OS/2 Shareware BBS: 6 File/06-File.zip/fstar99e.zip/filestar.hlp

OS/2 Help File | 1994-09-08 | 311KB | 2,320 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Using Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Help is available for all windows within FileStar:

      Γûá Press F4, then F1 for help with the FileStar Window.

      Γûá Press F1 for help with the active window.

      Γûá Press F1 for help with any dialog that has the user input focus.

      Γûá For help using the Settings Notebook, press F1 with the Cover page
      selected.

      Γûá Press F1 for help with any selected page of the Settings Notebook.

      Γûá Most dialogs also have a Help pushbutton which will activate the help
      for that dialog.

 Every help window has a menu bar that contains Services, Options, Help
 choices. Use the Options menu choices to:

      Γûá Display the table of contents (the titles of all help topics).

      Γûá Manage the table of contents (if there is more than one level of help
      topics).

      Γûá Display a list of the help topics you have viewed.

      Γûá Display a list of subdirectories that contain help topics in which you
      can search for a word or phrase.

      Γûá Display the last help topic you viewed.

 The help window contains a Services menu bar choice.  Use the Services menu
 choices to:

      Γûá Look for help information by searching for words or phrases.

      Γûá Print help information.

      Γûá Copy help information.

      Γûá Open a new help window in which you can display another help topic.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. FileStar General Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Installation and Getting started

 Installation and first time start up of FileStar is detailed in Installation
and Starting FileStar.

 The FileStar Window

Note:   For illustration purposes, the horizontal size of the FileStar Window
shown is less than the minimum size limit.  This is primarily reflected in the
reduced width of the Name pushbutton/label/data field and the Message Window in
the Data Panel.

 The FileStar Window consists of six smaller internal windows as shown in the
above image.  These windows contain the following:

      Γûá Drive Window   - Contains the drive list for the system.
      Γûá Directory Window - Contains the directory trees for logged drives.
      Γûá File Windows (2) - Lists files in the selected directory.
      Γûá Data Panel     - Displays application data in 11 windows.
      Γûá Button Bar     - Initiates various application functions.

 Active Window

 One of the six internal windows will normally be active with user inputs
 enabled. When a dialog window is used it will become the active window.
 However, most of dialog windows also allow the user to reactivate the FileStar
 window while remaining in the foreground. It is essential for the user of
 FileStar to be aware of the active FileStar internal window and to understand
 that only the active window has the keyboard and mouse input focus.

 The Drive, Directory Tree and File Windows have a highlighted border and
 titlebar when active.  However, FileStar has two windows, the Button Bar and
 Data Panel, that use a raised border to indicate an active status.  When
 inactive, these windows have a depressed border.

 To activate a particular window, single click with the LMB anywhere within the
 border of the desired window. When using the keyboard, hold down the Alt key
 and use the arrow keys to scroll through the available windows.  A third
 option is to select the window desired using the Function Keys.  See Keys Help
 for additional keyboard information.

 In some instances, it is necessary to take the user input focus from all
 internal windows and make the FileStar Window itself the active window (one
 instance is when accessing General Help with the F1 function key).  This
 cannot be accomplished with the keyboard arrow keys or the mouse.  The
 FileStar primary window is selected with the F4 function key.

 Sizing the Windows

 The FileStar Window has four sizing options:

      Γûá Normal - Sizeable window with a fixed minimum size.
      Γûá Swap - Window is reduced to a swap file data window.
      Γûá Maximized - Standard OS/2 option.
      Γûá Minimized - Standard OS/2 option.

 The design of the FileStar Window necessitates minimum vertical and horizontal
 sizes for the primary window.  At VGA resolution (640x480), the window is
 limited to a minimum horizontal size slightly less than full screen width.
 The minimum vertical size normally displays about 5 rows of files/directories
 using the default font. It is recommended that the user increase the vertical
 size to provide larger Drive, Directory and File Windows.  Use the "drag a
 border" method to resize the FileStar Window.

 The Swap Window is the FileStar Window reduced in size to where only the swap
 file data is displayed.

 Four of FileStar's internal windows may be user sized to some degree.

      Γûá The Drive Window is fixed in width but may be resized vertically.
      Γûá The Directory Window may be resized vertically and horizontally to the
      right only.
      Γûá The File Windows may be both vertically and horizontally resized.

 The Directory and File Windows may be "maximized" to the full horizontal size
 of the FileStar Window by mouse clicking on the window maximize control or
 double clicking in the titlebar. Another mouse click on the same control or
 double click in the title bar restores normal window size.  These controls
 provide versatile window sizing options for these windows, including four
 levels of zoom; normal, FileStar Window horizontal size, full screen normal
 and full screen horizontal size.

 See examples of resized and maximized windows.

 Clicking/pushing the  pushbutton (window label for the file size window) on
 the Data Panel will reset all of the internal windows to the default position.

 FileStar has an optional setting in the Settings Notebook to save the size and
 position of the FileStar Window and all internal windows on shutdown.

 Moving the Internal Windows

 The FileStar internal windows are not moveable.  The fixed positioning aids in
 maintaining window order within the FileStar Window.

 Functions

 Presented below are the drive and file functions and capabilities of FileStar.
 Salient features or limitations are also noted.  Long file names are
 supported.  Click on highlighted subject for additional detailed help.

 The following functions may be used on individual files or a selected list of
 files:

      Γûá Copy or Move  (drag/drop or point/click dialogs)
      Γûá Delete  (drag/drop on shredder, delete with/without confirm dialog)
      Γûá Change attributes  (Read Only, Hidden, System, Archived)
      Γûá Change date and time  (last write)
      Γûá Archive and Extract  (point/click dialogs using InfoZip's ZIP.EXE and
      UNZIP.EXE only)
      Γûá Save file list  (saved to ASCII text file FILELIST.TXT)
      Γûá Print file list  (to printer port)

 The following functions may be used only on individual files:

      Γûá Rename  (long file name entry field)
      Γûá Print  (ASCII only)
      Γûá Edit  (ASCII, ICO, BMP extensions using external editors)
      Γûá Browse  (ASCII, INF, ZIP and 10 graphics file extensions using external
      browsers)
      Γûá Execute  (double click EXE, COM, CMD, BAT extensions or use command
      line dialog)

 The following functions are available for directory operations:

      Γûá Create
      Γûá Expand  (all directory tree branches)
      Γûá Delete  (deletes branch)
      Γûá Rename
      Γûá Move  (within the drive partition)
      Γûá Query  (branch summary)

 The following operations may be performed on drives:

      Γûá Rescan  (refreshes directory data in FILESTAR.DAT)
      Γûá Format  (using PMFORMAT)
      Γûá CheckDisk  (using PMCHKDSK)
      Γûá Query  (disk and media characteristics)
      Γûá Find  (all files matching mask)
      Γûá Seek  (using PMSEEK)

 Drag and Drop Support

 Drag and drop of files is supported between the file windows, from a file
 window to it's associated directory tree and to WPS objects that accept files,
 such as the shredder, printer and certain program objects.  Unlike WPS drag
 and drop, only selected files may be picked up in a drag operation and the
 entire file window is an acceptable drop zone. In other words, FileStar does
 not recognize files in a file window as an acceptable drop target. The
 implementation enhances moving and copying files between the file windows and
 the directory trees, albeit at the expense of WPS commonality.

 To perform a drag and drop operation (move is default unless changed in the
 Settings Notebook):

   1. Select the file(s).
   2. Pick up on one of the selected files using the RMB.
   3. Drag to other file window, a directory in the directory tree, a desktop
      object/folder or the desktop itself.
   4. Release RMB.

 Holding down the Ctrl key makes the operation a copy operation. If the default
 operation has been changed in the Settings Notebook to copy, holding down the
 Shift key will override it to a move operation.  If the default has been set
 to copy, dragging outside of FileStar causes a reversion to a move operation.

  A second instance of FileStar may be started with drag and drop between any
 of the four different directory tree and file window possibilities.

 Point and Click Interface

 A single click of the LMB (or keyboard arrow scroll) always points to a drive,
 directory or file as the object of a menu action. A double click of the LMB
 (or keyboard Enter) always initiates a drive change (Drive Window), a
 directory change (Directory Window) or starts execution or browsing of the
 selected file (File Window).

 Nearly all file and directory operations may be performed using dialogs and
 the mouse without touching the keyboard.  Path information is passed to the
 program through single clicking the LMB on directories in the directory tree.
 The program manages window focus and automatically sets the path of the
 opposite window as the path for most operations initially if the opposite
 window is not busy with another operation. The user simply clicks on the
 directory of choice in the directory tree. If a different drive is needed,
 activate the opposite window and change that window to the drive of choice and
 then select the directory. Path information is updated with each mouse click.

 When any multiple file operation is initiated, the source file window is
 locked to prevent the user from accidentally destroying the selected file list
 or selecting other menu options. However, it is possible to freely switch
 windows to set window focus and swap directory trees. The source window
 remains locked until the user either cancels the operation or the operation is
 completed. The drive for the source window cannot be changed while the window
 is locked.

 Context Popup Menus

 FileStar has seven popup menus accessed by clicking the RMB in the hot zone
 for the particular menu. Location of the context popup menu hot zones is shown
 pictorially in Where the Popup Menus Are. These popup menus provide access to
 all FileStar functions and, if the user prefers, both the standard menu action
 bar and Button Bar may be removed from the window, thereby providing more
 window area for files and directory data.

 FileStar Messages

 FileStar generates five levels of messages to inform the user of functional
 information, warnings and errors. See Program Messages for more details.

 Selecting Files for Operations

 Files may be selected either individually or as a list of two or more files.
 While all file operations may be performed on a single file, operations on a
 list of two or more files are limited to a subset of file operations. The
 popup menus for the file windows indicate the available functions for each
 case.

 You may select files for collective operations individually, randomly or by
 swiping a contiguous group.  You may select and use either of the two methods
 that OS/2 supports for multiple file selection. The selection options are
 accessed through the Window Options popup menu for the applicable file window.

 There is a  pushbutton (label for the Selected Window in the Data Panel) to
 select-deselect all files in a window.  Additionally, the Ctrl+/, Ctrl+\ and
 Alt+T  key combinations may be used to select-deselect all files in the active
 file window.  The Selected Window in the Data Panel indicates the summed
 allocated size of the selected files in bytes.

