Copyright: Copyright © Bernd Klaiber
Citation: copied from EasyClean


Auto-selection

The first time you start EasyClean, a usually useful auto-selection will be shown. If you want to watch other areas too, you have to select them. You can always start the auto-slection if you choos 'File|Clear selection'.

NOTE: Some keys cannot be watched: 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ System\ ControlSet00x'. These branches are copys of  '...\CurrentControlSet'. (for Windows NT: this is the 'last known good'-configuration).

Pleas dont modify the settings below 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ System\ ControlSet00x', this will crash your system, sometimes you are even not able to boot.

You can watch'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ System\CurrentControlSet'.

If your system is restarted during an installation you can use EasyClean with no problems after reboot.


BACKUP FILES

Usually EasyClean does only observe the files. If a file has been deleted (or overwritten) you will see this in the logfile. But you cannot restore the previous file, because to provide that feature we had to store the whole harddisk.

However there are some files that are so important for the system, that it is useful to backup them. E.g. the systemfiles located in '..\Windows\System32'.

Here you can specify which folders should be backed up. It is also possible to use wildcards, so you can store only special types of files. If you check the 'recurse'-flag, all subfolders are included.

Press the Button 'Backup files' to start the backup - all the files are copied into the backup-folder.

If now a file is overwritten (or deleted) by an Installation, it can be restored from the backup-folder.

Note:

The Backup-folder can be set in Settings.


Batch commands

Sincer Version 2.0 it is possible to run EasyClean in batchmode:

Calling params:

/STORECONFIG

to save the current configuration. This is equivalent to the following steps:

1. Start of EasyClean

2. 'Action | store current configuration' :

3. Exit EasyClean.

/COMPARE filename

create a logfile (resultfile) with the given name. This is equivalent to the following steps:

1. Start of EasyClean

2. 'Action | compare (create logfile)' :

3. Exit EasyClean.


Buttons

These are the available Buttons:

Opens the startpage. From this wiozard you have an easy acces to the functions of EasyClean.

Loads an EasyClean selection (*.ECS) file. This file contains all data about the selections you can do on the three selection pages under 'Select registry and drives'. (see selections too)

Saves an EasyClean selection (*.ECS) file. So you can retrieve a special selection. (see selections too)

If you load a result file (next button) your current selections will be overridden by the ones being used to build up the result file. So you can see which selections were used to generate the differences between two configurations.

If you leave EasyClean, you have the chance to store the current selections as default for the next start. If you do not save them, EasyClean will use the selections of the last startup. You can save any selection as next default. Use LAST.ECS to save the selection.

Load the results of a comparison. If you click the compare button, the results of this comparison will be saved using the given filename. You can retrieve this information later when you decide to uninstall a program.

Note: If you load a logfile, the selection, which was used during that comparison is loaded, too. This is the information for you to check, which selections have been used to build the comparison. This means on the other hand that you'll lose your current selection when you load a logfile.

Stores the current configuration to OldCfg.ECD (automatically). This is needed later, to compare two configurations. Please press this button BEFOR you install a new Software. (You don't need this button if you use 'chaining (incremental compare)'.

Stores the current configuration to NewCfg.ECD (automatically) and starts to compare the current and the previously stored configuration. Therefore it asks you for the filename of the result file (logfile) which will contain the changes of both configurations. This filename should be the same as the installed program, so that you can retrieve the installation data, if you decide to uninstall the program.

This is nearly the same as the prior button, but it renames the NewCfg.ECD file to OldCfg.ECD after the comparison. So you don't have to store the current information again when you want to install the next program. If you use only this button, you will build a complete chain of all installation data between pressing this button.

Using this button, you can refresh your views. This will be done at startup of EasyClean automatically, so you can see the new folders and registry-keys to select them.

If a parent folder or key is choosen or greyed, all new folders (or keys) will be watched automatically, you don't have to explicitely select them.

(Please use 'Clear selections' from the 'file'-menu to update the list of drives, only folders will be refreshed using this button)

Using this, you can revert to the previous state and remove all changes with one click. This means all changes to the registry, the filesystem and the systemfiles will be restored. Prior this action proceeds you'll get an information window to confirm the actions. If you are not sure, you can press 'Cancel' here.

Another way to get this result, is to click with the right mouse button on the very first entry in every result window.

Caution: This Command could be dangerous, perhaps files you still need will be deleted, or unwanted values are restored to the registry.

