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Text File | 1991-10-15 | 30KB | 568 lines

DISK FILER The Diskette and Hard Drive Filing System With a Different Concept by Steve Brown Copyright (C) 1991 October 1, 1991 Version 2.5 The Experience of using a Simple and Flexible Diskette and Hard Drive Filing System using ASCII DISK FILING SYSTEM I Table of Contents TOPIC TITLE # ----- ----- - Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1 Overview (or possible Quick Start) . . . . . . . . .. 2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 3 Getting to Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Print Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6 View Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Why Use Disk Filer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8 Warranty/Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9 INTRODUCTION 1 This program is to catalog or file your files of your hard drive, or your diskettes of any type you may be using, such as; 360K, 720K, 1.2Meg., 1.44Meg. It does not matter to DF which type type of diskette you have in which drive, A or B. Disk Filer (DF) was designed to be simple, flexible, and utilize chkdsk.com, find.com, and more.com, which is usually included in any version of DOS from 2.x or later. To some this program may seem a little crude, but I and some local people have found it to be a program that gets down to business and gets the job done. And does it without all the fancy graphics which only use up more storage space and Memory, and really doesn't do any more for you. Needless to say it doesn't have a wild graphics appearance to tantalize your eye appeal but don't let that beguile you into thinking this program doesn't do the job, because it DOES! I have found other cataloging programs to use a database format and therefore sometimes are not very flexible. This inflexibility and being in a database only format, is what caused Disk Filer to be written. Using an ASCII format allows for your collected data to be used outside of Disk Filer if you so choose, hence the difference in concept over other disk catalogers. OVERVIEW 2 (or possible Quick Start) In this section I will try to give a little overall information to help smooth out some of the rough spots and clarify a few items. The DOS path statement is probably one of the hardest hit items when it comes to new programs or even existing ones for that matter. To me there is really about only Four choices you should consider when installing this program. One, is to put the entire "dskfil25.zip" contents into a subdirectory of it's own, without being in the path statement, and then work only from that subdirectory using say, CA thru CE, and not DA or other combinations. The BEST way is to put the "\dskfiler" subdirectory in the path statement. The third way is to place the following files in a subdirectory that is already in your path statement: PPT.EXE, HFIL & DFIL.BAT, CAPSLOCK.COM, SCRN??.COM, ASK.COM. The fourth way is to place all of the Disk Filer files in a subdirectory that's already in your path statement. Floppy Users see "installation" for your installation instructions. Being this is a utility type of program it will work more efficiently and without as much complication if placed in the path statement. However, it can be used without being placed in the path statement, so long as all of Disk Filer's files are either on the same diskette or in the same subdirectory. A path statement is placed in your "autoexec.bat" file that is on your boot up diskette or hard drive. An example would be: path=c:\dos;c:\misc;c:\util;c:\dskfiler; If you need more information on this subject consult your DOS manual. When you first start Disk Filer you will come to the introductory screen and you will be given a chance to read a brief set of instructions, cautions, and a few examples. This is to complement these instructions, but are different in the fact they are short and to the point. If you press "N" you will go on to the Drive Set-up Menu. You will find that by simply typing a letter or two as outlined by the "<" (less than sign), and ">" (greater than sign) such as <Q> for quit, and then pressing the Enter key, or sometimes referred to as the Return key, the command will then execute. Here, I will refer to the term "Enter" to mean; press the Enter key. To redo a previously filed diskette simply delete the diskette's ID#, then place said diskette back in the drive you have set up as your logged drive to file and RE-ADD it to the Disk Filer program. To more simply explain, Delete the ID# (# = Number) you want to redo or update from the Disk Filer program, and then place that diskette in the drive your using and type <A> for add and you will then have the new update in the Disk Filer program. I