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- ┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ WWPACK is shareware. If you register you can get a free │
- │ upgrade from a BBS or FTP site! │
- │ See the bottom of this file for more info on registration. │
- └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
-
-
-
- WWPACK 3.04 a powerful executable file compressor for DOS
-
- Copyright (c) 1993-96 by Piotr Warezak and Rafal Wierzbicki
-
- 6 January 1996 Lodz, Poland All Rights Reserved
-
-
-
- We are happy to provide our e-mail addresses. Please feel free
- to inform us of any problems at the following addresses.
-
- Authors: awarezak@krysia.uni.lodz.pl
-
- American distributor: gjereza@crl.com
-
- German distributor: support@vgasoft.com
-
-
-
- The latest shareware version of WWPACK can always be found on:
-
- o Slovak Antivirus Center:
- ftp.elf.stuba.sk /pub/pc/pack
-
- o SimTel mirrors, directory /SimTel/msdos/execomp
- (eg. oak.oakland.edu or ftp.cyf-kr.edu.pl)
-
- o The ClipBoard BBS
- (415) 293 0454
- 8N1 2400-28800bps
- 24 hours, San Francisco
-
- o WWPACK is FREQable (file requestable) from
- The ClipBoard BBS,
- FidoNet 1:125/454
- The magic name is WWPACK.
-
- o VGA-Copy Headquarters BBS
- +49-441-972955
- 8N1 USRobotics V34
- 24 hours, Germany
-
- o WWPACK is file requestable from
- VGA-Copy Headquarters,
- FidoNet 2:2426/2240
- The magic name is WWPACK.
-
- o ftp-mailserver: fileserv@vgasoft.com
-
-
-
- *** This program is shareware. It may be freely used for three weeks. But
- *** during this trial period no files packed with WWPACK may be distributed.
- *** If you are going to continue using this product or distribute any files
- *** compressed with WWPACK you must register and pay for a full version.
-
- *** The shareware version WWPACK can only be distributed or copied if all
- *** files are complete and intact, no changes have been made, and a charge
- *** of no more than $5.00 is made for distributing the program!
- *** WWPACK can be freely uploaded to any BBS, online system or something
- *** similar, and can be freely included on any CD-ROM.
-
- *** Warning: WWPACK is provided "as-is" without warranty of any kind!
-
- *** The original version WWPACK is distributed in the ZIP file containing
- *** WWP304.EXE RAR 1.55 SFX archive with Authenticy Verification information
- *** "by Piotr Warezak and Rafal Wierzbicki".
-
-
-
- WHAT IS A WWPACK?
-
- WWPACK is a powerful EXE file compressor. This program compresses most
- DOS executable files. Compressed programs use less disk space because
- they are much smaller. All files run EXACTLY as before.
-
-
- REQUIREMENTS TO RUN WWPACK.
-
- WWPACK works on any machine with about 450Kb free DOS memory. Remember that
- the faster machine you use the less time you need to compress an EXE file.
-
- Requirements to run EXE files compressed with WWPACK.
-
- A file compressed with WWPACK will run on IBM or compatible based systems
- like the XT, AT, 80286, 80386, 80486, Pentiums, laptops, and palmtops
- (eg. the Hewlett Packard HP95LX). DOS 2.0 or higher is required.
-
-
- WWPACK'S COMMANDS - to get a very short help type: WWPACK /?
-
- To pack an EXE file enter:
- WWPACK FILENAME.EXE
- or WWPACK P FILENAME.EXE
- When complete, the file will be smaller and work as before.
- The packing process can be interrupted by using the CTRL+Break keys.
-
- To pack a relocation table enter: WWPACK PR FILENAME.EXE
-
- TESTING EXE FILES.
-
- Command 'T' lets you see if the file is already compressed by any
- executable file compressor. WWPACK recognizes files compressed by LZEXE,
- PKLITE and many many other compressors.
- Usage: WWPACK T FILENAME.EXE
- Additional command WWPACK T checks automatically all EXE files stored
- in the current directory.
-
- OPTIMIZING HEADERS.
