home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Shareware Overload
/
ShartewareOverload.cdr
/
windows
/
mail32.zip
/
MAILALL.MAN
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1989-05-14
|
88KB
|
2,508 lines
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| **** **** ***** ***** *** ***** *** *** |
| * *** * ** ** * * ** ** * * |
| * * ********* * * ********* * * |
| *** *** *** *** ***** ******** *** *** ******** ******** |
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
| Mail List Manager By James D. McDaniel |
| -------------------------------------- |
| |
| Copyright (C) 1987, 1988, 1989 by |
| |
| mcTRONic Systems |
| |
| Revision 3.20 |
| |
| |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page i
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Shareware
MIALALL is a user supported Shareware product. The time,
effort, and money that has gone into the development and mainte-
nance of MAILALL, can only be recovered through your support.
Please become a registered user of MAILALL! This allows the
further development of this product and gives you, the user,
access to a well written, economical mail list manager.
MAILALL does require DOS version 2.1 or higher. DOS version
3.1 or higher is recommended. If you use MAILALL under normal
DOS, you will need up to 512K of memory. If you use MAILALL
under Windows you should have 640K of memory. A graphic card is
not required but is recommended. MAILALL can use a mouse if you
have a suitable mouse driver loaded and a mouse properly hooked
up to your computer. Your config.sys file should include at
least the statements FILES=20 and BUFFERS=20. If you use a Disk
Cache then use the BUFFERS value that is recommended by its manu-
facture. Two floppy drives is a must and a hard disk is recom-
mended.
Copyright Notice
MAILALL is Copyright by mcTRONic Systems
WINDOWS is Copyright by Microsoft Corporation
SIDEKICK, TURBO BASIC is Copyright by Borland International
LOGITECH is Copyright Logitech Inc.
PCMOUSE, IMSI is Copyright Mouse Systems
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page ii
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................1
Specifications..................................................2
Mailall Files...................................................5
Starting Mailall................................................6
Copyright and Revision Number...................................7
Address File Selection..........................................8
Main Menu.......................................................9
Display Next or Previous Address...............................10
Search for the Next Address Match..............................11
Print Displayed Address on Label or Envelope...................12
F1. Enter New Address..........................................13
F2. Edit the Displayed Address.................................15
F3. Delete the Displayed Address...............................16
F4. Enter Address Search Data..................................17
F5. Sort the Address File......................................19
F6. Print Labels, Envelopes, & Reports.........................21
F7. Import/Export a MailMerge File.............................23
F8. List State Abbreviations...................................25
F9. System or Print Functions..................................26
F10.Quit or Select a New Mail File.............................28
Edit Keys and Their Functions..................................29
Mouse Information..............................................33
Microsoft Windows..............................................34
Network Compatibility..........................................35
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction
MAILALL is a versatile mail list manager program. It will
maintain addresses, phone numbers and the like. MAILALL
represents several hundred hours of program writing with many
additions and corrections added in response to user requests and
comments. MAILALL'S primary function is to print mailing labels
but can also be used to maintain addresses with phone numbers,
etc. for just about any purpose.
If you need a mail list manager, you should find MAILALL to
your liking. The price is certainly right if you received MAILALL
from a friend or a computer board. I do request, if you use
MAILALL and find it does the job, that you mail a check to the
address below for $20. If you would like to have the latest
version of MAILALL sent to you first class mail, then send a
check or a money order to the address below for $25 plus $2.50
postage and handling ($27.50 total). Make all checks payable to
"James D. McDaniel". I will mail you a disk with the latest
version of MAILALL. You can also obtain MAILALL on a 3 1/2 inch
720K disk for no additional charge. A site licence for the
standard MAILALL version costs just $89.95. Registered users can
obtain an update to MAILALL at any time for $7.50 and site li-
cences updates cost $29.95. All orders outside the United States
must add $5.00 to cover additional shipping charges as well as
international money transfer charges. USA funds only PLEASE!
If you should find a bug in MAILALL or have a suggestion for
an improvement, please write and let me know. If you have any
special requirements, I will consider writing a custom version of
MAILALL just for your use. I do hope you enjoy using MAILALL.
m c T R O N i c S y s t e m s
James D. McDaniel
7426 Cornwall Bridge Ln.
Houston, TX 77041-1709
........................... Thank You .........................
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Specifications
PRODUCT
List price ------------------> $25.00 (+2.50 shipping)
Max. no. of addresses -------> 4000 hard disk, 1440 floppy disk
COLOR
User Selectable Colors ------> Yes
ON LINE HELP
State abbreviation help -----> Yes
DATA ENTRY
Max. no. of zip code digits -> 10
Case conversion/add. search -> Yes
Records Saved on Entry ------> Yes
DATA IMPORT/EXPORT
Import/Export files ---------> Yes, MailMerge files in WordStar format
RECORD RETRIEVAL
Retrieved by any field ------> Yes
Retrieved by multi-fields ---> Yes
DATA SORTING
Single-field sorting --------> Yes
Dual-field sorting ----------> Yes
LABELS
Predesigned labels ----------> Yes
Max. no. across -------------> 4
Size selection before print -> Yes
Field trimming during print -> Yes
Print test label ------------> Yes
Print multiple label copies -> Yes
Print labels by field -------> Yes
ENVELOPES
Prt sprocket feed Envelopes -> Yes
Prt on single Envelopes -----> Yes, if printer supported
REPORTS
Separate report output ------> Yes
Adjustable Page Length ------> Yes
Number of Addresses across --> 1 to 4
All fields are printed ------> Yes
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
PRINT OPTIONS
Can print options be saved --> Yes
MAILMERGE
Support MailMerge -----------> Yes, WordStar & MultiMate Advantage
FIELD SIZES and NUMBER
# 1) First Name: 20 characters
2) Last Name: 14 characters
3) Company Name: 34 characters
4) Address: 34 characters
5) City: 20 characters
6) State: 2 characters
7) Zip: 10 characters
8) Codes: 34 characters
9) Comments: 34 characters
10) Phone: 34 characters
11) Created Date: 6 characters
12) Last Edit Date: 6 characters
PRINTING ORDER OF ADDRESSES ON LABELS AND ENVELOPES
First.Name Last.Name (always printed - see note-1)
Company.Name (not printed if blank)
Address (always printed)
City State Zip (always printed)
Code Field (only if activated from systems menu)
Phone Field (only if activated from systems menu)
Each label will use a minimum of four lines or five lines if the
code/phone field is printed even if a line is blank.
