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RemoteRetrieve (tm) Version 1.0 Easily transfer files to and from your home or office computer via modem. Outpost Software 642 San Miguel Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Phone: 408-736-1070 Fax: 408-736-2263 LICENSE AGREEMENT RemoteRetrieve (TM) Version 1.0, Copyright (c) 1993 Outpost Software. This is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or an entity) and Outpost Software. LICENSE AND COPYRIGHT. This License Agreement permits the Licensee to install and use the RemoteRetrieve Software (hereafter referred to as "Software") on two computers. The Software is owned by Outpost and is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaty provisions. You may make one copy of the Software for backup purposes. You may not rent or lease the Software. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Software. DISCLAIMER. Outpost does not warrant that the Software will function properly in every hardware and software environment. The Software may not work in combination with some networks and some programs. The Software may not function properly with certain modems or certain printers. NO OTHER WARRANTIES. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Outpost disclaims all other warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with regard to the Software and the accompanying manual. This manual and accompanying Software are sold "as is" and in no event shall Outpost be liable for any damages whatsoever (including without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use or inability to use the Software, even if Outpost has been advised of the possibility of such damages. CHANGES. Outpost reserves the right to revise this publication and accompanying Software and to make changes from time to time in the content without obligation of Outpost to notify any person or organization of such revision or changes. TRADEMARK RemoteRetrieve and Visual BBS are trademarks of Outpost Software. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Copyright (c) 1993, 1994 by Outpost Software. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents...............................................1 INTRODUCTION....................................................3 Manual Conventions..........................................4 Getting Help From Outpost Software..........................4 About the Screen............................................4 Navigating With a Keyboard..................................5 INSTALLATION....................................................7 Introduction................................................7 System Requirements.........................................7 The README File.............................................7 Installing the Software.....................................7 GETTING STARTED.................................................8 Running RemoteRetrieve for the First Time...................8 Configuring Your Modem......................................8 Advanced settings...........................................8 Default setting button......................................9 Optional modem string.......................................9 Test port button............................................9 Establishing Password Protection............................9 USING RemoteRetrieve...........................................11 Setting Your Computer to Answer Mode.......................11 Running the Host Program From the DOS Prompt...............11 Automatically Running the Host Program.....................11 Calling the Remote Computer................................11 Voice to Data..............................................12 Data to Voice..............................................13 Automatic Logoff...........................................13 TRANSFERRING AND MANAGING FILES................................15 Introduction...............................................15 Using the Local and Remote Windows.........................15 Transferring Files.........................................17 Confirming file transfers..................................18 Error Recovery.............................................18 Viewing the Contents of ASCII Files........................19 Finding Files..............................................19 Moving Files...............................................19 Renaming Files.............................................20 Labeling Files.............................................20 Printing Files.............................................20 Creating New Directories...................................20 Deleting Directories or Files..............................20 ADVANCED OPTIONS...............................................22 Running RemoteRetrieve Under Microsoft Windows.............22 Running the Host Program in Background.....................22 Gateway to a Network.......................................23 - 1 - Table of Contents ------------------ APPENDIXES A. Troubleshooting Guide..................................24 B. Other products from Outpost Software...................26 Visual BBS ............................................26 Uses for Visual BBS ...................................26 Remote Power Switch ...................................27 INDEX..........................................................28 - 2 - INTRODUCTION ----------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to RemoteRetrieve, a superior communications program designed to give you remote access to the files on your home or office computer and to share files with colleagues, who also have a copy of the program. RemoteRetrieve is designed for the novice user, but has many features for the advanced user as well. It is pre-programmed to free you from many of the technical details involved in sending files via modem (i.e., determining