 Starting Other Applications

 A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) on an executable file (file extensions
 of .EXE, .COM, .BAT or .CMD) will cause FileStar to run the selected
 executable file with the environment inherited from FileStar.

 A Command Line dialog (which saves the last twenty commands) may also be
 activated from the file window popup menu, Button Bar or Alt+X key
 combination. This dialog identifies the type of executable file, inserts the
 full path and file name on the command line and provides options to run the
 program full screen or windowed with auto-close enabled or disabled.

 If the Command Line is activated with no executable file selected, it presents
 a blank command line to the user. The user may select a file after popping up
 the dialog.

 Browsing Files

 ASCII Text Files.  A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) on an ASCII text
 file will launch the browse program entered on the External Programs page in
 the Settings Notebook (defaulted to E.EXE editor) with the selected file as
 the program argument. The program tests for a valid ASCII text file.

 Archived Files with .ZIP Extension.  Double clicking with the LMB (or keyboard
 Enter) on a .ZIP file causes the contents of the archived file to be listed in
 a ZipData Window (support is limited to those files that are compatible with
 InfoZip's UNZIP.EXE and ZIP.EXE).

 Image Files.  A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) with a selected file
 extension of .BMP, .GIF, .TIF, .TGA, .JPG , .EPS, .PIC, .PCD, .SHW or .PCX
 will result in the launch of the imaging program entered for external program
 support in the Settings Notebook.

 Other Files.  A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) on a file with an
 extension of .INF results in launching the OS/2 VIEW.EXE utility to view the
 selected file.

 A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) on a file with an extension of .MET
 results in launching the OS/2 PICVIEW.EXE utility to view the selected file.

 The VIEW.EXE and PICVIEW.EXE files must be in a directory included in the
 environment path (they typically are).

 Editing Files

 An editing operation must be initiated from one of the menus, the Button Bar
 or Alt+E combination keys. An ASCII text file will be edited using the editor
 entered as the external program editor (defaults to E.EXE). If a file with an
 extension of .BMP, .PTR or .ICO is selected, the OS/2 utility ICONEDIT.EXE is
 started to edit or view the file. These files (E.EXE and ICONEDIT.EXE) must be
 located in the environment path.

 Other file support will be added and WPS file associations may be included in
 a future updates.

 Window and Program Customization

 Most user options are accessed through a Settings Notebook and saved in
 FILESTAR.INI in the directory containing FILESTAR.EXE.

 The FileStar Window may be customized using the OS/2 Color and Font palettes.
 All window sizing and customization data is saved to OS2.INI on closing the
 application if the Save on Shutdown checkbox on page 2_1 of the Settings
 Notebook is checked.  The OS/2 color palette will NOT change the window
 background or the selected file hilite background and foreground colors of the
 directory and file windows.  You may change the window background colors using
 the coloring tool on page 5_1 of the Settings Notebook.

 The FileStar entries in the OS2.INI file may be deleted using an option on
 page 2_1 of the notebook.

 Keyboard Interface

 The keyboard interface is fully functional in this beta version. It is
 recommended that you review the Keys Help prior to operating FileStar with the
 keyboard.  Use of a mouse will greatly enhance your ability to quickly exploit
 all of FileStar's capabilities.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. Installation and Starting FileStar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Installing FileStar

The manual installation of FileStar is extremely easy.  The files FILESTAR.EXE,
FILESTAR.HLP and BPMCC.DLL are copied to the directory of choice. It is
suggested that a new directory be created for the FileStar files, such as "fs"
or "filestar". The FILESTAR.INF file may also be placed in the same directory.

Alternatively, the BPMCC.DLL file may be put in a directory listed in the
config.sys LIBPATH statement (such as X:\OS2\DLL) and the FILESTAR.HLP file in
a directory likewise listed in the SET HELP statement (such as X:\OS2\HELP).

Creating a FileStar Object

It is recommended, but not required, that a desktop object named FileStar  be
created and used to start FileStar. To create a FileStar desktop object, open
the Templates folder and drag a program template onto the desktop. It will open
automatically to the first page of the settings notebook. In the Path and file
name field, enter the path and file name (i.e. D:\FS\FILESTAR.EXE). In the
optional Parameters field, enter one or two directories (use full path
statements such as D:\WHATEVER\THISDIR) that FileStar will read into its two
file windows on startup. The first directory argument will be read into File
Window 1 and the second in File Window 2. Leave a space between the two path
statements. If you leave the Parameters field blank, FileStar will log the
directory it resides in into both file windows.

Starting From a Command Prompt

To start FileStar from a command line, the command must include a path
component if the filestar directory is not in the config.sys SET PATH
statement. To be able to start FileStar from a command line from any directory
other than the filestar directory using simply "filestar", the filestar
directory must be in the config.sys path or a SET FILESTAR=X:\PATH statement
must be added to config.sys. Two startup path arguments may be used from the
command line.

First Time Start Up

The first time FileStar is started, it will take a little longer than normal.
Startup time is directly affected by the number of directories/files in the
startup drives/directories. The first time a drive is read, it is added to a
FILESTAR.DAT file that is automatically created in the filestar directory.
Thereafter, the FILESTAR.DAT file is read (for the directory data only),
instead of the drive, for a speedier startup. When OS/2 performs disk I/O, it
normally boosts the thread priority and robs other processes/programs of
computer processor time. Since rescanning is an infrequent process, FileStar
reduces the priority of the thread that does directory scans to provide a more
friendly environment to other programs (including concurrent FileStar
operations). This reduction in thread priority results in slightly longer disk
rescans or first time disk scans.

Rescanning Drives

There is a drive rescan capability to refresh FILESTAR.DAT for a selected drive
when required or desired. This FILESTAR.DAT file is automatically updated for
directory changes made under FileStar but should be refreshed by the user if
changes are made outside of FileStar, such as extracting files from an archive
file that creates directories. No damage is done by using an out of date
FILESTAR.DAT. An error message is generated when attempting to use a directory
in the tree that has been deleted and new directories created outside of
FileStar simply do not show in the directory tree until a rescan is performed
by the user.

When a directory tree is read into memory from either an drive read or reading
the FILESTAR.DAT file, all directories are read and not just the top level
directories. This results in near instantaneous access to any directory after
the tree is displayed.

The FILESTAR.INI File

In addition to the FILESTAR.DAT file, a FILESTAR.INI file is also automatically
created in the filestar directory on first use of the program. This file is
used to save the program settings from the notebook and other configuration
options.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.2. Key Assignments ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Function Keys and Combinations

      F1 - Help for active window.
      F2 - Select Button Bar window.
      F3 - Close FileStar.
      F4 - Select main FileStar window or topmost dialog window.
      F5 - Select Drive window.
      F6 - Select Directory window.
      F7 - Select File Window One.
      F8 - Select File Window Two.
      F9 - Select Data Panel window.
      F10 - Activate main menu.
      Alt-F4 - Close FileStar.
      Alt-F7 - Move FileStar.
      Alt-F8 - Size FileStar.
      Alt-F10 - Maximize active window if expandable.
      Alt-Spc - Select System Menu.
      Shift-F10 - Window popup menu.

 Alt + Arrow Key Combinations (selection is rotary)

      Alt+Up Arrow - Switches to next FileStar window up.
      Alt+Dn Arrow - Switches to next FileStar window down.
      Alt+Left Arrow - Switches to next FileStar window left.
      Alt+Right Arrow - Switches to next FileStar window right.

 Tab Key (selection is rotary)

      TAB - Switches to next FileStar window right.

 Alt + Key Combinations

      Alt-A - Change file Attributes.
      Alt-B - Browse cursored file.
      Alt-C - Copy selected file(s).
      Alt-D - Drive menu selection.
      Alt-E - Edit cursored file.
      Alt-F - Find file(s).  Drive or system wide search.
      Alt-H - Activate Help menu.
      Alt-L - Presents dialog to filter displayed files.
      Alt-M - Move selected file(s).
      Alt-N - Rename cursored file.
      Alt-O - Activates an OS/2 window.
      Alt-Q - Query selected drive.
      Alt-P - Prints cursored file.
      Alt-R - Presents a dialog to modify directory tree.
      Alt-S - Presents the settings notebook.
      Alt-T - Selects/deselects all files in directory.
      Alt-U - Presents a dialog to unzip selected file(s).
      Alt-V - View zip file contents.
      Alt-W - Resets windows to default position.
      Alt-X - Execute cursored file.
      Alt-Y - Save list of all selected files to disk.
      Alt-Z - Presents a dialog to Zip selected files(s).
      Alt-Del - Delete file(s).

  CTRL + Key Combinations

      Ctrl-E - Expand/collapse directory tree.
      Ctrl-M - Move a directory branch.
      Ctrl-N - Rename a directory.
      Ctrl-O - Activates a DOS window.
      Ctrl-Q - Query a directory.
      Ctrl-R - Rescan drive and current directory.
      Ctrl-W - Changes window orientation.
      Ctrl-Ins - Create directory.
      Ctrl-Del - Delete directory.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.3. Popup Menus ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Context Popup Menus

The Drive Window popup menu hot zone is that area anywhere inside the window
border excluding the title and scroll bars. The menu options are discussed in
the Drive Window help section.

The Directory and File Window hot zones are anywhere within the window border
excluding the title and scroll bars and the Data Summary window at the bottom
of each of these windows.  Both File Window popup menus are identical but
applicable only to the window accessed from.  The Directory Window popup menu
options are discussed in the Directory Window help section and the File Window
popup menu options are discussed in the File Window help section.

Each File Window has a Window Options popup menu accessed though a RMB click in
the Data Summary window at the bottom of the window.  The options on this menu
are applicable only to the window accessed from and provide for individual
configurations of the File Windows.  The window configuration options are
discussed in the File Window help section.

The Data Panel has a popup menu accessed by a RMB click anywhere within the
windows borders excluding the push button labels for the Data Windows (these
push buttons initiate other FileStar functions). The Data Panel popup menu
options are discussed in the Data Panel help section.

The Button Bar does not have a popup menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4. Messages ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Program Messages

FileStar generates five levels of messages to inform the user of functional
information, warnings and errors.

Interactive Message Window. - The highest level messages pop up in a modal
window (user can't do anything else until the user responds to the message) in
the center of the FileStar Window.  These messages occur when an unexpected
result has occurred, unpredictable or undesirable results may occur, and/or
user input is required for how to proceed.  A terse description of the problem
along with other information, such as the advisability of continuing the
program, is displayed.  The user is presented push button options for response.