To remove changes and revert to the previous state just click with the right mouse button on a Item (either in the treeview or in the listview, see concept of EasyClean too).

 this button starts the step-by-step wizard, which guides you through the program.

Since Version 2.0 EasyClean provides a simplified usage with the 'two-botton-concept'.


Concept of EasyClean

The Concept of EasyClean is very easy:

(start the step by step Wizard [image] to do all these steps)

EasyClean provides now a 'two-button-concept'. This is an easy way of using the program, recommended for beginners. (see simplified usage)

EasyClean devides his workplace in two main-screens (see the 2 main screens)

1. You should select the items you want to watch.

2. You have to store a snapshot of the current configuration [image] Use this BEFORE you install your new software. EasyClean will store all the configuration data. This is necessary to detect changes later during a comparison.

3. Install your new software or manipulate your configuration files. EasyClean can be closed first, you don't have to keep it running.

4. Now store the current configuration and compare this one to the old one(see 2.)

(both steps are done with one click here). You have to specify a filename for this comparison.

You can do this even a week later, so you don't have to do this immediately after installation. But then the list of changes will be very long.

5. Now you can see all the changes on the screen.

To restore the old value, or to delete a file/dir just click with the right mouse button on an item (or a tree) to see the following screen:(multiselect is allowed in the listview, like in the Explorer).

Now EasyClean lists all restore actions, so you can confirm the restore operation.

First you will see a detailed List of the actions EasyClean will perform.

You are now able to choose just a group of operations, e.g. only operations to restore altered values.

Now press the 'Execute'-button and your old Configuration will be restored.

The status of each Operation will be shown, so you can see if the restore operation did work properly.

Another way to get this result, is to click 'restore all' [image] , you'll get the window shown above but all changes will be removed.

If you remove all the changes without looking what you are doing, the system can crash. Use this only if you know what you are doing.

That' s all, and its that easy.


Contents

 EASYCLEAN 3

EasyClean is a deinstallation system. It is a very powerful tool to obey all the software installed on your computer. EasyClean is designed and tested for Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4/5. The major strength of EasyClean is handling changes in the Windows registry. This should no longer be a grave for information!

This powerful tool is designed for advanced users, who wants to keep the registry,directories and ini-files clean.

THIS PROGRAM WILL DELETE FILES AND INFORMATION IN YOUR CONFIGURATION FILES. So it is not a tool for beginners.

Introduction

New Features in EasyClean 2.0

New Features in EasyClean 3.0

Concept of EasyClean

Registry Concepts

Selection

Buttons

Menu commands

Settings

Very exact watch functions

So can you test EasyClean

Export and print data

Batch commands

Find and delete duplicates

Find and delete temporary files

Windows NT Users only

Windows NT AND Win 95 the same time

QuickStart of EasyClean

Delete fonts

Backup files

Delete existing applications

Troubleshooting

Register - License agreement

Version History

EasyClean (c) 1996-98 by Bernd Klaiber


DELETE EXISTING APPLICATIONS

Here you have the chance to delete even applications whose installation has not been logged with EasyClean.

We want to point out, that with this process maybe not all parts of an application will be deleted - there are too many possibilities where the applications put their 'rubbish'. We can only look at the usual places and delete there and hope that we got'em all.

An automatic process would be possible, but would lead into trouble, because it would be insufficient. Still used files yould be deleted...

Therefore, we chose a semi-automatic process, so you can see what items would be deleted.

The program will guide you step-by-step to all the places to delete the parts of the application. Supported by the hints, you can select the items.

At the end you'll see a summary where you can confirm the deletions.

NOTE:

Using this part of EasyClean can delete even files which are still neccessary. The usage of this part is at your own risk. In case of an error we won't give support.


DELETE FONTS

This part of the program lets you view and delte the installed fonts.

On the left you see a list of the installed fonts, on the right you can view the font and can see additional informations of the font (for True-Type-Fonts only).

If you want to display another text, just edit the text, EasyClean will store the text if you leave.

To delete a font, just select it and press 'Delete font'.


DELIVERED UNINSTALL-ROUTINE

Most of the current applications have their own uninstallroutine. It seems that this uninstal-routine should know best whicht items must deleted to deinstall the application - that is not true !

In 90% these routines are created automatically by the install-routine. The problem now is that a lot of settings are done not by the install-routine, but by the application itself. These changes are not restored by the uninstall-routine. So better trust on the capabilities of EasyClean, which is detecting every changed bit.


Export and print data

You are now able to export the logged data to a textfile.

