2. That's it. If you're wondering why the install kit is big when HAL is small, it's because VB6 run-times are included
Purpose
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HAL enables Access developers to schedule database administration tasks without having to invest in some sort of technical scheduling software. With HAL you can schedule compacts, repairs or macro runs to execute at any time; you can also choose to open with the Decompile or Cmd command-line switches. It supports multiple versions of Access and multiple MDW or INI files. In total, you can program 30 tasks in a schedule and, if it's a sequence of events you run often, store that schedule. If you need to run more than 30 tasks, simply open more than one HAL session (you can store multiple schedules for future use too).
Getting started
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Run HAL.EXE - left click on the system tray icon, then, from the Schedule menu select either:
1. New - to create a new schedule
2. Open - to load a saved schedule
Once a schedule is open, either of the two options above will close it - you will be prompted to save changes if necessary.
Creating a task
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Having created a new schedule, the steps involved in creating a new task are:
1. Select the task from the combo box.
2. Type narrative text into the task name box.
3. Enter the task's run time in the format hh:mm:ss (e.g. 07:30:00 or 17:45:00). Recurring tasks may be scheduled to allow repetition up to midnight of the same day: 09:30:?2 will run at 09:30:00 and every two hours thereafter until midnight, whilst 11:00:?4 will run at 11:00:00 and every four hours thereafter until midnight.
4. Enter the username for that database (accept the 'Admin' default if the database is unsecured).
5. Enter the password for that database (leave blank if the database is unsecured).
6. Select the version of Access from the drop-down menu.
7. Select the action (compact, macro, repair, decompile or cmd) from the drop-down menu. If you choose 'macro' or 'cmd', another box will appear in which to enter the macro name/command to execute.
8. Select the location of Access, i.e. browse and select the version of msaccess.exe you want to use.
9. Select the location of the database, i.e. browse and select the MDB file you want to use.
10. Select the INI or MDW file (dependant on version of Access) you want to use (leave blank if the database is unsecured or if no INI file is required).
11. If you want to open the database exclusively, check the relevant box.
12. If you want HAL to shut down after this task has been run, check the 'Close HAL after running?' check-box.
13. Click the 'Compile command line' button. If you have missed any required parameters, you will be prompted to supply them. If all required parameters are present, the run-time will turn red and all the parameter boxes will be disabled EXCEPT the run-time. This may be modified at any time. However, to change any of the other parameters, you must first click the 'Decompile command line' button. Don't forget to recompile the task after you have made changes - it will only run if the command line has been compiled.
Also...
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1. Although schedules are saved as glorified text files (*.hal), you needn't worry about the security of passwords entered as parameters, as HAL encrypts them (this is the main reason NOT to use Windows Task Scheduler instead of HAL).
2. HAL has one command-line option. Running 'HAL /o (filename)' instead of 'HAL' will start HAL and load the (filename) saved schedule straight away. This is particularly useful if you want to include HAL in your startup group so that when your PC boots the saved schedule is automatically loaded.
3. As well as using File Exit, you can right-click the system tray icon to close HAL.
4. Use the 'Run now' button to launch a compiled task instantly.
5. Use the Task, Duplicate menu option to copy one task to another (passwords are not copied).
6. Use the Task, Erase menu option to clear a task
7. You can click on HAL schedule files in Explorer to open them if you'd prefer.
8. Double-click on any of the file location fields to store/retrieve a default value.
Questions?
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The latest version of HAL can be found at http://www22.brinkster.com/accessory/resources/001.shtml
The HAL support forum can be found at http://www22.brinkster.com/accessory/forum/
Questions/fault reports should be directed to this forum
NB
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The name HAL and icon image are inspired by the HAL 9000 computer in Arthur C. Clarke's '2001: A Space Odyssey'.