The lowest four levels are displayed in the Message Window located on the Data
Panel. These are:

   1. Error  - These are messages generated by function failures. The message
      generates an audible ring sound and normally persists in the Message
      Window for twice the persistence time set in the Settings notebook.

   2. Warning  - These are messages warning the user of abnormal operation
      associated with the initiated function and usually indicate the function
      could not be performed.  The message generates a short audible beep sound
      and normally persists in the Message Window for twice the persistence
      time set in the Settings notebook.

   3. Information  - These are information type messages.  The message is
      displayed for the duration set for message persistence in the Settings
      Notebook and are silent.

   4. Operation  - These are messages indicating ongoing actions such as
      "Scanning Drive C:".  They only exist for the duration of the action and
      are not saved.

 Since the Error, Warning, Information and Operation messages use the same
 window, they are prioritized in the order presented above.  A higher priority
 message will overwrite a lower priority messages in the Message Window but not
 vice versa.

 The Message Window is also used to display the OS/2 swap file data. This data
 has the lowest display priority and will be displayed only when all messages
 have timed out and the window is free. The swap file size and free swap space
 alternate every 10 seconds when the display window is free of messages.

 For the error, warning and information messages, the last ten messages of each
 type are saved for the session only.  These messages are redisplayable in a
 Message History Window accessed through the Data Panel popup menu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.4.1. Message History Dialog ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Reviewing the Message History

Three types of messages are saved. These are:

      Γûá Error - These are messages generated by function failures.

      Γûá Warning - These are messages warning the user of abnormal operation
      associated with the initiated function and usually indicate the function
      could not be performed.

      Γûá Information - These are information type messages.

 The last ten messages of each type are saved for the session only.

  To review the messages, select the message type.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.5. Swap Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Swap Window

The Swap Window is the FileStar Window reduced in size to where only the swap
file data is displayed.  A LMB double click anywhere within the Message Window
reduces the FileStar Window to the Swap Window size to free up desktop space
when not in use.  Another double click in the window restores the previous
FileStar Window size and position.  FileStar is essentially not using any CPU
time in this mode but is occupying all of its normal memory resources.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.6. Window Sizing Examples ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Resized File Window

Maximized File Window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Drive Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Drive Window

The primary purpose of the Drive Window is to change drives. It is also used to
input the drive to be used for operations selected from the Drive Window menus.

A drive search is performed only at program initialization. All drives found
are listed with A:, B:, C: etc.

Changing drives is accomplished by a LMB double click on the drive letter.

There are identical popup and pulldown menus for the Drive Window. A single
click with the RMB anywhere in the drive list area of the window pops up the
menu. A single click of the LMB on a drive letter will input that drive to be
used for selected menu options without affecting the logged drive.

Menu Options

The Drive Window menu options are:

      Γûá Rescan  -  Initiates a rescan of the selected drive to refresh the
      drive directory data stored in FILESTAR.DAT. This file is normally used
      to retrieve directory tree data when changing drives. If the drive
      directory structure is modified from outside of FileStar, a rescan should
      be performed if the user is aware of such changes.

      Γûá Remap  -  Initiates a remap of the available drives and refreshes the
      Drive Window.

      Γûá Query  -  Selecting this option will generate an on screen report of
      the Drive File System and Media Characteristics for the selected drive.

      Γûá Check  -  This option runs the OS/2 utility PMCHKDSK.EXE on the
      selected drive.

      Γûá Format  -  This options runs the OS/2 utility PMFORMAT.EXE on the
      selected drive.

      Γûá Find File  -  Pops up a  File Find dialog that may be used to search
      all drives for files matching a wildcard name pattern.

      Γûá Find Text  -  This option runs the OS/2 utility PMSEEK.EXE.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Rescan Drives ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Rescan Drives

FileStar maintains a drive's directory data in a disk file named FILESTAR.DAT
in the same directory as FILESTAR.EXE. The purpose of this is to make the
retrieval of directory data and the building of a directory tree faster than
reading it from the drive each time.  When a directory tree is read into memory
from either an drive read or reading the FILESTAR.DAT file, all directories are
read, not just the top level directories. This results in near instantaneous
access to any directory after the tree is displayed. The disadvantage of this
method is that the tree can be out of date if changes are made to a drive's
directory structure outside of FileStar. This will occur when installing
programs and others ways as well.

There is a drive rescan capability to refresh FILESTAR.DAT for a selected drive
when required or desired. This FILESTAR.DAT file is automatically updated for
directory changes made under FileStar but must be refreshed by the user if
changes are made outside of FileStar. No damage is done by using an out of date
FILESTAR.DAT. An error message is generated when attempting to use a directory
in the tree that has been deleted and new directories created outside of
FileStar simply do not show in the directory tree until a rescan is performed
by the user.

To rescan a drive, single click with the LMB on the drive letter, then pop up
either the Drive or Directory Window menu and select Rescan. The key
combination Ctrl+R also initiates a rescan. If both windows are logged to the
same drive and either window is busy with an operation, rescan is not permitted
and the menu option is grayed out.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. Formatting A Drive ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Formatting A Drive

Selecting Format from the Drive Window menu will start the external program
PMFORMAT.EXE which is an OS/2 utility that is distributed with the operating
system. It must be located in a directory included in the PATH statement of the
CONFIG.SYS file. This program may be used to format both floppies and hard
drives.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3. Running Check Disk on Drive ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Running Check Disk on Drive

Selecting Check from the Drive Window menu will start the external program
PMCHKDSK.EXE which is an OS/2 utility that is distributed with the operating
system. It must be located in a directory included in the PATH statement of the
CONFIG.SYS file. This program may be used to check the disk for errors.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4. Query Drive ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Querying A Drive

The disk drive and media characteristics may be queried by single clicking the
LMB on the desired drive letter, then selecting Query from the Drive Window
menu. The query report shows:

      Γûá Type of File System - File system driver name (FAT, HPFS, CDFS, etc.)
      Γûá Device Description - Type of drive (Floppy, Fixed Disk, etc.)
      Γûá Device Location - Remote or local
      Γûá Removable Media - Yes/No. (ex. Floppy or CD is Yes, Hard drive is No).
      Γûá Total Space - Bytes - Disk space in bytes.
      Γûá Volume Label - Volume label if labeled.
      Γûá Change Detection - Indicates whether or not the drive detects removable
      media changes.
      Γûá Support for > 16MB - Indicates whether or not your disk system uses RAM
      greater than 16 MB.
      Γûá Media Characteristics - Media data.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5. Finding Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Finding Files

A search of selected drives for files matching a file mask may be performed by
using the File Find dialog. The search is quite rapid. At the end of the
search, the user may easily change to the drive/directory containing the found
file(s).

To initiate a search, the dialog is displayed by selecting File Find from the
Drive window popup menu, the action bar pulldown menu or Find on the Button
Bar. From the keyboard, Alt + F also pops up the dialog.

The first step is to select the drives to search. The available drives are
displayed in a list with multiple selection enabled. Then a filename or
wildcard filename is entered in the Find Criteria entry field. Push the Find
pushbutton to initiate the search.

At the conclusion of the search, all files found matching the find criteria are
displayed in a list which includes the path.  The total number of matches also
is shown. Pushing the Erase pushbutton (which appears when the search is
complete) erases the list if another search is desired. Double mouse clicking
on any directory path displayed in the list will terminate the File Find dialog
and log the user into that directory.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.6. Finding Text ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Finding Text

Selecting Find Text from the Drive Window menu will start the external program
PMSEEK.EXE which is an OS/2 utility that is distributed with the operating
system. It must be located in a directory included in the PATH statement of the
CONFIG.SYS file. This program may be used to find both files and text in files
on all drives.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Directory Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Directory Window

The Directory Window contains directory trees for both of the currently logged
drives.  Tree switching is automatic upon switching active file windows.  Only
the active file window directory tree is visible. The title bar displays the
current path for the active file window.

Mouse users simply LMB (Left Mouse Button) double click on a directory to read
that directory's files into the associated file window. Keyboard users must
arrow scroll to the desired directory and press ENTER.

A LMB single click, or keyboard arrow scroll, hilites a directory but does not
cause a directory change.  In this manner, directories other than the logged
directory may be selected for others various menu selections.  The popup or
action bar menu selections are therefore applicable to the hilited directory,
and not necessarily the directory displayed in the active file window.

The Directory Window cannot be moved but may be resized with the mouse in the
up, down and right directions.  Double LMB clicking in the title bar will
expand the window to the horizontal size of the FileStar Window.  Another
double click will restore it to normal.  The window may be expanded and
restored only. It will not minimize.  It does not expand in the vertical
dimension, leaving the Button Bar and Data Panels viewable.

Displayed at the bottom of the window is the total number  of directories on
the current drive.

There are two pushbuttons  located at the bottom left and right corners. These
pushbuttons select File Windows 1 and 2 respectively. Although the file windows
may be activated by simply clicking anywhere within the desired window, there
are some dual window operations where the use of these buttons is either more
desirable or required.

Normal Operation

The directory tree is not fully expanded by default.  Expandable directories
are indicated with if collapsed and if expanded. A single mouse click on any or
will expand/collapse that directory.

A single mouse click in the Data Window at the bottom of the window will cause
the hilited directory to scroll to within the visible window if it has been
scrolled out of view with the scroll bar.  This same feature is also applicable
to the file windows.

The Directory Window popup and pulldown menu options are:

      Γûá Rescan - Rereads the selected drive and updates the FILESTAR.DAT
      directory file.

      Γûá Expand - Fully expands or collapses the directory tree, depending on
      the current state.

      Γûá Move - Activates the  Modify Directory dialog with the input focus in
      the parent directory entry field and the selected directory set in the
      current directory entry field.

      Γûá Rename - Activates the Modify Directory dialog with the input focus and
      the selected directory set in the current directory entry field.

      Γûá Delete - If Confirm Directory Delete is checked in the Settings
      Notebook, activates the Modify Directory dialog with the input focus and
      the selected directory set in the current directory entry field. If the
      Confirm Directory Delete option in the notebook is unchecked, immediately
      deletes the hilited directory but only if it is empty. If files or
      directories exist in that directory, then an Interactive Message is
      generated asking whether or not to delete the files and or directories.