have included a file called PREF-ID2.TXT that has a form to help you keep track of categories annd the last number used in that category. A brief explanation of it's use follows. First, I use three alpha characters, then either a dash (-) or pound symbol (#), in which the dash denotes a LOW Density diskette and the pound symbol denotes a HIGH Density diskette, and then finish out the 7 character requirement with three number digits. Therefore it would look like this: DAT#001 for a diskette of High Density being in the category of a "Data Disk". Then I continue on with: DAT-002 as being a diskette of Low Density and continuing on with the number sequence for that category. Simply using the dash or pound symbol as a method to know which type of diskette it's on. You will find on one line the DATE line at which last did any disk filing and the squares are divided for the MONTH and DAY. I believe you will find the rest of it to be self explanatory. The *.TXT file is done in ASCII which all printers can print out using this statement at the DOS prompt: copy pref-id2.txt prn Using this form should help you keep track of the number you last did on a diskette in any category. DISK FILER INSTALLATION 3 To have Disk Filer installed easily to either diskette in A or B drive or on your hard drive C: & D:, use the install batch file. See the "readme.1st" file to get the full and latest information on the use of the install program or last minuet items of any of the Disk Filer files. As mentioned in the overview there is really only one good way to use Disk Filer and that is to place it in it's own (\dskfiler) subdirectory and put it in your path statement. The second method is to put the following files in an already existing subdirectory that is in your path statement. They are: scrn??.com, (?? ='s number), capslock.com, ask.com, ppt.exe, dfil.bat, hfil.bat. Then check to make sure that you have the following DOS files in your DOS subdirectory, or on the root of either, your hard drive or diskette. The DOS files are: chkdsk.com, find.com, more.com, label.com. There is also one other Shareware program that I would like to mention that I've found to be a good complement to Disk Filer which is: List.com by Vernon D. Buerg. Because of copyright laws I cannot package his software with mine. You can get a copy of it through Shareware vendors or BBS services if you have a modem. You can also use a TRUE ASCII Editor. You probably already have one or can easily get one by one of the previously mentioned methods. The only thing you need to do is REN (REName) the Editor to "L.EXE" or "L.COM", or for whichever executable extension yours uses. List or your Editor is a method used to allow you to scan through the storage file a screen full at a time, or a line at a time, or however you want. Also it gives you the ability to print a selected amount of data if you so choose. To use Disk Filer you do not have to have List or an Editor but it will make DF easier to use. FLOPPY USERS: You will need to make sure that you have all of the above mentioned files for both DF and DOS on your main diskette as well as a bootable diskette. If you don't want it to be bootable, you must include "command.com" on it at least, in addition to the above mentioned files. Also of course include DF.* and the other files that were decompressed from the "dskfil25.zip" file. If you have unlike drives, for example 360K and 720K drives you will need to install a copy of DF for the 360K and one for the 720K. Use the program disk opposite of the drive your're going to file. You will still answer the second question as it pertains to your set-up needs. Again remember disk type has no bearing on Disk Filer. GETTING TO THE MAIN MENU 4 After you have installed Disk Filer you will have two questions to answer. The first one will ask if you want to read a brief set of instructions. If you select <Y> then a brief set of instructions will be displayed one screen full at a time. Press the space bar when you want to read the next screen full. This brief set of instructions is also the <H>elp information when you select <H> from either Menu, diskette or hard drive. More on the two different Menu's shortly. When you get to the end of the instructions, press space bar, and then again, then you will be given a chance to either <R>e-read the instructions or <S>tart DF. If you selected <N> at the first question you will go straight to the "drives going to be used set-up menu", henceforth referred to as; "drive set-up menu". The drive set-up menu is where you tell Disk Filer where your going to store the collected data and what drive is going to be filed. The first two choices are for storing on a Floppy drive, either A or B, and filing the opposite on the other drive. The remaining 12 choices