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DRIP-MB.DOC
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1993-01-04
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4KB
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89 lines
Drip-MB.DOC
-------------
Compatibility: Should work under DOS 2.10 or better. Optimal
performance with DOS 4.01 or greater.
Features: Path restoration, small resident code (about 3Kb),
removable.
What is "DRIP"?
DRIP is an acronym for Directory Restoration via Interrupt
Procedures [ Not! I just couldn't think of a catchy but descriptive
name! :) ]. This means that one can save the current drive and
directory in a reserved area of memory, and recall that info at a
later time. Why do this? The maintainers of DOS, in their wisdom,
forgot to add what I consider a crucial function to their batch files:
the ability to return to the directory you started from. I have more
than a few programs that depend on the current directory being theirs.
I have often been annoyed at the fact that while a batch file can
easily get me to the directory I need, it cannot return to the
original one! So, in a fit of pique, I wrote this.
I debated several options for storing the variables (dos stack,
device driver, environment variables [try it... it's not as easy as it
would seem...], cmos ram...) and decided the best way is to use a
short TSR to reserve a chunk of memory for my use only. This TSR is
accessed via an originally unused interrupt vector. Since all access
is preformed thru the interrupt interface, it should work wherever it
is loaded.
The user must put execute the file MYBUFFER.EXE once to reserve
the space, and set the vectors, before using DRIP. DRIP may take one
command line option (case insensitive):
-P Puts the current path info (drive and directory) into the
buffer.
-G Gets and restores the buffered path
-U Uninstalls MyBuffer from memory (it is best to use this when
this is the most recent TSR loaded.)
NB: Proper usage means using 'drip -P' before ever using 'drip -g'
If you use '-G' before putting something IN the buffer, the program
attempts to switch you to the current directory of the A: drive
(internal defaults, NOT random.) If there is no disk there, the
familiar Abort, Retry, Fail prompt will appear. 'F'ail, with a valid
drive letter, will get you back to a prompt. This is no different
from trying to change to an empty disk drive from the command line,
and will not harm anything. When used properly, such problems will
not occur.
An example of a batch file using this:
> @echo off // turn off echoing
> drip -p // put current path in buffer
> d: // go to a different drive
> cd \games // go to a new directory
> zappitup // play the game, or whatever...
> drip -g // restore the old path
> echo on // turn echoing back on
If the message 'POP failed' appeard when Getting the path, the
most likely cause is that the directory it is trying to restore does
not exist. (The program will NOT create or delete any files or
directories!)
If you notice any bugs or errors, please notify me at once!
This program is fully functional shareware. You may use this
software for 10 days to examine it. If you find it to be useful and a
worthy addition to your collection, please send $10.00 (U.S.) to the
address below to register your copy.
Enjoy! :-)
For registrations: Martin F. Falatic
639 Alabama St., Apt. B
Lafayette, IN 47901-1668
(317) 742-1911
Direct questions, comments or bugs to the
E-mail addresses below or the phone number above:
(I check my Internet mail often, usually daily. I check
Compuserve mail weekly or less often.)
Internet: falatic@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
Compuserve: 70303,0317
"What? ME?!? No way!"