Just right-click on a resultset-window and choose 'export data'. Then you can specify the name of the exportfile.

If you load this textfile into notepad (or another wordprocessor), you are even able to print these file.

NOTE: a small explanation will be found in the exportfile as a header.


Find and delete duplicates

EasyClean is now able to search and delete file-duplicates. The algorithm is quite fast and can hadle 50.000 files in 3.000 Folders on 5 harddisks without any problems in seconds.

How to do:

1. first choose the drives (or folders) in which you want search for duplicates.

2. now you can select two kinds of searching:a) thorough b) fast.

When you use a) two files are handled as equal, if the name, and the content (size included) are the same. This Method is a very exact one, but can take some minutes, because a lot of files have be scanned fully.

Methode b) handles two files equal if the name, size and date are the same. This Method is very fast and mostly sufficient.

3. Press 'Start search', to start the search. EasyClean does first collect all files. Next step is they are sorted, then pairs which have the same name are collected. Last step is to proof if they are qual or not.

4. Now choose a filename (right upper window), then in the right lower window the locations of the files can be viewed. So you can see where these files are.

5. Now use your right mouse-button to delete this copy. You can even choose multiple files and delete them.

Note: Click on columnheaders to sort the list (like in the Windows-explorer). So you can see very fast where the most bytes are waisted.

You can also use: 'Alt+A' (select all), and 'Del' (delete) in the lower window.


Find and delete temporary files

Using this function, it is comfortable to delete all temporary files on your computer in one action. The trick is that you can store several search-criterias persistent.

The first time you open this window, as default the windows temp-directory is in the list. To add other items, just click on 'new entry'

This example show how to search all *.TMP-files on harddisk C. This search will be recursive, the subfolders are included.

This is an example of some items:

After pressing search, EasyClean shows you how many files are found. Click onto the items in the upper list, to see the found files in the lower list. Now click with the right mouse-button on the files to delete them.

Note: Click on columnheaders to sort the list (like in the Windows-explorer). So you can see very fast where the most bytes are waisted.

You can also use: 'Alt+A' (select all), and 'Del' (delete) in the lower window.


Introduction

During the creation of this helpfile, I tried to explain several concepts of the program and Windows. Some explanations might be a little complicated, excuse me. Unfortunately are the topics of software-in/destallation not so easy. I know that other products can do all the work by clicking one button. I think you know, where this 'one-button-concept' leads to... This software provides you with the complete information about whats going on on your machine. Nevertheless you can press a 'remove-all'-button too.

This product is not like others, it can't perform miracles (like others can do). So I want to give you a look behind the scenes, so you can see yourself, what is possible and what's impossible.

The Author (Bernd Klaiber ).


Menu commands

The Menu contains the same functions as the buttons, so here are only the additional functions announced:

(see Buttons also)

'File | Load selection' :

'File | Save selection' :

"File | Clear Selections" :

Use this to reset all the selections (normally the selections are saved in Last.ECS and restored at startup)

'File | Restore saved configuration file' (new):

If you accidently press 'store current configuration' (you wanted to press 'compare (create logfile') the old config-file would be deleted. With this command you can restore the old configfile to create the logfile as wanted.

'It's so Easy | Start wizard' :

'It's so Easy | install new software' :

'It's so Easy | remove software' :

'It's so Easy | remove all' :

'Action | store current version' :

'Action | compare (create logfile)' :

'Action | Inkremental compare' :

'Action | find and delete duplicates' (see also)

'Action | find and delete temporary files' (see also)

'Aktion | Backup files' (see also)

'Aktion | Delete fonts' (see also)

'Aktion | Delete existing applications' (see also)

'Action | Advanced | Save configuration as'
This is a powerful function. You can store the current configuration with a name of your choice. (normally EasyClean uses only OldCfg.ECD and NewCfg.ECD to store this data)

'Action | Advanced | Compare two configurations'
Use this to compare two configurations of your choice. So you can obey all changes during  a long period (you can use the normal compare function several times, then create a major logfile for a bunch of installations). Use this together with 'Action | Advanced | Save configuration as'.

'Action | refresh view' :

'Help | Help' : Here you can call this helpfile (or F1)

'Help | Info' : Version- and copyright-Info

'Help | Register' : Call this item to enter the registration key which you'll receive after registration.


New Features in EasyClean 2.0

Version 2 of EasyClean was a non public version. It was no shareware, it was only available for companies that got more than one licence. All this Features are now included in the current version.