Notes: 1) If company name is blank then the first line of the
label will be blank. The second line will print `First.Name
Last.Name' and the rest of the label will print normally.
ADDRESS FILE NAMES
d:\path\filename.ext 64 characters maximum
Up to 20 filenames are maintained by MAILALL
ADDRESS SIZES
Each address uses 250 bytes of disk space. 4000 addresses would
require one megabyte of disk space. 1440 addresses would require
360k of disk space. When address files are sorted on a hard disk
you will need up to three times the address file size to be free.
This is due to MAILALL maintaining a backup file and using a
temporary file while sorting. A floppy based address file does
not require any space beyond the 360k for 1440 addresses. When a
file is sorted on a floppy no backup file is maintained.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------
MOUSE SUPPORT
MAILALL now has full Microsoft or compatable Mouse Support.
COPY-PROTECTION
MAILALL does not use copy-protection.
NETWORK COMPATIBLE
YES, Mailall has been tested on a Novel Network. Full file
locking is now present.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 5
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Mailall Files
The following files make up MAILALL:
MAILALL.EXE - Required, Main program (Turbo Basic)
MAILALL.FIL - Required, List of data file names
MAILALL.LAB - Required, Save of all print menu entries
MAILALL.CNF - Required, Save of monitor type entry
MAILALL.PIF - Required if you use MAILALL under MS Windows
MAILALL.MAN - MAILALL user manual (this file)
PRINTMAN.BAT - Batch file that will print this manual
DEMO.DAT - Demo address data file
WSDEMO.MM - Demo MailMerge data file
WSDEMO.LET - Demo letter using WordStar MailMerge
MMDEMO.DOC - Demo letter using MultiMate Advantage
MMDEMODA.DOC - Demo MultiMate address file
README.DOC - Latest info on MAILALL
INSTALL.BAT - Hard Disk install program
INSTALL1.DAT - Install File
INSTALL2.DAT - Install File
BCONVERT.EXE - Convert MAILALL 2.x Files to 3.x
ALSO INCLUDED
PF.COM - Port Finder, LPT and COM port utility
PF.DOC - Port Finder Document File
COMTEST.BAT - Port Finder Test Batch File
If MAILALL.FIL is not present, then it will be created. If
MAILALL.LAB is not present, it will be created. If MAILALL.CNF
is not present when MAILALL is started, you will be asked for
your monitor type. The MAILALL.CNF file is created and your
monitor type is saved in this file. MAILALL.EXE, MAILALL.CNF,
MAILALL.FIL, and MAILALL.LAB should be in the default directory.
If MAILALL is, run from a floppy disk, then it should not be
write protected.
Always use a backup copy of MAILALL. You should always back
up your data files. If you use a floppy based system, then MAI-
LALL will not maintain a backup copy of your data files. Please
make backup copies of your data!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 6
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Starting Mailall
To start MAILALL enter the following command at the DOS
prompt.
MAILALL<enter>
If the file MAILALL.CNF is not present when MAILALL is
started, like the very first time you run MAILALL, you will be
given four monitor types or operating modes to choose from. Your
selection will then be saved in the file MAILALL.CNF and you will
not be required to reenter this data unless you wish to change
your selection. You can only get to the monitor selection options
when you first start up MAILALL. Your options are:
<M> Monochrome Adapter Card and Monitor - SideKick Compatible
<B> Color Graphics Card with Single Color Monitor
<C> Color Graphics Card and Color Monitor
<S> Color Monitor with `SideKick' compatible operation
SideKick compatible operation has been added to MAILALL.
Options `M' and `S' will allow you to pull up sidekick from any
menu or section. Options `B' and `C' will allow SideKick to be
started properly only from the Main Menu of MAILALL. Option `M'
will work with all monitor types. Options `B', `C', and `S' all
required a CGA, EGA or better adapter card. Options `C' and `S'
work best with a color monitor.
Your may override your monitor or mouse selection temporari-
ly by entering one of the following commands when MAILALL is
first started.
MAILALL /M<enter> - Same as option `M'
MAILALL /B<enter> - Same as option `B'
MAILALL /C<enter> - Same as option `C'
MAILALL /S<enter> - Same as option `S'
MAILALL /D<enter> - Disable Mouse Support
If you wish to change your monitor selection stored in the
file MAILALL.CNF, you can just delete this file and restart
MAILALL with no parameters. Any time you change your monitor
setting you will also need to reselect the mouse and display
colors. You can also start MAILALL as follows:
MAILALL /0<enter> - Allows you to reselect your monitor type.
See also option F9 from the MAILALL main menu. The systems
and print functions has a option number 9. You can now change
your monitor type from within MAILALL.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright and Revision Number
The current revision and serial number will be displayed.
You also have the alternative to print out a registration form by
pressing R at this time, if your copy of MAILALL has not been
registered. The screen will stay on until you press S for start.
When the S key is pressed then MAILALL will go to the address
file menu. A registered user will not see the registration
request and may bypass this screen by pressing the return key
twice when MAILALL is started.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 8
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Address File Selection
The address file selection menu is the second screen that
will greet you. From this menu you will select the address file
name that MAILALL will work with. You can also add a new address
file names, up to twenty names are maintained, delete a file
name, or rename one of your address files. To select a file for
MAILALL to use, enter one of the numbers to the left of the
address file names. If the number is less that 10, you can enter
a zero in front or just the number and press return. MAILALL is
looking for a maximum of two characters to be entered. After
character number two, MAILALL will leave the address file selec-
tion menu. All request for file numbers will work the same.
To add an address file name, enter an `A' for add. MAILALL
will then ask you for the new name. Enter the name as:
d:\path\filename.ext (64 characters maximum)
The drive, path and extension entries are optional. If you use a
floppy based system, you should enter the drive as `A:' or `B:'.
This will alert MAILALL that it is a floppy and will allow up to
1440 addresses to be entered. The file sort program will do an
in- file sort which will require no additional space beyond the
maximum address file requirements of 360k for 1440 addresses. If
for some reason you do not wish to use the floppy sort system,
then either do not enter an `A:' or `B:' in front of the file
name or enter an `A:\' or `B:\' even if your floppy does not have
any sub-directories. If you do not use the floppy sort system on
a floppy disk, then you will run out of disk space during a file
sort if the file is bigger than about 480 addresses. If the file
is smaller than 480 addresses, MAILALL will work properly with
the floppy and also maintain a backup file for you.