-
- If you want to optimize a header of an EXE file use:
- WWPACK O FILENAME.EXE
- Sometimes the header can be a bit shorter but in most cases nothing will
- change.
-
- ADDITIONAL COMMANDS: 'PD' and 'UD'.
-
- WWPACK has two commands that you can use on any file you want:
- 'PD' and 'UD' (pack data and unpack data).
-
- Command 'PD' will pack a data file.
- Example: WWPACK PD PROGRAM.DAT
-
- Command 'UD' will unpack any file packed with 'PD'.
- Example: WWPACK UD PROGRAM.DAT
-
- Note: Normally, a packed data file is unusable. Therefore, you must first
- unpack it (ie 'PD' and 'UD' options are similar to PKZIP's 'a' and 'e'
- commands).
- Please see the WWPACK Pascal Support procedures for info how to use
- WWPACKed data files in your programs. With our TPU files, you can read
- WWPACKed files and decompress them directly to memory!
-
-
- CAN I USE WILDCARDS?
-
- Sure! WWPACK lets you to use '*' and '?' in every command.
-
- Examples:
- to compress all EXE files in the current directory just type:
- WWPACK P *.EXE
-
- to optimize headers of all EXE files type:
- WWPACK O *.EXE
-
- to pack all files (as data) enter this command:
- WWPACK PD *.*
-
- CAN I USE PATHS?
-
- Of course you can!
-
- Example:
- command WWPACK P C:\UTILITY\TEST.EXE will compress TEST.EXE file stored
- in C:\UTILITY directory.
-
-
- CONFIGURATION MENU.
-
- We wanted to make WWPACK easy to use. You don't have to remember any
- options because you can set everything in a special configuration menu.
-
- To configure the program enter: WWPACK C. Now use number keys to set some
- useful options.
- 1 - do you want WWPACK to make backup files?
- Select 'ON' and you will always get OLD and OLP files.
- 2 - select 'ON' if you want to get more information about every file
- that is being compressed.
- 3 - please select 'ON' if you want to compress files with overlays or
- 'OFF' if you don't want to compress such a files. If you choose 'ASK'
- WWPACK will always ask you if the file should be compressed or not.
- 4 - select 'ON' if you want WWPACK to compress already compressed files.
- 5 - sometimes WWPACK is slow, so selecting 'ON' is a good idea.
-
- When you set all options, press 'S' key to save them or 'ESC' to exit
- without saving. You may use the 'T' key to set the default configuration.
-
-
- PARAMETERS AND SWITCHES.
-
- Here is list of parameters that you may use while working with WWPACK:
-
- -adv use advanced mode
- -b- tells WWPACK not to make backup files
- -b+ always make backups (OLD and OLP files)
- -o- don't pack files with overlays
- -o+ always pack files with overlays
- -p- don't pack already packed files
- -p+ pack already packed files
- -y assume 'YES' on all queries (WWPACK will proces automatcally all
- files)
-
- Example:
- WWPACK P -B- -O+ -Y MYPROG.EXE
- means: pack MYPROG.EXE file; don't make backup; pack even if the file
- contains an overlay. Process automatically the file (no questions while
- packing).
-
-
- PACKING FILES FROM THE LIST FILE.
-
- A special option: -@FileName lets you to process only selected files.
- To pack only a few files from the current directory, you can create
- a special file, for example: WWPACK.LST (name of this file is not
- important). This file should contain the names of all files you want to
- process. Every name should begin from a new line. There musn't be any
- free lines in the list file!
-
- Here is an example of a list file:
- --- cut here ---
- MYFILE.EXE
- ANYFILE.EXE
- anotHer.EXE
- --- cut here ---
- This small file tells WWPACK to process only three files. All other files
- from the current directory will be skipped.
- To use this list file type:
- WWPACK P -@WWPACK.LST
-
- Note, that wildcards and paths aren't allowed in the list file!
-
-
- BACKUP FILES.
-
- Not every EXE file can be compressed with WWPACK. That's why this program
- creates backups. In case of problems you can restore the original file.
-
- Remember:
- Original FILENAME.EXE file is always renamed to FILENAME.OLD file
- while compressing or optimizing, and to FILENAME.OLP when decompressing.
