GFile Help Table of Contents

To learn how to use Help, press F1, or choose How To Use Help from the Help menu.

Choose the item below on which you want help:

Overviews

What can GFile do?
GFile windows and buttons
GFile glossary
Keyboard and mouse operations

How To ...

Change the windows and buttons displayed
Configure button bar buttons
Manipulate directories and files
Manipulate program groups/items
Configure and launch applications
Customize GFile
Perform other operations

Commands

Displaying popup menus
Control menu
File menu
Edit menu
View menu
System menu
Options menu
Window menu
Help menu


No help available

No help is available for this area of the window.


Shortcut key/Hot key
A keyboard sequence, unique to the particular program item, which will, when typed, cause the item to be launched. If the program item has been previously launched, typing the shortcut key will restore the item, if minimized, and will raise it above other programs. Must be CTRL+SHIFT, CTRL+ALT, or CTRL+SHIFT+ALT followed by a normal or function key.


Command line

Single line text field for entering Windows or DOS commands. See Command line for more information.


Configurable button bar

Array of 8 buttons, with program items assigned to each. See Button bars for more information.


Command button bar

Array of 8 buttons with GFile functions permanently assigned to each. See Button bars for more information.

Click on picture to identify each button.


Panel - File mode
Collection of controls for displaying and selecting files for manipulation. Displays only the names of files. See Panels for more information.

Click on picture to identify each control.


Panel - Long mode

Collection of controls for displaying and selecting files for manipulation. Displays the name, size,  date/time of last modification, attributes, and optionally, a description for each file. See Panels for more information.

Click on picture to identify each control.


Panel - Info mode
 A single box containing information about a panel's selected drive/directory and resource information from Windows. See Panels for more information.


Panel - Program group mode

Collection of controls for displaying program group contents, and for manipulating program items. See Panels for more information.

Click on picture to identify each control.


Status line

Displays information about the currently selected file(s) or program item(s). See Status line for more information.


Menu bar

Row of labels representing pulldown menus that are displayed when the corresponding label is clicked. See Menu bar for details.

Click on picture to see each menu.


Executable
A file that has an extension listed in the programs= entry of win.ini (usually .exe, .com , .pif, and .bat) and which can presumably be executed by Windows as a program.


Associated
A file whose extension is tied in the registration data base to an executable program or Document Class. See Associating files with applications for further information.


Drag
Place the mouse over a list that has a selection or selections, press the left mouse button, and while still pressing the mouse button, move the mouse to another location. If dragging is taking place, the mouse cursor will change to reflect whether or not the dragged selection(s) can be dropped.


Drop
While dragging a selection or selections, release the left mouse button over a list, button, or other graphical item.


Group box

A drop-down list containing the names of program groups. The current selection in this list will determine what is displayed in the corresponding program item list.

Click on picture to see/return to Program group mode panel.


Title bar

Identifies the window by displaying information about the window's contents. For GFile's main window, displays the name of the program (GFile), and if panels are attached, the name of whatever the active panel is displaying - either the current drive and directory, or the currently selected program group. For separate panel windows, the title bar displays the contents of the panel. For the separate button bars window, the word "Buttons" is displayed. To the left is the icon that displays the control menu, to the right the minimize (down arrow) and maximize (up arrow) or, when the window is maximized, the restore (up-down arrow) buttons .


Program item list

A multiple-selection scrolled list containing the icons and/or names of program items from the group selected in the group box. Select individual items by clicking with the left mouse button. Make multiple selections by combining pressing the SHIFT (contiguous selections) or CTRL (non-contiguous selections) keys and clicking with the left mouse button.

Click on picture to see/return to Program group mode panel.


Drive box
A combo-box displaying a panel's current drive, and containing the drive letters and labels for each disk drive found on the system. Determines the drive whose contents will be displayed in the panels directory list and file list. To change the current drive, click on the drive box, then select the desired drive from the drop-down list that is displayed.

Click on picture to see/return to File mode panel.


Directory list
A scrolled list displaying the panel's current directory, the directories superior to the current directory, and the sub-directories of the current directory for the drive displayed in the corresponding drive box. Determines the directory whose files are displayed in the panels file list. To change directories, double click on the desired directory name.

Click on picture to see/return to File mode panel.


File list
A multiple-selection scrolled list containing the names of files as determined by the drive box, directory list, and template field. If the panel's display mode is Long File, the file list displays the size, date/time of last modification, attributes, and optionally, descriptions for the files. Select individual files by clicking on their names with the left mouse button. Make multiple selections by pressing the SHIFT (contiguous selections) or CTRL (non-contiguous selections) keys and clicking with the left mouse button.

Click on picture to see/return to File mode panel.


Template field
An editable text field in which comma or semicolon separated filename templates may be entered. Determines the filenames that will be displayed in the panels file list. After changing the contents of the field, you must press ENTER or the field will be restored to its previous value when it loses the keyboard focus.

Click on picture to see/return to File mode panel.


Active panel
The last panel in which activity was performed. It will be highlighted using the Highlight system color(as set with Control Panel). Most times, it is the panel in which a drive, directory, template, file, group, or item was last selected or changed. To change the active panel, either click on a control in the desired panel, or if the panels are not separate, press the TAB key (perhaps several times) until the desired panel is highlighted.


Refresh button
Refreshes all panels. See Refreshing panels.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Search button
Searches for filename. See Finding files.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Create dir/group button
Creates directory or program group. See Creating directories and Creating program groups.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Delete button
Deletes items. See Deleting files, Deleting program items, Deleting directories, and Deleting program groups.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Move button
Moves items. See Moving/renaming files, Moving directories, Moving program groups, and Moving/renaming program items.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Copy button
Copies items. See Copying files, Copying program items, Copying directories, and Copying program groups.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Print button
Prints files. See Printing files.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Run button
Launches applications. See Launching applications from file lists and Launching program items.
Click on picture to see/return to Command button bar display.


Serialized execution

As described under Printing files, GFile uses a queue to serialize print operations in order to prevent large numbers of associated programs from starting at the same time when printing multiple files.

This same queue can be used to serialize the launching of applications - from program items, files, or the command line.

When serialization is in effect, applications you launch from GFile (other than via shortcut key) are placed at the end of the queue, and only one application from the queue is allowed to be running. When an application that was started from the queue terminates, GFile will start the next application in the queue,  and begin listening for notification that the newly launched application has completed. GFile continues this sequence until all the jobs in the queue have been completed.  You can continue to use GFile while items are waiting in the queue, and in fact, can add new jobs to the queue.

You can turn off serialization while jobs are in the queue, start some applications immediately (non-serialized) with GFile, and it will have no effect on the queued jobs - they will continue to wait until it is their turn to start. As you might expect, you can then turn serialization on, and add more jobs to the queue - going back and forth between serialized and non-serialized execution as often as you like.

The queue used for serialized execution is the same queue that is used for serialized printing - thus execution and print jobs can be mixed and will wait for each other - only one job from the queue runs at a time.

There are three menu options that control serialized execution:

Serialize Execution on the Options menu:

When selected (checked) will cause all future (until de-selected) programs launched to be placed in the queue. Note that the jobs are fully qualified at the time they are placed in the queue - if Prompt for Dir/Arguments and/or Append Selected Files options (see Application launch options) are selected and are appropriate, they will be performed prior to the job being added to the queue.

When de-selected (un-checked), will cause future program launching to be performed immediately. However, de-selecting this option will not affect any jobs currently in the queue - they will continue to wait for their turn to start.

Pause Queue on the System menu:

When selected (checked), causes GFile to discontinue starting new jobs when old jobs complete. Does not affect the contents of the queue, nor does it prevent new jobs from being added to the queue, either as a result of launching with Serialize Execution selected or as a result of printing. Has no effect on non-serialized execution.

When de-selected (un-checked), will allow GFile to continue starting queued jobs when old jobs complete. If no previous jobs are running when this option is de-selected, will start the job that is now at the head of the queue.

Clear Queue on the System menu:

Cancels all queued jobs.


What can GFile do?

GFile is a Windows 3.1 shell program, designed to allow you to perform the most commonly used Program Manager and File Manager operations. It supports the use of both the keyboard and mouse for doing these operations, and provides a variety of configuration options.

General capabilities

Copy, move/rename, delete, change attributes on, and make program associations for files

Create, copy, move, delete, and change attributes on directories

Copy, move, and delete entire directory trees

Create, view, and edit 4DOS/NDOS compatible file and directory descriptions

Launch Windows and DOS applications using program items, hot keys, command lines, and user configurable command buttons

Print documents for which there is a defined Document Class

Create, configure, copy, move/rename, and delete program groups and program items

Search disks/directory trees for files of a particular name or which match a template

Perform binary comparisons between files

Launch applications in serialized (batch - one job at a time) mode

Set the Windows shell program, reboot Windows, or reboot the system

Make use of Undelete and general menu bar File Manager extensions

Invoke context sensitive (F1 and SHIFT-F1) help

Techniques for performing operations

Menu selections

Pre-defined command buttons for some of the more common operations

Drag and drop operations for most common operations

Configuration options

Number, size, and position of file/program group panels displayed

Number and position of button bars displayed

Whether panels and/or button bars should appear as their own separate top level windows apart from the GFile main window

Whether or not the status line and/or command line is displayed

The 3D shadow thickness and font used can be specified in the GFile initialization file (gfile.ini)


GFile windows and buttons

Select the item on which you wish to receive help

Main window and component names
Menu bar
Panels
Button bars
Command line
Status line


GFile glossary

Following are a list of terms and names used in the GFile documentation that apply specifically to GFile. No attempt is made to define standard Windows terms or names. Please refer to your Windows documentation or help files for those standard terms. Click on the term or name, and a definition will appear in a pop-up window.

Active panel
Associated
Command button bar
Command line
Configurable button bar
Directory list
Drag and Drop
Drive box
Executable
File list
File mode
Group box
Hot key
Info mode
Long mode
Menu bar
Program group mode
Program item list
Shortcut key
Status line
Template field


Menu bar

The GFile menu bar provides access to the commands that GFile performs. If you are unfamiliar with Windows menu bar operations, please see the Help Commands selection of How to use help.

The seven entries on the GFile menu bar are:

File

Commands that directly manipulate files, directories, groups and program items

Edit

Commands that select files, and compare file contents

View

Commands that affect the information displayed in the panels

System

Commands that deal with operating system level facilities

Options

On/Off parameters that affect application launching, and copying/moving/deleting files and program items

Window

Commands that determine the number and arrangement of displayed panels, button bars, and other visual elements

Help

Informational commands


Panels

The panels are the major components of GFile. They display information about the objects (files, directories, program groups, program items) that GFile manipulates, and allow you to select the objects to be manipulated. You can have up to 12 (depending on the resolution of your monitor) panels displayed at once, arranged in a 4x3 grid. Or, more likely, a subset of the 12 panels can be displayed. Some popular combinations on standard VGA are:

One row of two panels

Two rows of one panel

One row of one panel and one row of two panels

Two rows of two panels

Alternatively, the panels may be displayed as separate windows, rather than being attached to GFile's main window. In this case, the number of panels displayed is determined only by the amount of system resources that are available; and the size and location of each panel is restricted only by the size of the screen.

The panels are always in one of four possible display modes:

Program Group

Displays a Group Box for selecting a program group whose contents are to be displayed, and a multiple-selection Program Item List containing the icons and/or names of the program items from the currently displayed group.

File

Displays a Drive Box for selecting a drive, a Directory List for selecting a directory, an editable Template Field for specifying the filename template(s) to be used, and a multiple-selection File List for selecting filenames.

Long File

Displays an expanded format version of the File display mode. The information on each file includes the name, size and date and time of creation, attributes, and optionally, a file description.

