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*-* The Ultimate Path Utility *-*
David Smith, 1993
============== QUICK START ===================================================
Path Master allows you to configure 20 of your favorite paths, then
choose them later from a menu.
Type: PM to start Path Master. Choose PICK A PATH,
and you will immediately pop into an edit
screen. Type in a few of your favorite paths,
ie: C:\UTILS;C:\DOS;C:\
Press the [F10] key to save and exit. Later, when
you want to change your path, instead of typing
in the whole thing on the command line, just
type: PM
The paths you saved will pop up on a colorful menu,
and you can choose one. Just press [ENTER] to
select your new path.
For more information on the DOS PATH, consult your
DOS manual.
==============================================================================
Path Master 4.0
Usage: PM [path/option] [path]
The menu allows you to access Path Master options through
a colorful menu. Move around it with the arrow keys,
and press ENTER once you have highlighted your desired
option.
PICK A PATH Choose a path from a menu
QUICK EDIT A PATH Edit your current path.
SHOW ENVIRONMENT Show current environment beginnings, total
available space, and space remaining. Also
shows current path, and has a graphical
representation of your environment.
ADD A DIRECTORY Add a directory onto the end of your current
path
DELETE A DIRECTORY Delete a directory from your current path.
Directories are listed in numerical order. Simply
enter the number of the directory you want to
delete (press ENTER to abort)
HELP Shows three pages of help screens containing
all the available switches plus the environment
preferences you can set
REGISTER Register your copy of PATH MASTER for only $10.00
== OPTIONS: ===================================================================
PM Pulls up a option Menu. To choose a path, select
PICK A PATH then another menu appears containing
your configured paths. Press [ENTER] to set your
new path. Press [F1] for a help screen.
PM /? Help screen. Shows help about PATH MASTER.
PM /E Allows editing Menu paths. You can fill in up to 20
paths to choose from. The usual arrows/insert/ESC
editing keys are in effect. Press [F10] to save your
paths and exit to DOS.
PM /Q Quick edit your path. A window will appear with your
current path. Simply edit this path, then press [F10]
to save and exit.
PM /INFO Advanced path information. This shows several pages of
info on the path, stretching the environment, etc.
Press [ESC] to exit, PgDn, PgUp, or Arrow keys to scroll
through text.
PM /SIZE Show environment size and info. This shows a graph of
current env. plus more.
PM /S Shows current path. This simply shows you what your
current path is.
PM /LIST Lists all the directories in your path.
PM [path] Insert new path into environment. This totally replaces
your path with a new one. If you only want to temporarily
add a directory, use /TMP instead.
PM /AE Add directory to end of path. A window will appear
asking you what directory to add. Your directory will
be placed as the LAST dir on your path.
PM /AB Add directory to beginning of path. A window will appear
asking you what directory to add. Your directory will
be placed as the FIRST dir on your path.
PM /DEL Delete a directory from path. A window will appear
asking which dir to delete (press ENTER to abort).
PM /TMP [path] Create temporary path. The directory you specify
in [path] is added to your current path. To restore
your old path, type: OLD.
Example: PM /tmp c:\utils temporarily adds c:\utils
to your current path.
To restore the old
path, type: OLD.
PM /tmp \dos temporarily adds \dos
to your current path.
PM /ACT Put path into active environment. For further explanation
of ACTIVE vs. MASTER environments, see below.
PM [dir] [pos] Add directory at position. This adds a directory [dir]
to any position on your path. You can specify the dir
to be your first, second, third, ... directory on the
path.
Example: PM c:\utils 3 makes c:\utils the third
dir on your path.
PM \dos 5 makes \dos the fifth dir
on your path.
PM /F:[file] Use alternate config file. PATH MASTER stores your
favorite paths in a file called \PATH.CFG. This is
stored in your root directory.
If you have more than one set of paths, or you want to
use another file instead of PATH.CFG, use this option.
Example: PM /F:myconfig uses MYCONFIG to store your
paths
PM /F:path.1 uses PATH.1 to store your
paths
NOTE: Path configurations are limited only to disk space
when using this option. Roomates or office-mates
can share the same computer, and both have different
configurations for PATH MASTER.
Or, if you own a monster hard drive (1 gig) with
several hundred directories, you can have unlimited
configured paths.
