Copyright: AppPaths 2000 Help v2.6 Copyright © 1997-2002 Gregory Braun. All rights reserved.
Citation: Copyright © 1997-2002 by Gregory Braun. All rights reserved.


Introduction
AppPaths 2000

Copyright © 1997-2002 by Gregory Braun. All rights reserved.

Overview

This software is free. You may copy and distribute this program as long as all copyright notices remain intact and the application files are not modified in any way.

AppPaths 2000 is fully Y2K compliant and will run on MS Windows Millenium Edition and XP systems as well as MS Windows 2000 9x/NT systems.

AppPaths 2000 is a small MS Windows Control Panel applet that allows you to view and edit various application and help file settings defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry. The registry entries that can be viewed and edited are described below.

AppPaths

MS Windows maintains a list of applications and their location on your system in the AppPaths section of the registry. These settings allow you to launch applications using the Run command on the Start Menu without typing the full folder path of the program you wish to run.

Run

MS Windows maintains a list of program commands to be run when your system is first booted. These settings are recorded in the Run section of the registry and work in a fashion similar to shortcuts located in your Startup folder. If you prefer to keep your startup folder small you can place Run commands in the System Registry instead of the Startup folder using these settings.

RunServices

MS Windows maintains a list of drivers and low-level programs that are to be loaded  when Windows is first booted. These settings are recorded in the RunServices section of the registry. The modules loaded by this set of registry entries are essential to proper system performance, but from time to time nefarious software will create an entry key to assure that the associated program is run whenever you reboot your system.

Help

MS Windows maintains a list of help files and their location on your system in the Help section of the registry. These settings allow you to view program help files without specifying the full folder path when running the WinHlp32.exe help viewer application.

Source Code

The source code for AppPaths 2000 is available for free on my website. AppPaths is written in the C Language (not MFC/C++) using the Microsoft Visual C/C++ Development System. Source code includes the project files and resource scripts required to build the AppPaths Control Panel applet.


Installing AppPaths

Installation

To install AppPaths 2000 on your computer simply locate the C:\Windows\System folder and copy the files; APPPATHS.CPL, APPPATHS.HLP and APPPATHS.CNT there.

APPPATHS.CPL	The AppPaths Control Panel Applet

APPPATHS.HLP	The Windows Help File

APPPATHS.CNT	The Help Contents File

Note The C:\Windows\System folder on your system may have a slightly different name. Search for a folder named; C:\Win95\System or C:\WinNT\System32 if your computer does not have a C:\Windows\System folder.

Note MS Windows XP system store control panel applets in the C:\Windows\System32 folder.

The MS Windows 9x/NT Help program creates a pair of files associated with the APPPATHS.HLP file. These files will have file extensions of GID and FTS. These files are used to store specific information about the help window location on the desktop and the word list used for topic searching. These two files will be created when the AppPaths 2000 Help file is first used.


Viewing Application Paths

The Applications Tab

Launch the Application Paths icon from the Control Panel folder and then select the Applications tab to display the current AppPaths defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry.

The MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry maintains a list of AppPaths to facilitate the launching of MS Windows programs and utilities. The Run command available on the Start Menu will look for a matching AppPaths key when launching a program. AppPaths work in much the same fashion as the older MS DOS Path = environment setting found in your CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

Unlike the PATH = statement though, AppPaths settings are defined on a program-by-program basis.

AppPaths registry keys are comprised of the following components:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

Software

Microsoft

Windows

CurrentVersion

AppPaths

PROGRAM.EXE = C:\Folder\Program.exe

Path = C:\Folder;C:\Sub-Folder

The Application property sheet displays all currently defined AppPaths keys in a simple three-column list. This list can be sorted by clicking your mouse on the column headings.

The first column, Application, lists the programs currently defined.

The second column, Folder Location, contains the full drive and folder path for the associated AppPaths key.