which protocol to use, the number of data bits, stop bits, or parity bits). In essence, it makes file transfer via modem as easy as sending a fax. RemoteRetrieve features an easy-to-use graphical interface with pulldown menus, windows, dialog boxes, context-sensitive online help, mouse support, and a status line, which provides a short description of each command. RemoteRetrieve includes a sophisticated file manager and remote file viewer that maximizes the efficiency of slower speed modems. Besides using the file manager for sending and retrieving files, you can use it on the local computer as an alternative to the Windows file manager to copy and move files from one directory to another, to delete unwanted files, rename others, and to find the location where files are stored. A unique feature of the RemoteRetrieve file manager is its ability to attach a description of up to 80-characters to a file. As you browse through the files in the file list, the file information display shows the file size, date it was last modified, and an 80-character description. For example, in a work group computing environment, the description could include what the file contents are, who modified the file, what the changes are and why they were made. As an added convenience, when you send or retrieve a file, the description is transmitted along with the file. RemoteRetrieve permits viewing text files on the remote and local computer. To avoid unwanted file transfers use the file viewer to preview ASCII files before retrieving them. The file viewer allows you to quickly jump to the end, middle or beginning of a file. RemoteRetrieve gives you the advantage and convenience of switching from voice to data or data to voice. This feature allows you to call someone, instruct them to run the RemoteRetrieve software on their computer and then transfer files...all on the same line. RemoteRetrieve runs as a DOS application under Windows. The Host software (included on your disk) can be set to run in the background. The advantage of background transfer is that an individual running the Host software can continue using the computer, while the individual at the other end sends and retrieves files. - 3 - Introduction ------------- If your telecommunication needs go beyond your own home or office computer, consider other Outpost products explained in Appendix B., such as Visual BBS. Visual BBS is a powerful communications tool that provides separate passwords and access options along with E-Mail. It is ideal for businesses, information providers, schools and nonprofit groups. MANUAL CONVENTIONS A key on your keyboard and all commands in the menu, pulldown menu or dialog box are referred to with ALL CAPS. Commands in dialog boxes are referred to as "buttons." GETTING HELP FROM OUTPOST SOFTWARE You can find most answers to your questions in this manual or online HELP. If you can not find the information in the manual, please write or call: Outpost Software 642 San Miguel Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Voice: 408-736-1070 FAX: 408-736-2263 BBS: 408-736-1077 (requires RemoteRetrieve) If your question regards configuring your modem, you should have the following information available: * RemoteRetrieve version number * computer make, model number, and amount of RAM * operating system and version number * modem make, model number and speed If RemoteRetrieve was unable to find your modem and you have Windows 3.1, go to the Windows directory and from the DOS prompt type MSD. This command provides more information about your COM Port settings and mouse port settings. ABOUT THE SCREEN RemoteRetrieve has a simple user interface. A brief description of the important sections of the desktop are below. Menu bar Lists the available menus. Once you highlight the menus, various commands appear in the pulldown menus. To select a menu, press ALT plus the highlighted letter of that menu. - 4 - Introduction ------------- Pulldown menus Extend down from the menu bar and contain all the main commands you will use. To select a command, press the highlighted letter of that command. Dialog boxes Appear on the desktop to prompt you in selecting appropriate actions to execute the desired commands. You can select the various options in the box by pressing the TAB key, or by pressing ALT plus the highlighted letter of the option. NAVIGATING WITH A KEYBOARD You can easily navigate menus and dialog boxes with a mouse or keyboard. This manual refers only to mouse commands for all procedures. The keyboard commands are shown below. Press To ----------------------------------------------------------------- ALT + Highlighted letter Access the pulldown menus, buttons, input lines or list boxes Highlighted letter Access the command from the pulldown menu. F1 Get context-sensitive online HELP when you need assistance with any function. LEFT ARROW Move to the Files list in the Local/Remote window. F10 Access the command menus. RIGHT ARROW Move to the Directories list in the Local/Remote window. ESC Close the menu, close a dialog box, close file windows UP & DOWN ARROWS Choose a different option among radio buttons F6 Move back and forth between windows simultaneously open on the desktop. PAGE UP & PAGE DOWN Scroll up or down one page of a list box or file. - 5 - Introduction ------------ Press To ----------------------------------------------------------------- TAB Navigate forward through the various options in the dialog boxes. Ctrl+PAGE UP & Ctrl+PAGE DOWN Scroll up to the top of the list box or file, scroll down to the bottom of the list box or file. SHIFT + TAB Navigate backward through the various options in the dialog boxes. - 6 - INSTALLATION ----------------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION In this chapter you will be setting up two computers to run the software. Before you install RemoteRetrieve, please check the system requirements: * IBM PC and 100 % compatibles (286 and higher) * A hard disk with 500 KB of free space * DOS 3.1 or higher * 640K of RAM * Hayes (R) or compatible modem (2400 baud or higher) THE README FILE Please read the README file. It contains the latest corrections and information updates to the manual. It also discusses what you can do if you have problems installing the software, or if you have difficulties setting up your modem. INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE 1. Insert the disk into the floppy disk drive A or B. 2. Type A:INSTALL or B:INSTALL, then press ENTER. 