PM /E:[file] Obviously, you need to edit any config file you use.
If you choose to have a different file other than the
default \PATH.CFG, then you must use this option to
set up your directories. This is exactly the same
as PM /E, but you edit any config file you want.
For example: PM /E:path.1
will edit PATH.1 for later use. If you want to pull
these new paths for picking, type: PM /F:path.1
PM /PB:new.bat (Pick and Batch) Allows you to pick a path from
your menu, then write it to a batch file rather
than placing it into the environment.
This is good when you have a favorite path, and
need a batch file to create it, rather than starting
up PATH MASTER every time.
Example: PM /PB:mine.bat creates MINE.BAT when you
pick a path from the menu.
You can later use to change
your path.
PM /PB:new.bat creates NEW.BAT when you
pick a path from the menu.
You can later use to change
your path.
PM /WB:new.bat (Write Batch) Allows placing the current path into
a batch file for later use. This is similar to
/PB: except you do NOT choose the path from the
menu. Instead, PATH MASTER pulls the current path
from the environment, then writes it to a batch
file.
PM /DEFAULT=# Starts the menu, and points to the path number
specified. Normally, when PATH MASTER starts,
it points to the first path, and allows you to
scroll through the list using the arrow keys.
If you start PATH MASTER, and always seem to choose
the same path, then set the DEFAULT to whatever
path number you always choose. This way, you do
not have to scroll around the list everytime.
PM /BIG [file] Pick from a list of BIGGER paths.
1. Create a text file containing up to 20 paths,
using your favorite editor.
Each path can be up to 150 characters long.
2. Type: PM /BIG [file]
Your new text file is imported into PATH MASTER,
and you can choose one to stuff into the
environment.
3. For examples of a valid path, consult your DOS
manual.
If you like paths longer than 80 characters,
this is great!
If your paths take up more than one screen, scroll
right using the RIGHT arrow key to reveal the remainder
of the paths.
Simply choose a path by highlighting it, then
press [ENTER] to save.
NOTE: To store a path longer than 127 characters,
you must expand your environment. See
EXPAND YOUR ENVIRONMENT section below.
Also, realize that your normal \PATH.CFG file
is different from the file you import here.
Your text file CANNOT be imported into any
other PATH MASTER functions. If you want to
edit these paths, use your own text editor.
PM /STACK Pick a path from the menu, and stack it on top of
current path.
If you like a long path, this is great. Path Master is
started, and you choose a path from the menu as usual.
The path you choose, however, is added onto the end of
your current path.
Example:
If you current path is: C:\UTILS;C:\DOS
and you choose the path: C:\TEMP;D:\ from the menu,
then your path becomes: C:\UTILS;C:\DOS;C:\TEMP;D:\
NOTE: If you create a path longer than 127 bytes, you must
first expand your environment. See the EXPAND YOUR
ENVIRONMENT section below for details.
╓───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╖
║ THE PATH MASTER "PM" VARIABLE ║
╙───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────╜
The environmental variable PM allows you to set preferences
in PATH MASTER. For example, if you have a monochrome screen,
then you can type:
SET PM=MNO
on the command line, which customizes PATH MASTER's operation.
It's best to put this line in your autoexec.bat file, to
ensure PATH MASTER runs the way you'd like.
VALID PREFERENCES ARE:
ERR show DOS ERRorlevel on exit
This allows you to see how PATH MASTER exited, and
find errors in some cases.
MNO use MoNOchrome screen writes
PATH MASTER normally assumes EGA/VGA, however if you
operate a XT or LCD screen, use this option.
SPH Show new PatH on exit
My favorite preference, so that I can see what
PATH MASTER did to the path.
SST Show STatistics on exit
This is similar to the /SIZE switch, but without
the colorful graph.
CLR CLeaR screen after exit
PATH MASTER normally stores the screen position, writes
a window to the screen, then places the cursor back
where it was, and include a carriage return. This allows
a full screen clear before exiting.
DZ1 show DeZign #1 as window background
DZ2 show DeZign #2 as window background
DZ3 show DeZign #3 as window background
NDZ no DeZign in background
Skip the designs completely.
SND enable SouNDs
Turns on the cute little sounds.