are for the different Hard Drive selections. To help simplify these selections need to remember the following: You can now store your collected data on drives A thru D, and file drives A thru E. With this in mind let's use a couple of examples to help you better understand how to make your selection. Example 1: If you select <CA>, means you will store on C: drive and File a diskette in your A: drive. Example 2: If you select <CD>, means you will store on C: drive and File D: drive. When you select say the first example <CA>, you will then go to the Main Menu of the Diskette Division (MMDD). When you select say the second example, then you will go to the Hard Drive Main Menu Division (HDMMD). I speak of these two Main Menus as Divisions, you should as well, because when your in one Menu REMAIN there for all your operations until your ready to change. Though both Main Menus appear the same, they are functionally different. The consistency factor of like Menus, is to keep operation of Disk Filer simple to use. There is only one or two differences between the two Main Menus. To change between the two Main Menus is by selecting the <R> command, which is for Reselect, and will send you to the drive set-up menu. When you are at the drive set-up menu you again select your drive combination and you will automatically be put in the right Main Menu you need to do your operations. If you are using a shareware copy there is some features that you don't get the use of. Otherwise the program is fully operational and should work as stated in this documentation. MAIN MENU 5 When you have gotten to the Main Menu you will find a flashing statement saying: that all entries must be uppercase. This function was done when you started DF by turning on the capslock key. You will need to remember to keep capslock key on at all times from the flashing statement onward. If you want to make a New "d_stor.dta" Storage File (SF) from within the diskette Main Menu which is where all your diskette information is stored, press <N> and then press the Enter key to make a New one. When you do this again it will copy the old SF to "d_stor00.dta" storage file and then make another New SF. Then if you want to keep this "d_stor.dta" SF you can rename it to something like "d_stor02.dta" using the <CF> feature. If your in the Hard Drive Menu when you select the <N> option you will make a "h_stor.dta" SF. You can also use the <CF> feature on this file once you have used <N> or <MD> to cause the filename to be rewritten as "h_stor00.dta". CF stands for Change Filename, a program I had a need of and therefore wrote. It's useful since the 7th & 8th characters of my filenames are usually numerical. CF after you type in the filename you want to change, will automatically rename the filename you typed in with the number part being two numbers higher. Example: Type in "h_stor00.dta" and CF will change the SF to "h_stor02.dta". Sorry, CF will not at this writing, change from "h_stor02.dta" to "h_stor.dta". This procedure you will have to do from the DOS shell in the View Menu if you want to reuse a higher numbered SF again. Even though the examples have been with the Hard Drive SF it will also work the same with the Diskette SF. There is a second or another way to make a New Storage File for either Hard Drive or Diskette, it's <MD>. The main use of <MD> is to Make a Subdirectory for the storage files except on diskettes. If a subdirectory already exists it will not harm it but will simply come to a question as to whether you want to make a storage file for <D>iskette or <H>ard Drive or <N>one. If you select <D> a "d_stor.dta" SF will be made. If you select <H> a "h_stor.dta" SF will be made. If you select <N> you will then be asked which procedure you're going to do, <D>iskette or <H>ard Drive. Make this selection according to the choice you made at the drive set-up menu. The File drive you chose there is what your using, and that determines which Main Menu to choose now, <D> or <H>. Use <MD> mainly when starting up new or needing to make a New storage subdirectory. Yes, <MD> can be used to short cut from one Main Menu to another without using the <R> command. But when I did it the program went all "hay wire". The set-ups were all mixed up and I had to <Q>uit Disk Filer and start over. Therefore avoid this practice, unless your a well experienced computer user and understand Disk Filer pretty well. Just remember this one Simple Rule concerning Drives Set-up Menu, and <N>, <MD>; if your're doing a Diskette operation STAY completely in Diskette Operations and set-ups. If your doing Hard Drive operation STAY completely in Hard Drive Operations and set-ups until ready to change via the <R> command or quit. Also remember that the procedures that is described hereafter are mainly