3. You are prompted for the directory where the files are to be installed. The default is C:\REMRET. If you want to install the files in another directory, enter the full path name of that directory. 4. After the files have been copied over, you will be asked if the installation program can update your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. When you select YES, the C:\REMRET directory is added to the search path in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. - 7 - GETTING STARTED ---------------------------------------------------------------- RUNNING RemoteRetrieve FOR THE FIRST TIME The first time you run the software, RemoteRetrieve asks you for information about your modem. RemoteRetrieve also requests passwords for the users who will log on to the computer on which you install RemoteRetrieve. If you are using an external modem (one that resides outside the computer), you must turn it on before running RemoteRetrieve. To run RemoteRetrieve, type REMRET at the DOS prompt. You will see the message "Initializing Modem." If you see this message for more than one minute, refer to Appendix A. Most likely there is a conflict with your modem and your mouse. If you get the message "Unable to find modem" and you do in fact have a modem connected, then there may be a conflict with your modem and your mouse. Refer to Appendix A. CONFIGURING YOUR MODEM You are prompted for information about your modem and the serial port to which it is connected. NOTE: RemoteRetrieve automatically searches for the modem port during installation. If you do not have the modem turned on at the time of installation, or if you change the modem port, you must manually select the new modem port. If the mouse is connected to COM1, the serial port is probably COM2 or COM4. If the mouse is connected to COM2, the modem should be on COM1 or COM3. If you have previously installed other communications programs, you can refer to those programs to see which COM port is the modem port. 1. Select the highest speed that your modem can handle. NOTE: If you have a 14.4k modem, set the speed to 19200 Baud. NOTE: If you are getting errors in your communication, especially if you run this program under Windows, try setting the modem to a lower speed. 2. If you are not using a modem, or you are connecting two computers via a cable, select DISABLE MODEM. 3. Deselect TONE DIAL if your telephone company does not support touch tone phone service. ADVANCED SETTINGS Change the advanced settings only if RemoteRetrieve notifies you that it is unable to find your modem, and your computer does not use the standard interrupt line or COM Port address. You will - 8 - Getting Started --------------- need to refer to your serial board if you have an external modem, or your modem manual if you have an internal modem for the correct settings. 1. IRQ settings. Refer to your modem manual or serial board manual for the appropriate setting. 2. COM Port address. Refer to your modem manual or serial board manual for the appropriate setting. Default setting button The DEFAULT SETTING button returns the IRQ setting and COM Port address to the default for the selected COM Port. The following default settings apply to most computers: Com1 = IRQ 4 Address: 3F8 Com2 = IRQ 3 Address: 2F8 Com3 = IRQ 2 Address: 3E8 Com4 = IRQ 1 Address: 2E8 Optional modem string RemoteRetrieve is pre-programmed to work with Hayes-compatible modems. You should only use the Optional Modem String if your modem does not work with the program. To specify an optional modem string, enter an AT initialization string in the Optional Modem String box. The initialization string must be preceded by 'AT.' Refer to Appendix A, your modem manual and the README file for more information. Test port button If you modify any of the modem settings, you can use the TEST PORT button to verify that the settings are correct. ESTABLISHING PASSWORD PROTECTION The log on password protects your computer from unauthorized remote access. There are two fields for passwords. The Read / Write password allows full access to all files on your computer. Use this password for yourself. The Write only password restricts access to write privileges only. Use this password for a colleague, who also has RemoteRetrieve, and wants to send you files. The user with the Write only privilege will not have access to files on your computer. If you leave the Write only password field blank, another user with RemoteRetrieve can send you files without knowing a password. 