The third column, Path, lists any optional path statements associated with this AppPaths key. This third item may be left blank if no application modules or drivers need to be located when launching this application. Multiple search paths can be specified by separating each folder with a semicolon.

Note Some applications require a trailing backslash when specifying search path folders.

Create

Press this button to create a new AppPaths registry key.

Modify

Press this button to edit the currently selected (highlighted) AppPaths registry key.

Remove

Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) AppPaths registry key. You will be asked to confirm this command before the selected AppPaths key is removed from the registry.

OK

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Viewing Application Paths topic.


Editing Application Paths

Editing Application Paths

The Application Paths Editing dialog box allows you to create new AppPaths keys as well as edit existing entries. Use the entry fields described below to specify the various AppPaths components.

Application

Use this field to specify the application’s name. This entry should not include the folder path, but rather just the program file name and extension; such as PROGRAM.EXE

Folder location

Use this field to specify the full path to the application defined above. This entry must include the drive and folder path for the application being defined such as C:\Folder\Program.exe. The […] button to the right of this entry field can be used to browse for the program using the standard MS Windows File Browser.

Path

Use this field to specify an optional search path for this application. Multiple search paths can be specified by separating each folder to be searched with a semicolon.

Note Some programs require folders to have a trailing backslash. If you are editing an AppPaths entry that uses trailing backslashes make certain you retain these when making your changes.

OK

Press this button to close the Application Path editing dialog and save the changes.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Application Path editing dialog without saving the changes.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Editing Application Paths topic.


Viewing Startup Commands

The Startup Tab

Launch the Application Paths icon from the Control Panel folder and then select the Startup tab to display the current Startup commands defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry.

The MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry maintains a list of programs to be run when MS Windows is first started. These commands work in the same fashion as shortcuts placed in the Startup Folder.

Startup (Run) registry keys are comprised of the following components:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

Software

Microsoft

Windows

CurrentVersion

Run

Title = C:\Folder\Program.exe

The Startup property sheet displays all currently defined Startup commands in a simple two-column list. This list can be sorted by clicking your mouse on the column headings.

The first column, Title, lists the commands currently defined.

The second column, Command, contains the full drive and folder path for the associated Startup command.

Local Machine

Select this item to display the Startup (Run) commands defined for the local machine. These commands are executed at startup regardless of the logged in user

Current User

Select this item to display the Startup (Run) commands defined for the current user. These startup commands are only executed when the current user logs in.

Create

Press this button to create a new Startup command.

Modify

Press this button to edit the currently selected (highlighted) Startup command.

Remove

Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) Startup command. You will be asked to confirm this command before the selected Startup command is removed from the registry.

OK

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Viewing Startup Commands topic.


Editing Startup Commands

Editing Startup Commands

The Startup Command Editing dialog box allows you to create new Startup commands as well as edit existing entries. Use the entry fields described below to specify the various Startup command components.

Title

Use this field to specify the title for this startup item. The name you give this item is only used to identify the startup command.

Command

Use this field to specify the full path to the application to be started. This entry must include the drive and folder path for the application being defined such as C:\Folder\Program.exe. The […] button to the right of this entry field can be used to browse for the program using the standard MS Windows File Browser. The Startup command can also include any command line switches required by the program.

Note The length of the Startup command must not exceed 64 characters.

OK

Press this button to close the Startup Command editing dialog and save the changes.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Startup Command editing dialog without saving the changes.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Editing Startup Commands topic.


Viewing System Services

The Services Tab

Launch the Application Paths icon from the Control Panel folder and then select the Services tab to display the current Services defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry.

The MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry maintains a list of tasks and programs to be run when MS Windows is first started. These commands are loaded and executed immediately following the initial boot sequence.

Service (RunServices) registry keys are comprised of the following components:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

Software

Microsoft

Windows

CurrentVersion

RunServices

Title = C:\Folder\Program.exe

The Services property sheet displays all currently defined services commands in a simple two-column list. This list can be sorted by clicking your mouse on the column headings.