-
- HINT:
- If you forgot to make a backup while compressing an EXE file, try
- undeleting or unerasing it!
-
-
- FILES THAT CAN'T BE PACKED.
-
- Some files can't be compressed with WWPACK.
-
- o programs that check the CRC of a file
- o files that store configuration data internally
- o drivers that can be loaded in a config.sys file
- o some files with overlays
- o Windows and OS/2 files ('NE' and 'LE' programs)
- o some COM files (COM file may not work after conversion to EXE format)
- o files that contain more than 15000 relocation entries
-
- Some files are automatically recognized by WWPACK. But sometimes it's
- impossible to predict if the file can be compressed. You just have to
- check every compressed EXE file!
-
-
- CRC MODULE: "Be sure that the file isn't damaged"
-
- WWPACK uses special module that adds CRC code to EVERY compressed EXE file.
- This unique technology lets you to check if any WWPACKed EXE file has been
- damaged or infected by a virus.
-
- To check files you may use WWVIR or CRC program.
-
- HINTS FOR PROGRAMMERS:
- o You may freely add CRC program to your commercial and noncommercial
- products. It's public domain! (However, you must have the enhanced
- version of WWPACK to distribute WWPACKed programs)
- o CRC module checks almost EVERY byte of compressed EXE file: from the
- beginning ('MZ' signature) to the very end.
- Warning: CRC module doesn't check overlays!
-
-
- ERRORS AND OTHER MESSAGES.
-
- WWPACK is quite an intelligent program and sometimes it may show some kind
- of an error message. But don't worry. Just read the comment and you will
- find an explanation for the problem (WWPACK has almost 30 error messages!).
-
- From time to time you may see some question also (it depends on a
- configuration that you have chosen).
-
- Here is a list of important questions and messages that you may meet when
- working with WWPACK:
-
- Delete FILENAME file to make a new backup file [Y/n]?
- WWPACK must know if the old backup file can be deleted. Press 'Y' key
- to continue processing or 'N' to quit (and save an old backup).
-
- File not processed.
- You didn't let WWPACK process the file (for example you didn't let
- WWPACK delete an old backup file).
-
- Relocation table is already packed.
- You can't use 'PR' command because the relocation table is already
- packed. Please try the 'P' command to get a higher compression ratio.
-
- The file FILENAME has set attribute READ ONLY. Change file attribute [Y/n]?
- The file has set the READ ONLY attribute. To process it the attribute
- must be deleted. Press 'Y' key to continue packing or 'N' to stop WWPACK.
-
- The file contains Debug_Info. Do you want to remove it [Y/n]?
- The file contains some data that aren't required by a program. These
- data can be removed - the file will be much shorter. Press 'Y' if you
- want WWPACK to remove Debug_Info or 'N' to process the file without
- removing it.
-
- The file size stored in the header is bigger then the real file size.
- The processed file may not work. Continue [Y/n]?
- The file is probably damaged but you may want WWPACK to pack it.
- This message is rarely seen.
-
- Warning: the file contains an overlay XXX bytes. Continue [Y/n/r]?
- The file that you want to process contains an overlay. Press 'Y' to pack
- or optimize the file or 'N' if you don't want to process it. Press 'R'
- to remove an overlay and then process the file (not recommended really).
-
- Warning: the file is already packed with ....
- Do you want to pack it [Y/n]?
- The file is already packed but WWPACK may try to pack it.
- Press 'Y' if you want WWPACK to process the file or 'N' to quit.
-
- Warning: there are some identical relocation entries.
- This message shows that the file may not work after compression because
- the relocation table contains incorrect data.
-
- Warning: this is COM file. Convert it to EXE format [Y/n]?
- The file you want to process is not an EXE. Press 'Y' if you want to
- convert it to EXE format or 'N' to quit.
-
-
- Note that you must select between Yes or No. Pressing the Enter key alone
- will always select the default answer.
-
-
- HOW DOES WWPACK WORK?
-
- First it compresses EXE file; then it adds a small extract code. When you
- load the packed file into memory, the computer first runs this extract
- code and then the unpacked program.
