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.
The displays are dynamically updated (on mouse up for section or parameter and values).
Sorting - Users can now sort/unsort the section lists and parameter lists independently via right
mouse button popup menu or together via the Main menu option or Speed Button. NOTE: Lists can be
sorted and unsorted by pressing the buttons or activating the menu items again in a toggling manner.
Session settings - Users can now optionally save configuration settings such as window sizes, panel
widths, fonts, backup prompting, hints, sorted lists and other useful session items.
Printing - Users can now print the master logfile, the active file, the active section and it's
parameter list, and the Main Form. Users can print Sections headers and individual section
contents to new files or append to existing ones. Most lists can also be printed.
System info - Users can now check dynamic Windows resource usage, available fonts, environment
variables and other system parameters from the main Help menu.
A calendar has been included for versatility.
File info - Users can now check the path, date and size of the active file as well as statistics
on INI files and line counts from the Help menu. The file checking utility also provide useful
insight into INI file contents. Many enhancements have been made over version 2.x based upon
feedback from users and administrators.
Introduction to features of INI PRO V3.0e
INI Professional V3.0 shareware from MeadSoft has the following capabilities and features
Simple speed button, pull-down and right mouse button popup menu functionality as well as standard
short cut keyboard mapping. Point and click ease of use.
Easy access and viewing of INI file sections, parameter lists and variable settings
Built in INI syntax checking.
Creation of backup INI file if desired.
Full editing capabilities for entire sections, parameter strings and individual variable settings.
A wide range of string search functionality including finding files containing any string, section
and parameter searches, and full file search and reporting using broad or narrow (case sensitive
searches).
A log file which automatically tracks date/time, file specification, actions, section names,
parameters , parameter values and comments.
Automatic click and restore capabilities directly from the logfile to any INI file previously
edited by INI PRO V3.0. Full undo and Redo capabilities.
Automatic parsing of only those entries in the logfile applicable to the currently active INI file.
Ability to purge the contents of the logfile.
Windows on-line Help as well as Balloon Help.
Quick toggling of Boolean parameter values.
MS-Mail send capabilities for mailing files to others.
Ability to open and perform many operations on non-INI text files.
Sliding Section and Parameter windows.
Adjustable font and printer selections.
Automatic saving of session settings including option selections, window settings, font settings
etc.
Ability to print files, parts of files and form displays.
Ability to purge Logfile, delete files.
Ability to create new INI files, Sections, Parameters and parameter values with automatic insertion
of optional comment fields.
Ability to alphabetically and non-destructively sort/unsort Sections and Parameters.
Ability to scan for Section, Parameter or any string in these sections.
Ability to scan for files and strings within files prior to opening them.
Rapid entry and acceptance of values and choices by use of "Enter" key.
System statistics form displays many useful static and dynamic environment settings, resource
usage and more.
Information window displays information on currently active file.
Ability to open files in succession without the need to close previous files.
A program Initialization file is used for saving session settings and other useful parameters.
Ability to perform numerous operations on ASCII files other than INI files.
Powerful customizeable program launcher which permits the use of other programs
such as custom editors for non-INI file types. Portability to Windows 3.x, Windows 95,
Windows NT and OS/2 environments.Available in English.
The French version will be available in the second quarter of 1996.
2. Copyright and Registration
INIPRO V3.0e is shareware. If you wish to use the product beyond the 30-day trial
period you are expected to purchase the product using Compuserve GO SWREG ID# 9560
(See Help About in INIPRO) or order using the form in this document or in the on-line
Help or make up a reasonable fascimile and send it to MeadSoft payable to Brian Mead
with a certified cheque or money order for the $20 CAN or $16 US funds.
Software Redistribution
You may pass along evaluation (the unregistered version only) copies to anyone you
like however, the original files in an unmodified state must remain together and at
minimum the EXE and the Help File must stay together. All users of unregistered
software are legally bound to remove the software from their systems or purchase
the software following the expiry of the initial evaluation period. Only one trial
period is permitted.
Commercial users
Commercial users of INI PRO must register and pay for their copies of INI PRO
within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements
may be made by contacting MEADSOFT . Anyone distributing INI PRO for any kind of
remuneration must first contact MEADSOFT at the address given for authorization.
You are encouraged to pass a copy of INI PRO along to others for evaluation. Please
encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered
users will receive a copy of the latest version as well as a list of other shareware
products available from MeadSoft
MeadSoft
MeadSoft would greatly appreciate your support. The best support that you can provide is
by paying up to register for your copy of any MeadSoft product. This does two things. First,
lets MeadSoft know that the products are used and appreciated and second, encourages MeadSoft
to create more and better affordable software tools. MeadSoft products are also available in
French versions. For a French language version of this or any other MeadSoft product send
cheque or money order to the address below, specifying French as the language.