The first column, Title, lists the commands currently defined.

The second column, Command, contains the full drive and folder path for the associated Services command.

Create

Press this button to create a new Service command.

Modify

Press this button to edit the currently selected (highlighted) Service command.

Remove

Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) Service command. You will be asked to confirm this command before the selected Service command is removed from the registry.

OK

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Viewing System Services topic.


Editing System Services

Editing System Services

The System Service Editing dialog box allows you to create new Service commands as well as edit existing entries. Use the entry fields described below to specify the various Service command components.

Title

Use this field to specify the title for this system service. The name you give this item is only used to identify the service.

Command

Use this field to specify the full path to the application to be started. This entry must include the drive and folder path for the application being defined such as C:\Folder\Program.exe. The […] button to the right of this entry field can be used to browse for the program using the standard MS Windows File Browser. The service command can also include any command line switches required by the program.

Note The length of the Service command must not exceed 64 characters.

OK

Press this button to close the System Services editing dialog and save the changes.

Cancel

Press this button to close the System Services editing dialog without saving the changes.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Editing System Services topic.


Viewing Help File Settings

The Help Files Tab

Launch the Application Paths icon from the Control Panel folder and then select the Help Files tab to display the current Help File keys defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry.

The MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry maintains a of list of help files to be opened using the MS Windows WinHlp32.exe program. Help files defined here can be opened for viewing without specifying the full path to the help file.

Help File (Help) registry keys are comprised of the following components:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

Software

Microsoft

Windows

Help

PROGRAM.HLP = C:\Folder

The Help Files property sheet displays all currently defined Help File keys in a simple two-column list. This list can be sorted by clicking your mouse on the column headings.

The first column, Help File, lists the Help Files currently defined.

The second column, Folder Location, contains the full drive and folder location for the associated Help File.

Create

Press this button to create a new Help File settings.

Modify

Press this button to edit the currently selected (highlighted) Help File settings.

Remove

Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) Help File setting. You will be asked to confirm this command before the selected Help File setting is removed from the registry.

OK

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Application Paths Control Panel Applet.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Viewing Help File Settings topic.


Editing Help File Settings

Editing Help File Settings

The Help Files Editing dialog box allows you to create new Help File settings as well as edit existing entries. Use the entry fields described below to specify the various Help File components.

Help File

Use this field to specify the file name of the Help File you are defining.

Folder Location

Use this field to specify the full path to the Help File being defined. This entry must include the drive and folder path for the Help File being defined but not the file name itself. The […] button to the right of this entry field can be used to browse for the folder using the standard MS Windows Folder Browser.

OK

Press this button to close the Help Files editing dialog and save the changes.

Cancel

Press this button to close the Help Files editing dialog without saving the changes.

Help

Press this button to open the AppPaths Help Window and go directly to the Editing Help File Settings topic.


Comments and Upgrades

Comments and Suggestions

If you have comments, questions or find any bugs in AppPaths 2000 please feel free to contact me via email message or on CompuServe.

Gregory Braun – Software Design

Email:	Support@GregoryBraun.com

Web Site:	http://www.gregorybraun.com

Phone:	1.414.817.6508

Web Site

Visit my web site on the Internet to download the latest versions of all of my software offerings.

Software Design Web Site

(http://www.gregorybraun.com)


Release History

AppPaths 2000 Release History

v2.0	Original in-house development and testing of MS Windows 95/NT conversion using the Microsoft Win32 SDK.

v2.1	Added 95/NT version information for release.

v2.2	Added MS Windows 95/NT Help file.

v2.3	Fixed several minor bugs.

v2.4	Added separate settings to view Startup (Run) commands for the Local Machine as well as the Current User. Fixed several minor bugs.

v2.5	Added facilities to view and edit System Services. Fixed several minor bugs.

v2.6	Fixed several minor bugs. This is a maintenance release.