These are the new things in EasyClean 2 :

the extended handling of systemfiles (see:userdefined INI-files).

you can deselect branches while clicking in the resultview (see:Selection).

a selection is done automatically at startup (siehe:auto-selection).

export and printing of the results (siehe:Export and print data).

start EasyClean with Batch-commands.

deleted files are moved to a backup-folder (Settings).

there is a 'two-button-concept' now (simplified usage).

search and delete file duplicates

search and delete temporary files

We want to extend EasyClean in the future too, so please help us with tips, bugreports and at last please register this software so that we are able develop other nice features in the future.


NEW FEATURES IN EASYCLEAN 3.0

(see also New Features in EasyClean 2)

The version 3 has a lot of new features as described below:

correct handling of SharedDLLs:

Performance while creating the logfile has been increased (especially if there are a lot o selected items)

Bugfix: while restoring an empty registry entry, EasyClean has used the string '(empty)', not '' - corrected now.

The restored items of a logfile are now grayed, they are now only restored once, even if you choose the same item twice.

While deleting a non existing registry-item an error is reported now.

The recursive opening of subfolders (of the logfile) does work better now.

The selection is now checked to prevent duplicates in the selection. (e.g. HKEY_CURRENT_USER and HKEY_USERS) (see also Selection)

There are no more errors in HKEY_DYN_DATA (only Win95/98) - (CreativeLabs-Bug)

The silly question while exiting EasyClean appears noe only if the selection has reeally been changed.

ShellExecute for files in the selection- and resultwindow (open/execute a file with a double-click).

Restoration of an accidently overwritten config-file (see also Menu-commands).

System-DLLs can now be restored in case of deleting or replacing (see Backup-files)

Fonst can be viewed and deleted. (see Delete fonts)

Performance of storing the current configuration has been improved tremendously (in some case speed has been doubled)

You can now even delete existing applications (installed before EasyClean (see Delete existing applications)

New wizar - the startpage enables you an easy acces of the most important functions of EasyClean.

Welcome-screen

We want to extend EasyClean in the future too, so please help us with tips, bugreports and at last please register this software so that we are able develop other nice features in the future.


QuickStart EasyClean

You can QuickStart EasyClean, if you double click on a selection file (*.ECS), or on a logfile (*.ECL).

The file you clicked on, will be loaded automatically.


Register - License agreement
Register - Licence agreement

If you register, you purchase the right to use EasyClean.

Please help to improve this Software and send me a bugreport (if you find a bug). I' ll try to fix bugs and will offer newer versions to customers.

latest versions available at: http://www.idv.de/homepages/bernd

This is a commercial product, which is protected by the german copyright law.

If you want to use this program you have to register first. You can test it 45 days for free.

For to register your version of EasyClean you need a password. This password will be sent to you by e-mail via compuserve or internet, so there are no additional costs for shipping.

email: bernd.klaiber@idv.de or 101626.363@compuserve.com (see the INFO-Window too)

Registrationfee:

The registrationfee for EasyClean 3.x is $45 or DM 65,--

The update from Prior versions of EasyClean is $18 or DM 30,-- (please send us your registration code)

Payment:

EUROCARD/Mastercard and VISA accepted (American Express, Diners and others are not accepted by the time)

or

via Compuserve # SWREG 12657

or

via cheque (best is EuroCheque)

or

cash (sent in an envelope via mail) $40 or DM 60,-- or SFR 50,-- ($15 or DM 30,-- or SFR 25 for an update)

to Bernd Klaiber, Ginsterweg 66, 75323 Bad Wildbad / Germany

(Phone:07085 7124 from Germany (0049-7085 7124 from most countries))

Internet:

bernd.klaiber@idv.de (fastest way for me)

101626.363@compuserve.com

web: http://www.idv.de/homepages/bernd

CIS:

101626,363

If you are not able to use Compuserve email me or phone me and we'll find a Solution.

Every user accepts the following terms without exclusion, or has to stop using this Software.

DISCLAIMER - Licence Agreement

DEVELOPER OF EasyClean is Bernd Klaiber (CIS 101626,363).

DEVELOPER OF EasyClean  EXPERIMENTAL SOFTWARE LICENSE STATEMENT.

YOUR USE OF THE EXPERIMENTAL SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTED WITH THIS LICENSE IS SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE STATEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS STATEMENT,DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE.

1. This Software is protected by copyright law and international copyright treaty. Therefore, you must treat this Software just like a book, except that you may copy it onto a computer to be used and you may make archive copies of the Software for the sole purpose of backing up our Software and protecting your investment from loss.

