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CD-ROM PRO Librarian/File Manager for CD-ROM Collections Version 3.1 SHAREWARE All Rights Reserved (c) 1992-1995 Vince Sorensen This program is shareware. If you continue to use it past the 30 day evaluation period, you must register. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Registration Fee: $25.00 (U.S. funds except within Canada) Author Address: Vince Sorensen BBS / Email Questions 6 Armstrong Bay Superboard 1:140/121 Regina, SK S4N 4G7 (306)789-8682 or 8690 Canada Internet: vince.sorensen@sasknet.sk.ca ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Registered Users receive the latest registered version on diskette (see shipping notes below), a registration key, and the latest beta of any "version-in-the-works", if applicable. Shipping of the current copy of CD-ROM PRO is included for destinations within Canada, the U.S., Australia and Europe. For other countries, please add $5 U.S., or exact postage if known. All non-Canadian registrants are asked to pay with U.S. funds. The registered version includes automated file listing import (searches CDs for FILES.BBS; SCRIPTing not necessary in many cases), sample SCRIPTs for popular CD-ROMs, and extra utilities and reports. It also includes the "replace/add description from FILE_ID.DIZ within archives" feature! Besides, "Its the right thing to do!" :) ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ Table of Contents ║ ║ ───────────────── ║ ║ ║ ║ Introduction 1.0.0 ║ ║ Quick Set-Up 1.1.0 ║ ║ Tables of Information 1.2.0 ║ ║ Searching for a Phrase 1.3.0 ║ ║ Reports 1.4.0 ║ ║ Check File List for Duplicates 1.4.1 ║ ║ Customized Search Report 1.4.2 ║ ║ Recreate File Listing 1.4.3 ║ ║ Unique/Duplicate Files on a CD 1.4.4 ║ ║ Utilities 1.5.0 ║ ║ Check Floppy/Hard Disk for Duplicates 1.5.1 ║ ║ Correct Date, Size, and Description 1.5.2 ║ ║ Format File Listings 1.5.3 ║ ║ Remove Files in a Directory 1.5.4 ║ ║ Rebuild File Keywords 1.5.5 ║ ║ Configuration 1.6.0 ║ ║ General Configuration 1.6.1 ║ ║ File Listing Formats 1.6.2 ║ ║ Directory Titles 1.6.3 ║ ║ Multi-CD CD-ROM Player Mapping 1.6.4 ║ ║ File Extension Matching 1.6.5 ║ ║ Pack Database(s) 1.6.6 ║ ║ Build Database(s) 1.6.7 ║ ║ Sort Database(s) (requires CSORT.EXE) 1.6.8 ║ ║ File Repair (requires CFIL.EXE) 1.6.9 ║ ║ Import File Listings 1.7.0 ║ ║ Import File Listings - Interactive 1.7.1 ║ ║ Import File Listings - SCRIPTed 1.7.2 ║ ║ Automatic File Listing Import 1.7.3 ║ ║ Check CD-ROM..Files Not in File Listings 1.7.4 ║ ║ Import from Existing CD-ROM PRO database 1.7.5 ║ ║ ║ ║ SCRIPT Definition Appendix A ║ ║ Basic Keyboard Commands Appendix B ║ ║ About File Descriptions Appendix D ║ ║ Program Parameters / Multiple-Databases Appendix F ║ ║ Troubleshooting / Questions & Answers Appendix G ║ ║ History Appendix H ║ ║ ║ ╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Introduction 1.0.0 ──────────── This program was written originally to keep track of what programs were on what CD-ROM, and to eliminate duplicate files on floppy. It allows the user to quickly find and view/run/copy any file on any CD-ROM, as well as reporting on duplication and/or unique files between CDs, whether in the user's collection or not. Text file format conversion is also supported, with the ability to fill in information found on the actual CD if it was not included in the text files originally. ╔══════════════════════════ *-* IMPORTANT *-* ═══════════════════════════╗ ║ ║ ║ I've tried to ensure that all the information you need is on the ║ ║ screen in the program, so that you don't have to keep referring to ║ ║ this document all the time. If you need more help than what's on ║ ║ the screen, press F1. This will usually give either more detailed ║ ║ information, or restated information so that you can understand ║ ║ what's happening there. ║ ║ ║ ║ If you're upgrading from a version below 2.0, run CONV_20.BAT ║ ║ before using CD-ROM PRO. If you do not, CD-ROM PRO will be unable to ║ ║ open your directory database, and will report an Invalid Record ║ ║ Declaration error. ║ ║ ║ ║ The ESC key cancels most operations, and exits most screens ║ ║ (without saving, where applicable). The ENTER key is your ║ ║ Select/Accept key. ║ ║ ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Quick Set-Up 1.1.0 ──────────── Your System ─────────── You should have a setting of FILES=40 or more in your CONFIG.SYS file, and around 440K free when running CD-ROM PRO. Advanced users: to configure the use of virtual memory for faster access, see the troubleshooting section below (Appendix G) Configuration ───────────── Enter into the Configuration Menu from the Main Menu. Select "General Configuration". Fill out the configuration form with the information that reflects your system set-up. CD-ROM DRIVE LETTER - what letter does DOS use to refer to your CD player? DEFAULT COMMAND - When CTRL-X is pressed in the file tables, a window is opened in which you can type in any DOS command. The command you specify here as the default will be automatically placed in the window for you. You can still edit the command line before it is executed. VIEWERS - In file information tables, the highlighted file may be viewed. Enter the name (and path if necessary) of each of the file viewers you wish to use in these 3 lines. Include any parameters (I.E. use PKZIP -V to view, not just PKZIP or PKUNZIP). There is an internal text file viewer if you do not have one, but it can only be used on files roughly 100K and less in size. If you would like to use it rather than shelling to an external text file viewer, specify INTERNAL on the text viewer line. PROMPT FOR CD CHANGE WHEN EXECUTING COMMANDS ON TAGGED FILES? Y (Y/N) TARGET DIRECTORY: C:\DOWNLOAD When CTRL-C or CTRL-Z is pressed, a file is copied (or unzipped) from the CD-ROM to this directory. You can still alter the command and destination before it is actually executed. DEFAULT CD-ROM: Used when reporting by CD Title if none specified. Use this if you have one CD you use more than the rest. Importing File Information ────────────────────────── You should have a copy of CDP.EXE and CDP.HLP somewhere in your path. The databases will be built in the current directory. To run this program... (a) I'm a registered user. Case 1: Most CD-ROM file listings can be loaded using the Automatic Import feature, on the Import Menu. First, go into General Configuration (on the Configuration Menu). Tell CD-ROM PRO the basics about your system - for example, what drive DOS says is your CD-ROM player. If you're using a multi-CD player, pick one you'll use the most - you'll get a chance to specify what CD will be in what drive later. Now, go into Automatic Import (on the Import Menu). Tell CD-ROM PRO the name of the CD, and the drive its located on (if different than the default). CD-ROM PRO will do the rest... it searchs your CD-ROM for files called FILES.BBS, and loads them. Case 2: If the CD-ROM publisher did not include FILES.BBS in one of the 3 standard formats, you have a couple of options. If there are text descriptions, skip down to the section under "I'm not a registered user". If there are no descriptions on the CD-ROM, select "Check CD-ROM for Files..." on the Import Menu. CD-ROM PRO will ask you a few simple questions, and then search the CD-ROM, adding the basic file information... when a FILE_ID.DIZ is found within an archive, it is used as the description. (b) I'm not a registered user, OR the file listings aren't standardized. (1) You need text files containing the file listings for your CD-ROMs. (2) Configure CD-ROM PRO File Manager to reflect your equipment set-up, and use the "Format File Listings" option to enter the format of the text files you will be importing (if not already set up - some, such as PCBoard, already are). This means checking the text files in (1) above, and noting the column that the file name, date, size, and description information begins in, and