NEA No check Existence of dir before Adding
When you add a directory to your path, PATH MASTER
checks the current drive to ensure that directory
exists. This turns the checking off.
NED No check Existence of dir before Delete
When you delete a directory to your path, PATH MASTER
checks the current path to ensure that directory
exists on the path. This turns the checking off.
NMS No MouSe (disable mouse)
PRM make OLD.BAT PeRManent (don't delete)
When using the /TMP option, PATH MASTER creates a batch
file (OLD.BAT) that restores the path back to normal.
By default, OLD.BAT deletes itself so that you won't have
100 OLD.BATs running around your hard disk.
This preference turns the deleting off.
OLD create OLD.BAT every time path is changed
Normally, OLD.BAT is only created when using the /TMP
option. This tells PATH MASTER to create OLD.BAT
every time the path is changed, so that you can easily
restore it later.
EXP disable EXPiration message
If PATH MASTER gets rather old (usually 1.5 years), it
displays a message suggesting you get an update.
GO AHEAD AND GET THE UPDATE!! Path Master is constantly
improving, evolving. You probably have an ancient version,
so get the update.... it's free.
But if you really want to, this turns that message off.
LST LiST paths on exit
My other favorite preference. This shows all your directories
on your new path once PATH MASTER exits.
ACT always use ACTive environment for path
This tells PATH MASTER to write your new path to the
active environment. For further explanation of active vs.
master environments, see below.
MAS always use MASter environment for path
This tells PATH MASTER to write your new path to the
master environment. For further explanation of active vs.
master environments, see below.
NOM NO Menu at start.
This disables the beginning menu that appears when
you type: PM. Path Master then automatically assumes
you want to PICK A PATH, and warps to that menu.
╒════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╕
│ Preferences should be separated by commas. For example: │
│ │
│ SET PM=SND,MAS,EXP │
│ │
│ SET PM=ACT,NEA,LST,NMS │
╘════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
------- WHAT'S NEW 4.0 -----------------------------------------------
Path Master now searches the PATH for its help file: PM.HLP
PM_EXIST.COM searches PATH for a file (good batch file util)
PM_CNVRT.COM converts Path Master normal config binary
files to text files that can be imported
using the /BIG option
PM_SAVE.COM saves current environment into a file called
MINE.BAT. When MINE.BAT is run, it restores
all environmental variables to their original
condition.
PM__.DOC documentation for the above utilities
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT IS PATH MASTER ?
Changing your path is a pain. Mainly because you must type
the ENTIRE thing in from scratch, or make 20 different batch files
that change your path that clutter up your hard drive.
PATH MASTER solves this by allowing you to:
1) Choose your path from a menu, even a path longer
than 127 CHARACTERS!
2) Totally configure your menu, and change a path quickly
and easily.
3) Add or delete a directory from the path.
4) Change your path on the command line.
5) Use your mouse to control PATHMASTER
6) Learn about the PATH, how it works, and how
to both expand and locate it.
7) Showing you exactly how much environment you
have left, and how much has been used.
8) Allow setting preferences in environmental
variable.
9) Place new directory at any position within
the path.
10) Create a temporary path, then restore it without
re-typing or remembering the original path.
11) Plus many more options and setting your preferences
by using a convenient environmental variable.
==== HOW TO OPERATE PATH MASTER ===============================================
To begin, you must configure your favorite paths into the
configuration file that will be stored in your root
directory.
Type: PM /E {edit the configurations}
You have 20 blanks that you may enter paths into. To move around,
press [ENTER] after typing a path, or use the arrow keys.
Regular editing keys are valid in EDIT mode:
HOME, END, INSERT, DELETE, PgUp, PgDn, ENTER, BACKSPACE
Examples of a valid paths:
C:\DOS;C:\UTILS;C:\TURBO\BIN\INCLUDE
C:\UTILS
A:\DOS;C:\PCPLUS;C:\WP51
D:\STACKER;C:\DOS
(Notice that a valid path consists of NO SPACES, a semicolon
between the directories, and does NOT include the "PATH="
statement.)
Fill it up with up to 20 configurations, then press [F10] to
save and quit.
Press [F1] for a help screen.
If you are using a MOUSE, ensure your mouse driver is installed,
and move your mouse up and down to choose from the menu or move
around the configuration editor. Press the LEFT button to select
an item, or press the RIGHT button to escape PathMaster.