Info

Displays information about the currently selected drive and directory for the panel; and mode, memory, and resource information from Windows. The information is updated at regular intervals, or can be manually refreshed by clicking on the panel with the left mouse button.

For instructions on selecting the panels to be displayed, panel sizing and arrangement, and changing panel modes, see Changing the windows and buttons displayed.


Button bars

The button bars provide convenient alternatives to the menu entries and program group panels for performing specific GFile operations or for launching applications.

There are two kinds of button bars:

Command button bar

Configurable button bars.


Command button bar

Consists of 8 push buttons that correspond to commonly used GFile commands. The GFile commands associated with the buttons cannot be changed. The buttons, in left to right order, are:

Run	Used to launch applications. See Launching files and Launching program items for more information.

Print	Prints files. See Printing files for more information.

Copy	Copies items. See Copying directories, Copying files, Copying program groups, or Copying program items for more information.

Move	Moves or renames items. See Moving directories, Moving/renaming files, Renaming program groups, or Moving/renaming program items for more information.

Delete	Deletes items. See Deleting directories, Deleting files , Deleting program groups, or Deleting program items for more information.

Create	Creates a directory or program group. See Creating directories or Creating program groups for more information.

Search	Searches a drive or directory tree for a filename that matches a specified filename or template. See Finding files for more information.

Refresh	Re-reads panel information, updates and repaints the panels. See Refreshing panels for more information.


Configurable button bars

GFile defines 20 user configurable button bars, any (or none) of which can be displayed at any time. Each button bar contains 8 buttons that can have program items assigned to them.

The following topics describe how to configure and use the configurable button bars:

Assigning program item to button
Button bar position and layout
Changing the button bar titles
Copying button assignment to another button
Determining the program item assigned to a button
Displaying/hiding button bars
Launching applications from button bars
Removing button assignment


Command line

The command line is an editable text field used for performing DOS command line operations, or invoking Windows programs.

It allows command lines up to 255 characters in length and automatically determines whether the command is a DOS command/program, a Windows program, or a file with an associated application.

The command line features a command history facility accessed from the keyboard.

See Using the command line. for more information.


Status line

The status line displays three types of information:

Information about the currently selected file(s) or program item(s), highlighted menu item, or the operation in progress (e.g. copying c:\funfile to a:\funfile)
The current date and time
The status of the serialized execution facilities

File Information
When information about a single file is being displayed, the information consists of:

The filename
The size of the file
The date and time the file was last modified
The file's attributes

When information about multiple (selected) files is being displayed, the information consists of:

The number of selected files
The total size of the selected files

Program Item Information
When information about a single program item is being displayed, the first field in the status line is the program item name.

If information concerning multiple items is being displayed, the first field is the number of selected program items.

Serialized Execution Status
The three recessed fields to the extreme right indicate:

Whether programs will run (S)erialized or (I)mmediately
Whether the serialization queue is (E)nabled or (P)aused
The number of serialized jobs waiting in the queue


Main window and component names

Click on the names or picture below to see a description and jump destination for each of the GFile components

Title bar
Menu bar
Panel - Long mode
Panel - File mode
Panel - Info mode
Panel - Program group mode
Command button bar
Configurable button bar
Command line
Status line


File Manager extensions

Windows 3.1 File Manager program supports the concept of extensions - external libraries of commands that extend the capabilities of the File Manager program. GFile supports the same mechanism. Any File Manager extensions that are defined on your system will automatically be recognized and used by GFile.

There are two major categories of extensions

An undelete extension

General menu bar extensions

An undelete extension is a dynamic linked library that implements an undelete facility. If an undelete extension library exists on your system, and it is correctly configured in the File Manager ini file (winfile.ini), program manager, and GFile, will place an Undelete entry on the File menu. Selecting this entry will start the facility. At that point, File Manager, or GFile, will be pretty much out of the picture - it is the library's responsibility to perform its operations and to provide whatever help is available on the facility. MS-DOS 6.2 provides an undelete library, and will configure winfile.ini during the installation of the operating system. I'm sure other implementations, certainly retail and possibly shareware, exist. The winfile.ini configuration will either be done by the installation of the extension, or will be detailed in the extension's documentation files.

General menu bar extensions consist of dynamic linked libraries that cause additional pulldown menus to be placed on the menu bar. Unlike the undelete facility, File Manager/GFile does not name the menu entry - the name is supplied by the library. Also unlike the Undelete entry, the general extension is a complete menu - not just a menu entry. Therefore, a single extension library might result in multiple new commands being added to File Manager/GFile. For example, MS-DOS 6.2 places a menu named Tools on the File Manager's menu bar that contains 3 entries - Backup, Antivirus, and DoubleSpace Info.

Like the undelete extension, general extensions do their own processing and provide their own help facilities - File Manager/GFile merely let them know when you have selected them from the menu. Similarly, the general extensions are defined in winfile.ini, and the configuration of them is done when the extension is installed. And, once again, like the undelete extension, there have been general extension libraries distributed other than the one supplied with MS-DOS 6.2.

There are a couple of ways in which GFile differs from File Manager in its support for extensions. GFile allows you to dynamically unload and load the extensions. That is, if GFile is up, and one or more extensions are loaded, by selecting Unload Extensions from the System menu, the extensions are released and their entries are removed from the File menu and/or menu bar as appropriate. This is useful if you want to decrease system memory (not much) or resource usage. Conversely, Load/Reload Extensions from the System menu will cause the extensions to be loaded. If already loaded this menu entry will unload them first, then reload them. This causes the extensions to be re-initialized - useful if the extension encounters a major error condition. Whether or not extensions are loaded is saved if the Save Settings option is selected or if you SHIFT-double click the control box. See Unloading File Manager extensions and Loading/Reloading File Manager extensions for information on using these menu entries.

There is another, less significant, way in which GFile's support for extensions differs from File Manager. One of the things an extension can do is query the system in order to find the main window of File Manager and communicate via the window. Since GFile is not File Manager, this technique will not work with GFile. Thus, extensions that use this technique won't work with GFile. However, I have yet to see an extension that uses this technique - one that did would fail with any File Manager replacement program that wasn't a simple clone - therefore programmers are reluctant to use this technique. Particularly since it should be un-necessary in most cases.


Manipulating topmost windows

Top level windows - that is, windows that aren't enclosed by another window, have the ability to also be topmost windows. A topmost window is a window that will always appear on top of normal top level windows if they overlap. This is a useful property for windows that you want to always be visible, but should be used sparingly - otherwise you'll hide all your normal windows!

GFile allows you to set the main window as a topmost window. If the button bars are a separate window, they can be set as a topmost window. Finally, if you are using separate panels, each displayed panel can be independently set as a topmost window.

To change GFile's main window topmost status:

1	Click on GFile On Top from the Window menu

To change separate button bars topmost status:

1	Click on Buttons On Top from the Window menu

To change a separate panel topmost status:

1	Choose Panels On Top from the Window menu

2	Click on the particular panel from the Panels On Top sub-menu


Changing the windows and buttons displayed

Choose the item on which you want help

Top level windows

Attaching/Detaching the panels
Attaching/Detaching the button bars
Closing a window
Displaying popup menus
Manipulating topmost windows.
Maximizing a window
Minimizing a window
Moving a window
Resizing a window
Restoring a window
Switching to another window

Panels

Changing a panel's display mode
Changing the files and directories displayed
Displaying/hiding panels
Displaying/hiding hidden directories
Changing how program items are displayed
Resizing panel contents
Resizing the panels

Button bars

Button bar position and layout
Changing the button bar titles
Displaying/hiding button bars

Others

Displaying/hiding the command line
Displaying/hiding the status line


Manipulating directories and files

Choose the item on which you want help

Directory operations

Copying directories
Creating directories
Deleting directories
Displaying directory descriptions
Moving directories
Viewing/changing directory attributes and descriptions

File operations

Associating files with applications
Comparing file contents
Copying files
Deleting files
Determining a file's association
Displaying file descriptions
Finding files
Moving/renaming files
Printing files
Remove a file's association
Viewing/changing file attributes and descriptions


Manipulating program groups/items

Choose the item on which you want help

Program group operations

Copying program groups
Creating program groups
Deleting program groups
Moving program groups

Program item operations

Copying program items
Creating program items
Deleting program items
Modifying program item properties
Moving/renaming program items


Configuring and launching applications

Choose the item on which you want help

Application launch options
Launching applications from button bars
Launching applications from file lists
Launching applications from shortcut keys
Launching program items
Using the command line


Configuring button bar buttons

Choose the item on which you want help

Assigning program item to button
Button bar position and layout
Copying button assignment to another button
Determining the operation assigned to a button
Removing button assignment


Performing other operations

Choose the item on which you want help

Exiting GFile
Formatting floppies
Loading/Reloading File Manager extensions
Monitoring file system changes
Rebooting the system
Refreshing panels
Restarting Windows
Saving GFile settings
Setting shell program
Unloading File Manager extensions


Application launch options

The following are selections on the Options menu that affect, or are related to, launching applications.

Append selected file

When selected, causes the path of all selected files to be appended to the command line (as arguments) whenever the command line is run. This is particularly useful for programs/commands that can take multiple arguments.

Drop full path

If selected, when a file is dropped onto or inserted into the command line, the entire path will be dropped/inserted. If not selected, only the filename is dropped/inserted.

Prompt for dir/arguments

If selected, when an application is launched, a popup dialog box will appear prompting for the working directory, and any arguments to supply to the program being launched.

Serialize execution

Turns serialized execution on or off. See Serialized execution  for detailed information.


Customizing GFile

GFile uses a pif named gfilecmd.pif and the value of the environment variable COMSPEC to launch DOS command lines. If you are using a command processor named anything other than command.com, you will have to edit (using pifedit) gfilecmd.pif and change the Program Filename field from command.com to the appropriate name. You should also verify that COMSPEC is being correctly set (usually within autoexec.bat) prior to Windows starting. Also, if you are using an alternative command processor that has batch/script files with extensions other than .bat, you may want to add the extension to the Programs= line of win.ini. This allows File Manager, and GFile to recognize that these files can be executed.

You may wish to change other fields in gfilecmd.pif, even if you are running command.com. The Close Window On Exit and Full Screen/Windowed settings are likely candidates.

GFile creates and uses the file named gfile.ini in the Windows directory to save the program settings between invocations of GFile, and, optionally, to specify font, and shadow thickness information.

The program settings information is in a section named [GFILE] and should not be changed with a text editor. If this portion of the file becomes corrupted, GFile may fail to run. If GFile fails to start, gfile.ini has probably become corrupted. The cure is to delete it. The next time GFile is invoked, the file will be re-created.

Font and shadow thickness information is in a section named [USER] and you should feel free to change this information with an editor. If this information becomes corrupted, GFile may look ugly (or absurd), but it shouldn't crash. If it does, merely delete the [USER] section from gfile.ini. GFile can then be restarted, and will have the default values (described shortly) for all of the parameters.

Following are the names, descriptions, possible values, and default values for the parameters in the [USER] section. The default value is chosen by specifying the word default as the parameter value in gfile.ini. For example, ShadowThickness=default.

MaxBuffK

Indicates the largest buffer, in kilobytes (1024 bytes), that will be used for copying files. The default value is 32. Small changes in this will probably have very little effect on either GFile or system performance. If you are in a tight memory situation, you may find it advantageous to set this much lower. If you are memory rich, copying multiple files may be much quicker if you increase this value.

ShadowThickness

Indicates the pixel width of the shadows drawn to create the 3-D visual effect. Also used for spacing within some of the lists and boxes. The default value is 1.

FontFaceName

Indicates the name of the font that is placed in the logical font structure that selects the GFile font. This font is used to draw all the text in GFile except for the menus and dialog boxes. The default depends on whether a value for IconTitleFaceName is specified in win.ini (determines the font name for progman.exe). If so, that value is used. If not, Helv (which is usually an alias) is used. Any font name can be used. However, the actual font that Windows uses to satisfy a logical font request depends on the name requested, the size requested, and the fonts available on the system. If you aren't happy with the default, you'll probably have to do a bit of experimentation with this and the FontSize parameter to get what you want.