      The menus indicate the current status of Confirm Directory Delete  by
      showing lines above and below the menu Delete item if it is unchecked and
      a dialog interface (Delete...) if it is checked.

      Γûá Create - Activates the Modify Directory dialog with the input focus in
      the Create entry field and the selected directory set in the current
      directory entry field.

      Γûá Query - Initiates a scan of the selected directory for all files and
      subdirectories contained therein. A Directory Info dialog reports the
      directory's statistics, attributes and date of creation.

 The Modify Directory dialog is always presented for Create, Move and Rename
 directory menu selections.  This dialog presents a tree view of the selected
 directory branch using entry fields. The initial input focus is directed to
 the appropriate field.  The selected directory may be renamed or deleted, a
 directory may be created as a subdirectory or the parent entry field may be
 edited for a directory move. For further details refer to Modifying the
 Directory Structure.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. Modifying the Directory Structure ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Modifying the Directory Structure

The Modify Directory dialog displays a limited tree view centered around the
selected directory. Only the parent and selected directories are displayed.
These are displayed in user modifiable entry fields, along with an entry field
for creating a subdirectory to the selected directory. Each entry field has
action pushbuttons which are enabled/disabled depending on the user inputs in
the entry fields and the detected existence of files and/or subdirectories in
the selected directory.

The dialog remains in the display foreground at all times. The user may change
drives and/or file windows/directory trees as desired using normal procedures.

Moving a Directory

A directory can only be moved within the current partition (drive). To initiate
a directory move operation, click on the directory to be moved in the directory
tree. The directory will be displayed in the the selected directory entry field
(the center field). Modify the parent directory in the upper entry field (by
typing) to reflect the desired parent directory of the selected directory. This
action will enable the Move pushbutton which which the move operation is
initiated.  Do not try to move the directory to a different drive as this is a
move operation. Moving a directory to a different drive requires a copy
operation which is a planned enhancement to FileStar.

Renaming a Directory

To rename a directory, simply point to the directory to be renamed (by single
clicking on it in the directory tree), then modify the name in the selected
directory entry field. This action will enable the Rename pushbutton with which
the rename operation is initiated.

Deleting a Directory

To delete a directory, simply point to the directory to be deleted (by single
clicking on it in the directory tree), then press the enabled delete
pushbutton. There are three pushbuttons associated with deleting a directory:
Delete, Delete*.* and DelBranch. They are activated automatically depending on
the detected existence of files and/or subdirectories in the selected
directory.

      - If the directory is empty, the Delete pushbutton is enabled.

      - If the directory contains files (but no subdirectories), the Delete*.*
      pushbutton is enabled and a warning that the directory contains files is
      displayed.

      - If the directory contains subdirectories, the DelBranch pushbutton is
      displayed and a warning that the directory contains subdirectories is
      displayed.

 Pushing the enabled pushbutton will delete the directory along with it's files
 and subdirectories (if any), depending on which pushbutton is enabled.

 Directories may be deleted without the Modify Directory dialog if the Confirm
 Directory Delete option is unchecked in the Settings Notebook. However, if the
 directory contains files or subdirectories, an Interactive Message window will
 still appear, forewarning the user that files and/or directories will be
 deleted and allowing the termination of the operation.

 Creating a Directory

 A directory is created by simply pointing to the desired parent directory (by
 single clicking on it in the directory tree), and entering the name of the
 directory to be created in the bottom entry field. This action will enable the
 Create pushbutton which is then pushed to create the directory.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. Expanding the Directory Tree ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Expanding the Directory Tree

The directory tree is not fully expanded by default.  Expandable directories
are indicated with if collapsed and if expanded. A single mouse click on any or
will expand/collapse that directory.

If Expand is selected from the directory menu, the directory tree fully expands
or collapses, depending on the current state. The menu item is checked if
expanded.

There is an Always Expand Tree option in the Settings Notebook that, when
checked, will cause the tree to always expand whenever a different directory is
read into the window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. Query Directory Branch ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Querying A Directory Branch

Any directory branch in the directory tree may be queried, including the root
directory. The above dialog is used to report the query results. The query
reports :

      Γûá Number of subdirectories in branch.
      Γûá Number of files in branch.
      Γûá Number of bytes that the in the branch.
      Γûá Number of allocated bytes that the branch occupies.
      Γûá Date that directory queried was created (not available for root
      directory).
      Γûá The attributes of the directory queried.

 To query a directory, select the directory with a LMB single click. Then popup
 the directory menu and select Query from the menu. You may query other
 branches without closing the Directory Info dialog.

 The directory query capability is handy for determining exactly how much disk
 space is used by a particular application.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. File Windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File Window Description

There are two identical file windows.  For identification purposes, the
left/upper window is referred to as File Window One and the right/lower window
as File Window Two.

The File Windows cannot be moved but may be resized with the mouse. Double LMB
clicking in the title bar will expand the window to the horizontal size of the
FileStar Window.  Another double click will restore it to normal. The windows
may be expanded and restored only. They will not minimize. They do not expand
in the vertical dimension, leaving the Button Bar and Data Panels viewable.

Displayed in the Data Window (located at the bottom of the File Window) is the
total number of files and bytes for the directory listed in the window. The
Data Window is the hot spot to use with the RMB to pop up the Window Options
menu. A LMB click in this window will also quick scroll the cursored file into
the view of the window if it is not on view.

Display Options

      Γûá Orientation - Vertical or horizontal oriented windows.
      Γûá Text case - Mixed or lower case text.
      Γûá Views - Text (flowed), Details, Name (flowed), Icon views.
      Γûá Selection - Extended or multiple file selection.
      Γûá Sort - Sort file list by name, extension, size, date or none.
      Γûá Filter - Filters files displayed by attributes, wildcards.

 All display options are saved at program termination and restored at next
 startup except for the file filter. The file filter is always reset to "all"
 files.

 Window Orientation

 The file windows may be configured vertically side-by-side, or alternatively
 over-under in a horizontal orientation. Window orientation is an option in the
 Setup popup or pulldown menus. The Setup popup menu is accessed by a RMB click
 in the Data Panel.

 Each orientation has its advantages, depending on the window view.  When
 displaying the text view, more files will be displayed in the vertical
 orientation. Swipe selection of files is also easier.  Horizontal orientation
 is recommended for the details view.

 Text Case

 Text in all views may be displayed as either all lower case or mixed case.
 Mixed case is however the file name was saved.  Lower case is more compact in
 most cases.  Mixed case can be more descriptive, especially when combined with
 long filenames.

 Views

 Views describe how the files are displayed in the window. The window view is
 changed by selection on the Window Options popup menu, accessed with a RMB
 click in the Data Window at the bottom of the File Window.

      Γûá Text - File names are listed in conventional flowed columns of text.

      Γûá Details - Files are presented in text columns of file name, size, last
      write date, last write time and attributes.  Column titles are selected
      as an option in the Settings Notebook.

      Γûá Name - File icons and text names are displayed in columns with the file
      name to the right of the icon.

      Γûá Icon - Same as Name view except the icons are not in an ordered, flowed
      list and the name is below the icon.

 The design of FileStar was intended to maximize the number of files displayed
 in a file window while, at the same time, providing file details for the
 cursored file. The text view does just that and is the recommended view for
 most occasions. It is the default FileStar view. It is also the fastest view.

 Selecting Files

 FileStar supports two types of file selection.

      Γûá Extended - Permits selection of one or more files in any combination.
      When used with a mouse, discontiguous selection of files is possible by
      holding down the Ctrl key while selecting discontiguous file(s).
      Contiguous files may be selected in a swipe fashion when using a mouse.
      If a file is selected without holding down the Ctrl key, the file list is
      destroyed and only the last selected file is selected.

      Γûá Multiple - Permits selection of none, one or more files in any
      discontiguous order.  Care must be exercised in those cases where the
      action to follow is intended for only one file to ensure that there are
      no other selected files (which may not be in the window field of view).

 File selection in FileStar is slightly different than usual in that if more
 than one file is selected, the selected file allocated sizes are accumulated
 and totaled in the Selected window of the Data Panel.

 FileStar supports four ways to select-deselect all files:

   1. Selecting Select All, Deselect All for the popup and pulldown menus.

   2. Pushing the Selected pushbutton on the Data Panel.

   3. The Alt+T key combination.

   4. The Ctrl+/ (select) and Ctrl+\ (deselect) key combinations.

 Once a file operation is selected, such as Copy or Move, the file window is
 disabled to user input preventing any possibility of accidental deselection of
 the selected file list.

 Sorting Files

 Files may be displayed unsorted or sorted by file name, file name extension,
 date or size. The sort type selected from the Window Options menu is for the
 session only. The sort type selected from the File Filter and Sort Options
 dialog is saved at program termination and restored at next startup.

 File Filters

 A File Filter and Sort Options dialog window may be activated by selection
 from the Setup popup and pulldown menus, the Alt+L key combination or from the
 Button Bar. This dialog is used to input (and save) wildcard name filters,
 file attribute filter and to select a sort option applied to both file
 windows. The Setup popup menu is accessed with a single RMB click in the Data
 Panel.

 File Window Functions

 The file functions are selected from either the File Window popup menu, the
 action bar pulldown menu or keyboard combination keys. The menu selections are
 grouped by applicability to a single file or a selected list of files. All
 functions are applicable to a single file. The file(s) for an operation must
 be selected before activating a menu. Most selections activate an interface
 dialog for the operation.

 The menu options for one or more selected files are:

      Γûá Copy  -  Activates the  Copy dialog for the user to input the
      destination directory.

      Γûá Move  -  Activates the  Move dialog for the user to input the
      destination directory.

      Γûá Delete -  If Confirm File Delete is selected in the Settings Notebook,
      activates the  Delete dialog which permits the user to confirm the delete
      operation. If Confirm File Delete is not checked in the Settings
      Notebook, the file is immediately deleted.

      The menus indicate the current status of Confirm File Delete  by showing
      lines above and below the menu Delete item if it is unchecked and a
      dialog interface (Delete...) if it is checked.

      Γûá Zip  -  Activates the  Zip dialog for the user to input the destination
      directory for the zip file and it's filename.

      Γûá Unzip  -  Activates the  Unzip dialog for the user to input the
      destination directory for the extracted files.

      Γûá Attributes  -  Activates the  Attributes dialog which prompts the user
      to select the attributes to be applied to the selected file list.

