file does not display

[Alexspringer at aol.com]

I have been using mapserver right along but have now tried to use a shape 
file that is not in decimal degrees.  The shape file appears in the legend 
but will not show on map.  When I open this in arcview, it appears okay on 
the map display; but the properties (view properties) are described as 
unknown.  We speculate this is a DEM format but do not know how to tell.  
Does anyone know how to convert this so that it can be displayed with 
mapserver?

Thank you.