written in the diskette content. But will apply to Hard Drive as well when using the same commands in the Hard Drive Menu, unless otherwise mentioned. To catalog or file a diskette, put a diskette in your designated drive, press <A> and then Enter. Df will ask for a Label Identifier of NO LESS and NO MORE than 7 characters. You could enter something like "dsk-001" or "prg-002" which would give you up to 999 disks in each category. Then be sure to put this Label Identifier on your diskette that was just read by Disk Filer. Repeat this process until all the disks are filed that you wanted to do. For the Hard Drive Date Identifier (HDDI) I use an alpha character and a numerical date format. Example: C092191 or T100191 . I use the alpha character to denote the hard drive letter that was filed and then the date it was done. In the first above example it would read as: C-drive, 09-Month, 21-Day, 91-Year. There is one Rule which MUST BE followed for DF to work right. There MUST BE 7 characters, NO LESS and NO MORE. Also, the first character MUST BE Alpha, any letter like a, b, c, z, q, j, u, or whatever in uppercase. If you want to change drive to file your diskettes on, just press <R> and then Enter. You will then be at the drive set-up menu and you can answer the one question again according to your desired new set-up. When you select <L> and press Enter you will get a listing of the SF's where the storage subdirectory or storage diskette is located. This will let you know when to start another new Storage File. I would not let the SF get over 200 - 300K in size, it can be larger, but the larger the file the slower the performance. To do a search select <F> and press Enter and you will be prompted for a character string to search for. It can be from 3 to 12 or more characters in length. This search does not have to be for a diskette Label Identifier or Hard Drive Date Identifier. Let's say, we want to know how many files have a *.com, or *.zip, extension. We would type in com, or zip, and press Enter and you will then be prompted if you want to print this specific search or not. Simply type or press <Y> or <N> and you will find out what files and on what diskette Label Identifier they are located on. This is another unique factor about DF, is that you can search for whatever you want. Say your looking for some graphics and you know what format they are in, say *.pcx. Just type PCX in and press Enter and if you have filed any diskettes with any graphics on it you will know where to find or get your graphics. If you want to find graphics or other items on the Hard Drive press <R> and select say, <CC> and then <F> and then type PCX and press Enter. Then you will know if there is any PCX graphics on the Hard Drive. If you have filed other Hard Drives such as D:, E:, or F:, or higher that information is in the same SF and therefore will be found upon the same search if present. Now if you want to delete a diskette Label Identifier (ID#) or a HDDI select <D> and press Enter. Then a screen will come up prompting you for a 7 character ID# or HDDI, and it MUST BE NO LESS and NO MORE than 7 characters or you will receive an error message. Also with our previous example DSK-001, if you only entered DSK-00 and forgot the last number digit or made a typo, or put a 2 instead of a 1, you will get an error message. In other words, I have worked very diligently to make sure that a deletion occurs only if what you typed in is an EXACT match to what is in the SF. When you put in a diskette ID# or HDDI correctly you will see two lines, one saying "deleting label identifier..... Please wait..." while a second one on another line just beneath it with a flashing statement, saying "deleting label identifier....". After it's finished deleting the ID# or HDDI the same message will come up as if you had made a mistake, with the only difference being you can ignore it and press the space bar to return to the Main Menu. When you are at a certain point and need to take a break or do another task for a time away from your computer, you can have DF run a Screen Saver for you. All you need to do is select <B> and press Enter, and then a prompt will come up asking if you want to leave yourself a message. You can use this one line message to remind yourself where you left off at or an appointment or whatever you want. Press Enter if you don't want a message, or select <N> and press Enter. If you select <Y> you can then type in about a 60 character message which will be displayed along with date and time. All 1 to 3 message bars will randomly move about. When you want to return to the Main Menu just type <Q> and you will return to the Main Menu without having to press Enter. When you press <V> option it will call up the DOS Label program with the drive to be labeled