To delete an address file name from the list, enter a `D'
for delete. MAILALL will respond with a number request. Enter the
number just like you were selecting a file for MAILALL to use.
The address file is not deleted but only its name is removed from
the MAILALL file name list. You must go to DOS and delete the
file if you do not want it any more. Since the delete function
does not actually delete the file you can use it to remove an
incorrectly entered file name also.
To rename an address file, enter a `R' for rename. MAILALL
will respond with a number request. Enter the number just like
you were selecting a file for MAILALL to use. The address file
must already exist in the drive/path as entered with addresses
included. If you entered a name incorrectly, delete and reenter
it again.
Enter a `Q' to quit MAILALL from the file selection menu.
If you have a mouse you may place the mouse cursor on any file
you want to use and press the button to select it. You can
select any option by placing the cursor on it and pressing the
button.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 9
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Main Menu
You are now at the main menu of MAILALL. You will see many
things that are displayed on this screen. The correct time and
date are at the top of the screen. You should attempt to keep
them correct as they are used to time and date stamp your data
files. Just below the date, on the left, is the complete ad-
dress. On the right, opposite the displayed address, you will
see the present address number, total number of addresses, the
created and last edit date, the Code/Phone print status, and the
present sort status. Below the address is the current file name,
which can be up to 64 characters long. The fourteen main menu
options are:
<+> Display Next Address
<-> Display Previous Address
<S> Search For Next Address Match
<P> Print the Displayed Address on a Label or Envelope
F1. Enter a New Address
F2. Edit the Displayed Address
F3. Delete the Displayed Address
F4. Enter Address Search Data
F5. Sort the Address File
F6. Print Labels, Envelopes, & Reports
F7. Import/Export a MailMerge File
F8. List State Abbreviations
F9. System or Print Functions
F10.Quit or Select a New Mail File
All other keys are ignored at this time. The keyboard buffer
is constantly cleared of any characters that might be pressed.
Each above function is activated by its corresponding key. If
you have a mouse, you can select any of the above options by
placing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Display Next or Previous Address
The plus and minus keys are used to move the displayed
address by one address number. If the display is at address
number one and the plus key is pressed, then the displayed
address will change to number two. If the displayed address is
number one and the minus key is pressed, then the displayed
address will be the last address in the file. If the last address
is displayed and the plus key is pressed, then the displayed
address will change to address number one. If the last address is
displayed and the minus key is pressed, then the address before
the last address will be displayed.
The beginning and end of the address file appear to be
connected to each other. Any time you try to go past the end of
the file you will go to the beginning. Any time you try to go to
the address before the first address you will go to the last
record. When MAILALL first starts you will always start at
address number one. Also after you have sorted the file you will
start at address number one. If you quickly enter several plus or
minus key entries, they will stack up in the keyboard buffer. If
you need to go to an address that is six addresses higher, you
can press the plus key six times very fast and MAILALL will stop
at the correct record. This will work until you exceed the six-
teen character keyboard limit. You can also place your mouse
cursor on either of these options and select it by pressing the
mouse button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 11
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Search for the Next Address Match
The `S' key is used to search for the next occurrence of an
address match per the data that you entered with the F4 Key. If
no data has been entered, then MAILALL will tell you so. You can
enter an address number, at this time, to be displayed if you
wish. If you just press return, the search response line at the
bottom of the screen will go away.
If search data has been entered, when you press the `S' key
MAILALL will give you three options. Select these options by
entering a `N' for next, a `P' for previous or a `R' for address
number. If you entered a `N' and there is a next match it will be
displayed on the screen. If there is not a match, then address
one will be displayed and MAILALL will beep. If you entered a `P'
and there was a previous match, it will be displayed. If there
was not a previous match, then MAILALL will not change the dis-
played address at all. If you entered an `R' for address number,
then enter the address number that you wish to display, and press
return. You can select all options listed here by placing the
mouse cursor on top of it and pressing button number 1. This
includes the S, N, R, and P options.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Print the Displayed Address on a Label or Envelope
From the Main Menu option "P" is present. It is described
as "<P>rint Displayed Address on a Label or Envelope". When a
"P" is pressed a new command prompt will be displayed at the
bottom of the screen. It reads as follows,
"Print one across <L>abels or a single <E>nvelope (Any other key
aborts):"
If a "L" is pressed, a single label, one across, will be
printed from the displayed address. The label is printed based
on data entered using F6 from the Main Menu, "Print Labels, En-
velopes, or Reports", then use section 1, "Label Data". All
items are used except "Number of Labels Across" which is ignored.
It (number of labels across) will always be assumed to be one.
To print more than one across would require entering all labels,
up to four, before they are printed. This can be done better
using the standard label print section. If the label does not
print as desired make sure the "Label Data" is set correctly and
saved. A temporary change can be used if you wish. Make a
change to the "Label Data" but do not save it. The change will
be in effect until you quit MAILALL or press F6 from the Main
Menu again.
If a "P" is pressed, a single Envelope will be printed from
the displayed address. The Envelope is printed based on data
entered using F6 from the Main Menu, "Print Labels, Envelopes, or
Reports", then use section 3, "Envelope Data". All items are
used except "Pause after each letter" which is ignored. It
(pause after each letter) will always be assumed to be "YES". If
the Envelope does not print as desired make sure the "Envelope
Data" is set correctly and saved. A temporary change can be used
if you wish. Make a change to the "Envelope Data" but do not
save it. The change will be in effect until you quit MAILALL or
press F6 from the Main Menu again. You can also select these
options by placing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1.
This includes options P, L, and E.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F1. Enter New Address
To enter a new address into your selected address file,
press the F1 key at the main menu. This will display the `Enter
New Address' screen. The current address and last address number
will be the same and will be one address higher than the last
address number that was displayed at the main menu. There will be
ten fields displayed with the maximum number of characters that
can be entered per field shown. The cursor will be placed at the
beginning of the `First Name & Middle Int.' field. This field can
also include the honorific (Mr. or Mrs.), if you like, up to 20
characters. When you are done, press return and you will go to
the `Last Name' field. Enter last name, if any and press return
again. You will do this in each field until you have filled in
all appropriate fields. Just press return if a field should be
blank.
