INIPRO for Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows NT and OS/2
Version 3.0e
⌐ MeadSoft 1995, 1996
All Rights Reserved
January 1996
Table of Contents
0. Introduction
1. Requirements
2. Copyright and Registration
3. Installation
4. Registration Form
0. Introduction
INI Editor Professional V3.0e (English edition)
NOTE: This version requires MAPI capabilities. A version without
MAPI requirements is available for users who have stand-alone
PC's with no MS-Mail functionality. The other alternative is
to acquire the MAPI set of DLL's inquire on Compuserve MSDN
(MicroSoft Developers Network).
This is a tool designed to make the editing of standard Windows 3.x ".ini" files quick and easy.
he interface is designed to be intuitive and to provide reasonably bullet-proof editing. This
version is the English language version, a French language version will also be available.
Simply open any standard ".ini" file using the File|Open menu or File|Open speed button. Select
the section in the left-hand list box. The main window will display the active file name.
The available parameters for that section and their values will appear in the scrollable
right-hand side list box. The upper status bar (located below the speed button or toolbar ) will
indicate the selected section and parameter values in red. Select a parameter and the value string
will appear in the upper scrollable edit box. Edit this value and then save the changes by using
the File|Save menu or File|Save speed button. If you click on "OK" the changes will be made and
the right-hand list box will be refreshed. Pressing the <Return> key has the same effect.
Any changes made are automatically logged and can be restored at any future time provided the
logfile remains intact and has not been purged or deleted.
You are free to re-select any value including a new file at any time. The main window can be
re-sized as required since some entries can be long. The default size has been set to accommodate
lower resolution screens SVGA 800x600.
This version of the software is provided as-is and the author is not responsible for any loss or
damages resulting from the use of this software. This is shareware and cannot be used other than
for 30 day evaluation without paying for that privilege.
Enjoy!
Product Overview
INI PRO V3.0 has been developed with a few key things in mind.
Ease of Use
The interface is clear and uncluttered like an expensive roadster yet powerful and fast. Several
paths are available to the user via pull-down and pop-up menus (a right mouse button click away),
speed buttons and shortcut key mappings. The SDI application permits easy toggling back and forth
between forms. Boolean values can be instantly toggled back and forth with popup menu selections.
User preferences can be saved for consistent look and feel time after time.
Large INI files can be navigated with ease by using the Section, Parameter and string search
functions. IN addition, users can scan files without opening them for strings (e.g., if the user
needs to find the INI file that contains the string "Desktop"). String searching of unopened INI
and non-INI files is fast and lends to powerful alliances with external programs which INIPRO can
launch in a number of ways. Open INI files can be parsed, validated, repaired, edited, deleted,
printed etc. using a number of conveniently accessible functions.
The log file tracks all the actions taken against all INI files processed using INI PRO and allows
quick and easy switching back and forth between any and all historical changes. Full Section
insert, delete edit and restore are available. Key or parameter values can be inserted, deleted,
altered and restored at will.
Safe
The INI functions are based upon Objects designed specifically for INI file editing. The user can
turn on a mechanism which permits automatically backing up any INI file prior to editing.
NOTE however, it is the primary intention of the design to avoid unnecessary propagation of backup
files and to keep things clear, concise and simple. Comments for instance are stored along with
ALL changes to ALL INI files in the master log file.
Although all software may contain bugs and cause unanticipated results, INI Pro has been tested by
a number of users in "beta" prior to final release.
No unnecessary fluff
The functionality provided is meant to be as useful as possible to users and administrators who
wish to keep their Windows operating environments in order. MS-Mail "send" capabilities are
available for administrators and user to mail updated INI file settings and changes to any /all
users across entire networks.
Flexibility
The program can also open non-INI files with the users tool/editor/custom program of choice (see
initialization file). The program can be passed parameters and can be opened in a number of ways. IN addition the editor/tool of choice can be started without the file reference by applying File|Reset prior to clicking on the ToolBox speedbutton.
In theory any program can be launched by INIPRO in a number of ways. The drop down box on the
Preferences form maintains and updates a list of the program choices used.
New Features
Version 3.0 has many significant new features which tremendously increase the power and flexibility of the INIPRO editor.
Initialization file - the program now has it's own ".ini" file which allows session settings to be
retained including the last four files accessed, font and window settings, custom editor, backup
prompting, hint settings, log and file names.
File Management functions allowing file deletion, verification and correction of syntax errors,
and purging of logfile contents by file or not. New automatic checks have also been incorporated.
Error Logging capability to a file for tracking problems not properly handled within INIPRO.
Better Help with context sensitivity for better user navigation and understanding of functions.
Adjustable fonts - On screens with differing resolutions, certain fonts cause the display through
aliasing to appear shifted or not as clear as it should be. Often a change in font can correct
this problem. In addition, users who have partial visual impairment can benefit by using larger
optionally colored fonts.
Adjustable form - The left and right sides of the main form (i.e., Section and Parameter) can be
re-sized by dragging the center divider and dragging the divider to a new location. Similarly,
the Section and Parameter headers can be adjusted. Horizontal scrollbars are a popup menu item
away.
Context sensitive help and bitmaps with hot spots for additional support and information.
MRU - The last four most recently used files can be opened quickly and effortlessly from the bottom
portion of the main File menu. They are stored in the INIPRO.INI file.
E-Mail - Administrators and users can send the currently active file via e-mail to other users.
This make possible network-wide INI file administration.
Boolean toggle - The right mouse button popup menu for the parameter list has an option to quickly
"toggle" Boolean values (e.g., 0-1,Yes-No,True-False,On-Off) to their opposite settings with
minimal effort.
Log Comments - Since INIPRO does not display commented (e.g., lines preceded by ";"), users can
optionally fully comment any/all changes made to any all INI settings via comments in the log file
which precede all changes or change groups.
String search - Users can now optionally scan files for strings prior to opening them. In addition,
users can scan the active file listings for sections and parameters or strings within the section
or parameter lists. Users can scan an entire directory to search any file type for a string and
open INI files from the list using INI pro or open non-INI files with the custom program launcher.
Continuous scroll - Users can now hold the left mouse button while scrolling through the lists.
