Tech Arsenal 1/Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tek-19/chgrel3.zip/CHGREL.DOC

Text File | 1991-09-14 | 6KB | 127 lines

Chgrel(tm)  AutoCAD(r) drawing file release downgrade utility.
Shareware version 3.0 for DOS and OS/2.  (C) 1991 Rich Frank

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Chgrel operates directly on .DWG files.  Backup (.DBK) files are created,
but CHECK YOUR DRAWINGS until you are satisfied Chgrel will not corrupt
your files.

This file documents the use of the CHGRELE.EXE program from the command
line.  If you wish to use the full screen interface (which calls CHGRELE.EXE
automatically when necessary) type CHGREL (no parameters) from the sub-
directory where your files reside.

To use:      CHGRELE [path]<filename>[.ext] [-r#][-p][-e][-k][-x][-i][-?]

<filename>:  existing drawing name(s). May contain wildcards * and ?.
parameters:  -r# output release: 11, 10 (default), 9, 6 (2.6), or 5 (2.5).
             -p  output file path. -pA:\, -pC:\PROJ\, default same as source.
             -e  output extension. -eR10, -eR9, default same as source.
             -k  backup file extension. -kDBK (default), -kBAK, -k (none).
             -x  expert mode, erases incompatible items without pausing.
             -i  information only, searches drawing(s) for items that would
                 be modified. Original drawing(s) will remain unchanged.
             -?  directory of drawings showing version. drawing(s) unmodified.

The primary purpose of this program is to allow you to exchange AutoCAD
drawing files with people using a different AutoCAD release.
For example, you are using release 11 and you wish to convert a drawing
called HOUSE.DWG.  To convert HOUSE.DWG to R10 type:
           CHGRELE HOUSE

To copy drawings to the A: drive while converting them to release 9 type:
           CHGRELE * -r9 -pA:\

To get version information on all files type:
           CHGRELE * -?

To locate R11 xref's in all files beginning with PLAN type:
           CHGRELE PLAN* -i

To create release 10 files with a .R10 extension type:
           CHGRELE * -eR10

To get instructions on line type CHGRELE alone (no arguments).

If you are converting to a version that does not support a feature, such as
an R11 external reference, you will be warned and the item will be removed.
Expert mode will suppress the warning pauses (where you have an opportunity to
quit the conversion).  Use the -i flag to search for incompatibilities
before committing to the conversion.  Backup files (.DBK) are created unless you
specify otherwise with the -k switch.  Use of -p (target path) and -e (output
extension) will create new files without modifying your source file.
Use of -p or -e will cause Chgrel to not create backup files.  If the target
file exists (when using -p or -e), you will be prompted to overwrite unless
expert mode is specified.  R11 paperspace entities are transferred directly
to model space.  R11 extended entity data is removed.


Special Notes:

You may hit <Ctrl>-C at any time during conversion to cancel.

Erased external references will leave text indicating the name of the
block in its place.  If you do not BIND external references before conversion,
INSERT (using "=" for redefinition) the block indicated by the text afterwards.
Experiment on SHUTTLE.DWG provided with AutoCAD in the SAMPLE subdirectory
to test Chgrel with XREF's.

CHGRELE is a bound executable and will run equally well in both DOS
and OS/2 protected mode.  This should be important to OS/2 R10 users because
there is no plan to release R11 for OS/2 in the near future (as of 5/1/91).


Differences from Chgrel version 1.0:
Wildcard support.   The drawing filename may contain wildcards.  To preview
                    which drawings will be changed, use the -? or -i flags.
OS/2 support.       Chgrele will operate in OS/2 protected mode.
XREF conversion.    Marks xref's so that INSERT= will "bind" the file in R10.
Info preview.       -i checks for possible information loss before conversion.
Version summary.    -? identifies the version of drawing(s).
Safe break.         <Ctrl>-C or power interrupt cancel conversion without
                    modifying the drawing.
Relaxed protection. Extended grace beyond 30 days.  Registered version is not
                    copy protected.

Differences from Chgrel version 2.0:
Bug fixes.          ltinit 2 fatal error fixed.

Differences from Chgrel version 2.01:
Target path.        -p parameter added to allow path specification for target.
Target extension.   -e allows target file to be different from source.
Interface.          Full screen, menu driven interface included. (DOS only)
Bug fixes.          Dwgs w/ no entities now convert, ltype byblock fix.

This program is Shareware.  Continued use of Chgrel requires a fee be paid to
the author, Rich Frank.  You have 30 days from the first use of the program to
register by sending $35.00 to receive a program which will work beyond 30 days.
Send check to:

    Chgrel Program    c/o Rich Frank
    10010 Belle Rive Blvd. #102
    Jax., FL 32256

Prompt deliveries via US Mail first class. Indicate disk size.

You may not distribute this program for pay or with any other software.
Contact Rich Frank (73030,302) on CompuServe if you have any questions or
comments.  If you are satisfied with the performance of Chgrel, please
register now.  This program does have a TIME LOCK.  Make sure your system
date is correct, especially when you first run Chgrel.  You will be reminded
after 30 days to register.  At that point you will have a grace period of
an additional 20 days.  AVOID HAIRLOSS and HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, the protection
is passive, but well hidden.  Re-Installing Chgrel will not reset the lock.

AutoCAD is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc.
This program was compiled using Microsoft Corporation's MSC 6.0 and Macro
Assembler and uses MARCOMP Autodirect libraries.  The program was developed
under OS/2.  Chgrel is a trademark of Rich Frank.

This program is not affiliated with Autodesk.

Please share "CHGRELS.ZIP" by passing it along!



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