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ACZAR - The Ultimate Archive Shell Utility
(Pronounced: ACAR)
Version 1.0 BETA 05, September 07, 1992
Note: This is a test BETA version
call the support BBS's to
get the newest version
Copyright (c) 1992 by CZAR Software
All Rights Reserved.
P.O. Box 370087
El Paso, TX 79937-0087
USA
Support BBS: (915) 595-8705
Voice: (915) 595-8787
CompuServe: 71031,3614
Contents Page
==============================================================
1 What is ACZAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 What are compressed files and why would you use them . 1
2 Why ACZAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3 Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4 Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5 Additional Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
6 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7 Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
8 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
.
.
.
.
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.
.
.
.
NOTE: Main body of documentation is currently in development!
The DOC's will be written by a professional technical
writer!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
92 What you get when you register . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
93 10 Good Reasons Why You Should Register . . . . . . . . 95
94 Registration Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
95 Where to get the newest releases of ACZAR . . . . . . . 98
96 What is shareware and how does it work . . . . . . . . 98
97 Credits and Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
98 Warranty Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
99 Copyright Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
100 The ACZAR.DAT File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
I
What is ACZAR Page 1
==============================================================
ACZAR is a program that helps managing files that are in
compressed (compacted) format or helps managing files to
compress in very easy ways. Besides these main features, it
offers a wide variatey of helpfull additions such as general
file and disk management functions.
ACZAR is NOT freeware, public domain, demoware, crippleware,
or olderware. ACZAR is copyrighted. ACZAR is shareware.
CZAR Software retains ownership of that copyright. Anyone
who continues to use ACZAR after a trial period of 30 days
is bind to purchase ACZAR by paying a small registration
fee (please read the registration form on page 97). If you
like to read more about what shareware software is, please
read page 99, "What is shareware and how does it work."
What are compressed files and why would you use them?
==============================================================
Nowadays, many computer software programs and data files are
very large. It requires a lot of disk space to store these
big files on hard drives or floppy disks. In addition, big
files need a lot more time to transfer them electronically
through telephone lines from computer to computer.
Now, to somehow save these big files in reduced or compacted
form would save disk space, time, and money. That is why
there are several good compression and decompression
programs such as PKZIP, LHA, ARJ etc. These programs work
under mathematical compression algorithms. It allows them to
reduce the size of a computer program or data file to a
fraction of the original size. Once these large computer
programs are compressed, they can be transfered to
electronic bulletin board systems, for example. To use the
computer programs and its data files, compressed files have
to be decompressed and brought back to their original
sizes.
Moreover, it is a convenient way to store files in compressed
form on floppy disks if they are not used or a backup of a
hard drive is needed. Otherwise, these big files would just
take precious disk space.
Unfortunately, all the compression and decompression
programs are difficult to use because they are command line
driven. This is why CZAR Software built ACZAR, to help
managing these compression and decompression programs and
more. Also, you can use ACZAR as a DOS Shell to manipulate
files and directories.
Why ACZAR
==============================================================
After trying to use existing archive shell utilities, none
of them could satisfy me. They were difficult to use. They
offered plenty of features but still missed important
functions. In many instances they were very cumbersome to
use.
I was trying to locate other archive shells that would be
easy to use but powerful in functions. I did not find such
an archive shell neither in the United States nor in Europe.
Then, the idea came to develope an archive shell on my
own. The archive shell should be easy to use but still
powerful in functions.
I thought this wouldn't be so difficult to acomplish.
First, it seemd easy to do, but it wasn't. To develope a
good software program takes time and a lot of patience.
Most important, feedback from users who can provide tips
on what they would like to have that other programs are
lacking are worth gold.
These are the nineties. I wanted a program that had all the
new features that good programming languages can offer such
as SAA interface, pulldown menus, dialog boxes, context
sensitive help and more. By the way, ACZAR was developed
and programmed with Microsoft's Professional Development
System BASIC 7.10. These help in making a program easy
to use. Of course, the heart of a computer software
program is and should be its features and functions.
After more than one year, more than 22,000 lines of source
code, hundreds of sometimes frustrating hours, researching,
developing, programming, and testing, you are now able to
try out ACZAR. I hope ACZAR can help you to manage archive
files in easy but powerful ways like it finally does it for
me. Please, let me know what you like or dislike about
ACZAR so I can improve it even more in the future.