Your comments, criticisms and general feedback are welcomed.
Payment can be made by sending a cheque or money order for $20 Can/ $16 US funds payable to
Brian Mead
P.O. Box 79210
Hull, Quebec
Canada
J8Y 6V2
Shipping and handling charges are outlined with the sample order form at the end of this document.
The shipping charge depends upon your choice of delivery mechanisms.
NOTE: If you provide MeadSoft with an postal address or an e-mail address, we will do our best
to keep you informed of new versions of products and new products produced by MeadSoft.
Did you know?
MeadSoft develops other software products on an ongoing basis and does it's best to keep abreast
of numerous technologies. MeadSoft has and will happily work with other individuals or companies
to develop custom software products provided acceptable contractual arrangements can be developed.
MeadSoft will provide estimates for work and work on a per deim or a fixed price basis depending
upon the nature of the requirements and the level of definition provided. These rates are subject
to change and are best discussed by direct contact with MeadSoft.
Support
Support for the software is available for registered users for 90 days following the date of
registration. Registered users may write to MeadSoft or contact the company via e-mail.
The author will attempt to correct any serious bugs that may have been missed as quickly as
possible.
The most effective support alternative is via e-mail, I recommend that approach. Send e-mail to:
76514.300@compuserve.com if you are on internet
or
76514,300 on Compuserve
3. Installation and Removal
NOTE: If you had an earlier version of INIPRO please backup you master logfile. Once you have
installed INIPRO V3.0e and run it once or twice to be certain all is well, copy the backup of the
old LOG file to the location you have selected for the new version.
To install INI PRO simply ensure that the "exe" and "hlp" file are located in the same directory.
Windows 3.x
Using the Program Manager "File|New" menu option add the "exe" to the group of your choice. The
Help file can be installed separately or accessed normally via the program.
A second method is to drag the "exe" file using the File Manager into the group of your choice.
Windows '95
Add the "exe" to a program group via the "Startup|Advanced..." settings.
OS/2
OS/2 environments capable of running Windows 3.x or Windows 95 programs should not have any
difficulty in running INIPRO although the author is not able to confirm this at this stage.
Following a fresh installation, INIPRO may create a new INIPRO.INI file and then exit. This is
intentional and serves to force the setup of certain parameters. Simply restart and use normally.
Future
In the future with your continued support, Mead Soft will endeavor to provide professional
installation scripts to package the whole assembly more neatly.
System Requirements
The software was initially developed on a 486DX266 with 8M RAM under Windows 95. It has also been
tested on a 486DX33 with 16M running Windows for Workgroups 3.11 and Windows 3.1. Additional
software in the form of MAPI and supporting DLL's is also required.
I recommend a SVGA colour monitor using 1024x768 for best results. Some SVGA drivers do not
refresh perfectly and at 800x600 screen settings. Although I have tested it at 640x480 and it
appears fine on my systems, it does not always appear correct due to font selections and display
drivers/video cards.
I recommend using Arial, Times New Roman or MS Sans Serif fonts with size varying on resolution.
The choice of fonts can greatly impact the resulting display especially at low resolutions of
640x480. The display has been tested at 640x480 (font size of 7 or 8) 800x600 (font size 9 or 10)
1024x768 (font size 9-14) and also at resolutions up to 1280x1024.
The myriad of display types and font choices make guaranteeing display results nearly impossible.
In general the ATI series of cards from ATI Wonder through ATI MACH 32 to ATI MACH 64 seem able
to display the program well from 800x600 on up.
Additional Software Requirements
INIPRO looks for MAPI.DLL and requires it to run. This dynamic link library is required for e-mail
functionality. MAPI typically ships with Windows for WorkGroups and may be available from MicroSoft
or other bulletin boards or Web sites.
INIPRO Files
The following files make up the INIPRO set.
INIPROE.EXE -Main executable program.
INIPROE.HLP -Windows Help file.
\WINDOWS\INIPRO.INI -Initialization file (created automatically if not found)
INIPROE.ERR -A file to which errors not handled in INIPRO can be trapped for subsequent
e-mail to the author for support if necessary.
INIPROE.LOG -Main change recording log for all INI file edits (default created if no
file specified in initialization file).
4. Registration and Order Form
Order Form Please enclose payment
To: Brian Mead
MeadSoft
P.O. Box 79210
Hull, Quebec
Canada
J8Y 6V2
Client Registration Information
Name: ______________________________ Internet __________________
Company Name: ______________________________ CompuServe __________________
Street Address :_________________________________________________________________________