==== USING THE MENU INTERFACE =================================================
Once you're configured, just type: PM to pull up the
menu. Use UP/DOWN arrows, PgUp, PgDn, Home, End to move
around. To choose one of your newly configured paths,
select PICK A PATH.
Press [F1] for a help screen.
==== USING OTHER OPTIONS ======================================================
On the command line, if you want to remove a directory
from your path, type: PM /DEL
If you want to add a directory to the END of your
current path, type: PM /AE
If you want to add a directory to the BEGINNING of your
current path, type: PM /AB
For a listing of the current path, type: PM /S
To place the path in the Active Environment, instead of
the Master Environment, type: PM /ACT
To create a totally new path, type: PM [path]
Press [F1] for a help screen.
To see advanced information on the PATH, how it works,
how to alter and expand it, etc. use the /INFO switch.
This pulls up 15 pages of graphical information.
Use up/down arrows or PageUp/PageDown keys
to move around the info. When you are done
reading, press [ESC] to exit.
To see the current environment, how much you have used,
how much free, and a bar graph showing this information,
use the /SIZE switch. A box will appear containing this
stuff, along with the HEX address of the start of your
current environment.
==== TEMPORARY PATHS AND POSITIONS ============================================
To create a temporary path, then restore your old path
later:
PM /TMP directory
To restore your old path, type: OLD
For example: PM /TMP c:\utils
PM /TMP \wp51
A temporary path would be useful for adding a directory to your
path that you do not want to be there later. For example, if
you want to use Word Perfect, and need to add C:\WP51 to your
path.
Once you are done with Word Perfect, it would be a pain to LEAVE
C:\WP51 in your path, because you're not going to use it anymore.
Leaving spare directories in your path will slow down DOS'
performance. So how are you going to take it out??
Merely create a "temporary path". To do this, type:
PM /TMP c:\wp51
This adds c:\wp51 to your current path, and creates a batch
file called "OLD.BAT" in your directory.
Now go ahead an run Word Perfect, then type: OLD on the command
line to restore your original path.
NOTE: OLD.BAT deletes itself (this is for your convenience)
To insert a directory in your path at a certain position,
type: PM directory position
So to make C:\UTILS the fourth directory in your path,
you would type:
PM C:\UTILS 4
Directory positions is important because DOS looks through
each directory in your path one by one for a program.
So when you type: MENU.EXE, DOS will look through the first
directory of your path for MENU.EXE, then the second, then the
third, etc.
If you use MENU.EXE a whole lot, you probably want the directory
containing it to be the first directory on your path. Otherwise,
DOS will search a bunch of needless directories before it
finally figures out where MENU.EXE is.
==== WHAT IS A "PATH" ? =======================================================
A path is a list of directories that DOS uses to search
for files that are not in the current directory.
For example, if I am in the C:\DOS directory, and want to
use PKZIP.EXE to compress a couple of files, then PKZIP.EXE
would have to be in the current directory.
BUT, if I have PKZIP.EXE in my C:\UTILS directory, then I
can just type: PATH=C:\UTILS and dos will look in that
directory in addition to the current one to find PKZIP.EXE.
NOTE: Data files are not included in the search. DOS only searches
for executable files (with extension .EXE or .COM). If that
executable file needs a data file somewhere other than the
current directory, it will NOT FIND IT, because DOS tricks
the executable file into thinking it is in your current directory.
So Why Not Just Include ALL My Directories In My Path ????
Because DOS looks through all the directories in your path
to find a file, it can eat up your hard disk and take forever
to run a program.
Including all your regular utilities into one MAIN directory
reduces the time DOS takes to find files, and saves your hard
disk from unnecessary use.
== WHY DO I NEED MORE THAN ONE PATH ??? =======================================
When I compile programs, I need my path to include my Turbo C++
directory, and my Turbo Assembler directory, and also my Utilities
dir.
So when programming, I use:
PATH=C:\TURBO\BIN;C:\UTILS;C:\DOS;C:\TASM
When I use Turbo Pascal, I need the Toolbox directory, the Turbo
Pascal directory, and of course my utils:
PATH=C:\UTILS;C:\DOS;C:\TP\TOOLBOX;C:\TP
But when downloading a file from the local BBS, I need my Procomm
Plus directory, my B: drive (my SCAN program is there), and my
downloading directory.