Last Update  April 23rd, 2002

Web Site

Visit my web site on the Internet to download the latest versions of all of my software offerings.

Software Design Web Site

(http://www.gregorybraun.com)


Removing AppPaths

Removing AppPaths 2000

If you find that AppPaths 2000 does not meet your needs you can remove it from your computer system by simply deleting the following files from your hard drive.

All of these files will be located in the folder that you originally installed AppPaths in.

The default location for all AppPaths 2000 program files is the C:\Windows\System folder.

AppPaths.cpl	AppPaths Control Panel Applet.

AppPaths.cnt	AppPaths Help Topics File

AppPaths.hlp	AppPaths Help File

If you have opened and used the AppPaths 2000 Help files your system may contain the following two (2) files. These files are created by the standard MS Windows 9x/NT Help program WinHlp32.exe. These files may also be safely removed.

AppPaths.gid	MS Windows Help settings file. This file contains the AppPaths Help window size and desktop location as well as any bookmarks you may have created.

AppPaths.fts	MS Windows Help word database. This file is created when you build a custom word list for AppPaths Help files. This file is used to search for words and phrases in the AppPaths Help files.

AppPaths 2000 does not use any custom DLL files or system drivers. If you delete the files mentioned above from your system’s hard drive you will have completely removed AppPaths from your computer system.


AppPaths Source Code

AppPaths Source Code

Full source code for the AppPaths 2000 Control Panel applet is available for free on my website. AppPaths is written in the C Language (not MFC/C++) using the Microsoft Visual C/C++ Development System. Source code includes the project files and resource scripts required to build the AppPaths Control Panel applet.

AppPaths source code is provided on an as-is basis. The source code is well documented, but assumes the user has a good working knowledge of the C Language and the Win32 API. The author can not help you convert this code to MS Visual BASIC.

The AppPaths source illustrates the code required to build a 32-bit MS Windows 9x/NT Control Panel applet as well as routines to manipulate the System Registry and handle the new ListView control.

Web Site

Visit my web site on the Internet to download the AppPaths source code and the latest versions of all of my software offerings.

Software Design Web Site

(http://www.gregorybraun.com)


Software Design Web Site

Software Design

You can download the latest versions of all of my software from my web site on the Internet. I post the latest releases of my software there first. Click your mouse on the link listed below to visit the Software Design web site.

Software Design Web Site

(http://www.gregorybraun.com)

Software Titles

The following software titles are available at my web site on the Internet and can also be found on CompuServe, ExecPC, MSN and ZD Net.

AppPaths 2000	(APPPATHS.ZIP)

Audition 2000	(AUDITION.ZIP)

BattleStar 2000	(BSTAR32.ZIP)

BattleStar for Windows	(BSTAR.ZIP)

BlowFish 2000	(BLOWFISH.ZIP)

Calendar 2000	(CALENDAR.ZIP)

CardBase 2000	(CARDBASE.ZIP)

Crypto 2000	(CRYPTO.ZIP)

Disk CleanUp 2000	(CLEANUP.ZIP)

DLL Show 2000	(DLLSHOW.ZIP)

File Editor 2000	(FXEDIT32.ZIP)

File Editor for Windows	(FXEDIT.ZIP)

File Shredder 2000	(SHREDDER.ZIP)

FontShow 2000	(FONTSHOW.ZIP)

Icon Extractor 2000	(ICONX32.ZIP)

Icon Extractor for Windows	(ICONX.ZIP)

Kart Data 2000	(KARTDATA.ZIP)

Lap Timer 2000	(LAPTIMER.ZIP)

MIRV 2000	(MIRV2000.ZIP)

MS Windows Error Messages	(MSWINERR.ZIP)

NoteBook 2000	(NBOOK32.ZIP)

NoteBook for Windows	(NBOOK.ZIP)

Password Keeper 2000	(PASSKEEP.ZIP)

Phantom Desktop Screen Saver	(PHANTOM.ZIP)