1. Type a password up to 20 characters in length in the Read / Write field, then select OK. - 9 - Getting Started --------------- 2. Type a password up to 20 characters in length in the Write only field, if you choose, then select OK. Your software is now configured. Make sure to follow these steps with BOTH computers. - 10 - USING RemoteRetrieve ----------------------------------------------------------------- SETTING YOUR COMPUTER TO ANSWER MODE Once both computers are configured, you must set one of them to the Answer mode. Highlight the PHONE menu and select ANSWER. Your computer automatically runs the Host (or the remote) program and is now in Answer mode. To end the Answer mode and return to the program, press CTRL- BREAK (press the CTRL and the BREAK key at the same time). RUNNING THE HOST PROGRAM FROM THE DOS PROMPT In the future, if you want to set up the computer just to answer the phone (Host mode), type HOST.EXE at the DOS prompt. This command eliminates the extra step of running the RemoteRetrieve program and then calling the Host program. If you have another program called HOST.EXE, go to the C:\REMRET directory and type HOST.EXE. AUTOMATICALLY RUNNING THE HOST PROGRAM If you want the Host program to automatically run when you turn on your computer, append the following to the last line of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: C:\REMRET\HOST.EXE. This feature is useful when your computer is connected to a remote power switch that activates your computer when the telephone rings, providing you with remote access to your computer even when it is turned off. For information on obtaining a remote power switch, call Outpost Software. CALLING THE REMOTE COMPUTER 1. Highlight the PHONE menu and select DIAL. The Dial dialog box appears. 2. Enter the phone number for the computer you are calling, including any appropriate area codes or prefixes, such as 1 and 800. Be sure to follow the rules below if you have to dial outside lines to make a connection, or if you have call waiting. * Outside Line If your computer must dial a number to access the main telephone lines, (for example, many companies require you to dial a "9" to get out of the company's internal phone system), type "9,,". What you type should look like this: 9,,14087361077. - 11 - Using RemoteRetrieve --------------------- * Call Waiting If you have "call waiting" on your telephone, you must temporarily disable it while the software is making the call. To do this, enter *70,,. What you type should look like this: *70,,14087351077. NOTE: The commas in the above examples add two seconds of delay. This delay allows the telephone equipment time to process the first few numbers before receiving the subsequent numbers. 3. Enter the password for the computer you are calling. 4. Click on the DIAL button to establish the connection. Now that you have established a connection, you are ready to begin transferring files. VOICE TO DATA With the Voice to Data feature, you can switch from talking on the phone to transferring data on the same phone line. Voice to Data requires one of the following telephone/modem connections. * Works in all cases with: Both the phone and the modem connected into a 'Y' connector or splitter jack, sometimes called 'Modular Duplex Jack.' * May work in many cases with: A modem with two phone connectors, one labeled 'Line' and the other labeled 'Phone.' The phone connector labeled 'Phone' must be connected to the telephone. Modems that disconnect the telephone when a data connection is made require a 'Y' connector. The Host user (at the remote computer) runs the HOST program and the Local user (at the local computer) runs the REMRET program. 1. The Local user selects the VOICE TO DATA command from the PHONE menu. A message appears telling the Local user to inform the Host user to run the HOST program. * The Host user types HOST at the DOS prompt and then presses the F1 key to set the HOST program for Voice mode. 2. The Local user presses OK to start the connection after the Host user has run the HOST program. 3. A message appears instructing the Local user to tell the Host user to press ENTER. - 12 - Using RemoteRetrieve --------------------- 4. The Local user should wait one or two seconds after the Host user presses the ENTER key to hang up the telephone. This allows time for the Host user's modem to send a high pitch tone, indicating it is ready for data transfer. * The Host user should hang up the phone when the HOST program indicates. Timing is very critical in making Voice to Data connections. Performing this option may take a little practice. The most important part of making a connection is that the Local user waits to hang up the telephone until the Host modem sends a high pitched tone. If the Host user cannot hear the Local user after running the HOST program and selecting F1, then the Host modem is disconnecting the telephone. In this case, the Host user need a 'Y' connector to use the Voice to Data feature. If a Voice to Data connection is unsuccessful, the Host user can type CTRL-BREAK to exit the HOST program, allowing the Local user to make a voice call again. If the Host user calls the Local user, this step is unnecessary. It is also unnecessary to exit the HOST program if the next time the Local user calls, the Local user is making a Data connection and not a Voice to Data connection. DATA TO VOICE With Data to Voice, you can switch from transferring data to talking on the phone. You need the same type of telephone and modem connection as described above in Voice to Data. 1. The Local user selects DATA TO VOICE from the PHONE menu. The following message is displayed: 'Pick up the telephone handset after pressing the OK button.' 2. The Local user should press the OK button and then pick up the telephone one second later. After a few seconds, the Local user sees the message 'Wait a few seconds for the remote user to pick up the phone.' RemoteRetrieve simultaneously notifies the Host user to pick up the telephone. 3. The Local user should press the OK button after a few seconds, giving the Host user time to pick up the telephone. AUTOMATIC LOGOFF If you do not issue any commands for 10 minutes, once you have called the remote computer, it logs you off. When this happens, hang-up the phone. - 13 - Using RemoteRetrieve --------------------- 1. Highlight the PHONE menu and select HANGUP. 