Thomas Jaeger
Author of ACZAR, The Ultimate Archive Shell
Hardware Requirements
==============================================================
- IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or better
- 512K RAM
- LIM/EMS expanded memory v4.00 or higher is recommended
- Hard disk strongly recommended
- Microsoft mouse or 100% compatible recommended
SOFTWARE Requirements
==============================================================
- MS-DOS v3.32 or higher
Additional Requirements
==============================================================
The following files are the programs that do the actual
compressions or decompressions. All files are available on
electronic bulletin board systems throughout the United States
of America. In addition, all files are online on the ACZAR
support BBS and can be downloaded 24 hours a day.
- PKUNZIP, PKZIP Copyright (c) by PKWARE, Inc.
- LHA Copyright (c) by Haruyasu Yoshizaki
- ARJ Copyright (c) by Robert K. Jung
- ARC Copyright (c) by System Enhancement Associates, Inc.
- PAK Copyright (c) by Nogate Consulting
- ZOO Copyright (c) by Rahul Dhesi
- ARCA/ARCE Copyright (c) by Vern Buerg
The following files are additional files:
- SCAN Copyright (c) by McAfee Associates, Inc.
- DIET Copyright (c) by Teddy Matsumoto
- LZEXE Copyright (c) by Fabrice Bellard
- PKLITE Copyright (c) by PKARE, Inc.
All files mentioned above can be downloaded from the
CZAR Software support BBS at (915) 595-8705 in directory 8.
Features Page 2
==============================================================
■ Ease of use - The biggest concern for CZAR Software
was that ACZAR should be very easy to
use but extremely powerful in
functions. ACZAR IS easy to use and
powerful at the same time. Try it!
■ Fully mouse driven - Users can fully opperate ACZAR with a
mouse without ever using the keyboard.
Users without a mouse can use hot-keys
or cursor keys for speedy operations.
■ All major archives - All major archive files are supported
supported such as ZIP, LZH, PAK, ARC, ARJ, and
ZOO.
■ Built-in Viewer - This powerful high-speed file viewer,
CLIST, allows you to view files
quickly. No need to use any external
programs such as LIST. In fact, CZAR
SOFTWARE's own file viewer CLIST is
faster in displaying the file on
screen than LIST.COM. CLIST displays
even very fast on XT's. CLIST is
fully mouse operational, in addition.
■ EMS Memory Support - ACZAR supports expanded memory LIM/EMS
v4.00 and higher. Using expanded
memory improves performance on most
functions within ACZAR.
■ Help-System - ACZAR features build-in context
sensitive help which allows you to get
extensive help with a touch of a button
(F1). Short, descriptive help text
lines are always displayed on bottom
screen line. No need to read a manual.
■ 43/50 Line display - Use 43/50 line option to display the
maximum of information on your
monitor inclusive within archives and
viewing files.
■ Scan for viruses - Scan all files for viruses with
SCAN.EXE. Scan within archives before
you even decompress them or just scan
normal files.
■ Extensive Switches - For the beginner, there is no need to
set even one switch to successfully
manage archives. Just use the default
settings. For the "power-user", get
almost everything out of each archive
or virus scanner. There are extensive
switch settings available for each
archive.
■ Automatically - Unlike other archive shells, ACZAR
locates archives searches all drives and directories
automatically. There is no need to
hassle with putting all files in the
DOS PATH etc. ACZAR knows where to
get all the necessary archive files
and how to use them wherever they
are located. No need to change your
AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS files.
■ SAA Interface - Use state of the art pulldown menus,
radiobuttons, pushbuttons, listboxes,
listwindows, 3-dim exploding windows
with real shadows, and much more.
■ File and Disk - ACZAR has complete file and disk
Management management systems built in. For
example, copy, delete, move, rename,
view, date change, time change,
attribute change, text search, locate
files and much more.
■ Not crippled - ACZAR is not crippled (features removed,
or demo like) in any way. CZAR Software
believes in the users and the shareware
concept - Try before you buy.
...and much more
Quick Start Page 3
==============================================================
At the DOS prompt type the following to start ACZAR:
CD\ACZAR [ENTER key]
ACZAR [ENTER key]
The first time you run ACZAR it will start with a short setup
procedure. Follow the commands on the screen. This setup will
take a few moments.
.
.
.
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.
.
.
.
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NOTE: Main body of documentation is currently in development!