This Software is experimental, which means it is still under development and may contain bugs.

You are not allowed to resell or distribute any Parts of this Software, even if you purchased the source code. That goes for the used techniques too.

2. THE DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY OF THIS SOFTWARE OR ABOUT ANY CONTENT OR INFORMATION MADE ACCESSIBLE BY THE SOFTWARE, FOR ANY PURPOSE. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT. THE DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY THEORY OR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY YOU OR ANY USER OF THE SOFTWARE. MAKE BACKUPS OF YOUR SOFTWARE.

BE CAREFUL, THIS PROGRAM CAN DELETE FILES AND INFORMATION IN YOUR CONFIGURATION FILES.

3. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property rights in and to the Software shall remain in the hands of the DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean and/or our suppliers. You agree to abide by the copyright law and all other applicable laws of Germany. You acknowledge that the Software in source code form remains a confidential trade secret of the DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean and/or our suppliers and therefore you agree not to modify the software or attempt to decipher, decompile, disassemble or reverse engineer the Software, except to the extent applicable laws specifically prohibit such restriction.

4. THE DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean OR OUR SUPPLIERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR (a) INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF ANY SORT, WHETHER ARISING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF THE DEVELOPERS

OF EasyClean HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR (b) FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH LIMITATION. FURTHERMORE, SOME STATES AND/OR COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THIS LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

But at last have fun with this useful (i hope so) software.

(Windows is a Trademark of Microsoft)


Registry Concepts

Since Windows 95 are all informations (that have been stored in INI-files before) stored in the registry. This is a centralized database which is managed by Windows. The registry is a good invention but this leads into troubles too: every program  does load his 'garbage' into the registry. A growing registry slows down your system and consumes disk-storage.

A lot of programs comes with their own deinstaller. Unfortunately are these uninstallers quick and dirty, test it yourself.

I don't want to talk too much about the registry, see several magazines like byte, pcpro... .

One thing I want to mention here:

You don't have to watch the Key:'HKEY_Current_User', if you watch 'HKEY_Users', because this is a part of it.

You don't have to watch the Key:'HKEY_Classes_Root' seperately, because this is part of 'HKEY_Local_machine'.


RESTORED ENTRIES

Entries which have already been restored, will appear faded:

The lower two entries have been already restored, so they appear faded.

If you restore these entries, only the upper two are processes, the lower ones are skipped.

If you still want to restore even the faded entries, you can select the checkbox: 'restore already restored items again' in the confirm-window.


Selection

First you should select the items or drives you want to watch. Simply click on the small rectangle to select (or deselect) an item.

Notes:

EasyClean stores only the Keys and Drives which are grayed or selected.

This selection will be used while comparing the files (not while storing), so you can deselect trees, which should not be scanned (while comparison). Greyed items are watched too.

(see Selections , Auto-selection, or userdefined INI-files too)

'Don't check next time'

Since Version 2.0 you can deselect branches if you right-click a resultset and choose 'don't check next time'.

While using this function you can very fast exclude such areas like the Explorer settings: HKey_Current_User\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Explorer\ RecentDocs. These changes are not caused by the installed program but caused by windows itself.


Settings

On the settings page you can specify files which should not be checked. Sure you want to watch the Windows directory, so you have to select it in the drive selection window. There are some files, that change very often: WIN386.SWP or PAGEFILE.SYS, the Windows-Swap-File.

Just add these files on the Settings page for not to check this file.

You can also add these files to the list by using the right mouse key (popupmenu) in the DriveSelection Window (on the list of files). There is multiple file selection allowed. (use this way,either if you have problems with the ADD-Button: there can be an access violation error, or if you want to add many files)

ATTENTION: the list of files which should not be checked are saved with the selection file. So each time you load a result file this list will be overridden by that list, which was active while building the result file.

Settings:

Use the Menü Options|Settings to change the settings of EasyClean:

'General'

You can also specify the path to your autoexec.bat and config.sys (C:\ by default).

You can specify the string which will be shown for the standard key, and an empty key of the registry.

'View'

On the second page ('view') you can choose several color settings. This is only funny stuff without deeper sense.

'Delete'

On the third page you can choose the deletion settings:

You can move the file to recycle.bin while deleting.

Another possibility is to move them into a given backup-directory. In this backup-folder, a directory-structure will be created corrsponding to the deleted files.