-
- It's simple, isn't it?
-
-
- HOW DOES WWPACK COMPARE TO THE OTHER COMPRESSORS?
-
- Read this short table and compare:
- (Note: All sizes are in bytes)
-
- qp.exe ncmain.exe ndd.exe total size
- Unpacked 86,842 212,393 383,874 683,109
-
- TINYPROG 53,520 117,632 225,440 396,592
- LZEXE 52,983 116,980 224,646 394,609
- PKLITE 52,289 115,354 222,995 390,638
- DIET 52,694 116,044 220,799 389,527
- AVPACK 51,943 113,252 217,622 382,817
- AINEXE 51,534 111,350 210,955 373,839
- COMPACK 51,052 111,180 210,956 373,188
- JAM 51,204 109,556 208,292 369,052
- UCEXE 51,053 109,157 205,557 365,767
- WWPACK 49,787 106,209 200,293 356,289
-
- To make this comparison we used these popular shareware programs:
- AINEXE 2.1 by Transas Marine Ltd.
- AVPACK 1.22 by Andrei Volkov
- COMPACK 4.5 by W.J. Collis
- DIET 1.45 by Teddy Matsumoto
- JAM 2.11 bu Eugen Vasilchenko
- LZEXE 0.91 by Fabrice Bellard
- PKLITE 1.50 by PKWARE
- TINYPROG 3.9 by Tranzoa, Co.
- UCEXE 2.4 by Ad Infinitum Programs
- and of course our WWPACK 3.04 with 'P' command.
-
- List of files we used to compress:
- QP.EXE (Quattro pro 4.0),
- NCMAIN.EXE (Norton Commander 4.0),
- NDD.EXE (Norton Utility 8.0).
-
- Is WWPACK very powerful? Try it and find out!
-
-
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
- Q: Why should I register WWPACK? There are many other freeware executable
- file compressors!
- A: Sure. But please compare the compression ratio. Please compare other
- functions. Is there another compressor as easy to use and yet so
- advanced? Does it give you a CRC module, a virus detector,
- a configuration menu, a shell program or useful Pascal procedures?
- Note that if you register WWPACK, you can easily upgrade from the ftp
- site or BBS where WWPACK is available. So if you register, you will
- essentially get the next version for free simply by downloading the
- newest version (IT WILL BE FREEWARE FOR YOU!).
-
- Q: Can I use WWPACK instead of PKZIP or RAR?
- A: No. With PKZIP or RAR you can pack all kinds of files but you can't
- normally use the packed programs.
- With WWPACK you can compress only EXE files, however, they will still
- run normally!
- So the best way is to use two compression programs: first use WWPACK
- on all EXE files and then use RAR or PKZIP.
-
- Q: Does WWPACK work with Stacker and DoubleSpace?
- A: Sure. We have tested WWPACK with those programs and everything has
- worked correctly. What's more you will have more space on the stacked
- drive when you compress all your EXE files.
-
- Q: Is it possible to detect a virus in a compressed file?
- A: No. You can't check if there is a virus under the WWPACK's code.
- That's why everytime you compress some files you must be sure that
- they are virus free!
-
- Q: Can I run DOS compressed files under Windows 3.1 and Windows 95?
- A: Sure. You can use Windows or DOS.
-
- Q: Why is the compression ratio of 'PR' so poor?
- A: It isn't poor. This command compresses only relocation tables.
-
- Q: What's the relocation table?
- A: It's a part of an EXE file. It contains special data that are needed
- to load and then execute program.
-
- Q: Why can't some overlaid files be compressed?
- A: Because when you compress such a file the overlay offset changes
- and the compressed program may not find an overlay.
-
- Q: I want to create a program that will show if the EXE file is already
- compressed. How can I check if it's packed with WWPACK?
- A: Please see our WWPACK Pascal Support package (\PASCAL directory).
- With our functions and units you will not only recognize WWPACKed
- EXE files. We gives you procedures, that will let you scan WWPACKed
- files for viruses! Please see our examples and CRC source code for
- complete information about how to use Pascal Support units.
-
-
- HINTS
-
- o If you want to compress the file that is already packed with EXEPACK
- you should first unpack it. You will get a higher compression ratio.