PATH=C:\DOS;C:\;B:\;D:\PCPLUS;C:\DOWNLOAD
Do you see the conflict ? Without Path Master, I was using
12 batch files to do all the work.
==== WHAT IS THE "ACTIVE" AND "MASTER" ENVIRONMENTS ? =========================
When you first turn on your computer, a line is usually included
in your CONFIG.SYS that says:
SHELL=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM /P
or COMSPEC=C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM
This tells DOS that COMMAND.COM will be used as your command
processor. So now, when you type: DIR, the directory command
is extracted from COMMAND.COM and run.
COMMAND.COM contains a space in itself for the Environment.
These are variables set by you to determine your preferences.
The Environment holds things like:
■ Your Path
■ Your Prompt
■ Preferences for other programs (like Norton Backup)
You set these things by typing: SET [variable]=[your preference]
on the command line.
The MASTER Environment is the COMMAND.COM space that is run when
you first boot up. Sometimes in your PC dealings, you may want
to shell out of a program (like Windows). When you do this,
you call COMMAND.COM again, and set up a new Environment.
This is the ACTIVE environment.
When you shell out, COMMAND.COM copies its environmental space
into the new COMMAND.COM space. However, if you change a setting
(like your Path), the change is only temporary.
Because after you exit back into the program your were
originally in (Windows), by typing: EXIT, the temporary settings
are lost, and the old Environmental space is used again.
Try this experiment:
1 Type: SET PATH=C:\DOS;C:\MASTERPATH (be sure to include
the DOS directory)
You have changed your path to a new one, that includes
our key-word MASTERPATH. This will soon dissapear.
2 COMMAND.COM (this won't work unless you
include the directory that
COMMAND.COM is in on line 1)
A new environment has been started. It is a copy of the
Master environment, but overlaps the Master one. So that
any changes made to your new environment are only temporary.
3 SET
Note the PATH= statement at the bottom.
4 SET PATH=ACTIVE_PATH
We changed the Path to Active_Path. But this change lasts
only as long as our new COMMAND.COM is active.
5 SET
See our new Path at the bottom? It is now "ACTIVE_PATH".
6 EXIT
We now exited our new COMMAND.COM, and have returned to
the Master Environment. All the changes to our Active
Environment have dissapeared.
7 SET
See our Path? It's now back to the original one we
typed at the beginning. We have returned to the
Master Environment.
====== EXPANDING YOUR PATH ===================================================
You can expand your path in one of the following ways:
1) Add the line:
SHELL=COMMAND.COM /E:# /P
to your CONFIG.SYS file, whereas the # is how many bytes you
want DOS to use for the environment. This tells DOS to reserve
a larger amount of space for your environment. If you just want
a large path, 512 or so should be fine.
2) Start a new copy of COMMAND.COM, telling it your want a bigger
environment. Simply type:
COMMAND /E:#
where # is the amount of space you want.
To return to a normal environment, type: EXIT. Now you are back
in your original version of COMMAND.COM.
3) If you use 4DOS or other command.com replacements, consult your
manual for directions on EXPANDING YOUR ENVIRONMENT.
NOTE: Use the /BIG or /STACK options for paths longer than 80 characters.
====== ATTENTION POWER USERS! ================================================
An expanded PATH is a hassle; Keep your path short! It slows down
disk performance and causes you to lose precious conventional
memory when expanding your environment. Your best bet is to
consolidate a few directories and have three or four directories
on each path in PATH MASTER.
If you want a LONG path once in a while, though, use the /BIG
option, then /WB to write the long path into a batch file.
Use your normal, shorter paths on a daily basis, but when you
DO need that extra long path, you can use a quick batch file
rather than loading PATH MASTER every time.
Also, if you have filled up all 20 configs, use the /DEFAULT
option. It'll save your life.
And if you work in an office, or have other people using your
PATH MASTER, use the /F: option. I guarantee someone will
end up editing your \PATH.CFG file, and you'll spend quite
some time returning it to normal.
====== COMPARISON TO OTHER UTILITIES ==========================================
Compared to other path utils, Path Master blows them away!
Nothing else loads you up with options like these. Graphical interface,
advanced information, totally re-configure a path, choose from 20
configurations and so much more.