their length (in the case of the date, its format). If a field is missing, set its column to zero. You can fill in the date and size information later with the "Correct Date and Size" function. (3) If you will be importing a large number of text files, it is recommended that you set up a SCRIPT file called "IMPORT.CNF" that contains information on what CD and directory will be imported, and which text file will contain the file names, etc., for that directory. The format of a SCRIPT is explained below briefly, and in greater detail in the sample IMPORT.CNF enclosed in this archive. See Appendix A. The "Import File Listings - Interactive" feature is more useful for single directories, and novice users. (4) Use one of the "Import File Listings" features to import the information you require. This program will automatically detect if one-line or multiple-line descriptions are being entered (PCBoard or LongLine Formats Only). ───────────────────── Tables of Information 1.2.0 ───────────────────── (a) Files The information that you have now loaded can be viewed in scrolling tables. You can view this information in file name order (actually the file key, which is the file name without the "non-standard" characters [I.E. !@#$_-]), file name order within CD-ROM, and file name order within a single directory. You can also build a customized table that only includes the files that contain a certain combination of characters - for example, all the files with the word ANSI in their description that are dated November 1992 (See also 1.3.0). These tables only display the first line of each description in order to maximize the amount of files that can be displayed on each screen. To view the "extended description" for a given file, highlight that file (using the arrow keys, and other keys, as described in Appendix B), and press F3 or CTRL-D. You also have the option to alter the file information for the highlighted file (in the database, not on the actual CD-ROM, of course!). Pressing ENTER brings up a form that you can alter the file description, date, size, etc. It is not recommended that you change the file name or file "key" unless the data in the original file listing was incorrect. F2 or CTRL-V will cause the program to shell out to DOS, and call one of the programs you set up in configuration in order to View the high- lighted file. For example, if the file highlighted is PICTURE.GIF, you may call VPIC PICTURE.GIF /A to see it. CTRL-S can be used to Search for phrases, and CTRL-N will find the Next Occurance of the last phrase you searched for. CTRL-X can be used to bring up a "Command Box". You can enter any valid DOS command here. If you press CTRL-I, CD-ROM PRO will attempt to automatically install the highlighted or tagged files. It will create a directory with a name similar to that of the highlighted/tagged file(s), unarchive the file(s) into that directory, then look for documentation, and something to execute. After the program has been executed, there is an option to remove everything in the new directory. Warning: if the program's install procedure does not automatically run the program, you will have to "Execute a DOS Command" to run it. Warning: if the program installs files outside of the directory CD-ROM PRO created, CD-ROM PRO will not be able to find and remove them. If you type any alphanumeric key(s) (I.E. ABC), the highlight bar will jump to the next file that begins with that sequence of letters. For example, press WIN to find the first file that begins with WIN. Now press backspace, and you will be placed at the first file that begins with WI. (This is called a LOCATOR, and what you type will be seen after the word LOCATE:). (b) Directories When you ask to view information in directory order, or need to specify a directory to search, you'll be presented with a table of directories, in CD then directory order. The standard scrolling keys (such as arrow keys, Home, and those outlined in Appendix B) can be used to highlight a desired directory. ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Directory Selection and/or Tagging ║ ║ ║ ║ Locate CD: Directory: ║ ║ ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ║ ║ CD Title Directory Title ║ ║ CD POWERBOX ASP Software ║ ║ CD POWERBOX BASIC ║ ║ CD POWERBOX BBS - CDROM ║ ║ CD POWERBOX BBS General ║ ║ CD POWERBOX BBS Other ║ ║ CD POWERBOX BBS PCBoard ║ ║ CD POWERBOX Business ║ ║ CD POWERBOX C & Asm ║ ║ CD POWERBOX C.A.D. ║ ║ CD POWERBOX ClipArt ║ ║ CD POWERBOX Communications I ║ ║ ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── ║ ║ TAB to Switch Locator Fields F6 to Tag/Untag ║ ║ CTRL-E to Edit Directory Info F10 to Clear All Tags ║ ║ ENTER when Done ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ If you type any alphanumeric key(s) (I.E. ABC), the highlight bar will jump to the next CD or directory that begins with that sequence of letters. Pressing TAB will toggle between locating CDs and locating directories on the currently highlighted CD. For example, press WIN to find the first CD that begins with WIN. Now press backspace, and you will be placed at the first CD that begins with WI. (This is called a LOCATOR, and what you type will be seen after the word LOCATE:). You can also tag/untag specific directories for use in certain utilities and reports using the F6 and F10 keys. See the reports and utilities section for further information. If you need to edit the information (such as the Directory Title), you can press CTRL-E at this point, and access the Directory Edit Form. (c) CD-ROMs (Drives) When you ask to view information in CD-ROM order, or need to specify a CD-ROM to search, you'll be presented with a table of CD-ROMs and Drives, in alphabetical order. The standard scrolling keys (such as arrow keys, Home, and those outlined in Appendix B) can be used to highlight a desired directory. ╔══════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Select CD-ROM ║ ║ LOCATE: ║ ║ ║ ║ CD-ROM DRIVE LETTER ║ ║ CD POWERBOX F ║ ║ MEGADEMO F ║ ║ NIGHT OWL 7 D ║ ║ NIGHT OWL 8 F ║ ║ NIX PIX 3 F ║ ║ NIX PIX II F ║ ║ POWERPAK GOLD92 F ║ ║ SHARE OVERLOAD F ║ ║ SIMTEL 12/92 F ║ ║ SIMTEL 9/92 F ║ ║ STUDIO F ║ ║ STUDIO 2 F ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ║ ╟──────────────────────────────────╢ ║ CTRL-E to Edit Drive ║ ║ ENTER to Select ESC to Exit ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════╝ If you type any alphanumeric key(s) (I.E. ABC), the highlight bar will jump to the next CD-ROM that begins with that sequence of letters. For example, press WIN to find the first CD that begins with WIN. Now press backspace, and you will be placed at the first CD that begins with WI. (This is called a LOCATOR, and what you type will be seen after the word LOCATE:). If you need to edit the information (such as the Directory Title), you can press CTRL-E at this point, and access the CD-ROM Edit Form. Searching for Phrases: 1.3.0 ────────────────────── You can build your own customized ╔═══════════════════════════════════════╗ table of file information, and ║ Search for a Phrase ║ output reports on files containing ║ ║ a particular phrase, or group of ╟───────────────────────────────────────╢ characters. The same basic rules are ║ Searches for a phrase within the ║ applied here and when you press CTRL-S ║ contents of the file name, date, ║ or CTRL-N on one of the 3 basic tables ║ and description fields for each ║ (file information in file name order, ║ entry. ? and * wildcard characters ║ on a single CD-ROM, or in a single ║ are supported (I.E. 11/??/92 will ║ directory). You specify the phrase, ║ find files dated 11/01/92, 11/02/92, ║ with options to use wild cards, and ║ etc). || can be used to indicate ║ logical ANDs and ORs. ║ an OR statement, and && indicates ║ ║ AND. || and && cannot be combined ║ ║ with other wildcard characters. ║ ║ ║ ║ Press F1 for more help. ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════╝ (a) Basic In it's simplest form, you just type in the phrase you want to scan the file names, dates, and descriptions (including extended descriptions) for. (b) Wildcards A '*' in the phrase indicates that you are entering two (or more) phrases, and that there can be any number of characters between the two phrases. A '?' indicates that there is 1 character between the two phrases, and a number of question marks indicate that there are a set number of characters between the two phrases. Both these wildcard symbols should work the same as they do in DOS. Examples: 11/??/92*FIDO will find the next file dated in November of 1992 and containing the word FIDO in their descriptions. (Case is ignored) FIDO*PCB will find the next file with both FIDO and PCB in their name/description separated by 0-255 characters. Note that 'PCB' *MUST* follow 'FIDO'. It cannot be before. (c) Extended AND/OR A '||' can be used to indicate an OR statement. A '&&' will indicate an AND. Note that neither can be combined with any other wildcard or extended search (I.E. This||That&&Another is invalid, and so is FIDO&&PCB*FOLLOWED). In these cases, the wildcard characters will be treated as ordinary characters. Examples: 92&&FIDO will find the next file with both a 92 and the word 'FIDO' in its name description. In other words '1992 FidoNet' and 'FidoNet 1992' would both be found. 92||FIDO will find the next file with either a 92 or the word 'FIDO' in its name description. In other words '1992', 'FidoNet', '1992 Fido', and 'FIDO.ZIP...11/23/92' would all be found. ───────────────────── Reports 1.4.0 ─────── Most reports can be either printed, or output to a DOS text file. Check File List for Duplicates 1.4.1 ────────────────────────────── Sample uses: Determining if you wish to download files - do you already have them on CD-ROM? Determing if you want to buy a new CD-ROM - do you already have most of the files on it? Which ones? This will allow you to check a file list against your current CD-ROM File Database, and get a report on how many duplications or unique files are listed in this new file list, without adding the file list to your database. Input File: IN.TXT (F5 - Lookup) Output Report to: OUT.TXT Validation String: . Keep Invalid Lines: (Yes/No/Special) Report Type: A (UNIQUE/DUPLICATES/PERCENTAGE/ALL INFO) Match Type: C (Exact/Close) CDs to Exclude: (F5 - Lookup) The validation string is a character or phrase required to be in the first 12 characters of a line to consider those 12 characters to be a valid file name. For Example, "." or ".GIF". The Keep Invalid Lines option allows you to retain headings, etc., in your new report. "Yes" retains all non-filename lines. "Special" prints all non-filename lines EXCEPT those containing a pipe ("|") character that follow a valid filename line that was not printed (in other words, the heading will still be printed, but not the extended descriptions for files that are not in the report). The Report Type allows you to get a list of unique files, duplicate files, a percentage report, or all three put together. Percentage reports will not include the invalid lines, irregardless of what Keep Invalid Lines option is chosen. The match type allows you to choose whether to match the entire exact file names, or to try to match the file keys, which exclude the file extension (or categorize them according to the information you've placed under "Extension Matching" in Configuration), and # _ - $ ! characters. Comparisons will not be made with files on the CDs you specify to exclude. Customized Search Report 1.4.2 ──────────────────────── This report will search EITHER the CD-ROM PRO database, or an external (DOS) file. It will output a list of files that contain a specified phrase in their file name, date, and description. The search phrase can contain wildcard characters, and the AND OR symbols (&& ||). See "Searchs" (1.3.0) above. If you are reporting on the internal CD-ROM PRO database, you can also specify that you only wish files that have dates and/or sizes that fall into a particular range. You can also specify to only search tagged directories. Recreate File Listing 1.4.3 ───────────────────── This function will use the CD-ROM PRO database to create a file listing of a single directory, tagged directories, or for each directory of a single CD-ROM. If you wish to print the listing rather than have a file created, specify PRN as the output. If you select either tagged directories, or the entire CD-ROM, the file listings will be numbered. For example, select Output Report to "DIR.", a format of "PCBOARD", Create Listings for "Entire CD-ROM", and a CD-ROM with 14 directories. You will get 14 listings, titled DIR1. DIR2. DIR3... DIR14. If you specify "Entire CD-ROM", please ensure that the filename you output to is *not* PRN and is not longer than 6 characters (not including path). For tagged directories, the numbering will be in the order that they appear in the directory lookups. Unique/Duplicate Files on a CD 1.4.4 ────────────────────────────── Compare file names for a CD-ROM in your collection to others in your collection, and report on which are unique or which are duplicates. Only exact file names will be considered matches when a CD-ROM is compared to another (single) CD-ROM. When a CD-ROM is compared to all other CD-ROMs, "close" file names will be considered matches. ───────────────────── Utilities 1.5.0 ───────── Contains options for manipulating your CD-ROM PRO database, and files on floppies, and hard drives. Check Floppy/Hard Disk for Duplicates 1.5.1 ───────────────────────────────────── Compare contents of floppy (or any valid DOS drive, hard drives included) directory to contents of database with an option to remove any duplicate files found. You can specify a single directory to search by entering X:, X:\, or X:\PATH\PATH... To specify an entire drive, enter X:\*.* (X: is any valid DOS drive, and \PATH is any valid DOS path to a directory). After search, pressing F8 allows you to use a DOS directory utility to delete, view, or execute any valid DOS command. Sample screens: Check Floppy or Hard Drive for Duplicate Files This function will scan a specific directory or an entire drive for files that match those in your CD-ROM PRO database, using the match criteria set up in configuration (I.E. TEST.ZIP and TEST.ARJ match, but TEST.GIF does not match TEST.ZIP). When matches are found, they can be either skipped or deleted. If you select "Report Only", the matches are listed on your printer or to a text file, and there is no option to delete. Leave the Report Device line blank if you do not wish a report, or enter PRN to output the report to your printer. Check ALL or SPECIFIC: ■■■■■■■■■■ Drive (or path) to Check: ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ Report Only: ■■■ (No/Yes) Report Device: ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ Press F8 for a DOS Directory View/Command Box. Press ENTER to Begin Processing CHECK FLOPPY DISK FOR FILES THAT DUPLICATE THOSE ON CD-ROM ** CDP.EXE ** ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── CDPRO20.ARJ 377777 06/11/93 2:22AM CDP.EXE 606432 05/11/93 1:35PM ...MATCHES WITH: CDP.ZIP 165197 2/05/93 CD Player for Windows v2.0 w/o VBRUN200.DLL. ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Press ENTER to delete FILE on floppy disk, any other key to cancel Correct File Sizes, Dates, and Descriptions 1.5.2 ─────────────────────────────────────────── This function will check the actual file dates and sizes the CD-ROM, and compare them to what is in your database. It will change the database date/size if there is a difference. If a file exists on the CD-ROM that is not in your database, and you've selected "Add All Missing Files", information for that file will be placed in your database. If you've selected "Select", you will be asked first. Note: Only directories that have been entered in your database already will be searched, *not* all directories on the CD-ROM. If you wish to search *all* directories, use the function on the Import File Listings Menu called "Check CD-ROM for Files Not in File Listings". (1.7.4) At this point, if you've asked to"Use FILE_ID.DIZ", the file will be checked for a FILE_ID.DIZ, and if it is found, the current database description will be replaced. ╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Correct One Directory or Entire CD? Single Directory ║ ║ Single Directory ║ ║ Entire CD-ROM ║ ║ Tagged Directories (F7 to Select) ║ ║ Use FILE_ID.DIZ from actual file? No (No/Yes) ║ ║ Add Information for Missing Files? No (No/All/Select) ║ ╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ Convert DOS Text File Listing 1.5.3 ───────────────────────────── This function will read a text file listing that currently exists, and copy single-line descriptions to another format. You can specify that only certain lines contain "valid" file names by specifying a character or extension to look for, and you can either simply copy verbatim the invalid lines, or throw them away. Remove File Information for a Directory or CD-ROM 1.5.4 ───────────────────────────────────────────────── This function will go through the database, and remove all information for the files in a chosen directory including the file names and the directory information. If you select "Entire CD", this function will remove all information for all files and directories on this CD-ROM. Rebuild File Keywords 1.5.5 ───────────────────── This function will go through the ENTIRE database, and recreate the File Key field from the File Name. The keyword consists of the numbers and letters in a filename (excluding the extension). This compensates for the many variations CD-ROM producers make on file names in order to meet the ISO9660 standard. ───────────────────── Configuration 1.6.0 ───────────── Allows you to tell CD-ROM PRO about your system, set-up new file listing format definitions, various settings, and to repair damaged data files. General Configuration 1.6.1 ───────────────────── This configuration form should reflect your system set-up. CD-ROM DRIVE LETTER - what letter does DOS use to refer to your CD player? DEFAULT COMMAND - When CTRL-X is pressed in the file tables, a window is opened in which you can type in any DOS command. The command you specify here as the default will be automatically placed in the window for you. You can still edit the command line before it is executed. VIEWERS - In file information tables, the highlighted file may be viewed. Enter the name (and path if necessary) of each of the file viewers you wish to use in these 3 lines. Include any parameters (I.E. use PKZIP -V to view, not just PKZIP or PKUNZIP). There is an internal text file viewer if you do not have one, but it can only be used on files roughly 100K and less in size. If you would like to use it rather than shelling to an external text file viewer, specify INTERNAL on the text viewer line. PROMPT FOR CD CHANGE WHEN EXECUTING COMMANDS ON TAGGED FILES? Y (Y/N) TARGET DIRECTORY: C:\DOWNLOAD When CTRL-C or CTRL-Z is pressed, a file is copied (or unzipped) from the CD-ROM to this directory. You can still alter the command and destination before it is actually executed. DEFAULT CD-ROM: Used when reporting by CD Title if none specified. Use this if you have one CD you use more than the rest. File Listing Formats 1.6.2 ──────────────────── This function allows you to configure different "formats" that will be used in the exporting and importing of file information to and from text files. Using the Recreate File Listing option (also know as Create Listing of Files in a Directory) allows you to generate a formatted DOS file or printout of the list of files in a directory (not surprisingly!). All FILES.BBS file listings that are created using the "Re-Create/Print File Listings" option will use one-line descriptions, unless a "~", "|" is contained within the format name or one of the proprietary formats (described below - see "Format Conventions") is used. Converting from a DOS file listing in one format to another will only convert the first line of each description, regardless of what multi-line options (as described below) are selected. If the format title contains a "~" character, it indicates that the format is multi-line. The "~" should be followed by the number of lines of description allowed per file. I.E.: MAXFMT~2 will output 2 line descriptions for each file. If the format title contains a "|" character, it indicates that the description should be preceded by a "|". Note that the description is still placed at the position indicated in the format configuration. The "|" is placed two spaces before the description. If both "|" and "~" are in the format title, the "|" is always placed before the 2nd and following lines, but only before the 1st line if the "|" precedes the "~". I.E.: Taking the format "WILD" and simply changing the format name has the following results: If WILD outputs: FILENAME.ZIP 91810 01-01-93 Description then WILD| outputs: FILENAME.ZIP 91810 01-01-93| Description and WILD|~2 outputs: FILENAME.ZIP 91810 01-01-93| Description | Description Line 2 and WILD~2| outputs: FILENAME.ZIP 91810 01-01-93 Description | Description Line 2 and WILD~2 outputs: FILENAME.ZIP 91810 01-01-93 Description Description Line 2 Also note that if there are not two spaces between the description and the previous field, and "|" is used, the previous field will be over-written. If "/." is added to the name of the format, it is assumed (for import purposes ONLY) that the file names may not have a period. If the first 8 characters are not all spaces, and the ninth character is, the line being looked at is considered to contain a valid file name. If this option is not used, only lines with a period in the first nine characters are considered to contain valid file names. Special Case (Proprietary Formats): If either the "PCBOARD" or "WILDCAT_2" file listing formats have been specified, special logic comes in to play to ensure the resulting FILES.BBS looks more like the proprietary formats used by these boards. I.E.: PCBOARD ARJ230.EXE 200363 02-07-92 This is what you'll use to extract files | that end in the ARJ extension. Its self- | extracting, so just type in ARJ230, and | then use the ARJ.EXE that comes out to | extract other files! WILDCAT_2 ARJ230.EXE 200,363 02/07/92 | This is what you'll use to extract files DwnLds: 3 DL Time 00:17:23 | that end in the ARJ extension. Directory Titles 1.6.3 ──────────────── All information associated with the directories, such as their title, and their location, can be edited here. Multi-CD CD-ROM Player Mapping 1.6.4 ────────────────────────────── This option allows you to specify which drive letter each particular CD-ROM can be found at. For users with a single CD-ROM player, setting this up will not be necessary - the drive letter defaults to the one specified in General Configuration. Users with multi-CD players will have to edit the drive mapping here as is appropriate. ╔══════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Select CD-ROM ║ ║ LOCATE: ║ ║ ║ ║ CD-ROM DRIVE LETTER ║ ║ CD POWERBOX F ║ ║ MEGADEMO G ║ ║ NIGHT OWL 7 H ║ ║ NIGHT OWL 8 I ║ ║ NIX PIX 3 J ║ ║ NIX PIX II K ║ ║ POWERPAK GOLD92 F ║ ║ SHARE OVERLOAD F ║ ║ SIMTEL 12/92 F ║ ║ SIMTEL 9/92 F ║ ║ STUDIO F ║ ║ STUDIO 2 F ║ ╟──────────────────────────────────╢ ║ Ins to Insert Del to Delete ║ ║ ENTER to Edit ESC to Exit ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════╝ File Extension Matching 1.6.5 ─────────────────────── ╔═══════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ Extension Matching LOCATE: ║ ╟───────────────────────────────────────────╢ ║ Extensions such as ZIP and ARC are known ║ ║ to be archives whereas GIFs and JPGs are ║ ║ pictures. To avoid incorrectly matching ║ ║ files with certain extensions, but still ║ ║ allowing