FontSize

Indicates the point size of the desired font. If the font size is set too large, GFile might attempt to create its window larger than the screen. If this happens, part of GFile's main window will be chopped off. The default is the value of IconTitleSize in win.ini, or if not specified, 8.


Displaying/hiding panels

The panels that are currently displayed or can be displayed are shown in the Window Panels sub-menu. Each panel is designated by either:

The name of the directory selected in the panel (File, Long File, or Info mode)

Or the name of the program group selected (Program Group mode)

Visible panels have their corresponding menu entries selected (checked). Hidden panels are de-selected (un-checked).

To display or hide a panel:

1	Click on Panels on the Window menu

2	Click on the desired panel on the Panels sub-menu

Note:

If the panels are not displayed as separate windows, GFile will not allow you to display a panel if doing so would cause the horizontal or vertical size of the GFile main window to be larger than the corresponding screen dimension


Displaying/hiding button bars

The Command button bar, and the 20 Configurable button bars are listed by title on the Window Button Bars sub-menu. If the button bar is visible, the corresponding menu entry is selected (checked). If the button bar is hidden, the corresponding menu entry is de-selected (un-checked).

To display or hide a button bar:

1	Click on Button Bars on the Window menu

2	Click on the desired button bar on the Button Bars sub-menu

Note:

If button bars are not displayed separately, GFile will not allow you to display a button bar if doing so would cause the horizontal or vertical size of GFile to be larger than the corresponding screen dimension


Button bar position and layout

The location and orientation of the button bars depend on two settings:

The button bar position as specified in the Window Bar Position sub-menu

Whether or not Buttons 2x4 is selected (checked) on the Window menu

The button bar position (Top, Left, Right, Bottom) defines where the button bars are to be placed relative to the panels. It also describes the orientation of the button bars - horizontal for Top and Bottom, and vertical for Left and Right. If you are using separate button bars, only the orientation aspect of this setting is meaningful.

The 2x4 setting determines whether the button bars are to be displayed in 1x8 (de-selected/un-checked) or 2x4 (selected/checked) format.

In 1x8 format for horizontal (Top, Bottom) orientation, each button bar is displayed as 1 row of 8 buttons. Multiple button bars are stacked in the same top to bottom order as they appear in the Button Bars sub-menu. Thus, if 3 button bars were visible, you would see 3 rows of 8 buttons.

In 1x8 format for vertical (Left, Right) orientation, each button bar is displayed as a single column of 8 buttons. Multiple button bars are placed side by side in the same left to right order as they appear (top to bottom) in the Button Bars sub-menu. Thus, if 3 button bars were visible, you would see 3 columns of 8 buttons.

In 2x4 format for horizontal (Top, Bottom) orientation, each button bar is displayed as 2 rows of 4 buttons. As before, multiple button bars are stacked in the same top to bottom order as they appear in the Button Bars sub-menu. Thus, if 3 button bars were visible, you would see 6 rows of 4 buttons.

Finally, in 2x4 format for vertical (Left, Right) orientation, each button bar is displayed as 2 columns of 4 buttons. As you might expect, multiple button bars are placed side by side in the same left to right order as they appear (top to bottom) in the Button Bars sub-menu. Thus, if 3 button bars were visible, you would see 6 columns of 4 buttons.

To change the button bar position:

1	Click Bar Position on the Window menu

2	Click on the desired button bar position on the Bar Position sub-menu

To change between formats:

1	Click the Buttons 2x4 entry on the Window menu

Note:

GFile will not allow you to change the position or format of the button bars if doing so would cause the horizontal or vertical size of GFile's main window to be larger than the corresponding screen dimension


Determining the operation assigned to a button

GFile displays the GFile function (command buttons) or program item name (configurable buttons) assigned to a particular button via a popup window that appears on the button.

To determine the operation assigned to a button:

1	Display the button bar containing the button in question

2	Press the right mouse button while the mouse cursor is over the button in question

3	Read the program item name or GFile function in the popup window

4	Release the right mouse button


Changing button bar titles

Each button bar has a title that is used to identify it in the Window Button Bars sub-menu. The Command button bar's title is Command - and cannot be changed. The 20 configurable button bars are initially titled Custom 0 through Custom 19. However, these titles can be changed to more meaningful values by following the procedure described below.

To change a button bar's title:

1	Click Bar Titles on the Window menu

2	Click on the desired button bar on the Bar Titles sub-menu

3	Enter the desired name in the popup dialog box that is displayed

4	Click Ok

Note:

You can supply a keyboard mnemonic for the title by preceding the character to be underlined (and thus serve as the mnemonic) with an ampersand (&). For example, if you want the title of a button bar to appear as Games, enter it as &Games in the popup dialog box. For the mnemonics to work properly, make each title's mnemonic unique.


Changing a panel's display mode

To change a panel's display mode:

1	Make the target panel the active panel

2	Select the desired mode (Program Group, File, Long File, or Info) from the View menu

Or

1	Click, using the right mouse button, in the desired panel.

This will cycle through the modes in Program Group to File to Long File to Info to Program Group order.

If either SHIFT key is held down while you click the right mouse button, the modes cycle in reverse order.


Changing how program items are displayed

The Names Only, Icons Only, and Icons and Names selections on the View menu determine how program items are displayed in the Program Item List..

To change how program items are displayed in a panel:

1	Make the panel the active panel

2	Click Names Only, Icons Only or Icons and Names on the View menu


Changing the files and directories displayed

The files and directories displayed and the ordering of the files is determined by 5 different settings or related groups of settings:

The drive that is selected in the drive box

The directory that is selected in the directory list

The template(s) specified in the template field

The current sort order as determined by the Sort Order entry in the View menu

The attribute mask for the panel as determined by the Select Attributes and Attributes Exclusive entries in the View menu

How to change, and the effect of changing, the value of the drive box, directory list, or template field is described in the pop-up help you can view by clicking on their names above. Below are descriptions of the other two items.

Sort order

The order in which the filenames appear in the file list is determined by the Primary sort key and, when the value of the Primary sort key for multiple files is equal, the Secondary sort key. The values of the Primary and Secondary sort keys are viewed/changed by choosing Sort Order on the View menu.

To view a panel's sort order:

1	Make the panel the active panel

2	Choose Sort Order from the View menu

3	When you have finished viewing the information displayed, click Cancel

To change a panel's sort order:

1	Make the panel the active panel

2	Choose Sort Order from the View menu

3	On the Sort Order dialog box that is displayed, select the Primary and Secondary sort keys. Name Root is the filename without the extension. The other choices are obvious

4	If you want the Primary or Secondary (or both) sort to be in inverse (z to a, largest to smallest, or latest to earliest) order, select the corresponding Descending Order checkbox

5	Click Ok

Attributes mask

The Attributes Exclusive, and Select Attributes entries on the View menu work together to determine the attribute masks used to choose files to be displayed in the file list.

If Attributes Exclusive is de-selected (un-checked), all normal files (files with no attributes), and all files that have at least one of the panel's selected attributes will be displayed.

If Attributes Exclusive is selected (checked), only files that have at least one of the panel's selected attributes will be displayed.

To change a panel's attributes exclusive setting:

1	Make the panel the active panel

2	Click on Attributes Exclusive in the View menu

To view a panel's selected attributes:

1	Make the panel the active panel

2	Click on Select Attributes in the View menu

3	When you have finished viewing the information displayed, click Cancel

To change a panels selected attributes

1	Make the panel the active panel

2	Click on Select Attributes in the View menu

3	Change the attributes displayed on the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok


Displaying/hiding the status line

To display/hide the status line:

1	Click on Status Line on the Window menu


Displaying/hiding the command line

To display/hide the command line:

1	Click on Command Line on the Window menu


Copying files

Individual files can be copied either by selecting the file(s) to be copied or by specifying a filename template in the Copy Files popup dialog box.

Several of the selections from the Options menu affect copying files. See Copy/Move/Delete Options for more information.

GFile also has the ability to copy files to character devices - assuming no other Windows program is using the device. To do so, follow the procedure for copying files, but put the name of the device as the destination - without a trailing colon. For example, prn or com1 (yes, it will copy to con - but the result is pretty worthless). A device cannot be the source (From:).

To copy files:

1	Display the destination directory in one panel

2	Select the file(s) to be copied in another panel

3	Select Copy from the File menu

Or	Click the Copy command button

Or	Drag the selected file(s) and drop it/them on the Copy command button

4	Verify/change the information displayed on the popup dialog box

5	Click Ok

Or

1	Display the destination directory in one panel

2	Select the file(s) to be copied in another panel

3	Drag the selected file(s) and drop it/them on the destination panel's drive box or the target directory in the destination panel's directory list

4	Verify the information displayed on the popup dialog box is correct

5	Click Ok

To copy files using a filename template:

1	Display the destination directory in one panel

2.	Display the source directory in another panel

3	Select Copy from the File menu

Or	Click the Copy command button

4	Add the filename template to be used to the end of the Source (Copy:) field of the Copy popup dialog box (e.g. C:\DOS\*.com)

5	Click Ok


Copying program items

The Confirm Overwrite selection from the Options menu affects copying program items. See Copy/Move/Delete Options for more information.

To copy program items:

1	Display the destination group in one panel

2	Display and select the item(s) to be copied in another panel

3	Select Copy from the File menu

Or	Click the Copy command button

Or	Drag the selected item(s) and drop it/them on the Copy button

4	Verify/Change the information displayed on the popup dialog box. Note that program items are referenced as Group Name::Program Item Name. For example, the item named Clipboard Viewer in the group Accessories would be referenced as Accessories::Clipboard Viewer

5	Click Ok

Or

1	Display the destination group in one panel

2	Select the item(s) to be copied in another panel

3	Drag the selected item(s) and drop it/them on the other group box

4	Verify the information displayed on the popup dialog box is correct

5	Click Ok


Copying program groups

Copying a program group is done by GFile in two steps:

The destination group is created if it doesn't already exist.

The program items from the source group are copied to the destination group.

The Confirm Overwrite selection from the Options menu affects copying program groups. See Copy/Move/Delete Options for more information.

To copy a program group:

1	Display the group to be copied in any panel

2	Select Copy from the File menu

Or	Click the Copy command button

Or	Drag the source group and drop it on the Copy command button

3	Type the name of the destination group in the To: field of the popup dialog box. Note that group names must be followed by two contiguous colons (::). For example, a group named Strategy Games would be typed as  Strategy Games::

4	Click Ok

Or (if the destination group already exists):

1	Display the destination group in any panel

2	In another panel, display the source group

3	Drag the source group box and drop it on the destination group box

4	Verify the information displayed on the popup dialog box is correct

5	Click Ok


Copying directories

GFile copies directories in two steps:

The destination directory is created if it doesn't already exist

The contents of the source directory (files, and optionally, subdirectories) are copied to the destination directory

Several of the selections from the Options menu affect copying directories. See Copy/Move/Delete Options for more information.

Only files selected by the Select Attributes and Attributes Exclusive settings for the active panel will be copied.

To copy a directory:

1	Select the directory that contains, or will contain, the destination directory in a panel

2	Select the directory to be copied in another panel

3	Select Copy from the File menu

Or	Click the Copy command button

Or	Drag the source directory and drop it on the Copy command button

4	Verify/Change the information displayed on the popup dialog box

5	Click Ok

Or:

1	Select the directory that contains, or will contain, the destination directory in one panel

2	In another panel, select the directory to be copied

3	Drag the directory to be copied and drop it in the other panels drive box

4	Verify the information displayed on the popup dialog box is correct

5	Click Ok


Moving/renaming files

Files can be moved or renamed either by selecting the file(s), or by specifying a filename template in the Move/Rename Files dialog box.