The DOC's will be written by a professional technical
writer!
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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
What you get when you register Page
==============================================================
■ A professional printed and binded manual/documentation
■ Next major version of ACZAR, free, sent automatically when
it becomes available
■ 24 hour technical support and assistance through the CZAR
Software electronic bulletin board system (BBS) at
(915) 595-8705
■ Voice support at (915) 595-8787
■ Support through CompuServe 71031,3614
■ On request, a German version of ACZAR, complete with a
German documentation for European or USA use in addition
to the registered version (printed manual only for one
country version)
■ Latest revision without the annoying opening window
■ Personal serial number and your name printed within ACZAR
■ The right to continue to use ACZAR after the 30 day
evaluation period
■ The retail price is $79.00, but shareware users can get it
for half price, $39.50
■ Support of the great shareware concept - Try before you buy
10 Good Reasons Why You Should Register Page
==============================================================
1. It's The Right Thing To Do.
2. You'll get all kinds of Neat Stuff, like a printed manual,
the latest version of the program, notice of future
updates, and the Slim Whiteman albums if you order now.
3. Your mother would want you to.
4. If you don't, the Software Police will come to your home
and drag you off in irons for operating unregistered
software, forever disgracing you in the eyes of your
family, friends, and neighbors.
5. The next time you're at a party and some drunken
loudmouth says, "My wife is better looking than yours,"
my car cost more than yours, my kids are smarter than
yours, my dog is meaner than yours, my lawn is greener
than yours, and I can kick your butt," you can come
BACK with, "Oh yeah, well I register my sharware and"
You don't!" This will give you a superior feeling that
money can't buy and will no doubt make him sllink away
in shame.
6. There are cosmic principles of kamma, dhamma, and dootin
involved, which are much too profound to go into here;
let's just say you're going to feel awfully stupid a few
years down the road when your right leg dries up and
drops off, all because you were too cheap to send in the
ten bucks for the arcade game you got for your kids.
7. Shareware registration is the only way to pull this
country out of the recession it has slipped into; or at
least It's as good a way as any of the others being
tossed around by various political candidates.
8. It gives you a good feeling inside, similar to the one
you get from the ingestion of massive quantities of
fermented malt beverages, only without the con-comitant
brain-cell mortality, and you don't throw up on your
shoes.
9. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of struggling
shareware authors out there, and all of their mothers
would want you to.
10. Shareware authors are sincere, hard-working, dedicated
professionals who deserve to be rewarded for their
efforts, so that they don't get discouraged and turn
to a life of crime, which will add to the already
epidemic crime problem, overburden law-enforcement
officials, increase taxes, bog down the courts,
overcrowed correctional facilities, and require
contruction of new penitentiaries, which will have to
be built in your backyard, over there behind the gas
barbecue where you were planning on putting the spa
someday when you saved enough money, which you planned
on doing by not registering your shareware.
Source: Shareware Update Vol.1 No.1 1992
ACZAR Registration Form Page
==============================================================
(Please write in print)
Mailing Address:
Name:___________________________________________________
Company:___________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
City, State, Zip:__________________________________________
Number of Registrations of ACZAR ($39.50 each) : #________
Mailer, Disk(s), S+H, ($5.00 for each Program) : $________
Total..........................................: $ _______
(Cash, Money Order, Cashiers Checks, Checks accepted)
(Make checks payable to CZAR Software)
Disk Size (please check one only):
[ ] 360 Kbyte 5.25" Disk(s) or [ ] 720 KByte 3.5" Disk(s)
Please send registration to: CZAR Software
P.O. Box 370087
El Paso, TX 79937-0087
USA
LIMIT OF LIABILITY
ACZAR is distributed as is. CZAR Software disclaims all
warranties, expressed or implied. CZAR Software will assume
no liability for damages either from the direct use of this
product or as a result of the use of this product.