Programmer's IDE 2000	(PMAN32.ZIP)

Programmer's IDE	(PMAN.ZIP)

Reminders 2000	(REMIND32.ZIP)

Reminders for Windows	(REMIND.ZIP)

RGB Editor 2000	(RGB32.ZIP)

RGB Editor for Windows	(RGB.ZIP)

Screen Loupe for Macintosh	(LOUPE.SEA)

Screen Loupe for Windows	(LOUPE.ZIP)

Screen Loupe 2000	(LOUPE32.ZIP)

Slot Cars 2000	(SLOTCARS.ZIP)

Stay Live 2000	(STAYLIVE.ZIP)

Submit It 2000	(SUBMITIT.ZIP)

ToolBar for Windows	(TBAR.ZIP)

ToolBar 2000	(TBAR32.ZIP)

Touch for Windows	(WTOUCH.ZIP)

Tray Tools 2000	(TRAYTOOL.ZIP)

TxEdit 2000	(TXEDIT.ZIP)

Unit Conversions 2000	(UCONVERT.ZIP)

WebTime 2000	(WEBTIME.ZIP)

World Radio for Macintosh	(WRADIO.SEA)

Note The latest versions of my software programs are always posted on my web site first. Versions found on the other online services may be earlier releases.


BBS and Internet Operators

Webmasters

Please upload the original ZIP file intact and title the submission:

"AppPaths 2000 v2.6"

--Author Gregory Braun

Web Site

Visit my web site on the Internet to download the latest versions of all of my software offerings.

Software Design Web Site

(http://www.gregorybraun.com)

Note This site also supports anonymous FTP transfers.


Using the Help File

Using the Help File

The settings and commands described in this section apply to the AppPaths 2000 Help window, not the AppPaths 2000 program itself.

Context Sensitive Help

Most AppPaths 2000 windows, property sheets and dialog boxes provide a Help button in the lower right-hand corner of the window. Pressing the Help button in any of these windows will open the AppPaths 2000 Help File and take you directly to that section of the Help File pertaining to the window currently in use.

Navigating the Help File

MS Windows Help Files include hyperlinks similar to those used by most Internet Web Browsers. Clicking your mouse on an underlined word or phrase will take you directly to that section of the Help File. Pressing the Back button at the top of the Help window will return you to the page you were previously viewing.

Browsing the Help File

You can also browse through all of the sections in the Help File by pressing the [ << ] and [ >> ] buttons displayed at the top of the Help window.

Printing the Help File

You can print individual pages of the Help file by pressing the Print button at the top of the Help window. Unfortunately Help topics must be printed one at a time. The MS Windows Help system does not provide a single command to print the entire Help file.

Searching the Help File

You may search the entire Help file for a specific word or phrase by pressing the Find button at the top of the Help window. The first time the Find tab is selected you will be prompted to build an index or words contained in the Help file. The Find command opens a second window with three tabs. Select the Find tab to search for a word or phrase. The Index tab can also be selected to search for commonly used topics and subjects.

Table of Contents

You can also view the entire Table of Contents for the Help file by pressing the Help Topics button at the top of the Help window. The Contents tab of the Help Topics window provides an easy means of viewing the entire Table of Contents arranged by section and topic.

Bookmarks

You can also create your own set of bookmarks for pages of the Help file that you refer to often. Use the Bookmark | Define menu command to add a new bookmark to the section of the Help file you are currently viewing or select a previously defined bookmark from the list to go directly to that section of the Help file.

Annotations

You can also create your own set of annotations for pages of the Help file that you refer to often. Use the Edit | Annotate menu command to add your own comments and notes about a specific page in the Help File. Annotated Help file pages will include a small paperclip graphic in the upper left-hand corner of the current page. Click your mouse on this small paperclip to display any notes or comments you have recorded.

Customizing Help

The MS Windows Help File system can be customized to better suit your viewing needs and habits. See the Customizing Help section for more information about customization.