Example:

BackupDir:'C:\EasyClean'

aktive logfile:'aol_access.ecl'

file to delete:'C:\windows\test.dll'

File is moved to: 'C:\EasyClean\aol_access\C\windows\test.dll'

'Shared DLLs':

Here you can specify the default behaviour of the program with shared files (see also: SharedDLLs)

These are the options for the Backup. If you check the 'Store folders automatically', the backup-process is started automatically if you choose 'store current configuration'. You can also specify a folder which is used to store this backup. If you are running WinNT, it is a good idea to use a compressed folder here.

If 'use backup files for restoration' is checked, the program tries to restore deleted files from this backup.

(see also: Backup files)

NOTE: All these settings are saved persistent when you leave the dialog pressing 'OK'. The size of the windows and the positions of the bars are saved automatically when you leave EasyClean.


SHAREDDLLS

A lot of windows-programs are using DLLs. They are used to share code. The idea is to store the code which is used by several programs in a DLL.

Example:

Program A uses the file 'DSound.DLL'. During the installation, this file is copied into the widows-directory.

Now you want to install another application B, which uses also 'DSound.DLL'. During the installation, the installroutine recognizes that the file already exists. Now it is useful to create a list with the files and the amount of applications that uses this file. In the windows-registry is a counter stored for each DLL. If now another application uses an existing file, this counter will be increased. If an application is deinstalled, this counter would be decreased. If this countere reaches zero, the file is no more used and it can be deleted.

This is the behaviour of EasyClean:

1. If you restore the registry (using a logfile which has been created during the installation of the application) the counter of the shared file will be not restored to the previous value, but decreased by the same value it has been increased. If the counter has reached zero you can choose if you want to delete the file or not:

You can store the default behaviour of the program in the settings.

2. If you try to delete a file (using a logfile) which has a counter (increased in the same logfile), you'll get the following hint:

This hint does not appear if the counter of that file has already been decreased. In this case the file is skipped and you will get this hint in the protocol-window.

Summary:

SharedDLLs are a bit complicated, but EasyClean does the work for you. The defaults are safe, the files will be kept, not deleted.

IMPORTANT:

Do not use the UnInstall-routine of the application and EasyClean together. They both will decrease the counter, which will lead into nonsense.

Note:

Most times this counter isn't quite useful, because if there is only one program which uses a DLL, but does not handle the counter correct, the value of the counter will become invalid. So it is recommended not to delete the shared files (diskspace is very cheap nowadays).


So can you test EasyClean

This is an instruction to test the power of EasyClean:

1.	Start EasyClean and choose the areas to watch (perhaps use 'File | Clear selection'). Don't forget to select the drive you want to use during installation. Press now [image].

2.	Install a big software (like Office 97) on your computer.

NOTE: this must be the first time you install this software on this computer.

Now start the program (see start program after installation ).

3.	Now create a logfile [image]. Now you can see all the changes on your system.

4.	Start now the uninstaller that ships with the installed software. And try to remove the software with it.

5.	Create now another logfile [image]. Now you should see, which parts the uninstaller did not remove. If there is not much left, it was a good uninstaller. But usually there are a lot of files and registry entries left. You can now use EasyClean to remove even these parts.


Troubleshooting

Problems can be caused by destroyed, crippled or manipulated files.

First thing you can do is to clear the selection list (File|Clear SelectionList).

If this is not enough, please delete (or rename) the following files manually:

LAST.ECS (the current selection file)

OLDCFG.ECD

NEWCFG.ECD (configuration files)

now restart the program.

If you need more help, you can contact me via email:

Internet:

Bernd.Klaiber@IDV.de (fastest way)

101626.363@Compuserve.com

CIS:

101626,363


Userdefined INI-files

Since Version 2.0 EasyClean is able to handle besides 'Win.ini', 'System.ini', 'Config.sys' and 'Autoexec.bat' even userdefined files.

Use the right mouse-button (context-menu) as shown above to add a userdefined file.

Now a dialog asks you which file to add. You can either add a textfile like 'Autoexec.bat' or a INI-file like 'win.ini'. Ini-files have the following sysntax:

[Schlüssel1]

Eintrag1=Wert1

Eintrag2=Wert2

[Schlüssel2]

Eintrag1=Wert1

EasyClean will handle such a file is quite similar like 'Win.ini'. You can even choose the entries. The picture above shows the file 'Control.ini' added to the list.