I looked on 27 BBS' including CompuServe, 14 ShareWare CD Roms
and asked around, and only found 3 utils that come close (I had to
eliminate the ones that just added and deleted directories):
PathTool New World Designs
PathUtil ??
PathEditor Ray Dittmeier
SetPath Donald E. Ekman
Here is a comparison of features:
┌ PATHMASTER
│ ┌ PathTool
│ │ ┌ PathEditor
│ │ │ ┌ SetPath
│ │ │ │
┌─────────────────┬───┬───┬───┬───┐
│Graphical menu │ X │ │ │ │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Multiple configs │ X │ │ │ │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Both Active and │ X │ X │ │ X │
│Master environ. │ │ │ │ │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Mouse support │ X │ │ │ │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Add path │ X │ X │ X │ X │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Delete path │ X │ X │ X │ X │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Add to end/begin │ X │ X │ │ X │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Sound effects │ X │ │ │ │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Modify config.sys│ X │ │ │ │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Stretch environ │ X │ X │ │ │
│if needed │ │ │ │ │
├─────────────────┼───┼───┼───┼───┤
│Run-time advanced│ X │ │ │ │
│path info. │ │ │ │ │
└─────────────────┴───┴───┴───┴───┘
===== REGISTRATION ============================================================
There are two registration options:
1) $10.00 registers Path Master, gets you the *special* version
including lots of options not available otherwise.
This allows unlimited upgrades to Path Master, and free
technical support by mail or by CompuServe.
2) $20.00 gets you the Dave Utils disk. See the enclosed
CATALOG.COM file for details. This also gets you the updated
PathMaster, unlimited upgrades and technical support as
described above.
You also get over 30 more utils, and unlimited upgrades on
those also, new information about other stuff I create, etc.
= EXAMPLES ====================================================================
PM /E
Edits the current configuration file.
PM /AE
Pulls up a window and prompts you to add a directory
to the current path. It will be added to the END
of the path.
PM /TMP c:\dos
Creates a temporary path with C:\DOS at the end. To
restore your original path, just type: OLD.BAT on
the command line. OLD.BAT deletes itself.
PM C:\WP51 2
Makes c:\wp51 the second directory on your path.
PM /AB
Pulls up a window and prompts you to add a directory
to the current path. It will be added to the BEGINNING
of the path.
PM /DEL
Pulls up a window and prompts you to delete a directory
in the current path.
PM C:\DOS;A:\TP\TOOLBOX
Creates a new path that consists of c:\dos and a:\tp\toolbox
directories.
PM /?
Shows the help screen.
PM /S
Displays current path on the screen.
PM /INFO
Shows fifteen pages of useful information concerning the Path
and advanced items that allow you to expand your environment
and better understand how your computer works.
PM /SIZE
Displays a bar graph of how much space you have used in your
environment, the hex address of the current environment's
beginnings, and other useful stuff.
PM /ACT
Pulls up the path menu as usual, but adds the selected path
to the Active Environment (see above details about Active
and Master Environments).
===== TECHNICAL NOTES =========================================================
4DOS: Path Master uses the self-deleting files OLD.BAT and $TMP$.BAT
in the current directory. 4DOS seems to have a tantrum when
running a self-deleting batch file by saying:
"BATCH FILE MISSING! C:\OLD.BAT"
This is no concern, since the batch file is NOT missing, it
merely deleted itself.
When writing the path to your environment, if you HAVE any problems
using the Master environment, try the active instead.
To accomplish this, use: PM /ACT
Occasionally, Path Master does not show a few colons or slashes
when DELETING a directory. When printing in the window, the
windowing function assumes the colon and slash are control
characters. It will look a little funny, but you can easily
tell which directories are which.
Design #3 HAS BEEN ADDED. It consists of blue lines that look
pretty cool. If you specify more than one design in your
PM variable, the LAST one will be used.
If you really don't want to set the "NOM" preference in the
Path Master variable, just type an empty slash after the PM.
For example: "PM /" (without the quotes) on the command
line will rush you straight to the PICK A PATH portion.
Path Master uses a file in your root directory called PATH.CFG,
which can be changed using the /F: option. It also uses PATH.HLP
(which must be in the current directory) for any help you may
want (by pressing [F1]).