Customizing Help

Customizing Help

You can customize this help file to better suit your needs and uses. The following topics describe the various settings that can be configured. The settings you specify will be saved and used again each time you view this help file.

Font Size

The size of the font used in this help file can be made larger or smaller by selecting the Font item from the Options menu above. Select Small, Normal or Large fonts from the popup menu. The font size you select will be saved and used again each time you view this help file.

Window Size

The size of this Help window and its location on the desktop can be adjusted using the standard Windows resizing and placement methods. The window size and its location on the desktop will be saved and used again each time you view this help file.

Window Background Color

The background color for this help window can be changed to white if you prefer. To change the background color to white select the Use System Colors item from the Options menu above. For the color changes to take effect you will have to close and then reopen the Help file. You will be prompted to confirm this action. Your background color selection will be saved and used again each time you view this help file.

Window Placement

By default this help window positions itself in front of all other open windows. If you would prefer to have it covered up by other active windows select the Keep Help on Top item from the Options menu and then select Not on Top from the popup menu. Your selection will be saved and used again each time you view this help file.

Note The settings described on this page refer to options available in the MS Windows Help program not AppPaths. Right-click your mouse anywhere on this page to display a small popup context menu containing the settings described here.


Press this button to close this dialog box and save the editing changes you have made.


Press this button to close this dialog box without saving your changes.


This window displays the AppPaths currently defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry. Click your mouse on the column headings to sort these entries.


Press this button to create a new AppPaths registry entry.


Press this button to modify the currently selected (highlighted) AppPaths registry entry.


Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) AppPaths registry entry.


This is the desktop icon associated with this program.


Use this field to specify the program name.


Use this field to specify the full drive and folder path for this application.


Use this field to specify optional search paths. Separate multiple folder paths with a semicolon.


Press this button to select an application using the standard MS Windows File Browser.


Press this button to select a folder path using the standard MS Windows Folder Browser.


Press this button to display an overview of this dialog box.


This window displays the Startup commands currently defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry. Click your mouse on the column headings to sort these entries.


Select this button to display all Startup commands defined for this local machine.


Select this button to display all Startup commands defined for the current user.


Press this button to create a new Startup command registry entry.


Press this button to modify the currently selected (highlighted) Startup command registry entry.


Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) Startup command registry entry.


This is the desktop icon associated with this program.


Use this field to specify the Startup command title.


Use this field to specify the full drive and folder path for this application.


Press this button to select an application using the standard MS Windows File Browser.


Press this button to display an overview of this dialog box.


This window displays the System Services currently defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry. Click your mouse on the column headings to sort these entries.


Press this button to create a new System Service registry entry.


Press this button to modify the currently selected (highlighted) System Service registry entry.


Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) System Service registry entry.


This is the desktop icon associated with this System Service.


Use this field to specify the System Service title.


Use this field to specify the full drive and folder path for this System Service.


Press this button to select a System Service using the standard MS Windows File Browser.


Press this button to display an overview of this dialog box.


This window displays the Help File settings currently defined in the MS Windows 9x/NT System Registry. Click your mouse on the column headings to sort these entries.


Press this button to create a new Help File registry entry.


Press this button to modify the currently selected (highlighted) Help File registry entry.


Press this button to remove the currently selected (highlighted) Help File registry entry.


Use this field to specify the Help File filename.


Use this field to specify the full drive and folder location for this Help File entry.


Press this button to select a Help File folder using the standard MS Windows Folder Browser.


Press this button to display an overview of this dialog box.


That wizard of a bit-twiddler we all know and love.


This region displays the program icon as it appears in the MS Windows Control Panel.


This region displays the program title.


This region displays the program copyright notice.


This region displays a short description of this program.


This region displays the program version number.


This region displays the program release notice.


This region displays comments about this program title.


Press this button to open your Internet Web Browser and go directly to the Software Design Website:

http://www.gregorybraun.com