MAILALL insists that you enter data into at least one field.
If all fields are blank, then the empty address is not entered
into your data base. The STATE field has only two letters. If you
do not know the correct state abbreviation, you can look it up
from the main menu by pressing the F8 key. You do not have to
capitalize this entry as MAILALL will always make it upper case
when it is entered into the data base. The Codes or Comments
fields can be used for special sorting codes, extra phone numbers
or any other purpose that you may need. Each of these two fields
are 34 characters in length.
When you have entered the last field, MAILALL will display
`Is the above address correct (Yes/No Done=yes & Quit)' prompt.
If you enter a Y for yes, the address is entered into the data
base and the fields are cleared. The cursor is placed in the
first field again and you can now enter another address. If you
answer N for no, then the cursor will be placed at the end of
your entry in field one. You can then correct any field with an
error by backspacing over the incorrect data and entering the
correct data. Press enter if the field is correct or if you have
just corrected it. When you press enter on the last field, you
will once again be asked if the address is correct. If you enter
a D for done and the address is correct, the address will be
entered and you will be returned to the main menu. When you enter
a new address the file sort status will read `FILE: Not Sorted'.
The prompt "ALT-C Toggles CARRY ON or OFF" will be displayed
the first time after pressing the F1 key from the main menu.
When the CARRY ON function is active the words "CARRY ON" will be
displayed at the top left hand corner. When the "CARRY ON"
function is active all non blank fields will be carried over to
the next address that is entered allowing you to change only the
fields that are different. Pressing ALT-C again will disable the
function. Several other keys can also be used here besides the
enter and backspace key. Go to page 28 for further information.
If you go up from the first field or down from the last field you
will see `Is the above address correct? (Y/N)' prompt displayed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 14
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can also use the mouse cursor to select option F1 from
the main menu. Both the carry and insert functions can be tog-
gled by placing the mouse cursor on them and pressing button 1.
You can place the screen entry cursor on any data location you
like by placing the mouse cursor at that location and pressing
button 1. If the mouse cursor is beyond the data for any line
then the data entry cursor will be place at the end of any data.
This would be the first position if no data is present on the
line selected. The mouse cursor must be between the two colons
on any line to be detected. If you press button 2, it is the
same as pressing the escape key. You can place the mouse cursor
on any of the three options, Yes, No, or Done and press button 1
to select that option.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 15
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F2. Edit the Displayed Address
Pressing F2 will bring up the address edit section. In order
to edit an address it must be displayed on the screen. Use F4 to
enter search data to find the address that you wish to edit. Or
enter `SN', `SP' or `SR' if you have already entered data using
F4 but the address that you want is not yet displayed on the
screen. You can also use the `+' and `-' keys to bring up the
desired address, if you like.
When you press F2 the screen will clear and the edit screen
will appear. The cursor will be placed at the end of field number
one of the displayed address. Press the enter key on each field
that you do not wish to change. When you reach the field that you
wish to modify use the backspace key to erase the data that is no
longer correct, enter the correct data, and press enter when you
are done. All keys work the same as in entering a new address
into your data base. See page 28 for further information. If you
should blank out every field for some reason, MAILALL will put
two dots `..' in the company name slot. If you wish to delete an
address, then use F3 from the main menu.
When you have finished editing all the fields, MAILALL will
ask `Is the above address correct (Y/N)?'. If you press a `Y'
then the corrected address will be entered into your data base
and you will go back to the main menu. If you answered `N' then
the `correct' prompt will blank and the cursor will be placed at
the end of field number one. Enter or reenter the data that is
incorrect and answer `Y' at the `correct' prompt when done. When
you edit the field(s) that the address file was sorted by, the
file sort status will change to `FILE: Not Sorted'. Use F5 from
the main menu to resort the file.
You can also use the mouse cursor to select option F2 from
the main menu. The insert function can be toggled by placing the
mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1. You can place the
screen entry cursor on any data location you like by placing the
mouse cursor at that location and pressing button 1. If the
mouse cursor is beyond the data for any line then the data entry
cursor will be place at the end of any data. This would be the
first position if no data is present on the line selected. The
mouse cursor must be between the two colons on any line to be
detected. If you press button 2 it is the same as pressing the
escape key. You can place the mouse cursor on either of the two
options, "Yes or No" and press button 1 to select that option.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 16
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F3. Delete the Displayed Address
Pressing the F3 key from the main menu will cause the
`delete' prompt to be displayed at the bottom of the screen. In
order to delete an address it must be displayed on the screen.
Use F4 to enter search data to find the address that you wish to
delete. Or enter `SN, `SP', or `SR' if you have already entered
data using F4 but the address that you want to delete is not yet
displayed on the screen. You can also use the `+' or `-' keys to
bring up the desired address, if you like.
Answer the prompt `Are you SURE you want to DELETE the
displayed address? (Y/N)' with a `Y' if the displayed address is
to be deleted or `N' if the displayed should not be deleted. If
an address is deleted, it must be reentered to be restored.
MAILALL will take the last address in the file and fill the hole
that is left by the deleted record. This will cause the file sort
status to read `FILE: Not Sorted'. You will have to use key F5
from the main menu to resort the file.
You may also select this option by placing the mouse cursor
on it and pressing button 1. When the delete prompt appears you
can select to delete the file by placing the mouse cursor either
on "Yes" or "DELETE" to delete the file. Any other location will
abort the delete function.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 17
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F4. Enter Address Search Data
Pressing F4 from the main menu will bring up the `Enter
Address Search Data' screen. It does not matter what address is
displayed when you press F4. Use F4 to bring up an address that
you wish to edit or delete. You also enter data here to use when
you are printing out labels or exporting files in the MailMerge
section.
When you press F4 the screen will clear and the search data
screen will appear. The cursor will be placed at the end of field
number one. Any data that may have been entered previously will
still be displayed. Just press the enter key on each field that
you do not wish to change. If a field has data in it that must be
removed or changed, then put the cursor on that field and use the
backspace key to delete or change the data. Press the return key
when you are done. All keys work the same as in entering a new
address into your data base. See page 28 for further information.