others, you can set extension ║ ║ categories here. Any not set up here ║ ║ will default to category 0. ║ ║ ║ ║ EXTENSION CATEGORY NUMBER ║ ║ GIF 1 ║ ║ JPG 1 ║ ║ ROL 2 ║ ║ VOC 2 ║ ║ WAV 2 ║ ╟───────────────────────────────────────────╢ ║ Insert to Add Enter to Change ║ ║ Delete to Delete Esc to Exit ║ ╚═══════════════════════════════════════════╝ Pack Databases 1.6.6 ────────────── This option will pack and rebuild a file and associated keys, removing deleted records. The resulting files and keys are as compact as possible. Because a copy of each file is made during the process, it requires as much free disk space as each file takes up now. This process may require a significant amount of time depending on the size of the files, and the amount of virtual memory available on your machine. Build Databases 1.6.7 ─────────────── This option will rebuild the keys for a particular database. It reorganizes a key's tree structure so that the file can be processed more efficiently. This process may require a significant amount of time depending on the size of the files, and the amount of virtual memory available on your machine. For larger databases, "Sort Databases" may be a better option. Sort Databases 1.6.8 ─────────────── This calls the external CSORT.EXE to sort and pack your databases. This function is primarily used after importing files with the /APPEND switch, or after a CD-ROM's information has been deleted from the CD-ROM PRO database. File Repair 1.6.8 ─────────── This calls the external CFIL.EXE to pack, rebuild, and repair your databases as necessary. ───────────────────── Importing File Listings 1.7.0 ─────────────────────── Also read the section on setting up file listing formats in the configuration section above (1.6.2). Import File Listings - Interactive 1.7.1 ────────────────────────────────── This function will convert a text file and import it into the CD_PRO database. If the directory already exists, only new files listed will be imported. If the source file is not in the current directory, you will need to include the path. The CD Title can be any 15 characters. The directory location should be where the files are located on the CD, while the title is any 40 character description you like. If you fill in the "Previous Sub- scription" line with the CD Title of an existing CD-ROM, duplicate file names on the old CD-ROM will be removed from the database. For example, if you have a CD-ROM subscription, and the file "MYCDPROG.ZIP" is on the old CD-ROM and the new one, only the listing for "MYCDPROG.ZIP" on the new CD-ROM will be kept. Import File Listings - SCRIPTed 1.7.2 ─────────────────────────────── This function loads a SCRIPT file, and imports file information from the files listed therein. You can specify the name of SCRIPT at run-time. Also read the section on setting up file listing formats in the configuration section above (1.6.2), and Appendix A below on setting up a SCRIPT. Registered users can create a script automatically using the automatic file listing import. The "Express Import" option will merely load the first line of the description for each file found, and will not attempt to filter any graphic characters from that line. Its faster, and the resulting databases are smaller, but you have a lot less detail about your files. Another option, "Copy to hard/RAM drive (faster)", helps speed up the importation process for users without CD-ROM caching by copying each file listing to a faster drive before importing. Setting "Ignore exact duplicates" to yes will skip adding any file that matches one already in the database. A match happens in this case when the file names are exactly the same, and the file sizes are within 30% of each other. "Create PCBoard DIR.LST file only" will create two files, DLPATH.LST, and DIR.LST, which can be used by PCBoard sysops to assist in configuring their BBS for a new CD-ROM. Automatic File Listing Import 1.7.3 ───────────────────────────── This utility will search a CD-ROM for file listings called FILES.BBS, and automatically load the listings into the CD-ROM PRO database. It will do its best to automatically detect extended (multi-line) descriptions, and you may have to change the titles of the directories afterwards. There are two ways that CD-ROM PRO will try to find file listings automatically. The original "regular mode" asks you to specify the name of the file listings to search for (the most common name is "FILES.BBS"). If regular mode is used, and the format of the FILES.BBS does not match one of three industry standards, a SCRIPT should be used (see below). Either making a backup before proceeding or simply creating a script only is advised if you are not sure whether or not the FILES.BBS files are in a standard format. Regular mode (especially where just a SCRIPT will be made) is recommended for CDs where there are a large number of subdirectory levels (I.E. \ROOT\DIR\SUB\SUB\FILES.BBS), or that the file listings have an odd name. The second way that CD-ROM PRO will try to find file listings automatically is "Fast Intelligent Analysis". CD-ROM PRO searchs only the directories located on the root directory, and uses a number of best guesses to quickly locate the file listings for you. This is the recommended method for most standard CD-ROMs. CD-ROM PRO will alert you if it is unable to find file listings, and one of the other import methods may have to be used. CD-ROM PRO will analyze each file listing found, and attempt to determine its format (i.e. where the date can be found, etc.). This format will be added automatically to your "File Listing Formats" table. The "Create a Script" option will search a CD-ROM as described above, but instead of actually importing the file information, CD-ROM PRO will create a SCRIPT based on its "best guesses" that you can adjust. These SCRIPTs may be used with the "Import File Listings - SCRIPTed" (1.7.2) option described above. Default file listing formats are also set-up during this process so that you don't have to create them. The "Express Import" option will merely load the first line of the description for each file found, and will not attempt to filter any graphic characters from that line. Its faster, and the resulting databases are smaller, but you have a lot less detail about your files. Setting "Ignore exact duplicates" to yes will skip adding any file that matches one already in the database. A match happens in this case when the file names are exactly the same, and the file sizes are within 30% of each other. "Previous subscription CD to replace with" is the CD Title of a CD being replace. An example would be where a revision to a CD-ROM is sent to you once every 3 months, and each time only 10% of the files differ from the previous revision. If this does not apply, simply leave this field blank. Check CD-ROM for Files Not in File Listings 1.7.4 ─────────────────────────────────────────── This function no longer the same as "Correct Dates...etc." as described in 1.5.2 above. It can be used to add information on CD-ROMs that do not come with any file descriptions. If a file is an archive, such as a ZIP or ARJ file, it will be checked to see if a FILE_ID.DIZ is contained. If so, that will be used as a description. You can specify the drive to search, and the title to use for the CD-ROM being searched. If you use a title that already exists, the information will be added to that CD-ROM's existing information (including updating the existing directory information) in CD-ROM PRO. This allows a CD-ROM to be re-searched (for example, in the case of power outage). Note: If a file called FILES.BBS exists on the CD-ROM, it will *not* be added to the CD-ROM PRO database. Import from Existing CD-ROM PRO Database 1.7.5 ──────────────────────────────────────── This allows you to import existing information from another CD-ROM PRO database. With this initial release, some advance planning is necessary. Start