If a file to be moved/renamed can have its path and/or filename changed by merely renaming (destination on same drive), it is renamed. Otherwise, it is copied, and the original deleted.

Several of the selections from the Options menu affect moving/renaming files. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

If you do not want to change the path, but merely the name of a single file, proceed as described below, but when the popup dialog box appears, change the destination (To:) to contain only the new name - no path.

To Move/rename files:

1	Display the destination directory in one panel

2	Select the file(s) to be moved/renamed in another panel

3	Select Move/Rename from the File menu

Or	Click the Move command button

Or	Drag the selected file(s) and drop it/them on the Move command button

4	Verify/change the information displayed on the popup dialog box

5	Click Ok

To Move/rename files using a filename template:

1	Display the destination directory in one panel

2	Display the source directory in another panel

3	Select Move/Rename from the File menu

Or	Click the Move command button

4	Add the filename template to be used to the end of the Source (Move/Rename:) field in the popup dialog box (e.g. C:\DOS\*.com)

5	Click Ok


Moving directories

GFile performs three steps when moving a directory :

The destination directory is created if it doesn't already exist

The contents of the source directory are moved to the destination

The source directory is deleted if it is empty

Only files selected by the Select Attributes and Attributes Exclusive settings for the active panel will be moved.

Moving a directory uses several of the selections from the Options menu. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

To move a directory:

1	Select the directory that contains, or will contain, the destination directory in a panel

2	Select the directory to be moved in another panel

3	Select Move/Rename from the File menu

Or	Click the Move command button

Or	Drag the source directory and drop it on the Move command button

4	Verify/change the information displayed on the popup dialog box

5	Click Ok


Moving program groups

GFile performs three steps when moving a program group:

The destination group is created if it doesn't already exist

The program items in the source group are moved to the destination

The source group is deleted

The Confirm Overwrite selection from the Options menu affects moving/renaming program groups. See Copy/Move/Delete Options for more information.

To move a program group:

1	Select the group to be moved in a panel

2	Select Move/Rename from the File menu

Or	Click the Move command button

Or	Drag the source group and drop it on the Move command button

3	Enter the destination group name in the destination (To:) entry of the popup dialog box. Be sure it is of the form: New Group Name::

4	Click Ok


Moving/renaming program items

To change the name of a single program item, you can rename the program item as described below, or change the Description property of the program item as described in Modifying program item properties.

The Confirm Overwrite selection from the Options menu affects moving/renaming program groups. See Copy/Move/Delete Options for more information.

To move program item(s) to a different group:

1	Display the destination group in one panel

2	Select the item or items to be moved in another panel

3	Select Move/Rename from the File menu

Or	Click the Move command button

Or	Drag the selected item(s) and drop it(them) on the Move command button

4	Verify/change the information displayed on the popup dialog box

5	Click Ok

To rename a program item (same group):

1	Select the item to be renamed in any panel

2	Select Move/Rename from the File menu

Or	Click the Move command button

Or	Drag the selected item and drop it on the Move command button

3	Enter the appropriate information in the popup dialog box. Be sure the destination is of the form: Groupname::NewName

4	Click Ok


Deleting files

Files to be deleted can be specified either by selecting them or by using a filename template.

Several of the selections from the Options menu affect deleting files. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

To delete individual files:

1	Select the file(s) to be deleted

2	Select Delete from the File menu

Or	Click the Delete command button

Or	Drag the selected files and drop them on the Delete command button

3	Verify the information displayed in the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok

To delete files using a filename template

1	Display the directory containing the files to be deleted

2	Select Delete from the File menu

Or	Click the Delete command button

3	Add the filename template to be used to the end of the target (Delete:) field in the popup dialog box (e.g. C:\DOS\*.com)

5	Click Ok


Deleting program items

The Confirm Delete selection from the Options menu affects deleting program items. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

To delete program items:

1	Select the item(s) to be deleted

2	Select Delete from the File menu

Or	Click the Delete command button

Or	Drag the selected items and drop them on the Delete command button

3	Verify the information displayed in the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok


Deleting directories

Several of the selections from the Options menu affect deleting directories. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

To delete a directory:

1	Display the directory to be deleted

2	Select Delete from the File menu

Or	Click the Delete command button

Or	Drag the directory to be deleted and drop it on the Delete command button

3	Verify/change the information displayed on the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok


Deleting program groups

The Confirm Delete selection from the Options menu affects deleting program groups. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

To remove a program group:

1	Display the group to be removed

2	Select Delete from the File menu

Or	Click the Delete command button

Or	Drag the group to be deleted and drop it on the Delete command button

3	Verify/change the information displayed on the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok


Printing files

GFile uses the same file association mechanism for printing that File Manager uses. Within the registration database are kept associations between file extensions, and programs (with options) that are able to print files with those extensions. These associations exist only for Document Classes. For details on the mechanisms involved, refer to Associating files with applications.

When multiple files are selected for printing, GFile places the print requests in a queue. It waits for completion of the associated print program for the first file (but not completion of printing) before starting the second print request. This prevents GFile from trying, for example, to start 26 instances of the Paintbrush program at the same time because you selected 26 .bmp files and told GFile to print them.

To print files:

1	Select the file(s) to be printed

2	Select Print from the File menu

Or	Click the Print command button

Or	Drag the selected files and drop them on the Print command button

3	Respond to any questions/options that the associated program requires.


Searching for files
Finding files

GFile will search part or all of a drive for a file that matches a name or template you supply. If the search is successful, the matching file becomes the selected file. A search can be continued from where it found a match, looking for additional matches, without having to re-enter any information.

To search for a file:

1	Display the drive and, optionally the directory, where the search is to begin

2	Select File Search from the Edit menu

Or	Click on the Search command button

3	In the popup dialog box, specify the drive/directory where the search is to begin, and the filename template or name to be matched in the appropriate fields

4	Click Ok

If the search is successful, the active panel  will have its drive box, directory list, and file list changed (if necessary) to display and select the file that matched the name or filename template supplied. If the search fails, a dialog box informing you of the failure is displayed.

To search for additional occurrences or matches:

1	Select Continue Search from the Edit menu

If an additional occurrence of the filename is found, or another file is found that matches the filename template, the new match becomes the selected file. Otherwise a dialog box informs you of the search failure.


Comparing file contents

GFile will compare the contents of two files, and will tell you if the file contents are identical.

To compare two files:

1	Display and select one of the files to be compared

2	Select Compare Files from the Edit menu

3	In the popup dialog box, specify the path and name of the file to which the selected file is to be compared

4	Click Ok

After the comparison is complete, a popup dialog box will tell you if the files are, or aren't, identical.


Changing file/directory attributes
Viewing/changing file/directory attributes and descriptions

File attributes, can be viewed or changed by GFile. Also, GFile supports 4DOS/NDOS compatible file descriptions for files and subdirectories.

If a single file is selected, the attributes of the file are displayed in the status line component of GFile. The following letters are used to represent the individual attributes:

A	Archive
H	Hidden
R	Read-Only
S	System

Attributes for a file or directory can also be determined by selecting the file/directory, and following the directions below for changing the attributes, but clicking Cancel rather than Ok on the pop-up dialog box.

Descriptions are strings of up to 40 characters that are tied to a file or subdirectory through a hidden file named DESCRIPT.ION found in the directory containing the file or subdirectory. Descriptions provide more extensive identification for a file or directory than that provided by a simple 8.3 character name. When you copy/move/delete files or directories using GFile (or 4DOS/NDOS), the description (if Use Descriptions is selected on the Options menu) will follow the file or directory.

Viewing file and directory descriptions is done by having them displayed in the file list (in Long File mode), or the directory list. See Displaying file descriptions and Displaying directory descriptions for more information.

To change file or directory attributes and/or descriptions:

1	Select the file(s) or directory (with no files selected) whose attributes are to be changed

2	Select Properties from the File menu

3	Select/de-select the attributes desired (or None) on the popup dialog box

4	If a directory other than the root (\) or a single file was selected, an editable text field containing the file/directory description will be displayed on the dialog box. Change this to the description you want.

5	Click Ok

Note:

If you do not already use 4DOS/NDOS and find the description facility useful, I would strongly recommend you obtain one of them. 4DOS is a shareware/retail command.com replacement and enhancement produced by JP Software Inc., P.O. Box 1470, East Arlington, MA 02174, USA. NDOS is a modified version of 4DOS provided with the Norton Utilities package distributed by Symantec Software. I have no connection with either product or company.


Associating files with applications

An association defines the program that is invoked (or in certain cases the DDE message to send) when files with a particular filename extension are Run/Opened or Printed.

One way the association for an extension can be defined is as a command line consisting of a program (path)name and any switches necessary to Run/Open files that have the desired extension. This is the most commonly used technique for DOS programs, and Windows programs that do not define Document Classes .

The other way in which the association can be defined is by indicating that the extension is associated with a Document Class. The Document Classes are normally defined automatically when installing the applications that are used to Open and Print particular types of documents. Some common examples of Document Classes are:

Paintbrush Picture

Files that can be edited with pbrush.exe - .bmp and .pcx files

Write Document

Files that can be edited with write.exe - .wri files

Text File

Files that can be edited with notepad.exe - .txt files

For further details on file extension associations, refer to the printed documentation for File Manager.

Defining an association between a filename extension and either an executable file, or an existing Document Class is simple - as described below.

To define an association:

1	(Optionally)Select a file with the desired extension

2	Select Associate from the File menu

3	If you didn't do step 1, type the desired extension in the file extension field and click the Query button.

4	If the extension is already associated, the Class/Program edit field will contain the name of the program or class with which it is associated. If you don't wish to change the association, click Cancel. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

5	Enter the program name and switches in the edit field of the popup dialog box

Or	If the desired program has been previously associated with a different extension, select the program from the popup dialog box list

Or	Select the appropriate pre-defined Document Class from the popup dialog box list

6	Click Ok

Example 1 - Using document classes

Suppose you want to be able to Run/Open files named read.me using Notepad:

1	Select a file with .me as the extension

2	Select Associate from the File menu

3	Scroll down and select Text File from the list displayed in the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok

That all there is to it! Now, any time you Open or Run a file with .me as its extension, Notepad will be invoked with the target file as an argument. Further, since the Text File class has a Print association (notepad.exe /p), you can print .me files from GFile (or File Manager).

Example 2 - Using an executable file

Suppose you have a program (DOS or Windows) with the path C:\utility\xyzzy.exe that processes files with the .zyx extension. To define the association between the program and the extension:

1	Select a file with the .zyx extension

2	Select Associate from the File menu

3	Type C:\utility\xyzzy.exe in the text field of the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok

Now, whenever you Open or Run a file with the .zyx extension, xyzzy.exe will be invoked - with the file you are running passed as an argument.

Notes:

Defining a Document Class is not normally considered a "user operation". However, if you wish to investigate document classes further, refer to printed and Help documentation for the program regedit.exe. Another good reference is The Microsoft Windows 3.1 Programmer's Reference, Volume 1, Chapter 7.

BACKUP YOUR REGISTRATION DATABASE (REG.DAT) BEFORE MESSING AROUND WITH REGEDIT.EXE!


Creating directories

To create a directory:

1	Display the directory that is to be the parent of the new directory

2	Select Create from the File menu

Or	Click the Create command button

3	Add the new directory name to the end of the path displayed in the popup dialog box

4	Click Ok


Creating program groups

To create a program group:

1	Select Create from the File menu

Or	Click the Create command button

2	Type the name of the new group, followed by two contiguous colons (::) in the popup dialog box (e.g. My New Group::)

3	Click Ok


Creating program items

Creating a new program item consists of supplying values for the properties that control an item's display and execution.

