For a screwy format like mbox, use a program designed to deal with the screwy format. Try something like this.
mkdir tmp cat bigfatmboxfile | formail -s sh -c 'cat > tmp/$FILENO' Formail is one of those programs that keep getting more versatile as you learn more about them. It's in the procmail package. Cameron -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]