CD-ROM PRO for the existing database. Use the Directory Maintenance option on the Configuration menu to determine what the 2 or 4 letter code is for the CD-ROM or directory you wish to transfer (I.E. "Generic CD-ROM" may be "AA", while the "ANSI" directory on that disc may be "AAAB". Now go to the new set of databases, either by exiting CD-ROM PRO, changing paths, and restarting CD-ROM PRO, or by pressing CTRL-S at the main menu and entering the new path. Proceed to this option ("Import from Existing..."). Simply enter the path to the other existing database, then the 2 letter code for an entire CD-ROM or the 4 letter code for a single directory. Once you confirm by "pressing Enter to begin", the file information will be transferred over. A new 4 letter code will be assigned automatically. ════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════ SCRIPT File Definition: Appendix A ─────────────────────── Source File Listing Size: 25 Location: 1 - 25 CD Title Size: 15 Location: 26 - 40 Format Size: 10 Location: 41 - 50 Location Size: 32 Location: 51 - 82 *** Title Size: 40 Location: 83 -122 Subscription Size: 15 Location: 123 -138 A sample SCRIPT (IMPORT.CNF) is enclosed in this archive for your convenience. The fields are: Source Listing - path and filename of the FILES.BBS to be imported CD Title - Your choice of 15 letters to describe this CD Format - The format (PCBoard is the default) the FILES.BBS is in. Location - The location of the files that are described in the FILES.BBS *** The length of this field in the SCRIPT is 32 characters but up to 64 characters can actually be stored. You can edit these directories later, in CD-ROM PRO. When you "automatically" or "interactively" import, the full 64 characters can be used immediately, without any need for future editing. *** Title - Your choice of 40 letters to describe the directory Subscription - The CD Title of the CD being replaced (I.E. A "Subscription" of "Simtel 9/92" when the CD Title above is "Simtel 12/92" Means that if the same file name is on both disks, the reference to it under Simtel 9/92 is deleted. Notes: Any line starting with a semi-colon (;) will be skipped. If the path and filename of the source listing is longer than 25 characters, or if the location of the files is longer than 32 characters, you may wish to use one of the following commands in your script: SOURCE= LOCATION= Whatever follows the "=" sign will be placed before all source or location information that follows. For example, ; Skipped ACS C:\PCB\AF\ACS.LST C:\PCB\AF\DIR1.DIR SOME DISC PCBOARD ARCHIVE ARCHIVE LOCATION=C:\PCB\AF\DIR 2.DIR SOME DISC PCBOARD ARTISOFT ARTISOFT SOURCE=WINDOWS\ 10.DIR SOME DISC PCBOARD GAMES ARTISOFT wound be equivalent to ; Skipped ACS C:\PCB\AF\ACS.LST C:\PCB\AF\DIR1.DIR SOME DISC PCBOARD ARCHIVE ARCHIVE C:\PCB\AF\DIR2.DIR SOME DISC PCBOARD ARTISOFT ARTISOFT C:\PCB\AF\DIR10.DIR SOME DISC PCBOARD WINDOWS\GAMES ARTISOFT ───────────────────── Some General Keyboard Commands Appendix B ────────────────────────────── ESC - Previous field or screen; cancel entry ENTER - Accept and move to next field or as otherwise indicated on-screen; On menu screens, execute highlighted function. F5 - Look up field in a table (where applicable) CTRL-X - Execute a DOS command (where available) Keyboard Commands for Scrolling Tables ────────────────────────────────────── Press F1 when in a scrolling table for a complete command list. ENTER - Edit highlighted entry CTRL-V - View/Run highlighted file ESC - Return to previous screen ARROW DOWN - Highlight next file ARROW UP - Highlight previous file CTRL-S - Search for a phrase CTRL-N - Next occurance of a phrase (specified by the last CTRL-S) CTRL-X - Run DOS Command (on tagged files, if any; otherwise the current highlighted file; see below) SPACE BAR - Tag/Untag highlighted file F6 - Tag/Untag highlighted file (where SPACE may be used as part of a CD-ROM or Directory Title) F10 - Clear all tags ───────────────────── ───────────────────── Text File Viewing: ────────────────── CD-ROM PRO File Manager contains an internal file viewer, with Search and Line Jump Functions. However, if you have another text file viewer you prefer, you can specify it in the Configuration menu. To return to using the internal viewer, specify INTERNAL or leave the TEXT VIEWER line blank. Please note that the internal file viewer tries to load the file into memory - if you are viewing files over 140K in size, it is recommended that you use an external viewer, such as LIST. Please note that only the file you are highlighting when you press CTRL-V will be viewed (and the files it contains, if it is archived) - tagged files are only used when executing DOS commands with the CTRL-X key (see below). ───────────────────── Executing Commands: ─────────────────── You have the option to execute a DOS command from within the program in a number of places by pressing CTRL-X. When you do, you'll be presented with the following screen: ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ EXECUTE COMMAND (up to 130 characters): ║ ║COPY C:\001A\42BOOT.ZIP ║ ║ ║ ║ ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ ║ ║ │ Pressing CTRL-END clears to the end of the line │ ║ ║ │ Pressing ESC exits without executing command │ ║ ║ │ Pressing ENTER accepts and executes the command │ ║ ║ └───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ ║ ║ ║ ║ ^ Indicates "Next command" (Divides multiple commands) ║ ║ -> Indicates "Change to this directory before executing command" ║ ║ %TAG Indicates execute command for all tagged files ║ ║ %FN Indicates execute command on c:\001A\42BOOT.ZIP ║ ║ ║ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ ...and you can alter the command (between the symbols and ) however you wish, and then press ENTER to shell out to DOS and execute it. The default command is the one you specified in the Configuration screen, followed by the last path and file name referenced, unless you have tagged files, in which case the file name is replaced by %TAG. In some areas, CTRL-C and CTRL-Z are also available. You are still presented with a default command, but CTRL-C will always begin with COPY instead of your default command, and CTRL-Z will begin with PKZIP instead of your default command. In addition, the default target directory you specified within Configuration will be appended to the end, following a "->". This way, you can copy, or even unzip the chosen file into a selected directory within a minimum of keystrokes. Tagging notes: Before calling the command screen, you may select (tag) files using the SPACE BAR. F10 will clear all tags. When entering commands, put %TAG where you would normally put the file path and file name. When the command is executed, the program will execute your command once for each tagged file, replacing the %TAG with the file path and name. I.E. Below shows the results of pressing SPACE on INSTRUCT.ZIP and INSTRUC3.ZIP. The √ symbol shows that the file is tagged. INSTRUCT.ZIP√ 64234 01/01/93 Instructions for using this CD-ROM. INSTRUC2.ZIP 141434 01/01/93 Instructions for getting more CDs from us. INSTRUC3.ZIP√ 25234 01/01/93 Advanced info for using this CD-ROM. CTRL-X is pressed, and the following is entered: COPY %TAG \TEMP The two tagged files are then copied into the \TEMP directory. Tags are cleared as the command is executed. If you have set "Prompt for CD change when executing commands on tagged files" (in CONFIGURATION) to "Y", you will be prompted before the first command is executed on each tagged file if the CD that the file is on is different than the last one accessed. At this prompt, you may choose to CANCEL by pressing the ESCAPE key. All remaining tagged files will REMAIN tagged, if you do this. ───────────────────── File Descriptions: Appendix D ────────────────── File descriptions are stored in a 1 line + 5 line format in order to save space... Since many CD-ROMs contain only 1 line descriptions, it