Version History

Version 0.97 Beta: first public realease for real Betatesters

Version 0.98 Beta:

sometimes an empty key is still left in the registry, this one will be deleted now too

much better presentation of the Confirm-List (that list you'll get if you choose 'remove the changes')

Version 0.99 Beta:

Now you can see more System Folders (e.g. Recent, Recycled) (they were checked in earlier versions, but you were not able to deselect these folders)

New File-Format for the Result and Selection files: the NotToCheck Filelist is stored in these files and not in the registry

Add Files to the NotToCheckList with a right mouseclick (multiselection possible) in the Drive-Selection Window

The 'delete'-key now works to delete a file from the NotToCheckList on the page settings

Sometimes there was an error if a TreeView didn' t show the very top item - corrected

Performance is better now, because EasyClean does now only save the keys of the registry which are selected (or grayed), so you can deselect the key 'HKey_Users' to improve performance

Version 1.01 First Final Release:

EasyClean is running with Windows NT 4.0, too.

Now you can refresh your view

You can choose to save the selections

Now each restore operation has its own error-handling, so you can continue, if a operation fails. All results can be viewed after the restore operation.

Some small bugs corrected

Version 1.02 Final:

Helpfile does now only show Bitmaps with 16 colors (a proper view for systems running only 256 colors).

Bug while registering fixed

Bug while previewing the restore set (wrong Key was displayed) fixed

Version 1.03 Final:

step by step Wizard guide you through (only for beginners).

you are now able to move deleted files to RECYCLE.BIN

new drives (e.g. mapped drives) are updated in the view (at startup or refresh button)

splash screen added

Version 1.04 Final:

restore all command button

Version 2.0 Final:

the extended handling of systemfiles (see:userdefined INI-files).

you can deselect branches while clicking in the resultview (see:Selection).

a selection is done automatically at startup (siehe:auto-selection).

export and printing of the results (siehe:Export and print data).

start EasyClean with Batch-commands.

deleted files are moved to a backup-folder (Settings).

there is a 'two-button-concept' now (simplified usage).

'corrupt registry'-error solved

some smaller bugs corrected

Version 2.1 Final:

search and delete file duplicates

search and delete temporary files

export does work correct now

Version 3.0.0.2 Final:

correct handling of SharedDLLs:

Performance while creating the logfile has been increased (especially if there are a lot o selected items)

Bugfix: while restoring an empty registry entry, EasyClean has used the string '(empty)', not '' - corrected now.

The restored items of a logfile are now grayed, they are now only restored once, even if you choose the same item twice.

While deleting a non existing registry-item an error is reported now.

The recursive opening of subfolders (of the logfile) does work better now.

The selection is now checked to prevent duplicates in the selection. (e.g. HKEY_CURRENT_USER and HKEY_USERS) (see also Selection)

There are no more errors in HKEY_DYN_DATA (only Win95/98) - (CreativeLabs-Bug)

The silly question while exiting EasyClean appears noe only if the selection has reeally been changed.

ShellExecute for files in the selection- and resultwindow (open/execute a file with a double-click).

Restoration of an accidently overwritten config-file (see also Menu-commands).

System-DLLs can now be restored in case of deleting or replacing (see Backup-files)

Fonst can be viewed and deleted. (see Delete fonts)

Performance of storing the current configuration has been improved tremendously (in some case speed has been doubled)

You can now even delete existing applications (installed before EasyClean (see Delete existing applications)

New wizar - the startpage enables you an easy acces of the most important functions of EasyClean.

Welcome-screen


Very exact watch functions
Very exact watch funtions

As you will see, EasyClean is very exact while checking for changes, even a changed filedate will be noticed.

These are the information which will be noticed:

Registry:

deleted Keys

new keys

deleted Values

new Values

changed Values

all changes can be restored to the prior situation.

Drives:

deleted directories

new directories

deleted files

new files

changed files (size, date and attributes)

only new files and directories can be deleted. Deleted files can not be restored

Inifiles:

EasyClean is watching win.ini, system.ini, config.sys, and autoexec.bat:

deleted Keys

new keys

deleted Values

new Values

changed Values

all changes can be restored to the prior situation (Win.ini & System.ini). This will not work for Autoexec.bat and Config.sys, these ones have to be restored manually.


WinNT Users only

EasyClean is running on NT 4.0 now, too. (it should work with 3.51, too, but I didn't test it).

NT is using the security concept even in the registry, Win95 does not. So it can happen, that EasyClean reports a changed value, but you can' t restore it, because you don' t have the necessary trustees.

In most cases you can manage this problem if you login as ADMINISTRATOR.