      Γûá Date/Time  -  Activates the  Change File Date/Time dialog which the
      user uses to set the date and time to be applied to all selected files.

      Γûá Save List  -  Saves a list of the selected files to an ASCII text file
      named FILELIST.TXT in the current directory.

      Γûá Print List  -  Sends a list of the selected files to the printer.

 The following menu option is applicable only to a file that is both cursored
 and selected. Only one file in the window can be cursored and have selected
 emphasis:

      Γûá Rename  -  A long file name entry field is presented in the Data Panel
      with the cursored file name ready for editing.

      If changes are made in the file name, the Name pushbutton label changes
      to Rename which is then used to rename the file. If no changes are made
      to the filename, pushing the Name pushbutton or Esc cancels the
      operation.

 The following menu options are applicable to the cursored file. Only one file
 will be cursored and it may or may not have selected emphasis:

      Γûá Execute  -  The  Executable File dialog is activated with the cursored
      file set in the command line. The file type is identified. Depending on
      the type file identified, options to run the file in a window or full
      screen and with or without auto-close at the completion of the program
      may be enabled.

      Γûá Edit  -  Starts the external program entered in the Edit field,
      Settings Notebook Page 3_1, External Programs (Path Tab). The cursored
      file is passed to the program as the file to be edited. The external
      program is defaulted to E.EXE.

      Γûá Browse  -  Starts the external program entered in the Browse or Image
      field, Settings Notebook Page 3_1, External Programs (Path Tab). Which
      program is started is dependent on the file cursored file extension. The
      cursored file is passed to the program as the file to be browsed.
      Selecting this option from a menu is equivalent to double clicking the
      LMB on the cursored file.

      Γûá ZipView  -  Activates the ZipData Window. If activated with a cursored
      file that does not have a .ZIP file extension, the ZipData Window is
      initialized in a create mode. If the ZipView menu option is selected and
      the cursored file has a .ZIP extension, the contents of the zip file are
      listed in the ZipData Window.

      Γûá Print  -  The cursored file is sent to the printer.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. File Drag and Drop ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Drag and Drop File Operations

Drag and drop of files is supported between the file windows, from a file
window to it's associated directory tree and to WPS objects that accept files,
such as the shredder, printer and certain program objects.  Unlike WPS drag and
drop, only selected files may be picked up in a drag operation and the entire
file window is an acceptable drop zone. In other words, FileStar does not
recognize files in a file window as an acceptable drop target. The
implementation enhances moving and copying files between the file windows and
the directory trees, albeit at the expense of WPS commonality.

To perform a drag and drop operation (move is default unless changed in the
Settings Notebook):

   1. Select the file(s).
   2. Pick up on one of the selected files using the RMB.
   3. Drag to other file window, a directory in the directory tree, a desktop
      object/folder or the desktop itself.
   4. Release RMB.

 Holding down the Ctrl key makes the operation a copy operation. If the default
 operation has been changed in the Settings Notebook to copy, holding down the
 Shift key will override it to a move operation.  If the default has been set
 to copy, dragging outside of FileStar causes a reversion to a move operation.

  A second instance of FileStar may be started with drag and drop between any
 of the four different directory tree and file window possibilities.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. Copying and Moving Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Copy and Move Operations

Drag and drop is supported for these file operations.

The common procedure for using the dialogs to Copy or Move files is as follows:

   1. Select file(s) - Select one or more files from a file window for the
      operation.
   2. Select operation - Use popup or pulldown action menus, or accelerator
      keys.
   3. Select target path - If drive is already selected in one of the file
      windows, single click in that file window to display directory tree for
      that window. Otherwise, read the desired drive into the opposite file
      window. Single click on desired target directory in the directory tree.
   4. Initiate operation. - Press action pushbutton in dialog window.

 The selected operation dialog appears overlaying a portion of the Data Panel.
 The dialog contains three data fields.

      Γûá The upper field contains the full file path and file name of the first
      selected file.

      Γûá The middle field summarizes the additional files included in the
      operation.

      Γûá The lower field, labeled To, contains the target path for the
      operation. It is initialized to the path of the other file window. The
      target path may be changed by mouse, keyboard or manual input.

 The dialog is moveable and may be resized, in width only, to enhance viewing
 long paths and filenames.

 When the operation dialog appears, the source File Window is locked from
 further normal user input until the selected operation is complete or
 cancelled. However, you can modify the selected file list by holding down the
 Ctrl key and using the LMB to deselect files from the list or select other
 files to be added to the list. This is a common feature of the Copy, Move,
 Delete, Zip and Unzip dialogs.

 Setting the Target Path by Point and Click

 The objective of the following cases is to get the directory tree of the
 target drive in the directory window. When the correct tree is displayed,
 single click on the desired target directory. The To field in the dialog
 updates to the selected directory.  The directory tree will not accept double
 clicks if it's associated file window is locked.

 Target Drive in Use in Opposite Window.

 If the target directory is on the drive in the opposite window, click in the
 opposite window (or use the directory tree select buttons at the bottom of the
 Directory Window) to change the active file window and directory tree to the
 opposite window.

 Target Drive in Neither Window.

 Activate the opposite window (if not in use) and change to the desired drive.

 If the target directory is on another drive and both windows are in use, the
 full target path must be typed into the target path window. Error checking is
 performed on edited paths and filenames to ensure that they conform to the
 drive type (FAT or HPFS) requirements.

 Initiating the Operation

 When the desired path is displayed in the target field, click on the operation
 pushbutton (Copy or Move) to start the operation. The selection emphasis is
 removed from the files as they are copied and the file is removed from the
 window as it is moved.  The window(s) are automatically refreshed at the end
 of the operation. If a problem is encountered during the process, a Copy/Move
 Error dialog is popped up for user information and program direction.

 Pausing or Aborting the Operation. While copying or moving files, the
 operation may be paused if more than one file is selected. A common procedure
 is described in Pausing and Aborting File Operations.

 Simultaneous Operations

 If one window is in use for an operation (for instance, a long copy job), the
 other window may be used in a normal manner for other operations. An exception
 is that the mouse cannot be used to select a target path on a drive not in use
 in either file window. Use the directory tree select buttons at the bottom of
 the Directory Window to select either currently logged drive. If the target
 drive is not one of the currently logged drives, the desired full target path
 may be inserted manually with the keyboard in the target path entry field as
 noted above.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2.1. File Copy/Move Errors ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Errors During Copy or Move Operations

A Copy or Move error will cause the following dialog to be displayed:

The dialog is system modal which means it preempts all mouse and keyboard
inputs. There are five pushbuttons which you use to direct how to recover from
the error. They are:

 This option is available only if Confirm Copy Overwrite is checked in the
Settings Notebook, Page 2_1 (Options Tab). If the error was because the file
existed in the target directory, pushing O/W All (Overwrite All) will cause the
program to not only overwrite the file shown but all other cases of duplicate
file names in the target directory.

 This option is available only if Confirm Copy Overwrite is checked in the
Settings Notebook, Page 2_1 (Options Tab). If the error was because the file
existed in the target directory, pushing OverWrite will cause the program to
overwrite only the file shown.

 Pushing Skip will cause the program to skip copying the file shown.

 Pushing Cancel will terminate the copy operation.

 Displays this help panel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. Deleting Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Deleting Files

Files may be deleted with or without the intervening File Delete dialog. This
dialog is intended to serve as a confirmation that the user wants to delete the
selected files and gives the user the opportunity to back out of the operation.
The Confirm File Delete option in the Settings Notebook turns this confirmation
on or off.

The recommended method to initiate file deletions is to select Delete from the
file window menu (RMB click in window). The menu gives the user a visual
reminder as to whether the File Delete dialog will be used by indicating
Delete.... Otherwise, the Delete menu option is line bordered and selecting
delete in this case immediately deletes the selected files.  Using the window
popup menu also insures that the user is well aware of which file window is
active and for which the delete command applies.

Alternatively, the delete operation may be initiated by selection from the
action bar pulldown menu, the Button Bar Delete pushbutton or pressing Ctrl+Del
from the keyboard.

The File Delete dialog appears overlaying a portion of the Data Panel.  The
dialog contains two data fields:

      Γûá The upper field contains the full file path and file name of the first
      file in the selected list.

      Γûá The middle field summarizes the additional files included in the delete
      operation.

 A check box for control of the type of file delete (recoverable or not
 recoverable) is provided. If the box is checked, the file(s) are permanently
 deleted. Otherwise, they are deleted to the delete directory if the
 environment variable SET DELDIR is present in the config.sys file.

 A visual warning that all selected files will be deleted is also presented in
 the dialog.

 The dialog is moveable and may be resized in length to enhance viewing long
 paths and filenames.

 When the operation dialog is present, the source File Window is locked from
 further normal user input until the selected operation is complete or
 cancelled.  However, you can modify the selected file list by holding down the
 Ctrl key and using the LMB to deselect files from the list or select other
 files to be added to the list. This is a common feature of the Copy, Move,
 Delete, Zip and Unzip dialogs.

  Pressing the Delete pushbutton in the dialog will initiate the delete
 operation. The deleted files are removed from the window as they are deleted
 and the window is refreshed at the end of the operation automatically. If a
 problem is encountered during the process, a Delete Error dialog is popped up
 for user information and direction.

 Aborting the Operation

  If more than one file is selected for the operation, a green pushbutton,
 labeled Press/Esc to Pause, will replace the Data Summary window at the bottom
 of the file window once the operation starts.  Clicking this pushbutton with
 the mouse, or pressing Esc on the keyboard, will pause the operation.  The
 user then has the option to Abort or Continue using a split version of the
 same pushbutton. Because most operations are very fast, there is hardly time
 to pause operations involving only a few files.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3.1. File Deletion Errors ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Errors During Delete Operations

A Delete error will cause the following dialog to be displayed:

The dialog is system modal which means it preempts all mouse and keyboard
inputs.

There are five pushbuttons which you use to direct how to recover from the
error. They are:

 If the error is because the file has the ReadOnly attribute set, pushing Del
R/O will delete the file if it's not a shared file.

 Pushing Skip will cause the program to skip deleting the file shown. The
Delete operation is resumed with the next file.

 Pushing Cancel will terminate the Delete operation.

 Displays this help panel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4. Zip and Unzip Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Zip and Unzip File Operations

The common procedure for using the dialogs to zip and unzip files is as
follows:

   1. Select file(s) - Select one or more files from a file window for the
      operation. For an unzip operation, the file extension(s) must be .ZIP.