2. If you want to re-establish a connection with the remote computer, repeat steps 1 - 4 in the Calling the Remote Computer section earlier in this chapter. - 14 - TRANSFERRING AND MANAGING FILES ----------------------------------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION This software allows you to transfer files easily by setting up a remote access system to your own computer. For instance, you can remotely access your office computer with a laptop while away on business. Or you can use the program between a business colleague or friend to exchange files. In order to proceed, you must already have a connection established. If you do not, refer to the Calling the Remote Computer section in the previous chapter. USING THE LOCAL AND REMOTE WINDOWS The Local and Remote windows are the basic working windows you use, so it is important to become familiar with them before beginning operations. The Local window displays files on the computer from which you are working. The Remote window displays files on the remote computer. When you run RemoteRetrieve on the local computer, two Local windows appear side by side. This window configuration facilitates convenient file manager capabilities. You can use the two Local windows to move and copy files from one directory to another. NOTE: When you call a remote computer, the Remote window replaces the Local window on the right side of the screen. Remember, use the F1 key on your keyboard to access the online HELP whenever you need assistance with any function. A context-sensitive Help dialog box immediately appears and explains the current command or dialog box. File type The File Type selects which files are to be displayed. For example, if you want all files ending with .TXT to be displayed, type *.TXT and press ENTER. If you want all files beginning with 'W,' type W*.* and press ENTER. To select all files use *.*. For more information on wild cards, such as '?', refer to your DOS manual. Sort by date You can select Sort By Date to sort the files in ascending date order. When the checkbox is not selected, the files are listed in ascending alphanumeric order. Reverse sort You can select the Reverse Sort checkbox to reverse the sort order, i.e., descending date or descending alphanumeric order. - 15 - Transferring and Managing Files ------------------------------- Files list The Files box contains the list of files in the selected directory that match the selected File Type. The complete path name of the selected directory and the file type appear just below the Files box. Directories / drives list The Directories/Drives box contains a list of the subdirectories for the selected directory, and a list of the drives for the computer. The drives are indicated by a letter surrounded by brackets , i.e., [A], [B], [C]. The Remote window shows only a list of the available hard drives; it does not list the available floppy drives. To switch drives, double click on the desired drive. When two dots (..) are visible on the first line, this indicates that you are not at the highest level (root directory), but instead are in a directory or subdirectory. To go to the highest level, double click on the '..' with your mouse. Path name & file type display The complete path for the selected directory (including the drive letter) appears below the Files box. It also displays the file type. File information Information about the selected file is given below the path name. This information includes the name of the file, its size in bytes and the date it was last modified. Description The optional description for a file may be up to 80 characters in length, and appears beneath the File Information. To add a file description or modify a description, highlight the desired file or directory and press the INSERT key. NOTE: With RemoteRetrieve, it is a good idea to remove unnecessary labels from the file description database. When you create a label for a file and subsequently delete that file using DOS or another program, the label for that file still exists. To delete labels, highlight the FILE menu, and under DESCRIPTION choose CLEAN UP LABELS. Copy button Press the COPY button to send (copy) the file to the selected directory in the opposite window. If you have not established a - 16 - Transferring and Managing Files ------------------------------- connection with a remote computer and you press the COPY button, the file is copied to the selected directory on the local computer. If the selected directories for both windows are the same and you press the COPY button, RemoteRetrieve assumes that you want to make another copy and prompts you for a new name. View button The VIEW button displays the contents of the selected file. For more information on using the view function, refer to Viewing Contents of Files, later in this chapter. Browse button You can quickly select a desired directory when you turn on the BROWSE button. A browse indicator appears just below the Directories/Drives box, showing that you are in browse mode. As you change directories you will see only a list of directories and sub directories but not files. To retrieve files in a desired directory, turn off the BROWSE button by clicking on it again. TRANSFERRING FILES You can transfer files in two ways: * Retrieving files from the remote computer. * Sending files to the remote computer. 1. Select the source directory where the files you want to send or retrieve are located (in either the Local or Remote window, depending whether you are sending or retrieving). * Select the directory containing the desired file(s) by highlighting and then double-clicking on the directory name. When the directory is selected, its corresponding files appear in the Files window. 2. Choose the desired files by highlighting the file name and double-clicking, or by highlighting FILE and selecting SELECT/CLEAR. Either double-clicking with your mouse or selecting SELECT/CLEAR again clears your selection. * To select all the files in a directory, highlight the FILE menu and choose SELECT ALL. * To deselect any or all of the files, highlight the FILE menu and choose CLEAR ALL. 3. Highlight the target Directories/Drives dialog box (either the Local or Remote window) by selecting NEXT from the WINDOW menu or by clicking your mouse inside the window. 