┌─────────-> For German users in Germany ONLY <───────────┐
├────────-> NUR fuer Benutzer in Deutschland <──────────┤
│ Bitte senden Sie eine Bankueberweisung mit DM 99,00 │
│ (beinhaltet bereits Versandkosten etc.) an: │
│ Thomas Jaeger │
│ Sparkasse Hammelburg │
│ Bankleitzahl: 793-510-10 │
│ Kontonummer: 760-503-748 │
│ Sie koennen den Author ueber BTX von Deutschland aus │
│ via Satelite erreichen: BTX# 001900000007-0001 │
│ ACHTUNG: Bitte senden Sie nachdem Sie die Ueberweisung │
│ vorgenommen haben diese Registrierungseite an │
│ die oben genannte Addresse. Damit wuesste ich │
│ dann bescheid wohin ACZAR nach Deutschland │
│ geschickt werden soll. │
├─────────-> For German users in Germany ONLY <───────────┤
└────────-> NUR fuer Benutzer in Deutschland <──────────┘
Where to get the newest releases of ACZAR Page
==============================================================
The newest releases of ACZAR are available free, 24 hours a
day on the support BBS in El Paso, TX (915) 595-8705. Type the
letter Z in the main menu to download ACZAR.
In addition, I will personally upload the newest releases of
ACZAR to the following fine bulletin board systems:
USA:
1. Computer Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-201-886-8041
2. Download America . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-203-673-2502
3. Lightning Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-205-745-4515
4. Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-206-524-4811
5. Northern Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-207-761-4782
6. RunWay 2400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-215-623-6203
RunWay HST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-215-623-6103
RunWay v.32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-215-622-7563
7. Amcom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-216-526-9480
8. Rusty n Edie's 2400 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-216-726-2620
Rusty n Edie's 14,400 . . . . . . . . . . . 1-216-726-3589
Rusty n Edie's Hayes V-Series . . . . . . . 1-216-726-3619
Rusty n Edie's Compucom . . . . . . . . . . 1-216-726-3620
9. Back Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-217-762-2847
10 Programmers Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-301-596-1180
11. Paradox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-302-645-7264
12. Wyoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-307-856-3601
13. The Panhandle Connection. . . . . . . . . . 1-308-487-5505
14. Software Creations (Apogee Games) 2400. . . 1-508-365-2359
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 2400. . . 1-508-368-6683
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 2400. . . 1-508-368-6684
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 2400. . . 1-508-368-7357
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 9600. . . 1-508-368-1714
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 9600. . . 1-508-365-9825
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 9600. . . 1-508-365-9836
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 9600. . . 1-508-368-4131
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 14,400. . 1-508-368-4137
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 14,400. . 1-508-365-9668
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 14,400. . 1-508-365-9669
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 14,400. . 1-508-368-1170
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 9600. . . 1-508-368-7036
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 9600. . . 1-508-368-7139
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 9600. . . 1-508-368-7143
Software Creations (Apogee Games) 14,400. . 1-508-368-7146
15. Channel I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-617-354-3137
16. CZAR RBBS-PC (Home of ACZAR) . . . . . . . 1-915-595-8705
NETHERLANDS (Holland):
17. Proboard Holland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . +31-2155-28681
What is shareware and how does it work Page
==============================================================
Shareware is not a kind of software but an alternative
form of software marketing that is both revolutionary and
exciting!
The shareware method of software marketing allows you to
receive the latest top-quality software from an autherized
disk vendor for a very small fee, from electronic bulletin
board systems (BBS), or from a friend. Shareware programs
are fully functioning programs. If after using a shareware
program, you find it to be useful, you must register the
program with the author. Registration benefits vary from
one program to the next (read "What you get when you
Register " on page XX), but authors often provide such things"
as printed manual, technical support, notice of upgrades,
and the right to continue using the program.
You are only required to register a shareware program if
you plan to continue using it after your personal
evaluation.
The choice is yours because shareware authors have enough
faith in their programs to allow you to "try before you
buy!"
Credits and Thanks Page
==============================================================
I would like to thank the following people who were involved
in testing and helping me developping ACZAR:
Jesse Moore, Moore Enterprises, P.O. Box 370804, El Paso, TX
79937, phone: (915) 855-0365 who gave me lots if input and
help. Thanks Jesse.
Bernd Jaeger, El Paso, TX
James Sweet, El Paso, TX
Mark Finocchio, El Paso, TX
Norm Bates, El Paso, TX
Dick Dennison, New Hampton, NY who provided much help in
viewing archive files and self-extracting files with
Microsoft QuickBASIC. His BBS number in New York is
(914) 374-3903. Call his BBS to get the newest shareware
and public-domain files about QuickBASIC.
Also, I would like to thank all the system operators
(SYSOP's) and companies who allowed me to mention their
BBS phone numbers and names in this documentation file.
You are able to download free the newest releases of ACZAR
on their BBS's (more on page XX). Call them today!