- o Always make backups (especially when you compress files with overlays).
- Why? To make WWPACK much safer.
- o Allow WWPACK to remove Debug_Info.
- The file without Debug_Info can be up to 10% smaller.
-
-
- Here are some words about us (authors):
-
- We are twenty. We are students of the University of Lodz. Piotr studies
- computers (second year). Rafal is a student of International Economical
- and Political Relations (second year also).
-
- We will improve our program because we like it and it gives us great
- satisfaction. That's why we are waiting for your suggestions.
-
- We would like to thank these people for their suggestions and beta-testing:
- Thank you!
-
- Marcel Barbulescu & Cristi Bradiceanu (The DOP), Peter Hubinsky (Slovak
- Antivirus Center), George Jereza (The ClipBoard BBS), Karl Loncarek,
- Piotr Kuciel, Thomas Monkemeier (VGA Software GmbH), Konrad Olejnik,
- Ralph Roth (ROSE), Grzegorz Zgondek and Romuald Zylla.
-
- We would like to thank to all people, who have tried earlier versions of
- WWPACK, especially to all registered users of WWPACK.
-
-
- WWPACK'S CODE INFORMATION:
- written in
- Turbo Pascal, ver. 7.0 (source code: 3690 lines)
- assembler 8088 (1478 lines)
- utility package and WWPACK Shell:
- written in Turbo Pascal 7.0 (6219 lines)
- Software we used to create WWPACK:
- Borland Pascal 7.0, Turbo Assembler 3.2, Turbo Debugger 3.2
- by Borland International
- DocGen II, FileTime 0.1, FTC 2.1, Perfidious 1.0 by Piotr Warezak
- EatMem 1.1c by TifaWARE
- HackStop 1.11 by Ralph Roth - ROSE
- RAR archiver 1.55 by Eugene Roshal
-
-
- REGISTERING WWPACK.
-
- Have you decided to register? That's very kind of you. Thanks! The more
- registrations we get the more improvements we will make to this program.
-
- Now please choose the version of WWPACK that you are interested in:
-
- Registered - cost is $29.
- This version includes the 'U' command which unpacks compressed EXE
- files and the 'PP' command used to protect programs with a password.
- Special offer for public domain and freeware authors:
- if you don't charge any money for your programs you can freely
- distribute them compressed with WWPACK registered version!
-
- Enhanced - cost is $49.
- This version contains an additional features:
- * a special 'PU' command that creates unextractable files;
- programs compressed with our 'PU' HARD compression method are
- unextractable by "intelligent" unpackers like CUP 1.2, UUP 1.4,
- UNP 4.11 and TRON 1.21. Additionaly, all files packed with 'PU'
- command are encrypted!
- * -d option will let you create demonstration EXE files (the packed
- file will run before DD-MM-YY).
- * included Pascal programs will let you read compressed data files
- and create auto virus detection routines for your programs!
- You must get an Enhanced version if you want to sell any programs
- compressed with WWPACK or use WWPACK Pascal Support units!
-
- How about upgrades?
- FREE!
- If you register our program today you will get WWPACK.REG file which
- is good for all future versions of WWPACK. All you have to do is
- download the current shareware version from a BBS or ftp site.
-
- OK. I want to register but what should I do?
-
- Just fill in the REGISTER.DOC (or REGISTER.GER) file and then send it
- to the one of the following addresses:
-
- American distributor: The ClipBoard BBS
- 159 Valdez Avenue
- San Francisco, CA 94112
-
- German distributor: VGA-Software GmbH for Austria, Germany, Suisse
- D-26039 Germany
-
- European distributor: Piotr Warezak for Europe (except countries
- ul. Edukacyjna 31 mentioned above)
- 90-155 Lodz
- Poland
-
- We will send you the key file: WWPACK.REG which will activate the full
- version of WWPACK which features the 'U' (unpack) and 'PP' (pack with
- password) commands.
-
-
- All programs mentioned in this documentation are trademarks of their
- respective owners. They're used for identification purposes only.
-
- End of the WWPACK documentation file.
-