already furnished to it. Therefore you will see if a volume label already exists or not. If one exists you can choose to change it, or leave it. Likewise, if a volume label does not exist then you can type one in and press Enter. From pressing the Enter key you will return to the Main Menu. To Quit Disk Filer just select <Q> and press Enter and you will return to the DOS prompt from the Main Menu. PRINT MENU 6 When you select <P> at the Main Menu and press Enter you go to a short Menu called the "Print Menu", and it will ask if you want a complete printout (CP) or a partial printout <PP>. A complete printout will print the entire SF by a complete DOS copy command to your printer. A partial printout will use the List or your Editor program to display and/or print a partial or selected part of the SF. This is where having List or an Editor would make Disk Filer more efficient and diversified and easier in it's use. Having one of these programs is what will make the <PP> selection of any use. THE VIEW MENU 7 At the Main Menu when you pressed the Enter key once you will go to the View Menu. The View Menu has 4 choices for you. If you select <VS> and press Enter you will view the SF one screen full at a time. When you have read to the bottom of the screen, just press the space bar to continue to the next screen. When you have finished viewing the SF you will return to the Main Menu. If you select <VL> and press Enter you will use the List or your Editor program. Use it's commands to navigate around the screen. You also could print a block or selection at this time as well. When you exit either program you will return to the Main Menu. The third choice is the DOS shell. Select <S> and press Enter to shell out to a second command processor. Doing this will allow you to perform regular DOS functions. The Main point here is "DON'T FORGET YOU ARE NOT OUT OF DISK FILER". To Return to DF type EXIT and press Enter. Then if you want to quit DF select <Q> and press Enter. In version 2.5 you are now reminded to type EXIT to get back into DF. This reminder will remain regardless where you are at or what you do. Remember DO NOT Load another application or program in this DOS shell, just do a DOS procedure, or other light duty program. The fourth choice is to select <E> and press Enter to return to Main Menu. WHY USE DISK FILER 8 Disk Filer has several advantages and I'll only mention a few here which I consider to be major ones. First and foremost the file which stores the diskettes and hard drive information is a pure ASCII file. Which in turn means you can extract, print, transfer, export this information that's been collected to other applications such as a database. I tried to keep DF as simple and flexible as possible. Such as letting you use your own diskette or hard drive identification method. Also to let you search in any way you need, by ID# or HDDI, or for that certain file your looking for but not quite sure of the name or spelling, or genaral areas. Also to allow you to use a diskette volume label by using the <V> command. Disk Filer is compatible on a computer of 256K or higher of RAM on a MS or PC-DOS compatible or clone computer system. The version of DOS you need to use is from 2.0 and later. I hope you find Disk Filer as useful and helpful as I and those who have tested it for me have. Thanks for selecting and trying Disk Filer. If you find yourself using Disk Filer for 30 days or more and like it please send $15.00 U.S. currency to: Steve Brown 835 1/2 South A Street Arkansas City, KS 67005 All paid users of Disk Filer will receive one New version of Disk Filer upon it's release. Your thoughts annd suggestions are welcomed, even if you don't send the Registration fee. When you Register PLEASE state which version you currently have and the date of the DF.EXE file. Now for the legal aspect. WARRANTY/DISCLAIMER 9 Disk Filer is not freeware but is being distributed as shareware and is copyrighted material. Shareware is a try before you buy concept. Therefore, ease your conscience and mine and send $15.00 to me to help make a vote to improve Disk Filer, and compensate me in a small way for the work I have put into Disk Filer. Disk Filer is distributed strictly as is with NO warranty of any kind, written, implied or otherwise. This program has been tested to work as described in the documentation, but in no way means it will work in all situations. Therefore I'm not responsible or liable for any damage in any way from inuse, misuse, failure of any kind or way, inability to use, equipment operation, or any damage or possible infringement consequentially or inconsequentially. Now that all is done in the documentation and legal aspect: Enjoy Disk Filer and have an organized Diskette Library, and find that file on your Hard Drive as well!