Supplying values for the properties is optional except for the Command line property. If not specified, defaults will be chosen for the other properties.

There are two, very different ways to create new program items:

To create a new program item explicitly:

1	In one panel display the group that will contain the new program item, and make it the active panel.

2	Select New from the File menu

3	Enter values for the desired fields in the Program item properties dialog box. If you specify the Icon Filename, click the View button to see the icons contained in the new file. Select the desired icon from the scrolled list at the bottom

4	Click Ok

To create a new program item or items using drag/drop:

1	In one panel display the group that will contain the new program item or items

2	In another panel, display and select the file(s) for which program items are to be created

3	Drag the file(s) and drop it/them on the destination group box


Modifying program item properties

The properties of a program item are the values that were chosen when the item was created (see Creating new program items) which control a program item's display and execution.

To change a program item's properties:

1	Select the item whose properties are to be changed

2	Select Properties from the File menu

3	Change the desired fields in the Program item properties dialog box. If you change the Icon Filename, click the View button to see the icons contained in the new icon file. Select the desired icon from the scrolled list at the bottom.

4	Click Ok


Launching applications from shortcut keys

Launching via shortcut keys does not make use of any of the launch related selections on the Options menu.

If an item has been previously launched (by GFile), typing the shortcut key sequence does not launch another instance - rather, it restores (if minimized) the existing instance and raises it above other applications.

To define a shortcut key sequence for an item, see Modifying program item properties.

To launch an application using shortcut keys:

1	Type the shortcut key sequence. GFile does NOT have to be the active application


Using the command line

From the command line, you are able to launch arbitrarily complex commands containing:

DOS programs with switches and arguments

Windows programs with switches and arguments

Document files associated with a program or Document Group (see Associating files with applications)

DOS built-in commands with switches and arguments

Program items

The command line uses all application launch options. See Application launch options.

The command line contains a built in history facility, able to hold 9 previous commands.

To use the history mechanism:

1	Press the UP key on the keyboard to move backward through the command history

2	Press the DOWN key to move forward through the command history

To launch a command line:

1	Enter the desired command using the keyboard and/or dragging and dropping filenames, directory names, or program items

2	Press the ENTER key on the keyboard

Or	Double-click on the command line

Notes:

To specify a program item rather than a filename, use the form: Group Name::Program Item Name

Command lines that contain pipe or redirection characters (|, >, <) are automatically assumed to be DOS command lines. Arguments to the command line that are a result of the Prompt for Dir/Arguments and/or Append Selected Files options will be placed on the final command line before the first occurrence of a pipe or redirection character - unless that character is the first character in the command line.

When you enter a command line, GFile attempts to figure out if the first word is a program name by searching the current directory, the directories on your PATH, and the Window's directory. If it fails to find the appropriate program, it assumes the word is a command processor (command.com usually) built-in command, and launches the command processor. If you wish to launch a DOS command line, and not have GFile search the disk beforehand, begin the command line with either ! or >:

!	Causes the command to be performed and then the command processor terminates. This is what happens if you don't use either characters and GFile decides the command is a built-in or a DOS external command.

>	Causes the command to be performed but the command processor then remains alive waiting for you to type in additional commands. This works only for command processors that recognize the /k switch - check your operating system/command.com replacement documentation.

If you create a command line containing only the character ! or >,  your command processor will be immediately launched in interactive mode. The Prompt for Dir/Arguments, Append Selected Files, and Serialized Execution options will be ignored.

DOS command lines use a pif named gfilecmd.pif and the value of the COMSPEC environment variable. See Customizing GFile if you wish or need to change the default values for these.


Launching applications from button bars

Launching applications from button bars is affected by the setting of Prompt For Dir/Arguments and Serialized Execution from the Options menu. See Application launch options. for more information.

To launch an application from a button bar:

1	Display the button bar containing the desired application

2	Click the desired application button

Or	Drag the application button and drop it on the Run command button

To launch a button application passing selected files as arguments:

1	Display the button bar containing the desired application

2	Display and select the file(s) to be used as arguments

3	Drag the selected file(s) and drop it/them on the application button


Launching applications from file lists

GFile will launch two types of files:

Executable files
Associated data files.

GFile will allow you to launch multiple files with a single operation. However, this should be used carefully. It is very easy to bring your system to its knees by launching too many applications concurrently.

Launching files is affected by the setting of Prompt For Dir/Arguments and Serialized Execution from the Options menu. See Application launch options. for more information.

Launched files do not make use of the Append Selected File option. Rather, to launch a file using other file(s) as arguments, the argument file(s) are dragged and dropped onto the file to be launched as described below.

To launch a file or files:

1	Display the directory containing the file(s) to be launched

2	Select the file(s) to be launched

3	Select Run or Open from the File menu

Or	Click the Run command button

Or	Drag and drop the selected files onto the Run command button

Or	Press the ENTER key on the keyboard

To quickly launch a single file:

1	Display the directory containing the file to be launched

2	Double-click the file to be launched

To launch a file passing selected files as arguments:

1	In any panel, display the directory containing the program file to be launched

2	In another panel, select the file(s) to be used as arguments

3	Drag the selected file(s) and drop it/them onto the file to be launched


Launching program items

Launching program items is affected by the setting of Prompt For Dir/Arguments and Serialized Execution from the Options menu. See Application launch options. for more information.

To launch a program item or items:

1	Select the program group containing the program items to be launched

2	Select the program items to be launched

3	Select Run or Open from the File menu

Or	Click on the Run command button

Or	Press the ENTER key on the keyboard

To quickly launch a single program item:

1	Select the program group containing the program item to be launched

2	Double click on the program item icon or name

To launch a program item passing selected files as arguments:

1	Display the group and program item to be launched

2	In another panel, select the file(s) to be used as arguments

3	Drag the files and drop them on the program item icon or name


Assigning program item to button

To assign a program item to a button:

1	Display the Configurable button bar containing the desired button

2	In any panel, display and select the desired program item

3	Drag the program item and drop it on the button


Removing button assignment

To remove the assignment from a button:

1	Display the Configurable button bar containing the desired button

2	Display the Command button bar

3	Drag the desired button and drop it onto the Delete command button


Copying button assignment to another button

To copy a button assignment to another button:

1	Display the Configurable button bar containing the target button

2	Display the Configurable button bar containing the source (to be copied) button

3	Drag the source button and drop it onto the target button


Resizing a window

Resizing the main window will mainly affect the sizes of attached panels. Button bars, the command line, and the status line will be resized only as necessary to maintain proper alignment. If you are displaying multiple panels, once the main window is resized, you may wish to resize the individual panels. See Resizing the panels for more information.

Resizing separate panels is performed using the same methods as the main window. After resizing a panel, you may wish to resize its contents. See Resizing panel contents for more information.

Separate button bars cannot be resized. Instead, the layout of the button bars within the window may be changed. See Button bar position and layout for more information.

To resize a window:

1	Move the mouse to the outer border of the window. When properly positioned, the cursor should change to a double-headed arrow. Press the left mouse button

2	Move the mouse until the outline displayed corresponds to the desired size for the window.

3	Release the mouse button

Or:

1	Choose Size from the Control menu. The cursor will change to a four-headed arrow.

2	Press one of the DIRECTION keys (LEFT, RIGHT, UP, or DOWN arrow key) to move the pointer to the border you want to move.

3	Press a DIRECTION key to move the border.

4	Press ENTER when the window is the size you want.


Moving a window

To move a window:

1	Place the cursor over the center part of the title bar and press the left mouse button

2	Move the mouse until the window outline is in the position you desire

3	Release the mouse button

Or:

1	Choose Move from the Control menu. The cursor will change to a four-headed arrow

2	Using the arrow keys, move the window outline until it is in the position you desire

3	Press ENTER


Minimizing a window

To minimize a window:

1	Click the minimize button on the title bar .

Or:

1	Choose Minimize from the Control menu


Maximizing a window

To maximize a window:

1	Click the maximize/restore button on the title bar .

Or:

1	Choose Maximize from the Control menu


Restoring a window

To Restore a window:

1	Click the maximize/restore button on the title bar .

Or:

1	Choose Restore from the Control menu


Closing a window

To close a window:

1	Double-click the control menu button on the title bar .

Or:

1	Choose Close from the Control menu

Notes:

If you have separate panels, the Close command on the panels Control menu closes only the panel. You can close all windows at once with the Exit GFile/Exit Windows command on the File menu, or Close on the GFile main window Control menu.


Switching to another window

Switching to another window consists of starting the task manager program. When the task manager starts, it displays a window containing a list of all top level windows. Use this "Task List" to switch to or close a window on the list.

To start the task manager:

1	Select Switch To on the Control menu

Or:

1	Double click anywhere on your screen background (not on a window)

When the task manager starts, it will provide several options via pushbuttons.

Task manager options

Switch To

Makes the window selected in the list active.

End Task

Closes the window selected in the list .

Cancel

Ends the task manager

Cascade

Arranges all top level windows so they overlap and you can see each title bar. This option does not affect windows reduced to icons (minimized).

Tile

Arranges all top level windows so they do not overlap.  This option does not affect windows reduced to icons (minimized).

Arrange Icons

Arranges the icons of all minimized windows across the bottom of the screen.


Resizing the panels

Each attached panel can be resized horizontally to any size within the constraints of minimum panel size and GFile main window size.

In order to maintain alignment between the attached panels, vertical resizing applies to all panels on a row.

If the panels are not attached, they are individually sized, by using the same technique as is used to size any top level window - the Size option on the system menu, or by dragging the resize borders.

To resize attached panels:

1	Place the mouse in either the vertical or horizontal area between two panels and press the left mouse button

2	If the cursor changes to a double-headed arrow, move the mouse in either direction indicated by the cursor until the guide line displayed corresponds to the desired panel size. If the cursor does not change, release the mouse and try step 1 again

3	Release the mouse button. The panels above and below or to the left and right of the guide line will be resized


Resizing panel contents

When a panel is in File or Long File mode, you can change the horizontal dimensions of the Drive/Directory and Template/File components.

To Resize a panel's contents:

1	Place the mouse in the vertical space between the directory list and file list. The cursor should change to a double-headed arrow. Press the left mouse button

2	Move the mouse left or right until the guide line displayed corresponds to the desired dimensions.

3	Release the mouse button. All four components of the panel will be resized


Refreshing panels

Choosing Refresh on the View menu or clicking the Refresh command button causes all internal lists to be updated, and all visible panels to be updated and repainted. It also de-selects any selected files/program items

To refresh all panels:

1	Select Refresh on the View menu

Or	Click on the Refresh command button


Monitoring file system changes

Windows provides a mechanism to allow one program to be notified whenever a Windows program causes a change to the file system. GFile does not use this mechanism to detect when it changes the file system, but GFile can use it to update its file lists when another Windows program creates, deletes, or otherwise modifies a file or directory. To enable this facility, select the Monitor File System Changes option on the System menu.

File Manager uses this mechanism to detect its own changes as well as other Windows program changes. As only one program can use this facility, prior to invoking File Manager turn this option off. You may also want to turn this option off prior to printing several files. Print Manager creates temporary files and having this option on may cause unnecessary (but harmless) updating of the file lists.

To change the setting of monitor file system changes:

1	Click Monitor File System Changes on the System menu


Formatting floppies

GFile formats floppies by launching format.com with arguments and options as determined by a popup dialog box.

To format a floppy:

1	Select Format from the System. menu

2	Enter the appropriate information in the pop-up dialog box that is displayed:

Drive	Select one of the floppy drives listed in the combo-box

Label	Standard volume label. Specify only if your version of format.com supports the /v:label option - Do NOT include quotation marks

Density	Default for drive, or 360K/1.2M/720K/1.44M/2.88M  (/f:format)

System files	Select one of three buttons:
None (don't reserve space),
Reserve Space (/b option), or
Copy System Files (/s option)

Quick Format	Select only if your version of format.com supports /q

Unconditional	Select only if your version of format.com supports /u

3	Click Ok.

Format.com will then run as a DOS application, using the arguments and options specified.