4. Select the target directory (where you wish to place the files being transferred). - 17 - Transferring and Managing Files ------------------------------- 5. Return to the initial dialog box where the file currently resides and click on the COPY button. The Transferring Data dialog box appears, indicating the status of the transfer progress. NOTE: The Transferring Data dialog box does not appear if you are copying files from one directory on your computer to another directory on the same computer. When the transfer is complete, the transferred file name(s) appear in the Files box on the target side. 6. Highlight the PHONE menu and choose HANGUP to disconnect the phone line. NOTE: You can only send files from one directory in a transfer operation. If you want to transfer files from more than one source directory, you must perform Steps 1 - 5 repeatedly as needed. CONFIRMING FILE TRANSERS 1. Highlight the Remote window. 2. Highlight the FILE menu and choose REFRESH DIR. An updated list of files is displayed on the remote computer. If the transferred files do not appear, or their sizes or dates are different from the source files, try the transfer again. FILE ALREADY EXISTS, WRITE OVER? If you see the message 'File Already Exists, Write Over?' it means that there is already a target file with the same name as the source file you are trying to transfer. RemoteRetrieve gives you the following choices: WRITE OVER Write over the existing file. RESUME Transfer a file that terminated early (i.e., only a portion of the file was transferred). UNIQUE Create a unique name for the file and copy the source file to the new uniquely named target file. SKIP Skip over this file and copy the next one. ERROR RECOVERY RemoteRetrieve has a crash recovery feature. If you are copying a file and the file transfer is interrupted, try copying the file again. You will see the 'File already exists, write over?' error message. Select RESUME to continue copying where you left off. This recovery works if you are retrieving files or if you have Read/Write access to the computer to which you are sending files. - 18 - Transferring and Managing Files ------------------------------- VIEWING THE CONTENTS OF ASCII FILES You can review the contents of a file prior to transferring it to verify that it is the one you want. 1. Highlight the appropriate file in the Files box, then click on the VIEW button. The contents of the file appear on the screen. Use these keys to navigate in the View window: CTRL-PAGE UP: Jump to the beginning of the file CTRL-PAGE DOWN: Jump to the end of the file PAGE UP: Scroll up one page PAGE DOWN: Scroll down one page ESC: Close the window 2. To make the View window larger, highlight the WINDOW menu and select ZOOM. Select ZOOM again to minimize the View window to fill only half of the screen. You can also maximize and minimize the window by clicking on the arrow in the upper right corner of the window. 3. To close the window, press ESC or click on the box in the upper left corner of the window. You are returned to the Local and Remote windows. FINDING FILES RemoteRetrieve helps you find files quickly by searching all the files on the current hard drive that match the description you give. If you want to search for a file on a different hard drive, select the hard drive from the Directories/Drives list box. You can use wild cards with the description (file name); for more information see the File Type section earlier in this chapter. This command works only on the local computer. 1. Highlight the FILE menu and select FIND FILE. 2. Type the name of the file. MOVING FILES This feature permits you to move a file from a directory on the local computer to a different directory on the local computer. 1. Highlight the target directory in the Local window where you want to move the file. 2. Highlight the source file (in the opposite Local window) to be moved. - 19 - Transferring and Managing Files ------------------------------- 3. Highlight the FILE menu and choose MOVE. NOTE: If the two directories are the same, you are prompted for a new file name. Under these circumstances you are renaming a file, instead of moving it to another location. RENAMING FILES You can rename your files only on the local computer (the Local window). 1. Highlight the FILE menu and select RENAME. 2. Type the new file name. LABELING FILES You can label files with a description of up to 80 characters in length to provide added clarity to file content. 1. Highlight the file or directory to label and press the INSERT key. 2. Type in the file description (up to 80 characters in length). PRINTING FILES You can use this command to print ASCII text files, such as the AUTOEXEC.BAT and README files. You must have a parallel printer which is connected to LPT1 (parallel port 1). This command does not work with the remote computer. 1. Highlight the file you want to print. 2. Highlight the FILE menu and select PRINT FILE. CREATING NEW DIRECTORIES You can create a new directory in the current directory path you have highlighted. 1. Highlight the FILE menu and choose MAKE DIR. 2. Type the name of the new directory. It must be a unique name because you cannot create a directory with the same name as an existing directory. The directory name can be up to 8 characters in length. DELETING DIRECTORIES OR FILES 1. Highlight the directory or file and press the DELETE key. - 20 - Transferring and Managing Files ------------------------------- 2. You are queried whether you really want to delete the selected directory or file. NOTE: Before deleting a directory on the local side, all of the files in that directory must be deleted first. RemoteRetrieve does not allow you to delete a remote directory. NOTE: If you accidentally delete a file you want to keep, use the UNDELETE command in DOS: a. Highlight the FILE menu and choose EXIT. You are returned to the DOS prompt. b. Go to the directory where the files were deleted and type UNDELETE *.