would be wasteful to take up 6x48 bytes for every file's description when 48 would do. However, some CDs have PCBoard and 2 line style descriptions. This program determines if this is the case, and stores the 2nd and following lines in a special field that is only placed in records when necessary, saving the extra 240 bytes for each files with only a one-line description. On the tables of files shown in the program, only the first or first two lines are shown, and CTRL-D can be used to view the complete record. All searches check within the entire description, however. Here's a sample screen of the extended description popped-up over the main file listing: 42BOOT.ZIP 10210 4/08/92 Package th╔══════════════════════╗ot MS-DOS MY CD-ROM ║ EXTENDED DESCRIPTION ║lternate Op. S 4CASE16.ZIP ╔═══════════════════════════╝──────────────────────╢like case ║ 42BOOT.ZIP 10210 4/08/92 ║lternate Op. S 4DDBU512.ZIP ║ ║ ║ Package that allows you to dual boot MS-DOS ║lternate Op. S 4DESC307.ZIP ║ or DR-DOS easily using 4DOS' aliasing and INI ║ber for ║ (autoexecpath) capabilities to enhance / ║lternate Op. S 4EDIT110.ZIP ║ simplify booting up either operating system; ║ creating & ║ original config/autoexec are no longer used, ║lternate Op. S 4LASER.ZIP ║ so install programs which mangle... etc. ║or sending ║ ║lternate Op. S 4LOGIC10.ZIP ║ MY CD-ROM 7 ║ featuring ║ 001A ║lternate Op. S 4MICA25A.ZIP ║ Alternate Op. Systems ║ll for ║ ║lternate Op. S 4PHONE.ZIP ║ Press Any Key to Return to Table ║along with ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════╝lternate Op. S ▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀ ENTER to Change/View ESC to Exit CTRL-D Extended Description CTRL-S Search for Phrase INSERT to Add CTRL-X Execute Cmd CTRL-N Find Next Occurance DELETE to Delete CTRL-V View File ───────────────────── Program Parameters: Command Line Switches Appendix F ───────────────────────────────────────── Faster File List Importing/Smaller Databases F.1 ──────────────────────────────────────────── If you do not require more than the first line of the file descriptions, and you do not want the special filtering of graphics characters, start CD-ROM PRO with a /EXPRESS switch on the command line. During this session, only the bare minimum of file information is added, and no filtering, or special checking is done. This can speed up the import process by up to 4 times its normal rate, but does mean that important information may be missed. (I.E. if the first line of a description is ╔═════════════════╗ it isn't very useful!). You may also specify an express import when importing using a script, or the automatic import function. See Also: Troubleshooting Using one set of databases from any directory F.2 ───────────────────────────────────────────── If you wish, you can specify the path to the databases when you start the program. For example, CDP C:\DATA would look in the C:\DATA directory for all five of the databases. Please note that the import file information routine does NOT look at this path. C:\DATA\ and C: are also valid paths. This way you can access your CD from any directory, and even use the current directory as a default to copy/unzip to. Using multiple databases ──────────────────────── For most application, it is recommended that you have a single database containing all your CD-ROM information. However, there are instances where more than one is desirable (For example, you have some CD-ROMs that contain only sound files, and others that contain only programming tools, and you don't have any that overlap). If you use multiple databases, you can easily switch between them by pressing CTRL-S at the main menu, and typing in the DOS path to the databases you would like to use. For information on the /CDROM switch, please read the troubleshooting section. ───────────────────── Troubleshooting Appendix G ─────────────── For best results, make sure that you have FILES=40 or more in your CONFIG.SYS. Problem: I just installed a new version of CD-ROM PRO, and when I first go in, I get a red screen saying something to the effect of "Invalid File Format". Solution: Run UPGRADE3.BAT to ensure that your databases have been upgraded to use the latest formats. Problem: Sometimes duplicate comparisons work, sometimes they don't. I've been using CD-ROM PRO for some time, and this just started happening! Solution: The format of the "Keywords" used in searching for duplicates has changed. You must run the Rebuild Keywords utility in order to convert old keywords to the new format. Problem: I want to change the first few options of the screen, then go ahead and begin processing, without having to ENTER through every field. Solution: CTRL-ENTER starts processing on all screens, whether you're at the "Press ... to begin" prompt or not. Problem: I get an insufficient memory message. Solution: CD-ROM PRO only uses conventional memory (the first 640K available in your PC), unless you specify where more memory can be found. To do this, type in (or add to a batch file, such as your AUTOEXEC.BAT or CD-ROM PRO start-up batch file) up to five of the following environment setting commands: SET CLAVM0=path,size,ram-indicator SET CLAVM1=path,size,ram-indicator SET CLAVM2=path,size,ram-indicator SET CLAVM3=path,size,ram-indicator SET CLAVM4=path,size,ram-indicator The x in CLAVMx indicates the order in which CD-ROM PRO should use that type of "virtual memory" when it runs out of conventional memory. The path is the drive and directory path of the RAM drive or hard disk. The size is the maximum number of kilobytes to allocate. The ram-indicator is "M" if the drive is a RAM drive. Extended and expanded memory must be assigned to a RAM drive to be used as virtual memory by CD-ROM PRO. Examples: SET CLAVM0=D:\,512,M specifies 512K of RAM drive D:\ SET CLAVM1=C:\TEMP,512 specifies 512K on drive C: Important: Do not add a space between CLAVMx and the equal sign. DOS considers CLAVM0= and CLAVM0 = to be two separate and different environment variables. Please consult your operating system (i.e. DOS, Windows, OS/2) manual when setting up RAMdrives and memory configurations. Problem: When starting the program gives "Invalid File Declaration" error. Solution: Ensure that the CONV_20.BAT batch file has been run successfully in every directory with a set of CD-ROM PRO databases. Problem: I've registered my version of CD-ROM PRO, but when I create a new database from scratch, CD-ROM PRO says I haven't registered! Solution: Copy PROCONF.DAT from the set of databases you registered to the current directory. As a rule of thumb, when you're setting up a new set of databases, copy PROFORM.* PROCONF.* and PROMATCH.* to the new directory before beginning. Problem: I've specified my .ZIPfile and .ARCfile viewers, they're in the DOS path, and there's lots of space on my destination drive, but CD-ROM PRO won't unarchive files. Solution: This solution may require some computer experience with basic DOS batch files. The most likely problem is that you are using something other than PKUNZIP.EXE, ARJ.EXE, LHA.EXE, and XARC.EXE to view your files. CD-ROM PRO is set up to use whatever you specify as the viewer on a file, but when it comes to unarchiving (and this includes unarchiving FILE_ID.DIZ files for the Correct File Information procedure), it expects to find these standard utilities. If you do not wish to, or cannot use the exact utility, (which is the easiest and best solution!) I suggest setting up a batch file with the names of these standard utilities that calls the exact ones that you're using. For example, if you are using the freeware utility called PCDEZIP rather than PKUNZIP, create a batch file called PKUNZIP.BAT that contains: PCDEZIP %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 If you are using PKUNARC rather than XARC (the standard), create a batch file called XARC.BAT that contains: XARC %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 