When you are through editing address fields, MAILALL will
ask `Is the above address correct? (Y/N)'. If you press a `Y'
then MAILALL will start at address one and search each address
per the data that you have entered. MAILALL will stop at the
first address match and display it from the main menu. If no
address match is found, then address number one will be displayed
and MAILALL will beep. If you answer `N' then the `correct'
prompt will blank and the cursor will be placed at the end of
field number one. Enter or reenter the data that is incorrect and
answer `Y' at the `correct' prompt when done.
You will get an address match when the data you enter into
the field(s) match in any position. Upper/Lower case is ignored
unless the field entry starts with a `!'.
Example:
If all other fields are blank and you entered the following.
Address - - - - - - - - -> :james_____________________________:
or
Address - - - - - - - - -> :!James____________________________:
The following address would match.
Address - - - - - - - - -> :1234 St. James Place______________:
If MAILALL should find an address search match, but not the
address that you are looking for, then enter `SN' from the main
menu to find the next address search match. If no additional
matches exist, then MAILALL will display address one and beep.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 18
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can also use the mouse cursor to select option F4 from
the main menu. The insert function can be toggled by placing the
mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1. You can place the
screen entry cursor on any data location you like by placing the
mouse cursor at that location and pressing button 1. If the
mouse cursor is beyond the data for any line then the data entry
cursor will be place at the end of any data. This would be the
first position if no data is present on the line selected. The
mouse cursor must be between the two colons on any line to be
detected. If you press button 2 it is the same as pressing the
escape key. You can place the mouse cursor on either of the two
options, Yes or No and press button 1 to select that option.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 19
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F5. Sort the Address File
Pressing F5 will bring up the address file sort section. It
does not matter what address is displayed when you press F5. Use
F5 after you have added, edited, or deleted addresses from your
address file. Using F5 should be done after you have made all the
changes to your address file.
When the sort screen appears, you may choose either one or
two fields from the total of ten to sort your address file. The
fields are represented by the letters A-J with `First Name' equal
to `A' and `Phone' equal to `J'. To sort the file by `Last Name'
and `First Name' you would enter `BA'. To sort the file by only
`Last Name' you would enter `BB'. Any time you want to sort by
only one field enter the same field letter twice. If you decide
that you do not want to sort the file then enter a `Z'. This
will bring you back to the main menu. The address file will not
be changed.
When the sort routine first loads up it will check to see
how much free string space is present. The total free string
space is divided by the total number of addresses in your address
file. I divide the result by two to determine the total number of
characters that can be sorted with two fields using the present
address file address size.
EXAMPLE:
Total Records = 1700 Total Free String Space = 53406
Field Size = (((53406/1700)/2)
Field Size = 15.7
Fractions are not allowed. The field size number will be 15
characters per field. When you have a small address file the
calculated number may be larger than 33 and/or equal to 34. When
this happens the `Field Size' will say `MAX'. When you have a
very large file, say 4000 addresses, the `Field Size` would be
down to six. If you enter a `R' at the sort menu, you can revise
the `Field Size' up or down. You can not enter a number below one
or greater than two times the `Field Size' that was first
displayed. If you make the number larger than the default, you
will be able to sort only by one field. MAILALL will do this no
matter what you tell it. The first field that you enter will be
used for the file sort. Making the number smaller than the
default will shorten the time to do the in memory sorting. The
rewriting of the file will not be effected, however. If you enter
a `0' at the revise field size prompt, then `Field Size' will be
set to `MAX'.
If for any reason the data base is corrupted or you receive
some sort of error message during the sort, do not resort the
file. Immediately exit MAILALL and rename the old back file if
present to some other name that does not end with .BAK. Restart
MAILALL and add this new name. This may save your file.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 20
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You can use the mouse cursor to select function F5 by plac-
ing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1. When you see
the sort options you may select any two that you wish by merely
placing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1. Button 2
will abort the sort operation if both sorts fields have not yet
been selected.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 21
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F6. Print Labels, Envelopes, & Reports
Pressing F6 will bring up the Address Print Menu. The
displayed address does not matter when you choose this option.
When you press F6 the screen will clear and the Address Print
Menu screen will appear. You are presented with five data
sections and eight function key choices. The eight function keys
are as follows:
F1. Print Labels
F2. Print Reports
F3. Print Envelopes
F4. Edit Data
F5. Test Label
F6. Test Envelope
F7. Save Data
F10. Quit
The five data sections are labeled as follows:
1) Label Data
2) Report Data
3) Envelope Data
4) Return Data
5) Common Data
Pressing F1 will cause labels to be printed per data entered
in the label section one. Pressing F2 will cause a report to be
printed per the data entered in the report section two. Pressing
F3 will cause envelopes to be printed per the data entered in the
envelope section three. Pressing F4 will give you the option of
editing any of the five sections. Pressing F5 will cause a test
label to be printed per the data entered in the label section
one. Pressing F6 will cause a test envelope to be printed per the
data entered in the envelope section three. Pressing F7 will save
all data that has been entered into all five sections. When you
press F6 from the main menu this label data file that has been
saved will be loaded. Pressing F10 will send you back to the main
menu.
When you press F4 to edit a data section you will be asked
which section you wish to edit. Only numbers one through five are
valid. You need not press enter after the section number as you
start editing the chosen section one second after the section
number is entered. Valid control keys are the same as in
entering a new address. You must use the back space key or left
arrow key to clear an entry. You may blank out an entry and enter
a "?" to get a default value. This will work in sections one
through three and section five. Section four will require that
you enter a return address or leave it blank.
All data fields except the return address and last address
number to print are entered as a number, yes or no, or a question
mark. The last address number to print can have a number or the
letters EOF which stand for end of file. The last address number
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 22
-----------------------------------------------------------------
that is in the file may be a number from zero to 4000. The term
EOF will always represent the last address no matter what its
number is.
I allow one additional feature in the return address
section. You can embed control characters in the return address
field. This will allow you to send special print commands to your
printer. Not all control codes can be embedded, however you can
enter the escape code which is used most often. Any control codes
that you embed in the return address will take up character space
in that line. If you turn on a special print function you must
remember to turn it back off or it will effect the mail to
address.