*. c. You are asked for the first letter of the files which was deleted. This completes the undelete process. For more information about UNDELETE, refer to your DOS manual. - 21 - ADVANCED OPTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------- RUNNING RemoteRetrieve UNDER MICROSOFT WINDOWS This section explains how to run RemoteRetrieve under MS Windows by creating a new program group and two program items which appear as icons in the program group. 1. Highlight the FILE menu in the Program Manager and select NEW. The New Program Object dialog box is displayed. 2. Select PROGRAM GROUP, press OK. The Program Group Properties dialog box is displayed. 3. In the Description field, type Remote Retrieve, press OK. 4. Highlight FILE in the Program Manager again and select NEW. The New Program Object dialog box is displayed again. 5. Select PROGRAM ITEM, then press OK. 6. The Program Item Properties dialog box appears. Type RemoteRetrieve in the Description field. 7. In the Command Line field, type the full path name of the REMRET.PIF file. If you installed the software to the C:\REMRET directory, type C:\REMRET\REMRET.PIF. 8. In the Working Directory field, (i.e., the directory where the programs are stored), type C:\REMRET. 9. Repeat Steps 4 through 13, but this time make the following substitutions: (Step 6) change the Description to HOST; (Step 7) substitute HOST.PIF for REMRET.PIF in the Command Line. RUNNING THE HOST PROGRAM IN BACKGROUND With Windows, you can run the Host program in background using one of two methods: * Modify the HOST.PIF file using the PIF editor which comes with Windows. The HOST.PIF file should be in the C:\REMRET directory. To make the Host program run in the background, change the EXECUTION from Exclusive to Background. For more information, refer to your Windows manual. * After you run the Host program from Windows, select the CONTROL menu box (the small box with a horizontal line, located in the upper left corner of the window). Select the SETTINGS command to display the settings dialog box. Change the TASKING option from Exclusive to Background. - 22 - Advanced Options ----------------- GATEWAY TO A NETWORK You can set up RemoteRetrieve so a remote user can access the files and directories on a network. 1. The Host (or remote) computer must be connected to the network. The network software must be up and running before the Host program is started. 2. Run the HOST.EXE program or highlight the PHONE menu in RemoteRetrieve and select ANSWER. NOTE: Be sure the system is password protected. 3. Call the remote computer using RemoteRetrieve (see Calling the Remote Computer). You should have access to the network drives. - 23 - Appendix A. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ----------------------------------------------------------------- TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR MODEM Most Hayes-compatible modems should work with RemoteRetrieve without having to change the initialization string. If your modem does not work after you have followed the directions in Setting Up RemoteRetrieve, please call Outpost to see if we have an initialization string for your modem. If you have an alternate modem that works with the RemoteRetrieve software, you have the option of calling the Outpost bulletin board system (BBS) to see the latest list of modem initialization strings. You can download the modem file. To reach the BBS, use RemoteRetrieve and dial (408) 736-1077. RemoteRetrieve uses this initialization string: ATQEVS0=0X1X4&C1&D2 AT = Attention code (precedes all modem codes). Q0 = Display result codes. E0 = Disable echoing of characters when off-line. V0 = Result codes are sent as digits. S0=0 = Set the S2 register to 0 (answers on the first ring). X1 = The modem "blind dials." It does not wait for a dial tone or detect a busy signal. CONNECTxxxx result codes are enabled. X4 = The modem waits for a dial tone before dialing. CONNECTxxxx result codes are enabled. The modem sends a BUSY result code if a busy signal is detected. &C1 = DCD is ON when the data carrier is detected and OFF when it is not. &D2 = The modem hangs up and switches to command state and disables auto-answer when it detects an ON to OFF transition on DTR. The above settings can be modified and added to for your particular modem by adding an initialization string in the Optional Modem String line in the Configure Modem dialog box. The string must be preceded by AT. NOTE: The result codes must be sent as digits, not as verbose. COMMON PROBLEMS (Refer to the README file for more solutions) PROBLEM : When HANGUP is selected from the PHONE menu, the phone does not hang up. SOLUTION : Check to see if the telephone wire coming from the wall jack is plugged into the modem jack labeled 'Jack' or 'Line.' - 24 - Troubleshooting Guide ---------------------- PROBLEM : When calling another computer you get the error message 'Access Denied.' SOLUTION : The password you entered is not correct. PROBLEM : When transferring files you see warning messages such as 'CRC Error.' SOLUTION : These messages indicate that there are errors in transmitting the file. RemoteRetrieve re-transmits parts of the file that contained errors, so you should still end up with a good file. If a file is getting several CRC errors, you can abort the transfer by pressing CTRL-BREAK, then try sending the file again. You are queried if you want to write over the file. Select RESUME. This solution only works if you are retrieving files, or if you have Read/Write access to the Remote directory to which you are sending files. PROBLEM : Only a part of the file was sent before the telephone wire came unplugged, or the power went out, or ... SOLUTION : Try sending the file again. You are queried if you want to write over the file. Select RESUME. PROBLEM : When RemoteRetrieve is first started, the message 'Initializing Modem' is displayed and then the computer hangs. Or, RemoteRetrieve reports that it can't find your modem. SOLUTION : These problems indicate that there is a conflict between the modem and the mouse. They probably share the same interrupt request line. Reset the computer and run the REMRET.EXE program again. If the computer hangs again, reset your computer then delete the CONFIG.FIL file which is in the C:\REMRET directory. Try running REMRET.EXE again. If this fails, you need to change the COM Port settings to the serial board to which your mouse is connected and/or the settings on your modem. Refer to your serial board manual and your modem manual. - 25 - Appendix B. OTHER PRODUCTS FROM OUTPOST ----------------------------------------------------------------- VISUAL BBS 1.0 Offers all the features of RemoteRetrieve, plus many additional upgrades which include the following advantages: * You can easily establish a visually oriented BBS which requires very little set up or maintenance. * You can handle up to 1000 users. Visual BBS comes with Host and Access software, and you have the advantage of unlimited distribution of the Access software to your users. * You can easily customize your logon screen with the built-in text editor. This helps you communicate clearly to your users how to make the most of your system. * You can establish a guest password for anyone to log on to your BBS and access certain designated directories. * You can secure files in each directory with password protection. You can designate "Read/Write Permission", "Read Only Permission," or "Write Only Permission" for each directory to which a user has access. * You can send E-mail messages with attached files to a remote computer. * You can run Visual BBS in the background using programs such as Windows or Desqview. * You can take advantage of the convenient Voice to Data feature that allows you to convert from speaking on the phone to file transfer via modem on the same line. USING VISUAL BBS IN A VARIETY OF SETTINGS Here are just a few of the possibilities: Technical Support BBS Your customers can directly access your system to find answers to their routine questions, freeing technical support staff to deal with the difficult questions. Online Catalog Use Visual BBS for an online catalog and ordering system. - 26 - Appendix B. Other Products From Outpost ---------------------------------------- Telecommuting Telecommuting is easy with Visual BBS, which provides tremendous flexibility for communicating with your employees, wherever they work. Online Sales Queries/Orders Use Visual BBS for your sales staff with laptop computers. They can obtain quotes or information directly from headquarters and then place orders while out in the field. Additionally, sending E-mail messages to, from and among sales staff is easy with Visual BBS. Remote Gateway to a Network Access your network using the ease, convenience and file security of Visual BBS. Special Interest Groups Set up your own Bulletin Board System to share ideas, information, or news. Create a separate directory for each topic. Use the E-Mail for communicating among members. REMOTE POWER SWITCH Outpost Software announces the long awaited complete solution for turning on a remote computer and then retrieving files. With the Remote Power Switch, users no longer have to leave their PC running 24 hours a day, to retrieve files from their computer. After turning on the computer, remotely via the Remote Power Switch, they can then retrieve the files using RemoteRetrieve. The Remote Power Switch answers the phone after a preset number of rings. With a touch tone telephone, the user can then turn the switch on or off. The Remote Power Switch will work in conjuction with answering machines. The Remote Power Switch adds an extra level of security to your home or office computer. No one but you has to know that your computer is hooked to your telephone. The only way the computer will allow remote access is after you enter the access code on your telephone to turn your computer on. - 27 - INDEX ----------------------------------------------------------------- A access privileges, 9 autoexec.bat file, 7, 11 B BBS, 4, 26 browse, 17 C call waiting, 12 clean up labels, 20 Clear all files, 17 file selection, 17 close window, 19 COM port, 9 config.fil, 25 copy, files, 16 D default setting, 9 Delete directories, 20 files, 20 labels, 16 undelete function, 21 description, files, See Labeling Files, 20 deselect, 17 Dial, 11 call waiting, 12 delay, 12 outside lines, 11 touch tone, 8 disable modem, 8 E Errors, 8 CRC errors, 25 F file manager, 3, 15 file type, 15 Files clear all, 17 copy, 17, 18 delete, 20 search, 19 sort, 15 transfer, 17, 18 H hangup, 18 hardwired, See disable modem, 8 - 28 - Index ------ I initialization string, see Modem L Labels clean up, 16 files, 20 logoff, 13 M Modem configuring the, 4, 8 connectors, 12 external, 8 hardwired, See disable modem, 8 initialization string, 9, 24 speed, see COM port test port, 9 O online, see Dial outside lines, 11 P password, 12, 23, 25 path name, 7 print, files, 20 R read/write permission, 9 readme file, 7, 20 refresh directory, see Transfer remote power switch, 11, 27 resume, 18, 25 S search for files, see Files select all files, 15, 17 Sort alphanumeric, 15 by date, 15 reverse, 15 splitter jack, 12 T test port, 9 touch tone dialing, 8 Transfer, see Files U undelete, 21 - 29 - Index ------ V verify transfer, see Transfer W wild cards, 15 Window close, 19 enlarge, see zoom next, 17, 18 view, 17 write only permission, 9 Y Y connector, 12 Z zoom, 19 - 32 -