Restarting Windows

To restart Windows:

1	Select Restart Windows from the System menu

2	Select Yes from the pop-up confirmation dialog box

Selecting this option will terminate all active programs. Use it the same way you would use Exit Windows on your shell application.


Rebooting the system

To reboot the system:

1	Select Reboot System from the System menu

2	Select Yes from the pop-up confirmation dialog box

Although all Windows programs will have an opportunity to clean up, you should avoid using this option while programs that have open files are still active. Also, be very careful about using this with smartdrive or other disk caching programs, if write caching is enabled. This command is implemented via a Windows API call that will signal the cache to flush its write buffers. However, I would test extensively with non-critical data before using this "for real". Disk drives, systems, disk related TSRs, and operating system versions vary so widely that all possible combinations cannot be checked (reasonably - within the current century).


Exit GFile
Exiting GFile

To exit GFile:

1	Select Exit or Exit Windows(if GFile is running as the Windows shell program) from the File menu

2	Click Yes on the confirmation popup dialog box


Save GFile settings
Saving GFile settings

To save GFile settings:

1	While holding down either SHIFT key, double-click the control menu icon

Or

1	Select the Save Settings On Exit option on the Options menu

2	When you next exit GFile, the settings in effect at the time you exit will be saved


Setting shell program

Selecting Set Shell on the System menu allows you to set the Shell= parameter in system.ini. This determines the program that is initially started when Windows is invoked, and whose termination will result in Windows being stopped. Selecting Set Shell will result in a dialog box appearing that prompts for the name of the program to be set as the shell. If GFile is currently the shell program, the default value in the dialog box is progman.exe. If GFile is not the current shell, gfile.exe is the default value displayed. After clicking Ok, another dialog box pops up asking whether you want to restart Windows with the new shell.

When GFile is selected as the shell program, the behavior is slightly different that for most programs. Please see the later section, Setting GFile as the shell if GFile is your desired shell.

To set the shell program to something other than GFile:

1	Select Set Shell on the System menu

2	Enter the name/path of the desired shell program in the popup dialog box that appears. If the program is not in a directory that is on the system PATH when Windows starts, you must specify a complete path name to the program

3	Click Ok

4	Click Yes on the Restart Windows dialog box that appears

Setting GFile as the shell

When GFile is to run as the shell, it uses progman.exe as a hidden partner. That is, progman.exe is running, but is not visible. This is done for several reasons:

1	It causes group files to be correctly updated whenever you change display resolution via setup or other utilities.

2	It results in much quicker operation for GFile commands that modify groups or program items.

3	It allows runniing product installation programs that expect progman to be running as the shell.

4	It prevents problems with programs that expect progman (or programs that behave identically to progman) to be the shell. One example I know of from personal experience is Adobe Type Manager (ATM)

To run GFile as the shell, we do not change the Shell= entry in system.ini to point to GFile. Rather, we set that entry to progman.exe, add GFile to the Run= line in win.ini, modify progman.ini, and set a parameter in gfile.ini. All of this is done automatically when GFile is used to set itself as the shell, and is automatically undone when GFile is used to set some program other than itself as shell (using the procedure detailed above). Do not try to run GFile as the shell by directly editing the system.ini file - it wont behave properly. Similarly, dont remove GFile as the shell by editing system.ini. Instead, use the Set Shell menu entry - youll be much happier with the result!

To set GFile as the shell:

1	In the Program Manager, close (iconize) all groups, and turn off (uncheck) Save Settings on Exit from the Options menu.

2	While holding the SHIFT key, double click the control menu box on Program Manager. This will save the current configuration

3	Now go to GFile and select Set Shell on GFiles System menu

4	Ensure GFiles complete path is displayed in the popup dialog. If not, change the path displayed in the dialog

5	Click Ok

6	Click Yes on the Restart Windows dialog box that appears


Copy/move/delete options

Following are options that can be selected for copy, move, or delete operations as appropriate. These options are set in the Options menu or may be selected on the popup dialog box that is displayed when the Options button on the Copy/Move/Delete dialog box is selected.

Confirm Delete

When selected, causes a confirmation popup dialog box to be displayed before any file or program item is deleted.

Confirm Overwrite

When selected, causes a confirmation popup dialog box to be displayed before any existing file is overwritten by a copy or move/rename operation.

Copy Date/Time

When selected, causes the date and time of the source file to be given to the newly created destination file by a copy operation. Otherwise, the new copy has the current date and time.

Copy Attributes

When selected, causes the attributes of the source file to be given to the newly created destination file by a copy operation. Otherwise, the new copy has no attributes set (Normal File).

Verify Copy

When selected, causes the newly created copy of a file (whether copying or moving to a different drive) to be compared with the original file. If the comparison fails, the copy fails, and the original file is restored (in the case of a move).

Safe Copy

When selected, if a file is being copied or being moved to a different drive, and the destination file already exists, GFile will:

Rename the destination file to a temporary name

Copy the source file to the destination

Delete the temporary file (old destination file)

Thus, if an error occurs during the operation, GFile displays an error message, deletes (if necessary) the bad copy, and rename the temporary file back to its original name. Thus, although the copy failed, no information is destroyed.

Include Subdirectories

When selected, will result in all subdirectories and their contents being included in a copy/move/delete directory operation. Selecting this option effectively changes the directory operations to directory tree operations - clone/graft/prune if you prefer.

Include Hidden Subdirs

This option is used only if Include Subdirectories is selected. When selected, will result in all hidden subdirectories and their contents being included in a copy/move/delete directory operation.

Use Descriptions

When selected, will result in descriptions being copied/moved/deleted along with the file or directory. See Viewing/changing file/directory attributes and descriptions  for detailed information on file/directory descriptions.


Determining a file's association

See Associating files with applications for general information on file associations. Note that although this topic refers to a single file, the association is shared with all files with the same extension.

To determine a file's association

1	(Optionally)Select a file with the desired extension

2	Select Associate from the File menu

3	If you didn't do step 1, type the desired extension in the file extension field and click the Query button.

4	The associated program/class will be displayed in the Class/Program edit field. Click Cancel when you are done.


Removing a file's association

See Associating files with applications for general information on file associations. Note that although this topic refers to a single file, the association is shared with all files with the same extension. If you remove the association for one file you are removing the association for ALL files with the same extension.

To remove a file's association

1	(Optionally)Select a file with the desired extension

2	Select Associate from the File menu

3	If you didn't do step 1, type the desired extension in the file extension field and click the Query button.

4	Select (No Association) from the list of classes/programs

Or	Delete the text from the Class/Program edit field

5	Click Ok


Displaying file descriptions

See Viewing/changing file/directory attributes and descriptions  for detailed information on file descriptions.

To display file descriptions in a panel

1	Set the panel to Long File mode and make it the active panel

2	Select Show File Descriptions on the View menu


Displaying directory descriptions

See Viewing/changing file/directory attributes and descriptions  for detailed information on directory descriptions.

To display directory descriptions

1	Set the panel to either File or Long File mode and make it the active panel

2	Select Show Subdir Descriptions on the View menu


Unloading File Manager extensions

See File Manager extensions for detailed information about File Manager extensions.

To unload File Manager extensions

1	Select Unload Extensions from the System menu


Loading/Reloading File Manager extensions

See File Manager extensions for detailed information about File Manager extensions.

To load/reload File Manager extensions:

1	Select Load/Reload Extensions from the System menu


Displaying/hiding hidden directories

The setting of the Display Hidden Directories entry on the View menu determines whether or not hidden directories are displayed in the active panel's directory list. If the entry is checked, hidden directories are displayed. If not checked, they are not.

To change whether a panel displays hidden directories:

1	Make the desired panel the active panel

2	Select Display Hidden Directories on the View menu


Attaching/Detaching the panels

When panels are separate or detached, each panel is contained in its own top level window. This allows it to be moved, resized, minimized, maximized, put on top of other windows, and closed independently of GFile's main window. When minimized, it will display its own icon reflecting its current mode. It still has all of the panel capabilities of an attached panel and, as with attached panels, one of the separate panels is the active panel.

To change the panels attached/detached state:

1	Click on Separate Panels on the Window menu


Attaching/Detaching the button bars

When the button bars are separate or detached, the collection of visible button bars is contained in its own top level window. The window can be moved, minimized, and put on top of other windows. The sizing and layout of the button bars is determined by the Button Bar Position and 2x4 settings on the Window menu as described in Button bar position and layout. Aside from being a separate window, separate button bars behave exactly the same as attached button bars.

To change the button bars attached/detached state:

1	Click on Separate Button Bars from the Window menu


Diplaying popup menus
Displaying popup menus

GFile will display a popup menu over the button bars or panels, allow you to make a selection from the menu, and then automatically 'popdown' the menu. The menu popup menu has the same entries and sub-menus as the main menu. This facility is most useful when you have separate panels or button bars and it is inconvenient (perhaps because the main window is minimized) to access the main menu.

To display the popup menus:

1	Place the mouse over a panel or button bar

2	While holding down the CONTROL (CTRL) key, click the right mouse button

3	The menu that is displayed will disappear after you have made a selection. If you wish to dismiss the menu without making a selection, just click the mouse somewhere outside the menu (the screen background for example)


File menu commands

New

Creates a new program item. See Creating program items. for more information.

Open

Runs the currently selected file(s) or program item(s). If no files/items are selected, but a directory list or drive box has the keyboard focus, causes the currently highlighted drive/directory to be selected. Exists primarily for compatibility with File Manager.

Move/Rename

Moves or renames the selected files, program items, directory or program group. See Moving/renaming files, Moving directories, Moving program groups, or Moving/renaming program items for more information.

Copy

Copies the selected files, program items, directory, or program group. See Copying files, Copying program items, Copying directories, or Copying program groups for more information.

Delete

Deletes the selected files, program items, directory, or program groups. See Deleting files, Deleting program items, Deleting directories, or Deleting program groups for more information.

Undelete

Invokes the File Manager undelete extension. See File Manager extensions for more information.

Create

Creates a directory or program group. See Creating directories or Creating program groups for more information.

Properties

Displays or changes selected file, directory, or program item properties. See Viewing/changing file/directory attributes or Modifying program item properties for more information.

Run

Runs the selected file(s) or program item(s). See Launching applications from file lists or Launching program items for more information.

Print

Prints the selected file(s). See Printing files for more information.

Associate

Associates, queries, or removes an association for all files with the same extension as the selected file. See Associating files with applications, Determining a file's association, and Removing a file's association for more information.

Exit/Exit Windows

Terminates GFile. See Exiting GFile for more information.


Edit menu commands

File Search

Searches for a file whose name matches a specified filename or template. See Finding files for additional information.

Continue Search

Searches for the next filename that matches a previously specified name or template. See  Finding files for additional information.

Compare Files

Performs a binary comparison between two files. See Comparing file contents for additional information.

Select All

Selects all files or program items displayed in the active panel.

Clear All

De-selects all files or program items displayed in the active panel.


Control menu commands

Restore

Restores a previously minimized or maximized window to its normal state.

Move

Moves a window, using the keyboard, to another location on the screen. See Moving a window for additional information.

Size

Resizes a window using the keyboard. See Resizing a window for additional information.

Minimize

Reduces a window to an icon. See Minimizing a window for additional information.

Maximize

Enlarges a window to fill the screen. See Maximizing a window for additional information.

Close

Closes a window. See Closing a window for additional information.

Switch To...

Starts the Task Manager utility. See Switching to another window for additional information.


View menu commands

Next

Selects the next displayed panel (order determined as left to right, top to bottom on the Panels sub-menu) as the active panel. If panels are separate from the main window, and the next panel is iconized, it is restored.