If you have a mouse you can select F6 from the main menu by
placing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1. You select
any of the print menu function key options by placing the mouse
cursor on it and pressing button 1. If you select the edit
option F4, you can then select the area you wish to edit by
placing the mouse cursor anywhere within it and pressing button
1. After you have selected the area to edit you can select which
line to place the data cursor on by placing the mouse cursor on
it and pressing button 1. You can press button 2 to escape out
of the edit mode. You can select either Yes or No by placing the
mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 23
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F7. Import/Export a MailMerge File
Pressing F7 at the main menu will bring up the MailMerge
screen. It does not matter what address is displayed when you
press F7. When F7 is pressed the screen will clear and the
MailMerge menu will appear. You will first be asked if you want
to import or export a MailMerge file. If you press enter, MAILALL
will default to export.
If you choose to export a file, the exported file will be in
the MailMerge format of either Wordstar or MultiMate Advantage
and is used to print out form letters.
The WordStar MailMerge format is as follows:
"First Name","Last Name","Company Name","Address","City","State",
"Zip","Codes","Comments","Phone"<cr>
Since double quotes are used by MAILALL while making a
MailMerge file, MAILALL will not allow you to enter a double
quote into the data base. Should you enter a double quote, it
will be changed to a single quote. Any fields that are blank will
show up as "".
The MultiMate Advantage format is as follows:
FNAME (First Name)
LNAME (Last Name)
CNAME (Company Name)
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
CODE
COMMENT
PHONE
Multimate files must end with .DOC and are limited to 250
addresses per file. If more are required you will have to make
more than one file.
You will next be asked for the name of the MailMerge file.
The format is d:\path\filename.ext with drive, path, and
extension being optional. Limit your file name to 32 characters
or less. If you do not enter a name, MAILALL will return you to
the main menu. The next question is `Export only Address Search
Matches? (Y/N)'. If you answered `N', MAILALL will export all
addresses between the starting and ending address numbers
entered. MAILALL will default to `N' for no should you press
return. If you answer `Y' for yes, you have entered data using F4
from the main menu, and if there are any address matches, they
will be exported to the MailMerge file.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------
You will next be asked for the starting and ending address
number for export. If you just press return on the next two
questions, you will get the entire file. You may enter a number
greater than or equal to one for your starting record. You may
enter a number less than or equal to the last address in your
data base as the last address number to export. You will finally
be asked if you want to change any of the above entries. If you
answer `Y' for yes, you will have to reenter all of the above
data. If you answer `N' for no, then the MailMerge file will be
created and you will be returned to the main menu.
If you choose to import a file you must enter an `I'.
MAILALL will then ask for the MailMerge file name for import and
the `New Address file name'. The new address file format will be
the same that MAILALL uses for all address files. The import file
format must be a MailMerge file in the following format.
"First Name","Last Name","Company Name","Address","City","State",
"Zip","Codes","Comments","Phone"<cr>
If there are any blank fields they should be entered as "".
All file names must be in the format d:\path\filename.ext with
the drive, path, and extension being optional. Limit your file
names to 32 characters or less. If either file name is blank,
then MAILALL will return to the main menu.
You will now be asked if you want to change any entries. If
they are not correct, then enter a `Y' for yes and you will have
to reenter all data. If you answer an `N' for no, then MAILALL
will precede with generating the new MAILALL file from the Mail-
Merge file. When MAILALL is done you will be sent to the file
selection menu. If you want to use the newly created file, then
add its name to the list and choose it as the active file.
If you should create a very large MAILALL address file and
wish to make it into smaller files, you can use the export and
then import operations to make your address files into smaller
ones. First determine the starting and ending address numbers
that you wish to output. Choose F7 and export a file with the
starting and ending address numbers that you have determined.
When you have finished you will be returned to the main menu.
Choose F7 again but this time import a file. Tell MAILALL the
name of the MailMerge file you created. Now give MAILALL the name
that you would like to use with this new, but reduced in size
address file. When MAILALL has finished importing data, you will
be sent to the file selection menu. Add the new name to the list
if you wish to check it out. Then select it as your address file
to use.
You can use a mouse to select option F7 from the main menu.
The mouse is not used however anywhere else in this menu.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 25
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F8. List State Abbreviations
Pressing F8 from the main menu will bring up the State
Abbreviations list. It does not matter what the displayed address
may be. If you are not sure what the state abbreviation is, check
it out with F8. After you have found the correct state abbrevia-
tion, press the space bar to go back to the main menu. If you
have a mouse you can select option F8 from the main menu by
placing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1. To leave
the state abbreviations area either place the mouse cursor on the
press any key line and press button 1 or press button 2 from
anywhere.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 26
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F9. System or Print Functions
Pressing F9 from the main menu will bring up the `System or
Print Functions' menu. It does not matter what the displayed
address may be. You are presented with twelve options number one
to nine, zero, M for mouse and C for color with a `Q' for quit.
The first two allow you to enter the time and date. Enter
time as HH:MM:SS in 24 hour format. The seconds entry is option-
al. Enter the date as MM-DD-YY or MM-DD-YEAR.
The next six entries go to your printer. They use Epson
codes which may or may not be the same on your printer. Draft and
NLQ print are considered a toggle (options 3 & 4). The last
function pressed will have an asterisk displayed by it.
Emphasized print, on or off is considered a toggle (options 5 &
6). The last function pressed will also have an asterisk
displayed by it. Option number 7 will send the form feed command
to your printer and option 8 will reset your printer. If you had
previously selected options 3 to 6, any asterisk(s) displayed
will be cleared after choosing option 8.
Epson Print Codes by Option Numbers:
3) Set Draft print ON CHR$(27);"x";CHR$(0)
4) Set NLQ print ON CHR$(27);"x";CHR$(1)
5) Set Emphasized print OFF CHR$(27);"F"
6) Set Emphasized print ON CHR$(27);"E"
7) Send Form Feed to printer CHR$(12)
8) Reset the printer CHR$(27);"@"
Option number nine will allow you to change your monitor
setting if you choose to. MAILALL will always restart from the
beginning if you choose this option.
Option 0 is a three mode function allowing you to print the
CODE or PHONE field after the City,State,Zip line on an envelope
or label. The mode changes each time you press the "0" key. A
"C" is present when printing the CODE field and a "P" is present
when printing the PHONE field. I DO NOT recommend printing the
CODE or PHONE field on either LABELS or ENVELOPES that are being
sent by US mail. It may slow down first class delivery by re-
quiring hand sorting and may not be accepted for any other class
of mail. Use at your own risk! MAILALL always defaults to not
printing either the CODE or PHONE number field after the
City,State,Zip line. Your CODE or PHONE field selection will
stay active during each MAILALL session.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 27
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Option M allows you to Enable or Disable the mouse opera-
tion. If MAILALL does not detect a mouse driver is loaded then
the mouse will always come up disabled. An asterisk is present
when this function is Enabled and the mouse cursor will be
present. Each time you select this option you must manually
enter either Yes on No to Enable or Disable the mouse. If you
select to enable the mouse you will go to a mouse test screen.