Windows NT AND Win 95 the same time
Windows NT AND Win 95/98 the same time

For Users who use both platforms, it is recommended to use two separate Folders to run EasyClean.

If not, EasyClean will be confused, because the stored files do not match the current structure of the registry. It is also better to seperate the result-files.


Selections

EasyClean can watch the configuration selectively. So you should specify exactly, which information should be watched.

This is very important to now, because if you do not select any information items, EasyClean will not report any changes.

A nice feature: When you press the Control key while expanding or collapsing a branch this will lead into a recursive action, so you can expand all children (and their children...) too.

Notes:

It is recommended not to select the branch: HKEY_USERS, and HKEY_CURRENT_USER, because if a program changes the registry under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, the same changes will be done automatically under HKEY_USERS\'active user'. If EasyClean then tries to change both changes, there can be unknown effects.

Better do not watch for the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs. Proper Installation routines will increment the counter for a common used DLL. In most cases such installation routines have a deinstall-function itself, which decrements the counter properly.

The following case will lead into trouble:

1. You store the configuration.

2. The installation routine will increment the counter.

3. You run the compare function of EasyClean. This reports the following: New Value: Dummy.DLL : 1.

4. You install another program which increments the value from 1 to 2.

5. You want to deinstall the first program with EasyClean. Now EasyClean will delete the whole entry, because this is the prior situation. So be careful not to remove the whole branch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

In both cases you can select the critical branches and see which changes are made. But if you click the root with the right mouse to remove all changes, then there will occur these strange effects.


simplified usage

Since Version 2.0 EasyClean provides a simplified usage with the 'two-botton-concept'.

'install a new software'

Just click the first button to install a new software. EasyClean supposes now that you have choosen the areas to watch for. (After the first start EasyClean does a selection, you can modify this selection and save it when you exit the program. The saved selection will be used as default for the next start.)

Now the step-by-step-wizard starts, after a short delay EasyClean will store the current configuration. This step is necessary to create the logfile (resultfile) later.

After that operation you can press the next button to start the Windows-explorer to install your new software.

After the installation you should start the new program once (see start program after installation)

Now click 'OK, ready' to go to the next step.

This step stores the current configuration again and compares this file to the one stored prior. You have to enter a filename now (use the name of the new software)

You can do this comparison even later. But it is recommended to do this immediately after the installation (and first start). If not, the list of changes will become very long and it is not clear, who(which program) is responsible for the changes in the system.

Now you can see the logged data. Now you can exit EasyClean (you need not save the resultset, it was saved).

All these steps are equivalent to these 3 actions:

 (store current configuration)

install new software

 (create logfile)

'remove a software'

If you want to remove an installed software just press the second button. Choose now the logfile (that you have created as shown above).

Note: You cannot use EasyClean to deinstall software that was installed without the help of EasyClean (it is now way to do this securely and completely).

After you have loaded the logfile (resultfile) you can choose the areas to restore (use the right mouse-button on the treeviews). Before EasyClean will save files you'll see a detailed list to confirm the sheduled operations. You can cancel if you are not sure.

All these steps are equivalent to these 2 actions:

 (Load logfile)

 (remove all)


start program after installation

After the installation of your new software you should run it once before you return to EasyClean. Most of the programs store their settings not only during the installation but during the first start. To log these modifications too, it is recommended to start the program once, oben some windows... then return to EasyClean and create the logfile (resultfile).

Note: Don't forget to return to EasyClean while you are experience all the new features of the installed program. You have to create the logfile which is needed for a later deinstallation.


the 2 main screens

EasyClean has two main screens:

I: Selection: Registry, Drives - Specify here, which areas of the system should be watched. This Window devides hisself in this areas:

Registry - the windows registry database (see registry concepts)

Drives - the filestructure of your computer. All harddisks and folders are shown here.

Systemfiles - Ini-files like 'Win.ini', 'System.ini', and startfiles like 'Config.sys' and 'Autoexec.bat' (see Userdefined INI-files)

Options/Icons - the maning of the icons is shown here

To select a branch (key) just check the small box. If the checkbox is grayed, at least one of the subkeys is selected, but not all subkeys.

II : View Logfile Results - Here you can see the changes and restore the changes.

This area is again devided into 3 subareas which correspond to these ones of the first main area (see above).

To restore a special branch of the tree just click with the right mouse-button onto the left part of the window. To restore a single value, click the left part of the window. You will see a context-menu where you can choose 'remove changes'.