Note that %1 has been skipped. For all utilities other than PKUNZIP, CD-ROM PRO sends the command letter as the second parameter. For example, CD-ROM PRO sends "ARJ E FILENAME.EXT FILE_ID.DIZ /Y" when checking for accurate descriptions. Problem: I am running CD-ROM PRO directly from a CD-ROM. Some functions work and others don't. For example, I can't change the drive letter that indicates where my CD-ROM player is! Solution: CD-ROM PRO requires that some files can be written to, especially the configuration files. The best solution is to copy everything from the CD-ROM to your hard drive, so that you can use a single "database" for ALL your CD-ROMs... and its faster this way, too. If you do not have the hard drive space to do so, or you do not plan to use more than the one CD-ROM in a single "database", start CD-ROM PRO from your hard drive with a /CDROM switch preceded by the path describing the location of the databases on the CD-ROM. For example, CDP F: /CDROM indicates that the main files are on drive F: but the configuration files should be placed in the current directory. Problem: I want a faster import of file information. Solutions: 1) Add the /EXPRESS switch to eliminate file description filtering. 2) Use the Express Import option when using Automatic Import or when importing using a script. 3) Run CD-ROM PRO from a RAMdrive. See your operating system (i.e. DOS, Windows, OS/2) documentation. 4) Use the /APPEND switch. This switch tells CD-ROM PRO not to bother updating the keyfiles when adding file information. This is best used when importing several CD-ROMs at one time. After the information is imported, you MUST run the CSORT option in configuration (for the main file database only) so that the keyfiles will be updated. CD-ROM PRO's behaviour will be erratic and unpredictable unless you do so. ───────────────────── History: Appendix H ─────── Version 3.1 Improved speed of import, added F8 (DOS Command Box) option to "Check for Duplicate Files". Version 3.0h Fixed bug in import routine when importing from some long paths. (Primarily the PsL series of discs). Version 3.0g Added /AUTOCORRECT switch. If you place this switch on the command line, and you are importing file listings directly from the CD-ROM, CD-ROM PRO will search for files and correct file sizes/dates automatically if file listings do not contain that information. Since this slows things down somewhat, selecting Express Import skips this option. Version 3.0f Fixed memory-eating bug in Correct File Sizes/Dates option. Version 3.0e Fixed problems with importing FILE_ID.DIZ to use in descriptions. Optimized code for importing multi-line descriptions. Fixed problem with upgrade utility (would occasionally drop a character in the new keywords). Added "Word Database" option for faster searchs when disk space is (really really) plentiful. Version 3.0 Added CTRL-I (Auto-install) option. Changed format of database to reduce requirements slightly. Non-Standard Character Maintenance replaced with Rebuild File Keywords option. Version 2.6 Additional troubleshooting information. Added "Copy Unique Files" option to "Check for Duplicate Files" utility. If an import runs across an empty FILES.BBS, CD-ROM PRO will now continue processing after stopping with an error message if the user requests it. Version 2.5b Additional explanation of how to use virtual memory, and importing file listings. Added ability to use "Subscription" option during automatic import. Version 2.5a Fixed bug where EXPRESS import was turned on whenever a ";" was encountered in script. Version 2.5 Enhanced automatic CD-ROM file listing import to try an additional 10 methods of determining where to find file listings. Added express option to automatic file listing import and scripted import. Added /APPEND switch for faster processing when adding many CDs. Enhanced scripted imports, including the addition of "LOCATION=" and "SOURCE=" commands to allow for longer paths. Version 2.4 Cleaned up bugs in interactive import. Added /EXPRESS switch for those who do not wish to use description filtering. Fixed PCBoard DIR.LST creation. Optimized Internal Viewer. Version 2.3 Not released due to existance of hacked version with this number. Note: Version 3.0d is also a hack. Do *not* use it. Version 2.2 Added the ability to just create a SCRIPT (IMPORT.CNF) when using the "Auto-Import" feature; allows the benefits of auto-importing without as many problems if the FILES.BBS on a CD are not in a standard format. Added check for incorrect name in "Correct Dates and Sizes" feature; finds cases where the listing says its "file-nam.zip" and its really "file_nam.zip", for example. Version 2.1 Added ALL DIRECTORIES option to "Check Floppies/Drives for Duplicates" procedure. Remapped overlays to minimize memory usage. Expanded CHECK CD-ROM FOR FILES option that imports file information for CD-ROMs without FILES.BBS (see 1.7.4). Version 2.0d Added /CDROM switch and database switching (CTRL-S at the main menu). Auto-Import now allows customized file names rather than only FILES.BBS and DIRx. Version 2.0c Added support for .ARC files to the Correct File Description routine. Version 2.0a Small Bug fix in "Show by Directory" table; added "S" option to compare file lists report. Version 2.0 New directory search/edit locator field; expanded options on a number of utilities including the ability to replace or create descriptions in the database from the FILE_ID.DIZ contained within archives. File repair tools now called from withing CD-ROM PRO. Rearranged some menus. Vastly increased documentation. Version 1.5 Automatic File Listing Import now handles multi-line descriptions; various screen clean-ups and minor bug fixes; Create File Listings now has option to do so for entire CD-ROM; increased speed of CHECK FLOPPIES FOR DUPES and CORRECT DATE/SIZE routines by up to 200% (no longer shelling to DOS); Fixed bug in Compare File Listings - now correctly excludes CDs specified. Search for Phrase report expanded to include Date/Size ranges (registered users only). File imports now filter out the "garbage characters", or extended ASCII characters, in descriptions... for example: _1ARCTIC.ZIP 97382 12-01-91 │▌█▐█▐█▌███ ARCTIC ADVENTURE ███▐█▌█▌█▐│ | The chilling sequel to Pharaoh's Becomes: _1ARCTIC.ZIP 97382 12-01-91 ARCTIC ADVENTURE The chilling sequel to | Pharaoh's Tomb finds Nevada Smith on the Version 1.4 Released to registered users only. User can now specify what extensions should and shouldn't match. Version 1.3 Fixed bug FILE ALLOCATION ERROR bug due on systems with low memory. Reduced memory requirements in general. Streamlined floppy dupe checking, and changed tagged file command execution to call a single batch file instead of re-shelling to DOS for each file (in other words: DOS commands on tagged files are faster!) Auto-import feature added to registered version. Added Search for Phrase report to compliment existing Search for Phrase tables and functions. Compare file lists and check floppy for dupes routines now check extensions for "close" matching - THIS.GIF now will not match THIS.ZIP. THIS.ARJ will continue to match THIS.ZIP (Just checks for GIF/JPG extension versus all others). Version 1.2 Enhanced search routines, and adjusted some overlays to reduce memory requirements. CDP.HLP is now used instead of CD_PRO.HLP. First Release through SDN Version 1.1d Further refinements of the multi-CD players support. Selectable drives instead of just A: for floppy dupe checking. Version 1.1c Same as Version 1.1, except included upgrade package for some users of Version 1.0. Version 1.1 Multi-CD Player support added. Version 1.0 First release, fixed minor bugs in beta Beta 0.97 First trial release. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please send them to me at the address shown at the start of this document. Many of the newer features are a direct result of your requests... thanks! Vince