   2. Select operation - Use popup or action menus, or accelerator keys.

   3. Select target path - If drive is already selected in one of the file
      windows, click in that file window.  Otherwise, read the desired drive
      into the opposite file window. Click on desired directory in the
      directory tree.

   4. Initiate operation. - Press action pushbutton in dialog window.

 The selected operation dialog appears overlaying a portion of the Data Panel.
 The dialog is moveable and may be resized in length to enhance viewing long
 paths and filenames. The dialog contains four data fields.

      Γûá The first field contains the full file path and file name of the first
      selected file.

      Γûá The second field summarizes the additional files included in the
      operation.

      Γûá The third field, labeled To, contains the target path for the zip or
      unzip operation. It is initialized to the path of the other file window.
      This target path may be changed by mouse, keyboard or manual input. For
      zip operations, a "noname00" filename is added to the target path. The
      filename may be edited as desired. Error checking is performed on edited
      paths and filenames to ensure that they conform to the drive type (FAT or
      HPFS) requirements.

      Γûá The fourth field shows the zip or unzip switches to be used for the
      operation (defaulted to the options set in the Settings notebook).  It
      also contains an Options pushbutton which, when pressed, will popup the
      switch options dialog appropriate for the operation.  Alternatively, the
      user may manually edit the switch field.

 When the operation dialog appears, the source File Window is locked from
 further normal user input until the selected operation is complete or
 cancelled.  However, you can modify the selected file list by holding down the
 Ctrl key and using the LMB to deselect files from the list or select other
 files to be added to the list. This is a common feature of the Copy, Move,
 Delete, Zip and Unzip dialogs.

 The initialized target directory for zip operations is the path of the
 opposite file window. The initialized target directory for unzip operations is
 the current directory where the zip file(s) is/are located.

 Setting the Target Path by Point and Click

 The objective of the following cases is to get the directory tree of the
 target drive in the directory window. When the correct tree is displayed,
 single click on the desired target directory. The To field in the dialog
 updates to the selected directory.  The directory tree will not accept double
 clicks if it's associated file window is locked.

 Target Drive in Use in Opposite Window.

 If the target directory is on the drive in the opposite window, click in the
 opposite window (or use the directory tree select buttons at the bottom of the
 Directory Window) to change the active file window and directory tree to the
 opposite window.

 Target Drive in Neither Window.

 Activate the opposite window (if not in use) and change to the desired drive.

 If the target directory is on another drive and both windows are in use, the
 full target path must be typed into the target path window. Error checking is
 performed on edited paths and filenames to ensure that they conform to the
 drive type (FAT or HPFS) requirements.

 Initiating the Operation

 When the desired path is displayed in the target field, click on the operation
 pushbutton (Zip or Unzip) to start the operation. The selection emphasis is
 removed from the files as they are sent to the executable programs, ZIP.EXE
 and UNZIP.EXE. The window(s) are automatically refreshed at the end of the
 operation as appropriate.

 A foreground OS/2 window will pop up running ZIP.EXE or UNZIP.EXE.  The user
 interacts with these windows if required to consent to certain actions.  The
 foreground window will close automatically when the operation is finished.

 Aborting the Operation

 If more than one file is selected for the operation, a green pushbutton,
 labeled Press/Esc to Pause, will replace the Data Summary window at the bottom
 of the file window once the operation starts. Clicking this pushbutton with
 the mouse, or pressing Esc  on the keyboard, will pause the operation.  The
 user then has the option to Abort or Continue using a split version of the
 same pushbutton. Because most operations are very fast, there is hardly time
 to pause operations involving only a few files.  Once the foreground OS/2
 window running the ZIP or UNZIP executable appears, the operation on the
 current file cannot be aborted from FileStar. The foreground window executing
 ZIP or UNZIP may be aborted with a Ctrl+C from the keyboard.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4.1. Setting Zip Switches ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Zip Options This dialog is used to set the zip options. The string is
updated as you change options. Those options that are mutually exclusive are
handled within the program.

The degree of compression is increased with higher compression levels. A
compression level of zero results in no compression. The compression speed is
slower with higher compression levels.

Do not double click with the LMB on these options. The Options string may not
be the same as the checked options in this case.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4.2. Setting Unzip Switches ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Unzip Options This dialog is used to set the unzip options. Check each
option that you want to include in the default option string. The string is
updated as you change options. Those options that are mutually exclusive are
handled within the program.

Do not double click with the LMB on these options. The Options string may not
be the same as the checked options in this case.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.5. Viewing Zip File Contents ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The ZipData Window

The ZipData Window is used to view and manipulate the files of a ZIP archive
file. The archive file may be selected and read into the window with a LMB
double click, the menus or the Alt+V key combination.

The window is sizeable and moveable. Size and position data are saved on
closing the window. It has most of the window characteristics of the file
windows, including popup function and options menus with the same hot zones for
activation. It inherits the file window background color and detail view titles
configuration. Only the text and detail views are available. The files may be
sorted by the same options except the date sort is not available.

The program must have access to Info-ZIP's UNZIP.EXE to read the file into the
window and access to ZIP.EXE to perform some of the window functions. The path
to these files must exist in the External Programs Zip entry field, Page 3_1,
Settings Notebook. The program automatically fills this field if the files are
found in the environment path.

If the temporary directory \WORKDIR does not exist as a subdirectory to the
directory in which FILESTAR.EXE is installed, it is created along with the
ZipData Window. While no harm is done if you later delete this directory, you
just as well leave it alone so it does not have to be recreated. The program
deletes all files and subdirectories in \WORKDIR either when the window is
closed or the program is terminated.

When viewing multiple files with the ZipData window, do not close it between
files. When another ZIP file is selected, the window is emptied before reading
the new file. You may also LMB double click on a zip file within the zip file
in the window and that file will be read into the window.

The image above does not show all the detail view fields. These are:

      Γûá Filename - File name within the zip file.
      Γûá Size - The normal, uncompressed file size in bytes.
      Γûá Date - The last write file date.
      Γûá Time - The last write file time.
      Γûá Ratio - Percentage compression.
      Γûá ArcSize - Compressed file size.
      Γûá Method - Method of compression.

 Window Functions

 The window functions activated from either the window pushbuttons or popup
 menu are:

  - Pushing the WorkDir pushbutton dumps the entire zip file into the work
 directory \WORKDIR. The ZipData Window is closed and the work directory is
 read into the other file window, ready for you to use any file window
 function. These files will be deleted either upon using the ZipData Window
 again or at program termination, so treat them as temporary. There is an
 exception; You may LMB double click an a zip file in the work directory,
 display it in a ZipData Window and then dump this file into the work directory
 without the previous files in the work directory being deleted. In other
 words, the files in the work directory are not deleted if the zip file in the
 window came from the work directory.

  Launches the browse or image viewer program on the cursored file. A LMB
 double click accomplishes the same thing. Views all file extensions supported
 in a file window.

  Initiates a dialog process to add files to the archive file in the window.
 This pushbutton is labeled Create if the ZipData Window is launched without a
 cursored zip file in the active file window. Pushing Create will start a
 dialog process to create a zip file and add selected files to it.

  Initiates a dialog process to extract selected files from the archive file in
 the window to the directory of choice.

  Starts the editor program on the cursored file. The file is extracted to the
 work directory where it is edited. When the editor is closed the file is
 re-zipped back into the archive file in the window. Edits ASCII and ICO, BMP
 and PTR files.

  Deletes the selected files in the ZipData Window from the archive file.

  This is it.
 .*************************************************************************\


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.6. Executing Files and the Command Line ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Execute Dialog

The Execute dialog is displayed when Exec is pushed on the Button Bar, Execute
is selected from either the popup or pulldown menu for a file window or the key
combination Alt+X is pushed. What is displayed in the dialog entry field is
dependent on the file extension of the cursored file in the active file window.
If it's an executable file, you get the cursored file preset in the Run entry
field. If it's not, the entry field is blank and labeled Cmd. In either case,
you may change the entry as needed to run a command or program. You may also
select a different file from the file windows after the dialog is displayed.
When the command is entered, simply press Go to execute the program or command.

There are two check boxes in the dialog, Windowed and Auto Close, which allow
the user the option to run the program or command either windowed or fullscreen
(Windowed not checked)  and Auto Close enabled or not enabled. If Windowed is
not checked, the program auto close option is disabled. For executable files,
the type of program is automatically detected and shown in the title bar. Some
program types will disable the windowed and auto close options as appropriate.

The previous twenty entries are saved in a list that the user may drop down and
select from. While the window has a minimum size, it may be resized to allow
viewing more or all of the list and to lengthen the entry field.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7. Setting File Filters ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File Filters

This dialog is used to filter the files displayed in the File Windows. It is
also used to select the type of file sorting saved at shutdown.

The File Filter entry field is used to input a file filter mask. Standard use
of "wildcards" are supported. The "*" means "all or all after", i.e.  *.txt
would filter and display all the files with the file extension ".txt". Another
example is os2*.ini would filter only those filenames starting with os2 and
with the extension of ".ini". The "?"  is used to substitute "Any" for an
individual character, i.e.  ??sh*.* would display only those files with
filenames that have sh as the third and fourth characters.

The last twenty (20) entries in the File Filter entry field are saved and
displayed in the window below the entry field.  Selecting a filter from this
list automatically inserts it into the entry field.

The file filters are limited to 40 characters.

The filter is not applied to the file windows until the user presses the Set
pushbutton. The *.* pushbutton is the easy way to restore the "all" files
filter.

Checking the System and Hidden check boxes will include files with those
attributes in the displayed file list.  If unchecked, files with that attribute
are not displayed.

File Sort

While the sort parameter may be individually changed for each file window at
any time in a session, those settings are NOT saved from session to session.
The setting in the File Filter and Sort Options dialog is used for saving the
type of sorting used in the file windows.  It is applied to both file windows.

Using the Keyboard

Use the Tab key to step from the File Filter entry field, to the pushbuttons,
then to the Include and Sort options. When tabbed to the entry field, Include
or Sort options, use the keyboard Up/Dn arrows to further select items from
those options. To check or uncheck the check boxes in the Include option, use
the keyboard spacebar.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.8. Changing File Attributes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File Attributes

The attributes of all selected files are changed in one operation by presetting
the desired attributes and then pushing Set.  The four modifiable attributes
are:

      Read Only - File cannot be modified (written to) by the user.