If your mouse is operational you need to select the mouse
sensitivity and then quit. If your mouse is not operational
enter a Q to quit.
Option C will allow you to select the background colors used
in the three screen display areas of MAILALL. After your selec-
tions, enter a X to exit this menu and save your color selec-
tions. If you have selected display options M or B, then the
color selection menu will not be operational.
If you enter a `Q' for quit you will then be returned to the
main menu. After you start MAILALL, all entered print commands
will be remembered until you leave MAILALL.
You can use a mouse to select any option in this menu by
placing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 28
-----------------------------------------------------------------
F10.Quit or Select a New Mail File
Pressing F10 will bring you to the last menu to be covered.
It does not matter what address is displayed when this option is
selected. After pressing F10 the screen will be cleared and the
`Quit or Select New Mail File' menu will be displayed. If you
choose `E' for exit, your address file will be closed and you
will be returned to DOS. If you choose `S' for select new address
file, you will be sent to the address file name selection menu.
You can then select a new file for MAILALL to work with. If you
choose `R' for return to the main menu, the main menu will be
redisplayed as if you had not pressed F10 at all.
You can select the F10 option from the main menu by placing
the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1. Once the Quit or
Select menu comes up you can select any of the three options by
placing the mouse cursor on it and pressing button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 29
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Edit Keys and Their Functions
All address field entry, edit and search functions use a
full complement of editing keys while the label sub-menu uses a
somewhat reduced set of editing keys. In all cases if the cursor
is sent up from the first data field or down from the last data
field no matter what key is used then you are asked if the above
information is correct. You must answer with a `Y' for yes or a
`N' for a no. If you answer `Y' then the present field
edit/enter session is completed. If you answer `N' then the
cursor is placed at the end of the data field on the first line
and you may continue to enter or edit data fields.
The Address Field Entry, Edit and Search Keys:
ESCAPE KEY ------------------------------------------------------
Ends present edit/enter session and brings up the "Is the Present
Entries Correct Y/N" prompt. Mouse Button 2 also sends ESCAPE.
TAB KEY ---------------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor to the right eight places. If there are less
than eight characters left to the right then the cursor goes down
to the next line.
SHIFT TAB KEY ---------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor to the left eight places. If there are less
than eight characters left to the left then the cursor goes up to
the next line.
BACKSPACE KEY ---------------------------------------------------
Deletes the character to the left of the cursor. Also if there
are any characters to the right of the cursor they will all be
moved one space to the left.
ENTER KEY -------------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor to the end of the next field down.
INSERT KEY ------------------------------------------------------
Pressing the insert key toggles the character input mode between
the Insert/Over-Write modes. When you are in the Insert On mode
any characters that are entered will be inserted at that present
cursor position even if other characters are present to the right
of the cursor. Any characters that disappear at the end of the
present edit field are lost. When you are in the Insert Off
(Over-Strike) mode all characters located at the present cursor
position will be over-written instead of being moved to the
right. The Insert status will appear at the top right hand
corner of the screen. The cursor size also changes and is largest
when in the Insert On mode. You can toggle the INSERT status
with a mouse. Place mouse cursor on INSERT and press Button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 30
-----------------------------------------------------------------
HOME KEY --------------------------------------------------------
Pressing the HOME key will place the cursor at the first
character position of the present address field.
LEFT ARROW KEY --------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor one position to the left. If the cursor is at
the first character position then the cursor will go to the next
field up.
END KEY ---------------------------------------------------------
Pressing the END key will place the cursor at the last character
position that is used in the present line.
UP ARROW KEY ----------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor up one address field to the end of any address
data present.
DOWN ARROW KEY --------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor to the end of the next field down.
DELETE KEY ------------------------------------------------------
Deletes the character located at the present cursor position and
moves any characters that may be located to the right on position
to the left.
PAGE UP KEY -----------------------------------------------------
Places the cursor on the first address data field at the end of
any data that might be present.
RIGHT ARROW KEY -------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor one character position to the right. If the
cursor is at the last position that is occupied by a character
then the cursor will go to the next field down.
PAGE DOWN KEY ---------------------------------------------------
Places the cursor on the last address data field at the end of
any data that might be present.
ALT-C KEY -------------------------------------------------------
This is only used during new address entries. It toggles the
CARRY function ON or OFF. CARRY allows you to carry over the
data of all fields from one new address to the next new address.
You can also select this function with the mouse cursor placed on
the CARRY status indicator and pressing button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Label Edit and Entry Keys:
TAB KEY ---------------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor down one field to the end of any data present.
ESCAPE KEY ------------------------------------------------------
Ends present edit/enter session and brings up the "Is the Present
Entries Correct Y/N" prompt. The escape key does not work in the
return address area because it is a valid printer key. The mouse
button 2 can still be used here to break out of this entry.
SHIFT TAB KEY ---------------------------------------------------
Deletes the character to the right of the cursor and moves the
cursor over one space. If the cursor where located at the first
character position then the cursor will go up one line to the end
of any data that might be present.
BACKSPACE KEY ---------------------------------------------------
Deletes the character to the right of the cursor and moves the
cursor over one space. If the cursor where located at the first
character position then the cursor will go up one line to the end
of any data that might be present.
ENTER KEY -------------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor down one field to the end of any data present.
HOME KEY --------------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor to the first data field and at the end of any
data that might be present.
LEFT ARROW KEY --------------------------------------------------
Deletes the character to the right of the cursor and moves the
cursor over one space. If the cursor where located at the first
character position then the cursor will go up one line to the end
of any data that might be present.
END KEY ---------------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor to the last data field and at the last of any
data that might be present.
UP ARROW KEY ----------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor up one field to the end of any data present.
DOWN ARROW KEY --------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor down one field to the end of any data present.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 32
-----------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHT ARROW KEY -------------------------------------------------
Moves the cursor down one field to the end of any data present.