WARRANTY Disclaimer
CZAR SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS
SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES
ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER CZAR
SOFTWARE NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE
CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL
BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING
OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF
CZAR SOFTWARE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL CZAR SOFTWARE'S
LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR
THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF
CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO
THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.
This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of
Texas and shall inure to the benefit of CZAR Software and any
successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or
proceeding brought by either party against the other arising
out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in
a STATE or FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located
in El Paso County, Texas. The parties hereby consent to in
personal jurisdiction of said courts.
Copyright Notice
THIS SOFTWARE AND THE DISKS ON WHICH IT IS CONTAINED IS
LICENSED TO YOU, FOR YOUR OWN USE. THIS IS COPYRIGHTED
SOFTWARE. YOU ARE NOT OBTAINING TITLE TO THE SOFTWARE OR ANY
COPYRIGHT RIGHTS. YOU MAY NOT SUBLICENSE, RENT, LEASE, CONVEY,
MODIFY, TRANSLATE, CONVERT TO ANOTHER PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE,
DECOMPILE, OR DISASSEMBLE THE SOFTWARE FOR ANY PURPOSE. YOU
MAY MAKE AS MANY COPIES OF THIS SOFTWARE AS YOU NEED FOR
BACK-UP PURPOSES ONLY. YOU MAY USE THIS SOFTWARE ON MORE
THAN ONE COMPUTER, PROVIDED THERE IS NO CHANCE IT WILL BE
USED SIMULTANEOUSLY ON MORE THAN ONE COMPUTER. IF YOU NEED TO
USE THE SOFTWARE ON MORE THAN ONE COMPUTER SIMULTANEOUSLY,
PLEASE CONTACT CZAR SOFTWARE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT SITE
LICENSES.
The ACZAR.DAT File Page
==============================================================
The ACZAR.DAT is an internal ASCII file used by ACZAR.EXE to
store important information such as start-up path, source
path, target path etc..
ACZAR.DAT has the following structure:
LINE 1 = Source Path (64 Characters)
LINE 2 = Target Path (64 Characters)
LINE 3 = Video Mode/Lines per screen (25/43/50)
LINE 4 = Wildcard for source path
LINE 5 = Wildcard for target path
LINE 6 = Source path for all ACZAR files (start-up path)
LINE 7 = Path for PKUNZIP.EXE
LINE 8 = Path for PKZIP.EXE
LINE 9 = Path for ARJ.EXE
LINE 10 = Path for LHA.EXE
LINE 11 = Path for ARC.EXE
LINE 12 = Path for ARCE40G.COM
LINE 13 = Path for ARCE.COM
LINE 14 = Path for ARCA128.COM
LINE 15 = Path for ZOO.EXE
LINE 16 = Path for PAK.EXE
LINE 17 = Path for DIET.EXE
LINE 18 = Path for SCAN.EXE
LINE 19 = Path for ZIP2EXE.EXE
LINE 20 = Path for LZEXE.EXE
LINE 21 = Path for PKLITE.EXE
LINE 22 = Path for PKZIPFIX.EXE
LINE 23 = Internal ACZAR work variable
LINE 24 = Internal ACZAR work variable
LINE 25 = Internal ACZAR work variable
LINE 26 = Internal ACZAR work variable
LINE 27 = Internal ACZAR work variable
NOTE: Each line is terminated with CR/LF.
Here is an example:
C:\ACZAR\COMPRESS\
C:\ACZAR\DECOMPRE\
25
*.*
*.*
C:\ACZAR\
C:\ACZAR\ZIP\PKUNZIP.EXE
C:\ACZAR\ZIP\PKZIP.EXE
C:\ACZAR\ARJ\ARJ.EXE
C:\ACZAR\LZH\LHA.EXE
C:\ACZAR\ARC\ARC.EXE
C:\ACZAR\ARC\ARCE40G.COM
C:\ACZAR\ARC\ARCE.COM
C:\ACZAR\ARC\ARCA128.COM
C:\ACZAR\ZOO\ZOO.EXE
C:\ACZAR\PAK\PAK.EXE
C:\ACZAR\OTHERS\DIET.EXE
C:\SCAN.EXE
C:
C:\ACZAR\OTHERS\LZEXE.EXE
C:\ACZAR\OTHERS\PKLITE.EXE
C:
1
1
3
15