      Hidden - File is not displayed by most programs and the dir command.

      System - File is for use by the operating system.

      Archived - File is marked when changed.

 For each attribute, select No Change, Set or Clear.  Pressing Set causes the
 selected attributes to be set for each selected file in the active file
 window.

 To set attributes from the keyboard, use the Tab key to select the attribute
 to change, then use the Up/Dn arrow keys to select the setting.  The Tab key
 cycles through the attributes and pushbuttons.

 The attributes of the cursored file is displayed in the Attributes window in
 the Data Panel and indicated by "r", "h", "s" and "a".  The attributes of each
 displayed file may be viewed in the Attributes column of the Details View.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.9. Changing File Date and Time ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

File Date/Time

The file date and time of all selected files in the active File Window is
changed in one operation by presetting the desired date and time and then
pushing Set.  Use the dialog up/dn scroll buttons to "spin" the desired
parameter into the applicable window.  Although the Sec.  control sets to the
nearest second, the actual set time is set to the nearest two seconds.

To set file date and time from the keyboard, use the Tab key to select the
window to modify (Mo., Day, Year etc.), then use the Up/Dn arrow keys to modify
the parameter.  The Tab key cycles through the windows and pushbuttons.

The file date and time are displayed in the file Date and Time window in the
Data Panel.  The displayed values are the "last write date and time".

Most users have no need to modify the file date and time.  In most cases it is
desirable to leave the file date and time as set by the system.

The changing of date and time of directory entries is not currently supported.
The last write date and time for directories (equates to create date and time)
can be viewed by selecting Query for the selected directory from the popup or
action bar menus.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.10. Pause and Abort File Operations ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Aborting a File Operation

The pushbutton  will replace the Data Summary window at the bottom of the file
window once the operation starts if more than one file is selected. Clicking
this pushbutton with the mouse, or pressing Esc on the keyboard, will pause the
operation. The user then has the option to Abort or Continue  using a split
version of the same pushbutton. Because most operations are very fast, there is
hardly time to pause operations involving only a few files.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.11. Renaming a File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Renaming a File

The file to be renamed must be both cursored and selected (highlighted) in the
active file window. Selecting Rename from the window menu (or pushing the key
combination Alt+N) will present a long file name entry field in the Data Panel
with the cursored file name ready for editing.

If changes are made in the file name, the Name pushbutton label changes to
Rename which is then pushed to rename the file. If no changes are made to the
filename, pushing the Name pushbutton or Esc cancels the operation.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.12. Printing a File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Printing a File

When Print is selected from a file window menu (or the key combination Alt+P is
pushed), the cursored file is sent to the printer. There currently is no print
formatting capability.

A more sophisticated print capability is in development.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.13. Editing Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Editing Files

An editing operation must be initiated from one of the menus, the Button Bar
Edit pushbutton or Alt+E combination keys. The cursored file is the object
edited. It must be an ASCII text file or an error is returned. The program
tests for a valid ASCII text file. The file will be edited using the editor
entered as the external program editor in the Settings Notebook (defaults to
E.EXE). Any DOS or OS/2 editor should work.

If the cursored file has an extension of .BMP, .PTR or .ICO, the OS/2 utility
ICONEDIT.EXE is started to edit or view the file. These files (E.EXE and
ICONEDIT.EXE) must be located in the environment path.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.14. Browsing Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Browsing Files

ASCII Text Files.  A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) on an ASCII text file
will launch the browse program entered on the External Programs page in the
Settings Notebook (defaulted to E.EXE editor) with the selected file as the
program argument. The program tests for a valid ASCII text file.

Archived Files with .ZIP Extension.  Double clicking with the LMB (or keyboard
Enter) on a .ZIP file causes the contents of the archived file to be listed in
a ZipData Window (support is limited to those files that are compatible with
InfoZip's UNZIP.EXE and ZIP.EXE).

Image Files.  A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) with a selected file
extension of .BMP, .GIF, .TIF, .TGA, .JPG , .EPS, .PIC, .PCD, .SHW or .PCX will
result in the launch of the imaging program entered for external program
support in the Settings Notebook.

Other Files.  A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) on a file with an
extension of .INF results in launching the OS/2 VIEW.EXE utility to view the
selected file.

A LMB double click (or keyboard Enter) on a file with an extension of .MET
results in launching the OS/2 PICVIEW.EXE utility to view the selected file.

The VIEW.EXE and PICVIEW.EXE files must be in a directory included in the
environment path (they typically are).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.15. Saving File List ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Saving the File List

The list of selected files may be saved to a ASCII disk file in the current
directory, automatically named FILELIST.TXT, by selecting Save File List from a
menu or pressing the key combination Alt+Y.  If you need to preserve this file,
you must rename it. Each time the list is saved, the file FILELIST.TXT is
overwritten.

A complete list of all files in any directory may be saved by selecting all
files, then saving the list.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.16. Printing File List ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Printing File List

The list of selected files may be sent to the printer by selecting Print File
List from a menu.  The list is saved to a file named FILELIST.TXT in the
current directory, then sent to the printer.

A complete list of all files in any directory may be printed by selecting all
files, then printing the list.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Data Panel ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Data Panel

The Data Panel consists of eight pushbuttons that also serve as the label for
eight data windows for drive and file data, the Message Window and today's date
and time of day windows. The functions of the eight pushbuttons are as follows:

 Label for drive used window immediately below. The windowed data are the
allocated bytes used on the drive of the active file window. When pushed, the
data window will show the allocated bytes used for all hard drives on the
system.

 Label for drive free window immediately below. The windowed data are bytes
free on the drive of the active file window. When pushed, the data window will
show the bytes free for all hard drives on the system.

 Label for the Selected Window immediately below. The window shows the
allocated file size for all selected files in the active file window. When
pushed, all files in the file window are selected or deselected, depending on
the all-selected state.

 Label for the file Name Window immediately below. The file name shown is the
name of the cursored file. When pushed, a file rename mode is entered with a
long file name entry field presented. The label changes to Rename if the field
is edited. Pushing Rename renames the cursored file.

 Label for the file Size Window immediately below. The file size shown in the
window is the actual file size on disk. When pushed, the Drive, Directory and
File Windows are reset to their default size and position.

 Label for the file Date Window immediately below. The window shows the last
write date for the cursored file. When pushed, the Change Date/Time dialog is
activated which allows the user to change the file date and time of all
selected files.

 Label for the file Time Window immediately below. The window shows the last
write time for the cursored file. When pushed, the Change Date/Time dialog is
activated which allows the user to change the file date and time of all
selected files.

 Label for the file Attributes Window immediately below. The window shows the
current file attributes for the cursored file. When pushed, the Change File
Attributes dialog is activated which allows the user to change the attributes
of all selected files.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Button Bar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Button Bars

The Button Bar consists of thirteen pushbuttons labelled in text. The
pushbuttons provide rapid selection of the most frequently used functions.

 Opens an OS/2 window with the path of the active file window.

 Opens a DOS window with the path of the active file window.

 Activates the Modify Directory Structure dialog. Move, rename, delete and
create directories.

 Activates the Executable File or Command line dialog. Use to run programs.

 Launches an external editor with the cursored file as the argument.

 Initiates a file copy operation using the Copy dialog.

 Initiates a file move operation  using the Move dialog.

 If enabled, activates File Delete dialog to confirm file deletion. If not
enabled, deletes the selected files without confirmation.

 Sends the cursored file to the printer.

 Activates the File Filter and Sort Option dialog. Used to filter the displayed
files.

 Activates the File Find dialog. Used to search selected drives for files
matching wildcard.

 Opens the Settings Notebook.

 Replaces the Button Bar with the Help Button Bar.

When the Help Button Bar is displayed, the following functions are available:

 Opens the FileStar Help Index window.

 Displays the FileStar General Help window.

 Opens a help window that describes the FileStar keyboard interface.

 A short description of the help system.

 Opens dialogs to input registration data.

 A marketing description of FileStar.

 Replaces the Help Button Bar with the normal Button Bar.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. Settings Notebook ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Using the Notebook

Input focus must be in a page for F1 to select help for that page.

Selecting pages with the mouse is the easiest way to flip pages.  Simply click
on the tabs or the arrow buttons.

Selecting pages using the keyboard can be a little confusing at times.  To flip
pages, use Alt+PgUp/PgDn.  This won't work if the focus is on the main notebook
window.  To switch focus onto the notebook, use Alt+Up/Dn arrow keys. These
keys also move the focus to and from the page and the tab.

The notebook is closed by selecting "Close" on the System Menu (click on the
Title Bar icon) or double clicking on the Title Bar icon. Optionally, the
notebook may be closed by clicking on the SHS icon. From the keyboard, use
Alt+F4.

All notebook options are saved to the FILESTAR.INI file (in the same directory
as the FILESTAR.EXE file) when the notebook is closed.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.1. Configuration Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Setting the Configuration Options

All options are saved when the notebook is closed (Alt-F4).

Button Function Bar - The Button Function Bar and its sibling window, the
Button Help Bar, are toggled ON and OFF with this option.  The Button Function
Bar provides one click access to the most frequently used items and features.
Users may prefer to operate FileStar/2 without the Button Function Bar or
standard PM menu once familiar with the program and the popup menus.

Standard Menu - The standard menu for PM windows may be toggled ON and OFF to
provide more area for other windows.  This option is for users that prefer to
use other features like the popup menus or the Button Function Bar.

Details View Titles - If checked, the Details View is configured with column
titles. Without column titles, the number of files displayed in the window
field of view is increased.

Mixed Case  - This option sets the case used for text in the directory and file
windows. Mixed case is the case that was used to store the file name/directory
when it was created.  Lower case is selected with Mixed Case unchecked. A drive
rescan must be performed to change the case of the directory tree following a
change of this option.

Always Expand Tree - When selected, this option causes the directory tree to
always expand all branches.  Otherwise only the used branches are expanded.

Default is Forced File Delete - If checked, the Files Not Recoverable checkbox
in the Delete dialog will initially be checked. If the user does not change the
Files Not Recoverable option, files will be permanently deleted.

Confirm File Delete - If checked, a File Delete dialog is always used to
confirm file deletion. If unchecked, files are deleted without confirmation.

