
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

Well, David, it turns out that you cannot use a file suffix of .csv (or .txt) with unarchive_cmd.

Try changing your source filename to file.log

(This works!)

View solution in original post

dmillis
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

Here's a more readable version:

Here is inputs.conf:

[monitor:///var/cool_csv_logs/file.csv] 
disabled = 0 
followTail = 0 
host = some_host 
index = scratch 
sourcetype = cool_csv

and props.conf:

[cool_csv] 
SHOULD_LINEMERGE = false 
pulldown_type = true
INDEXED_EXTRACTIONS = csv
KV_MODE = node
category = Structured
invalid_cause = archive

[source::/var/cool_csv_logs/file.csv]
unarchive_cmd = /opt/splunk/bin/convert.pl

... should be changed to file.log

0 Karma

dmillis
Splunk Employee
Splunk Employee

Well, David, it turns out that you cannot use a file suffix of .csv (or .txt) with unarchive_cmd.

Try changing your source filename to file.log

(This works!)

Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

Splunk App Dev Quarterly Roundup: AI, Agents, and Innovation!

Another quarter, another wave of innovation. From complex integrations to pushing the limits ...

Federated Search for Dynamic Data Self Storage Is Now Generally Available on Splunk ...

 Splunk is excited to announce the General Availability of Federated Search for Dynamic Data Self Storage ...

Index This | What has many keys but can’t unlock a door?

July 2026 Edition  Hayyy Splunk Education Enthusiasts and the Eternally Curious!   We’re back with this ...