If you have a mouse you can use the mouse cursor to select
any option that can also be selected using the keyboard by plac-
ing the mouse cursor on the selected response that you see on the
screen and pressing button 1. Any place that you can use the
escape key you can also press button 2 in place of pressing the
escape key. You can place the data entry cursor on any data
field by placing the mouse cursor on that field and pressing
button 1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 33
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Mouse Information
MAILALL has been tested with the Mouse Systems Mouse (PC
Mouse, Imsi Mouse) and the Microsoft Mouse with no problems.
The Mouse Systems Mouse did require their driver version 5.5
dated 10-87 to work properly. All Microsoft mice that where
tested with MAILALL worked fine. I tried a Logitech Bus Mouse
with its driver and found that it did not work properly with
MAILALL.
MAILALL does not include a mouse driver. You must load the
mouse driver that came with your mouse per your mouse instruc-
tions. Any driver that is 100% compatible with the Microsoft
Mouse driver should work fine with MAILALL. If you have any
problems using your mouse with MAILALL, you may require a newer
mouse driver from your mouse manufacturer.
I recommend that you use your .SYS mouse driver that you
load in your config.sys file. Check your mouse documentation
concerning how to load this driver. MAILALL will not work with
your mouse unless you have loaded your mouse driver prior to
running MAILALL.
MAILALL usually shows onscreen the valid keyboard entries.
Any Keyboard option shown onscreen can also be selected using
your mouse. Place the mouse cursor on the option and press
button 1. Any place in MAILALL which will accept the escape key
can also be activated by pressing mouse button 2. Any time data
fields are onscreen for editing, you can place the edit cursor on
the selected field by placing the cursor on the desired line and
pressing button 1.
If you have activated the mouse and are unable to see the
mouse cursor on any screen, you should disable the mouse and not
use it as it may be unreliable. If you have a mouse driver
loaded with no mouse hooked up, you may experience problems when
trying to use MAILALL. You can deactivate the mouse from the
command line by starting MAILALL with the /D option for Disable
mouse.
I did discover that you can sometimes use the Microsoft
Mouse driver with a non-MS mouse. I tried the same Logitech Bus
Mouse that did not work earlier with the Microsoft mouse driver
and it worked just fine. If you can get a copy of the Microsoft
Mouse Driver try it with your mouse. The manufacturer of your
mouse is always your last resort however.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 34
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Windows
MAILALL includes a Windows PIF file (Program Information
File) which allows MAILALL to operate under windows. MAILALL is
considered a Windows Standard Application. That is "an applica-
tion that runs under DOS and was not designed especially for Win-
dows" to quote the Microsoft Windows User's Guide. The PIF file
informs Windows of certain information concerning MAILALL's
operation.
When you run MAILALL from within Windows there are two new
key strokes that can be used anywhere within MAILALL. Press the
ALT key and you will see a Windows Bar appear on the top line.
Select the minus sign with your mouse. You will be given a
standard set of Windows options. Also you can enter ALT+ESCAPE.
This will force MAILALL into a Windows icon. For further infor-
mation concerning using Standard Applications under Windows
please refer to your Windows manual under "Using Standard Appli-
cations".
When Windows places an application into an icon, it will
save the screen that was active at the moment of this action.
When MAILALL is using the /C color option MAILALL maintains up to
three separate display pages. To insure that a problem does not
occur the PIF file will use the /S color option. This was origi-
nally intended for SIDEKICK operation but also works with Win-
dows. Under the /S color option MAILALL will maintain only one
screen at a time and will rewrite any other screen when it is
activated. This then allows Windows to properly place MAILALL
into and out of icons.
CAUTION!! Do not put MAILALL into an icon while you are
sorting a file! If you have sufficient memory you could have
more than one copy of MAILALL loaded, however only one copy would
be active under Windows. MAILALL now keeps track of which file
is open. This is useful when more than one copy is running under
windows or in a network system. MAILALL will create a file with
the same name as your address file but it will have the extension
of ".NET". This file will be created when you first open a file
and will be deleted when you close the file. If another copy of
MAILALL tries to access the same address file it will see the
".NET" file is present and let you know that you must select
another file.
If you should abort MAILALL while you have a file open the
".NET" file will not be deleted. You can go to DOS and delete
the ".NET" file or if you know that no one else is using the
file, you may enter a "!" when you receive the file already open
message, which will force MAILALL to open the file anyway. When
you exit MAILALL properly the ".NET" file will be deleted.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
M A I L A L L Page 35
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Network Computability
MAILALL now has a mechanism for use on a network system.
The main problem on a network, is the possibility that the same
file may be opened by two or more copies of MAILALL at the same
time. This version of MAILALL will create a file with the same
name as the address file that was just opened, but it will have
the extension of ".NET". Any other copy of MAILALL that tries to
open the same address file, will see the ".NET" file and will not
open the address file again. When the first copy of MAILALL,
that opened the address file is done, it will delete the ".NET"
file, which would allow another copy of MAILALL to use the origi-
nal address file.
If for some reason a copy of MAILALL is aborted, the ".NET"
file will not be deleted. You may go to DOS and delete this file
or if you know that the file is not in use by another copy of
MAILALL, but you are told that it is in use, you may override the
MAILALL warning by entering a "!". Do this only if YOU KNOW that
no one else is using the file.
MAILALL can now determine the disk free space up to 65536
total clusters. The actual max disk size is determined by the
sector size, times the sectors per cluster, times the total
number of clusters free. This is checked by MAILALL during a
file sort request.
I recommend that you put MAILALL and any common address
files in an area that is accessible by all on the network that
should use MAILALL. When MAILALL is started each user should be
by default in his own area of the network disk system. The
network path should be set so that the MAILALL.EXE file and any
common address files can be found. ALL of the MAILALL support
files will be created in each users own area. This will allow
each user to select his or her own monitor, mouse, color options.
When using address files that are common to the network please
enter the entire path to the common address files. Any address
files that the user wants for himself should include his path or
no path as long as it defaults to his disk area.
MAILALL has only been tried out on a Novel network so far.
If any one has good or bad comments concerning the use of MAILALL
on a network please let me know. Network use of MAILALL does
require a site licence of MAILALL ($89.95). The first person for
any other network system that will let me know how MAILALL works
on his or her type of network system will be allowed a site
licence for only $27.50. I would still like to hear from Norvell
networks but I am already the first on it for MAILALL. Only the
type of software used is of concern, the wiring method does not
matter.