Program Group

Sets the active panel display mode to Program Groups. See Panels or Changing a panel's display mode for additional information.

File

Sets the active panel display mode to File. See Panels or Changing a panel's display mode for additional information.

Long File

Sets the active panel display mode to Long File. See Panels or Changing a panel's display mode for additional information.

Info

Sets the active panel display mode to Info. See Panels or Changing a panel's display mode for additional information.

Sort Order

Selects the file information - name, extension, date, size, description - by which the file list entries of the active panel are sorted. See Changing the files and directories displayed for more information.

Select Attributes

Determines how the file attribute are used to select files to be displayed in the active panel's file list. See Changing the files and directories displayed for more information.

Attributes Exclusive

Determines the file attributes used to select files to be displayed in the active panel's file list. See Changing the files and directories displayed for more information.

Show File Descriptions

Causes file descriptions to be displayed in the active panel when it is in Long File mode. See Displaying file descriptions and Displaying directory descriptions for more information.

Show Subdir Descriptions

Causes directory descriptions to be displayed in the active panel's directory list. See Displaying file descriptions and Displaying directory descriptions for more information.

Show Hidden Directories

Determines whether hidden directories will be displayed in the active panel's directory list. See Displaying/hiding hidden directories for more information.

Names Only

Causes only the program item names to be displayed in the program item list for the active panel. See Changing how program items are displayed for more information.

Icons Only

Causes only the program item icons to be displayed in the program item list for the active panel. See Changing how program items are displayed for more information.

Icons and Names

Causes both the program item icons and names to be displayed in the program item list for the active panel. See Changing how program items are displayed for more information.

Refresh

Updates/repaints all visible panels. See Refreshing panels for more information.


System menu commands

Format Floppy

Formats a floppy using format.com. See Formatting floppies for more information.

Monitor File System Changes

Turns on/off GFile's monitoring of file system changes. See Monitoring file system changes for more information.

Unload Extensions

Unloads all File Manager extensions. See File Manager extensions for more information.

Load/Reload Extensions

Loads (after unloading if necessary) all File Manager extensions. See File Manager extensions for more information.

Pause Queue

When checked,  prevents GFile from starting serialized jobs. See Serialized execution .

Clear Queue

Removes all serialized jobs from the queue.  See Serialized execution .

Set Shell

Allows you to change the Windows shell program and restart Windows. See Setting shell program for more information.

Reboot System

Reboots the system. See Rebooting the system for more information.

Restart Windows

Restarts Windows. See Restarting Windows for more information.


Options menu commands

Append Selected File

Determines if selected files should be appended to the command line. See Application launch options for more information.

Drop Full Path

Determines if files dropped on the command line should be expanded to full paths. See Application launch options for more information.

Prompt for Dir/Arguments

Determines if a dialog box prompting for the initial directory and/or additional arguments should be displayed when an application is launched. See Application launch options for more information.

Serialize Execution

Determines if applications should be launched serially or immediately. See Application launch options for more information.

Confirm Delete

Determines if a confirmation dialog box should be displayed when an item is to be deleted. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Confirm Overwrite

Determines if a confirmation dialog box should be displayed when an existing file is to be overwritten when moving or copying. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Copy Date/Time

Determines if a files date and time of creation should be copied when the file is copied. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Copy Attributes

Determines if a files attributes should be copied when the file is copied. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Verify Copy

Determines if the new copy of a file should be compared against the original when copying or when moving to a different drive. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Safe Copy

Determines if the Safe Copy technique should be used for copying/moving files. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Include Subdirectories

Determines whether subdirectories and their contents should be included in moving, copying or deleting the contents of a directory. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Include Hidden Subdirs

Enabled only if Include Subdirectories is selected. Determines whether hidden subdirectories and their contents should be included in moving, copying or deleting the contents of a directory. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Use Descriptions

Determines whether descriptions will be copied/moved/deleted along with the corresponding file or directory. See Copy/move/delete options for more information.

Minimize on Use

When selected, causes the top level window involved (GFile main window, separate button bar window, or separate panel window) to minimize itself whenever an application is launched.

Save Settings on Exit

Determines whether GFile should save its configuration when terminated. See Saving GFile settings for more information.


Window menu commands

Panels

A sub-menu that allows you to select a panel to display or hide. See Displaying/hiding panels for more information. The blank spaces at the top of the sub-menu are to prevent accidental selection of a sub-menu entry when the sub-menu is initially displayed due to mouse 'button-bounce'.

Panels on Top

A sub-menu that allows you to control the topmost status of a panel. This sub-menu is enabled only when panels are displayed as separate windows, and applies only to displayed panels. See Manipulating topmost windows for more information.

Separate Panels

Allows you to attach/detach the panels to/from GFile's main window. See Attaching/Detaching the panels for more information.

Button Bars

A sub-menu that allows you to select a button bar to display or hide. See Displaying/hiding button bars for more information.

Bar Titles

A sub-menu that allows you to specify the titles associated with the configurable button bars. See How to change button bar titles for more information.

Bar Position

A sub-menu that allows you to specify the position of the button bars relative to the panels, or the orientation of the button bars when separate. See Button bar position and layout for more information.

Buttons 2x4

Allows you to select a 1x8 (un-checked) or 2x4 (checked) layout for the button bars. See  Button bar position and layout for more information.

Buttons on Top

Allows you to control the topmost status of detached button bars. See Manipulating topmost windows for more information.

Separate Buttons

Allows you to attach/detach the button bars to/from GFile's main window. See Attaching/Detaching the button bars for more information.

Status Line

Allows you to display/hide the status line.

Command Line

Allows you to display/hide the command line.

GFile On Top

Allows you to control the topmost status of GFile's main window. See Manipulating topmost windows for more information.


Help menu commands

Contents

Invokes the Windows Help program, displaying the table of contents for this help file.

Search

Invokes the Windows Help program, displaying the topic search dialog box for this help file.

Current Window

Invokes the Windows Help program, displaying information on the currently active top level GFile window. Use the accelerator key (F1) to invoke this when a dialog box is being displayed to obtain help on the dialog box.

Interactive Help

Changes the cursor to a combination pointer/question mark, and allows you to click on the item on which you want help. The accelerator key (SHIFT-F1) for this is disabled (as are other accelerators) when a dialog box is being displayed.

Using Help

Invokes the Windows Help program, displaying a help file that explains how to use the Windows help facility.

About GFile

Displays author, revision, and copyright information for GFile.

Registration

Displays information concerning how to register GFile.


Control menu
Commands that manipulate the current top level window. See Control menu commands.


File menu
Commands that  directly manipulate files, directories, groups and program items. See File menu commands. Click on picture to see/return to Menu bar.


Edit menu
Commands that select files, and compare file contents. See Edit menu commands. Click on picture to see/return to Menu bar.


View menu
Commands that affect the information displayed in the panels. See View menu commands. Click on picture to see/return to Menu bar.


System menu
Commands that deal with operating system level facilities. See System menu commands. Click on picture to see/return to Menu bar.


Options menu
Parameters that affect application launching, copying/moving/deleting objects, and GFile operation. See Options menu commands. Click on picture to see/return to Menu bar.


Window menu
Commands that determine the number and arrangement of displayed panels, button bars, and other visual elements. See Window menu commands. Click on the entries with arrow heads to see the associated sub-menu. Click elsewhere on picture to see/return to Menu bar.


Help menu
Informational commands. See Help menu commands. Click on picture to see/return to Menu bar.


Panels sub menu
Panels sub-menu

Commands that hide/show panels. See Displaying/hiding panels. Click on picture to see/return to Window menu.


Panels on Top sub-menu

Commands that set/un-set a panel's topmost status. See Manipulating topmost windows for more information. Click on picture to see/return to Window menu.


Button Bar sub-menu
Button Bars sub-menu
Commands that hide/show button bars. See Displaying/hiding button bars. Click on picture to see/return to Window menu.


Bar Titles Submenu
Bar Titles sub-menu
Commands that allow changing the button bar titles. See Changing the button bar titles. Click on picture to see/return to Window menu.


Bar Position Submenu
Bar Position sub-menu
Commands that control button bar positioning. See Button bar position and layout. Click on picture to see/return to Window menu.


Keyboard and mouse operations

GFile conforms to the usual Windows conventions for keyboard and mouse use. However, due to its nature, there are some special keyboard and mouse operations as detailed below.

Shifting Focus

The currently active or focused element in GFile is changed by use of the TAB and SHIFT-TAB keys, or by clicking with the left mouse button in the component. The arrow keys are used within many components to change the current selection or perform other operations, and are thus not used to shift focus. Popup dialog boxes follow the usual conventions of TAB/SHIFT -TAB moving between related groups of items and arrow keys moving the focus between items in a group.

History

The command line history feature remembers  9 previous command lines. Previously entered commands are stepped through using the UP arrow key (assuming the command line is the active component). The DOWN arrow key can be used to move forward through previously stepped over commands.

Double Click

Double clicking has special significance in the file list components, the program item list components, and in the command line component. In any of those three components, double-clicking has the same effect as pressing the ENTER key  or clicking the Run command button - the selected file(s), item(s), or command line is launched.

Double clicking is also used to change the selected directory in the directory list components  -  the usual behavior for Windows applications.

Shift-Double Click

Double clicking in the file list components (File or  Long File mode) while holding down either SHIFT key, has the same effect as clicking the Print command button - the selected file(s) is/are printed using whatever print association (See Associating files with applications) is in effect for that type of file.

Enter Key

In most cases, pressing the ENTER (RETURN) key has the same effect as selecting Run from the File menu or clicking on the Run command button - the currently selected file/item is launched.

If the drive or group  boxes, or directory list is the currently active item, and the UP/DOWN arrow keys have been used to change the highlighted item, the ENTER key (or SPACE bar) causes the highlighted item to become the current selection.

If a template field is the active component, and the contents of the template field are changed,  pressing ENTER confirms the change. Tabbing or clicking in a different component without pressing ENTER will cause the template field to revert to its previous value.

Insert Key

When the command line has the focus, pressing the INSERT key will paste the (path) names of the selected files or program items at the end of the command line. This is equivalent to dragging the files/items from the active panel and dropping them on the command line. Whether a simple filename or full path is pasted depends on the setting of Drop Full Path on the Options menu. See Application launch options. for more information.

Info Box

When the info box is displayed in either of the panels, clicking in the info box with the left button causes an update of the information being displayed.

Right Mouse Button

Clicking in any component of either panel with the right mouse button causes the panel to cycle to the next display mode. Thus, if a panel was currently displaying Program group information, four clicks would cycle from  Program Group to File to Long File to Info and back to Program Group. Holding either SHIFT key down while clicking with the right mouse button cycles through the modes in reverse order.

Pressing the right mouse button over a button bar button will cause the name of the operation associated with that button to be displayed in a popup window. Releasing the right button will cause the window to disappear.

Clicking the right mouse button on a panel or button bar while holding down the CTRL key will cause a popup menu to appear. Selecting an item from the menu, or clicking anywhere else on the screen will cause the menu to disappear.

Control Menu

Double-clicking on the control-menu box while holding down either SHIFT key saves the current settings (size, position, directories, groups, mode, options) of GFile in gfile.ini. This occurs regardless of the setting of Save Settings on Exit on the Options menu.


Program Item Properties
Program Item Properties dialog box

This dialog box appears when you choose to create a new program item (see Creating new program items) or change an existing program item's properties (see Modifying program item properties).

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.

For additional information concerning program item properties, see Creating program items and consult the Program Manager portion of the Windows documentation.