Also, be VERY CAREFUL when using the /BIG option. Once you have
a monster path in your environment, you cannot import it into
the /Q option. If so, your path is "cut off" to 80 characters.
Realize that your TEXT file in the /BIG option is completely
different than the normal config file. Your /PATH.CFG file is
actually a C++ Structure of 20 paths, 80 characters each.
Attempting to export a HUGE path into the /SIZE option will
result in a mess on the screen. And adding a directory with
the /TMP option to an already PACKED, 150 character path will
cut it off short.
I also "clean up" your path of repeated semicolons, extra spaces,
etc. So if you type 4 semicolons in a row and wonder where they
went....
If you include a ':', ';' or '\' after PM, then Path Master
automatically assumes you want to set a new path, and will set
it to argument one. This could cause some unexpected results
if you're not careful, so please ensure not to stick those
after PM.
Path Master works by scanning the PSP of COMMAND.COM, locating
the environment segment, then altering it.
The Active environment is affected by stuffing the keyboard
buffer with a batch file that changes the environment.
I have tried this technique (with success) on 14 different
machines, all of which worked fine. There may, however,
be bugs when running with some systems.
If you find a bug, or lock up this program, please report
it to me by:
COMPUSERVE 71441,2723
or by Mail: David Smith
1104 Mason Dr.
Hurst TX 76053
======== QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ===============================================
General Questions:
Q: All my paths are 120-150 characters long. Path Master's menu is limited to
80 chars! How do I use my paths?
A: Use the /BIG option. Utilize your text editor and create 20 paths up to 150
characters long, then import them by typing: PM /BIG
Q: Your editor is real limited. There's no copy/move text functions, and I hate
doing all that typing.
A: Use your favorite text editor, then import your text file containing your paths
using /BIG
Q: I have a great config file with my 20 favorite paths, but I recently made some
new directories and want to add them to my paths. Do I have to make a new
text file and re-type all that stuff to use /BIG option?
A: If you like the /BIG option, and would rather use that than the usual Path
Master menu, convert your config files using PMCNVRT.EXE. This makes
the transition from Path Master's usual screen to Path Master's BIG screen.
Q: What's the difference between /PB: and /WB: ?
A: /PB stands for "Pick and Batch", where you Pick a path from the menu, then
write it to a Batch file.
/WB stands for "Write a Batch", where you Write the current path to a batch
file. Later, you can just run the batch file and set your favorite path rather
than running Path Master.
Questions concerning /Q
Q: Can I quick edit paths longer than 80 characters?
A: No. If you use /STACK or /BIG to create a long path, you cannot edit it
with the /Q option.
Q: When I type in characters after first entering the edit screen, it erases my
path.
A: If you have problems with this, press [HOME] before typing characters on the
end of the path.
Questions concerning /STACK
Q: If I "stack" two paths on top of each other (both of which are 80 characters
long), DOS cuts off the last few chars.
A: You must expand your environment before "stacking" paths. DOS limits your
path length to 127 characters, unless you expand it.
Q: How many paths can I stack onto each other?
A: After you have expanded your environment, you can stack up to 499
characters in your path using Path Master. Just use /STACK over and over
until you reach the maximum length.
NOTE: If your path is 499 chars long, you have a SERIOUS problem.
Q: What happens if I "stack" too many directories my path?
A: DOS cuts off the path at the point where it runs out of memory. You'll
notice some characters missing from the end.
Questions concerning /BIG
Q: I don't understand. What's the difference between the usual Path Master
menu and the /BIG menu?
A: The Path Master menu uses a binary config file. Each path is up to 80
characters long, and your config file holds 20 paths.
The /BIG menu uses a text file. Each path is up to 150 characters long, and
the text file can hold up to 20 paths.
Q: I have a text file with 27 paths, each 300 characters long.
Can I import them using /BIG?
A: Yes, but only the first 20 lines, and each path will be cut off on the 150th
character. Path Master stops loading text once it reaches 150 characters, and
cuts off the file when it reads 20 lines.
A GREAT DEAL !
See the included CATALOG.COM to order Dave's Disk full of
Utilities. For only $20.00, it's a definite bargain !
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║ Support for this program is available in the following ways: ║
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║ User ID: 71441,2723 ║
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