Confirm Directory Delete - If checked, the Modify Directory dialog is always
used to initiate deletion of directories. If unchecked, empty directories are
deleted without confirmation. Directories with files and/or subdirectories are
deleted only after confirmation by an interactive message.

Confirm Copy Overwrite - If checked, files will not be overwritten during a
copy operation without user confirmation. If unchecked, files of the same name
in the target directory are overwritten without confirmation.

Default Drag is Move - If checked, the default drag (no other keys pressed)
within FileStar is a move operation, same as the WPS. If unchecked, the default
drag is a copy operation. In either case the operation may be changed with the
Ctrl and Shift keys. If the default drag is a Copy operation and the drag is to
an object outside FileStar, the drag operation reverts to a move operation.

Execute DOS Full Screen - If checked, DOS applications are started full screen.
This option only applies to starting DOS applications with a LMB double click
or keyboard Enter. It has no effect on starting applications with the Execute
dialog.

Save on Shutdown  - FileStar/2 saves all notebook settings to a FILESTAR.INI
file, independent of this option.  When checked, this option results in
FileStar/2 saving additional items to the OS2.INI file.  Included in these
additional items are the color and font changes that the user has made with the
OS/2 Color and Fonts Palettes and FileStar window positions at shutdown.  If
changes have been made and previously saved on a prior shutdown, those changes
are not destroyed but simply not used on the next startup.  Reselection of this
option will restore previously made and saved changes.

Delete From OS2.INI - Checking this option will delete the FileStar entries
from the OS2.INI file. It also unchecks the Save On Shutdown option. Use this
option when removing FileStar from your hard disk or to reset color and font
customization to default values.

Auto Remap Drive List - Checking this option will cause the list of available
drives to be refreshed each time the swap file data (Swap: xxxxxxx) is updated
in the Message Window. This option should only be used on networks that change
available drives.

Message Persistence  - Most of the FileStar messages are displayed in the
Message window of the Data Panel. Messages are erased automatically after the
persistence time selected with this control for information messages. Warning
and error messages persist for two or three times the persistence value.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2. External Program Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Defining External Program File Support

FileStar does not currently support the WPS file associations. Instead, double
clicking or "Executing" a file in one of the file windows launches or runs a
pre-defined program associated with the file extension. For instance, double
clicking on an *.INF file will cause the file to be run with VIEW.EXE. Since
there are various options available for ASCII editors, browsers and printer
support, the user may indicate in the fields of the File Support dialog the
file(s) that are desired for the operations indicated.

Edit - Enter the path and name of the editor that you want to use for editing
ASCII text files in the "Edit" field of the Settings Notebook, page 3_1.
Default is the OS/2 Enhanced Editor, EPM.EXE.

Browse - Enter the path and name of the browser that you want to use for
listing ASCII text files in the "Browse" field of the Settings Notebook, page
3_1. Default is the OS/2 Editor, E.EXE.

Print - Enter the name of the print interface file that you want to use in the
"Print" field of the Settings Notebook, page 3_1.  Default is the OS/2 print
file, PRINT.COM.

Zip * - FileStar currently supports archiving files only with Info-Zip's
ZIP.EXE (v2.0.1) and extracting archived files with Info-Zip's UNZIP.EXE
(v5.1). These files were included in the distributed FILESTAR.ZIP file. They
must be located in the same directory and the path to these files must either
be entered in the config.sys path or in the "Zip *" field of the Settings
Notebook, page 3_1.

Image - Enter the path and file name of the image viewer program that you want
to use to view graphic files. File names with extensions of .BMP, .GIF, .TIF,
.TGA, .JPG , .EPS, .PIC, .PCD, .SHW and .PCX are supported and passed to the
viewer program.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.3. Changing Window Colors ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Coloring the FileStar Windows

The OS/2 color palette will NOT change the window background and the selected
file hilite background and foreground colors of the directory and file windows.
You may change the window background colors using the controls presented.
Select either File Window #1 or #2. The color control scroll bars will change
to the Red, Green and Blue setting of that window.  Use the mouse or keyboard
to change these settings, The window will update in the background when the
scrolling terminates.  The small sample windows reflect the colors during
scroll.  The notebook may be moved to view the changes in FileStar's windows.

Currently, only the window background color may be changed. A future version
will permit changing the foreground color and the highlight colors as well.

The user is encouraged to use the OS/2 color palette to colorize FileStar.
Almost all pushbutton, controls and windows may be colored with the palette.
However, to save all custom colorization you must check the "Save on Shutdown"
checkbox on page 2_1 of the Settings Notebook.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.4. Setting Default Zip Switch Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Zip Switch Options This dialog is used to set the default zip options.
Check each option that you want to include in the default option string. The
string is updated as you change options. Those options that are mutually
exclusive are handled within the program.

The degree of compression is increased with higher compression levels. A
compression level of zero results in no compression. The compression speed is
slower with higher compression levels.

Do not double click with the LMB on these options. The Options string may not
be the same as the checked options in this case.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.5. Setting Default Unzip Switch Options ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Unzip Switch Options This dialog is used to set the default unzip options.
Check each option that you want to include in the default option string. The
string is updated as you change options. Those options that are mutually
exclusive are handled within the program.

Do not double click with the LMB on these options. The Options string may not
be the same as the checked options in this case.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. Product Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

About FileStar

FileStar is a simple, fast, intuitive and powerful OS/2 file management utility
that all levels of users should keep handy on the WPS Desktop. It is intended
to be an easy transition tool for those DOS and Windows users migrating to the
OS/2 environment. It is not intended to be a replacement for the WPS Drives
object. It provides users with those file management functions that the
majority of users use most frequently.

FileStar has a simple, and in some cases unique, interface to the files on your
disk drives. It combines familiar interface concepts with the controls
available in the PM environment. It uses a two-window approach to viewing
directory contents and drag and drop for moving and copying files between these
windows and other WPS objects that accept files.  Record emphasis is used
extensively to provide visual feedback on the progress of operations. It also
has a very easy point and click method for using paths to perform all the usual
file operations.

FileStar is multithreaded and supports running different operations in its two
windows simultaneously.  For instance, you may be copying all the files in
G:\WHATEVER to F:\THISDIR in one file window and at the same time be zipping
all the files in D:\BACKUP in the other.  You may also perform other operations
that don't require a window, such as format floppies, while the copy and zip
jobs are in progress.

Capabilities Summary

Presented below are the drive and file capabilities of FileStar. Salient
features or limitations are also noted.

The following operations may be performed on individual files or a selected
list of files:

       -  Copy (Drag and drop or point and click dialog)
       -  Move (Drag and drop or point and click dialog)
       -  Delete (Drag and drop on shredder or with/without confirm dialog)
       -  Change attributes
       -  Change last write date and time
       -  Archive (point and click dialog using InfoZip's ZIP.EXE only)
       -  Extract (point and click dialog using InfoZip's UNZIP.EXE only)

  The following operations may be performed only on individual files:

       -  Rename (long file name entry field)
       -  Print (ASCII only)
       -  Edit (ASCII, ICO, BMP extensions using external editors)
       -  View (ASCII, INF, ZIP and 10 graphic file extensions using external
      browsers)
       -  Execute (double click EXE, COM, CMD, BAT extensions or use smart
      dialog)

  The following directory operations may be performed:

       -  Create
       -  Delete
       -  Rename
       -  Move (within the drive partition)
       -  Query (directory statistics)
       -  Directories accept drag and drop files from the associated file
      window.

  The following operations may be performed on drives:

       -  Format (using PMFORMAT)
       -  CheckDisk (using PMCHKDSK)
       -  Query (disk and media characteristics)
       -  Find all files matching mask
       -  Find text (using PMSEEK)
      Other Features

      FileStar has other noteworthy features such as a Settings Notebook for
      setting user options, a message system that saves session messages,
      configurable windows, seven popup menus, removable menu and/or button
      bar, user entry fields sized for long file names, swap file data display,
      selected file data windows, system drive used/free data windows, and the
      ability to pop up OS/2 and DOS windows in the current directory using the
      installed command processors. It can execute DOS, OS/2 or Windows files
      with double click selection or a smart dialog (that identifies the type
      of file) may be used to select full screen or windowed sessions of the
      executable file. The dialog saves the last 20 entries and also doubles as
      an OS/2 command line.

      The first release of FileStar has excellent archived file support using
      InfoZip's ZIP.EXE and UNZIP.EXE which in turn supports OS/2 Extended
      Attributes and is compatible with Version 2 PKZIP compression software.
      The InfoZip products are widely available and are free.

      How to Register

      You may register FileStar at the present time only by direct mail order
      to Sierra HyperStar Software.  Submit the order form contained herein
      along with payment by check or money order.

      Support

      Customer Support for FileStar is via CompuServe.  When logged in to
      CompuServe, GO OS2BVEN.

      Internet users may leave the author personal email on CIS. Others users
      may leave email for the author on the FidoNet addressed to Jim
      Read@>1:124/6300.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. Order Form ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Date:   /   /

Remit payment to:  J. A. Read
.          1427 Dominion Drive
.          Dallas, Tx 75208
.          [phone]

Payment form: Only Check or Money Order currently accepted

Price - $20.00 USD per License................Qty..Price x Qty
FileStar/2 OS/2 File Manager current version  ____  _________
Sub-Total.......................................... _________
Texas Residents add applicable sales tax........... _________
Total.............................................. _________
*************************************************************
Please note that the price increases to $35 at conclusion of
beta test period - 15 Oct 1994.
*************************************************************

Check Disk size:     3 1/2"_____  5 1/4"_____

Signature:__________________________________________________

Name:_______________________________________________________
Addr:_______________________________________________________
City: ________________________ State: ________ Zip: _________
Phone: (______) ______________ Fax:  (______) _______________

Source of shareware copy you evaluated: _____________________
Your suggestions for improvement (use reverse side for more)
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. Program Registration ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

How To Register The Program

A registration number from Sierra HyperStar Software is required to register
the program. When registered, the startup delay with the About panel is
bypassed. Additionally, the unregistered messages are eliminated. Most of all,
you are legally entitled to use the program  on an unlimited basis. See How To
Order for instructions on purchasing FileStar.

If you have a registration number, press Register. This will call another
dialog in which you enter your registered name and registration number. When
both are correctly entered, you will be told to press Thank You which will save
the registration data in the FILESTAR.INI file. If you ever erase this file,
you will have to re-enter the data so be sure and keep a copy of you
registration number in a safe place.