File association dialog
File Association dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Associate on the File menu. It requires that you supply the program or Document Class with which files having a particular extension will be associated. See Associating files with applications, Determining a file's association, and Removing a file's association for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Sort order dialog
Sort Order dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Sort Order on the View menu. This dialog box will determine the order in which filenames appear in the active panel's file list. It requires that you specify a primary sort key, and, for the cases where two files have identical values for the primary, a secondary sort key. See Changing the files and directories displayed for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Format floppy dialog
Format Floppy dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Format Floppy from the System menu. It requires you to supply the information necessary to launch format.com. See Formatting floppies for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Information dialog
Information dialog box

This type of dialog box displays information concerning the current operation, or information you requested from the menu. Click the Ok button when you have finished reading the information.

Following is a picture of this type of dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Options dialog
Options dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of clicking the Options button on the Copy/Move/Delete dialog boxes. It allows you to override the settings of the Copy/Move/Delete options on the Options menu. Please note that the settings you make on this dialog box apply only to the current Copy/Move/Delete operation. They will have no effect on the selections in the menu or any subsequent Copy/Move/Delete operations. See Copy/move/delete options for more information on the individual options.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Browse dialog
Browse dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of clicking the Browse button on a variety of different dialog boxes. It allows you to select a directory, file, group, or program item, as appropriate to the situation. The item you select will have its name/path placed in the text field that had the focus when you pressed the Browse button.

The browse dialog box displays in two major modes - file selection mode and program item selection mode. In cases where either a file or program item can be selected, the object type buttons will be displayed, allowing you to switch between modes. In the cases where only one of the modes is meaningful, the dialog box will start in that mode and the object type buttons will not be present.

In many cases (e.g. copy/move/delete), either a directory/group or an individual file/program item is allowed. If you wish to select only the directory or group, select it and then click the Ok button. If a file or program item is required and you don't select one, the browse dialog box will pop up an error dialog box, and wait for you to make a selection.

Finally, in some cases only a directory or group is allowed. In that case, you'll see an abbreviated form of the corresponding Browse dialog box, with the file/program item selection fields omitted.

Following are pictures of the two modes of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the pictures.

File selection mode

Program item selection mode


Select attributes dialog
Select Attributes dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Select Attributes on the View menu. The values you select with this dialog box help determine what file names are displayed in the active panel's file list. See Changing the files and directories displayed for more information on all of the items involved in determining the file names displayed.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


File/Directory properties dialog
Directory/File properties dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Properties on the File menu. The values you supply with this dialog box will be used to set the attributes and description for the currently selected file or directory. See Viewing/changing file/directory attributes and descriptions for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Copy dialog
Copy dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Copy on the File menu, or clicking the Copy command button. It requires you to enter the item(s) to be copied in the first edit field, and where you want the item(s) placed in the second field. See Copying files, Copying program items, Copying directories, or Copying program groups for more information on copying operations.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Move/Rename dialog
Move/Rename dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Move on the File menu, or clicking the Move command button. It requires you to enter the item(s) to be moved/renamed in the first edit field, and where you want them placed/named in the second field. See Moving/renaming files, Moving directories, Moving program groups, or Moving/renaming program items for more information on moving/renaming.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Create dialog
Create dialog box

This dialog box appears as the result of selecting Create on the File menu, or clicking the Create command button. It requires you to enter the name of the directory or group that you wish to create. Be sure, if creating a group, to end the name with a double colon (::). See Creating directories or Creating program groups for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Delete dialog
Delete dialog box

This dialog box appears as the result of selecting Delete on the File menu, or clicking the Delete command button. It requires you to enter the name of the directory, file, group::program item or group that you wish to create. Be sure, if deleting a group, to end the name with a double colon (::). If deleting a program item, the program item name must be preceded by the group name and a double colon (::). See Deleting files, Deleting program items, Deleting directories, or Deleting program groups for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


File search dialog
File Search dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting File Search on the Edit menu, or clicking the Search command button. It requires you to enter the directory in which to begin searching in the first edit field, and the file name or template for which you wish to search in the second field. See Finding files for additional information on file searching.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Compare files dialog
Compare Files dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of selecting Compare Files on the Edit menu. It requires you to enter the path/file name of the first file to be compared in the first edit field, and the second path/file name in the second field. See Comparing file contents for additional information on comparing files.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Set shell dialog
Set Shell dialog box

This dialog box appears as the result of selecting Set Shell on the System menu. It requires you to enter the path/name of the program you wish to run as your Windows shell. This dialog box will be followed by a dialog box that asks if you want to restart Windows in order to use the new shell. See Setting shell program for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Error message dialog
Error message dialog box

This type of dialog box appears as the result of an error condition. Either a device/system error (e.g. no floppy in a drive), an attempt to perform an invalid operation (e. g. copy a program item to a file), or a system problem (e. g. running out of memory). The message displayed should explain adequately what the problem is. There are different combinations of buttons displayed for different types of errors:

Following are pictures of 3 forms of this type of dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Confirm dialog
Confirm dialog box

This type dialog box appears whenever GFile needs to obtain a confirmation of the operation before progressing. In most cases, the only buttons displayed will be Yes and No. However, when confirming more complex operations, a Cancel and a Yes To All button may appear.

Following is a picture of this type of dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Program dir/args dialog
Program Directory/Arguments dialog box

This dialog box appears as a result of launching an application while the Prompt for Dir/Args option is set. It allows you to specify/change the initial directory for the program in the first edit field, and specify/change arguments to the program in the second field. See Launching applications from file lists or Launching program items for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


Button bar title dialog
Button Bar Title dialog box

This dialog box appears as the result of selecting a button bar name on the Bar Titles sub-menu  of the Windows menu. It requires you to enter the name by which you wish the button bar to listed in the Button Bars and Bar Titles sub-menus. See How to change button bar titles for more information.

Following is a picture of the dialog box. To see descriptions of the individual items in the dialog box, click on the appropriate location on the picture.


View button
This button causes the icons from the file named in the Icon Filename field to be displayed in the Icon Selection box.


Ok button
This button  acknowledges that you have read the contents of message dialog boxes, or that you have completed making selections in selection type dialog boxes.


Cancel button
This button signals that you wish to discontinue the operation represented by the dialog box. If the dialog box containing this button is popped up by another dialog box, the original dialog box will re-appear.


No button
This button indicates that you want the current part of the operation to be skipped, but if additional objects are to be operated on, GFile is to continue processing them


Yes button
 This button indicates that you wish the operation to proceed.


Retry button
Indicates that GFile should attempt to perform the current operation again. Generally, this is useful only if you have done something in response to an error message - like put a floppy in the drive.


Continue button
This button indicates that although the current part of the operation is in error or cannot be performed, GFile should continue processing any additional objects in the current operation.


Yes to All button
Indicates the current operation is to proceed (Yes) and that all subsequent confirmation questions in the current operation are to be Yes


Browse button
Indicates you wish to use the Browse dialog box to provide information to the text field that currently has the input focus (text cursor).


Options button
Indicates you wish to change the Copy/Move/Delete options that apply to the current operations by using the Options dialog box.


Filename field
Displays the name of the currently selected file. If this field contains a value, it is the value (combined with the Directory name field) that will be returned if you click the Ok button.


File selection box
A list box that allows you to select a file. The selected filename will appear in the Filename field.


File Type drop down
A drop down list that allows you to specify (by extension) the types of files that are to appear in the File selection box. Disabled when the dialog box is in program item selection mode.


Directory name field
Displays the path of the currently selected drive and directory. Combined with the Filename field (if present) to represent the value returned when the Ok button is clicked.


Directory selection box
A list box that allows you to select a directory. Select by double-clicking. The selected directory's path will appear in the Directory name field, and the files in the directory that match the template(s) in the File type drop down will be displayed in the File selection box.


Drive selection drop down
A drop down list, containing the drives on your system. The currently selected drive determines the directories and files whose paths/names appear in the Directory and File selection boxes. Disabled when the dialog box is in program item selection mode.


Object Type buttons
A pair of push buttons that determine the mode. If the Dir/File button is selected, the dialog box will be placed in file selection mode. If the Group/Item button is selected, the dialog box will be placed in program item selection mode.


Program Item field
The name of the currently selected program item. Combined with the Group name field (Group::Item) to form the return value when the Ok button is clicked.


Program Item selection box
A list that allows you to select a program item. The selection will appear in the Program item field. The box lists all the program items found in the group listed in the Group name field.


Group name field
The name of the currently selected group. Combined with the Program item field (if present) to form the return value when the Ok button is clicked.


Group selection box
A list box that allows you to select a program group. The name of the selected group will appear in the Group name field, and the program items in the group will appear in the Program Item selection box. Groups are selected by double-clicking.


First text field
A single line, editable text field for entering the first argument to the command being carried out. It usually is the source or starting point for the command. See the description of the dialog box and the indicated additional information sources for details of what is to appear here.


Second text field
A single line, editable text field for entering the second argument to the command being carried out. It usually is the destination or target for the command. See the description of the dialog box and the indicated additional information sources for details of what is to appear here.


Extension field
Editable text field containing the extension (preceded by a '.') for the association you wish to define, query, or delete.


Class/Program field
A single line, editable text field containing the Document Class or program with which the extension is/will be associated.


Class/Program list
A list containing all of the Document Class/program names that are currently associated with an extension. Making a selection from this list causes the value of the selection to be placed in the Class/Program field.


Query button
When clicked, causes the registration data base to be searched for an entry matching the contents of the Extension field. The associated class or program (or No Association) is then selected in the Class/Program list and displayed in the Class/Program field.


Primary key buttons
The button selected from this group will determine the file characteristic that will be primarily responsible for determining the order in which file names appear.


Primary Descending Order check box
If selected, indicates that the primary sort should be done in descending (Z to A, larger to smaller, newer to older) order.


Secondary key buttons
The button selected from this group will determine the file characteristic that will be responsible for determining the order in which file names appear when the primary keys for multiple files are the same.


Secondary Descending Order check box
If selected, indicates that the secondary sort should be done in descending (Z to A, larger to smaller, newer to older) order.


Icon Selection
The particular icon within the icon file to be used to represent the program item.


Icon Filename
File containing the icon to be used to represent the program item. After changing the filename or path in this field, click the View button to have the icons from the file displayed in the Icon Selection field. If this field is empty, or if the selected file contains no icons, when you click Ok, an icon from progman.exe will be used.


Run Minimized
Value which, if set, will cause GFile (or Program Manager) to start the program item in a minimized (iconized) state.


Working Directory
The program item's working drive and directory. May be overridden by the program itself, launch options, or limitations/restrictions imposed by underlying (usually network) system level software.


Command Line
The command sequence required to run the program. Include the program (path)name and any switches or arguments to be used every time the program is run.


Description
Descriptive name for the program item. Appears below the item's icon when using Program Manager, beside the icon when using GFile.


Drive drop down
Allows you to select the drive containing the floppy to be formatted.


Label field
Allows you to specify a label for the floppy.


Capacity buttons
The button selected from this group will determine the capacity for which the floppy will be formatted. Corresponds to the /f switch to format.com.


System Area buttons
The button selected from this group will determine how the system area should be allocated. Reserve corresponds to the /b and Copy corresponds to the /s switches to format.com.


Options boxes
These boxes, when selected, select the Quick (/q) format and Unconditional (/u) format options for format.com.


Options buttons
Selecting or de-selecting these buttons turns on or off, respectively, the Copy/Move/Delete options for the current operation. GFile disables buttons that are known to be inappropriate for or irrelevant to the current operation.


Attributes buttons
The setting of these buttons determine the attributes mask that is used in deciding what file names are displayed in the active panel.


Description field
Edit this field to contain the desired description for the selected file or directory. This field is not present when multiple files or the drive root (\) directory is selected.


Attributes buttons
The setting of these buttons determine the attributes that will be set on the selected file(s) or directory.


Dialog text field
A single line, editable text field for entering the argument to the command being carried out. See the description of the dialog box and the indicated additional information sources for details of what is to appear here.