Cream of the Crop 22/Cream of the Crop 22.iso/utility/tdel257.zip/TDEL.FAQ

Text File | 1996-09-28 | 20KB | 424 lines

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 General Questions
─═════════════════─

Q: Why should I use TDel instead of the original DEL command?
Q: I'm using 4DOS. Its DEL command is quite satisfactory. What do I need TDel
   for?
Q: When I delete a file, the "Space freed by TDel" is almost always greater
   than the deleted file's size. Why is that?
Q: Some anti-viruses report TDel is infected by an unknown virus, but they
   cannot remove it. Is it really infected? What should I do?
Q: I like your TDel utility, and I want to register. How much does it cost?


 Installation Questions
─══════════════════════─

Q: What should I do in order to install/uninstall TDel?
Q: Why does TDel create a file called COMMAND.DEL when installing itself? Can
   I delete this file?
Q: I'm using a DOS version which is unknown to TDel. Won't I be able to install
   it? :-(
Q: What is the TDEL.DAT file? TDel runs normally without it, so what do I need
   it for?
Q: I want to try something with the original DEL command. Do I have to restore
   it first?
Q: After installing TDel, my anti-virus reported that my COMMAND.COM file has
   been altered. Why is that, and what should I do?
Q: I have installed TDel from DOS. When I run windows, and open a DOS window,
   the original DEL command is run instead of TDel. Why is that?
Q: I'm using Windows 95. I installed TDel from a DOS window. Sometimes I
   restore my old DOS version (6.22) by pressing F4 when booting. But then
   the original DEL command is run instead of TDel. How do I fix it?


 Options Questions
─═════════════════─

Q: How can I set some options as defaults?
Q: How can I override default options?
Q: What is that "+" thing you're talking about in the help screens?
Q: What is the purpose of the /TEST switch?
Q: How can I protect specific files/directories from being deleted by mistake?


 Tips & Tricks using TDel
─════════════════════════─

Q: How to automatically delete backup, temporary and unwanted files.
Q: How to easily create complicated script files.
Q: Little tip with the "/A:" (attribute filter) switch.
Q: Some shortcuts.


 Contact and Updates
─═══════════════════─

Q: How to contact me?
Q: How to obtain the newest versions of the T-Utils products?
Q: How to obtain the newest TDEL.FAQ file?

 Acknowledgements
─════════════════─

The persons who supported and tested TDel and the T-Utils products.

      ∙ - ---────═─═══─══════════════════════════════════─═══─═───---- - ∙

 General Questions
─═════════════════─

Q: Why should I use TDel instead of the original DEL command?

A: I will answer this by two parts:
   - If you are a novice DOS user, you'll like the simplicity of TDel. You will
     find it 100% compatible with the original DEL command. In addition, TDel
     will show you the files it deletes, in a colorful and comprehensive way,
     so you would not have to wonder "hmmm, I hope it deleted the right files"
     each time... Moreover, you will find some basic switches very useful, such
     as /S (delete with sub-directories), and more.
   - If you are an experienced DOS user, you will find in TDel all the switches
     and parameters you have never found on the original DEL command, and could
     have been so useful and helpful. Some examples:
     - You can Protect selected files and directories from being deleted by
       mistake.
     - You can use the "/NO:" parameter as a command-line filename filter.
     - You can select the file attributes to delete.
     - You can use the "/TEST" switch to test complicated command-line switches
       and parameters (eg: play "what-if").
     - Script files are supported for the deletion and the protection process.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: I'm using 4DOS. Its DEL command is quite satisfactory. What do I need TDel
   for?

A: If you're familiar with all the 4DOS DEL's swithes and parameters, you will
   enjoy TDel even more, since you will find all these options in TDel. In
   addition, TDel includes more useful options, like the ability to protect
   sensitive files from being deleted by mistake, wipe-files option, percentage
   and bar-graph progress indicator, colors, and more.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: When I delete a file, the "Space freed by TDel" is almost always greater
   than the deleted file's size. Why is that?

A: Every disk is divided to clusters (or allocation-units). Their size tends to
   differ from one disk to another (run ChkDsk in order to see your clusters
   size). Any file which is smaller than the cluster size will occupy the same
   amount of space as your cluster size. For instance, if your cluster size is
   4KB, even a one-byte size file will occupy 4KB on your disk. Obviously, when
   you delete this file, 4KB will be freed.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: Some anti-viruses report TDel is infected by an unknown virus, but they
   cannot remove it. Is it really infected? What should I do?

A: It is most probably that TDel in NOT infected by a virus. This problem was
   common with versions 2.56 and older. If you're using one of these versions,
   you should upgrade to a newer one. Otherwise, please contact me!

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: I like your TDel utility, and I want to register. How much does it cost?

A: _*~ NOTHING! ~*_  All the T-Utils products, including TDel, are FREEWARES!
   That means you do not have to register them. You may use and distribute
   them freely, as long as you do not make any modification whatsoever in the
   original package.

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 Installation Questions
─══════════════════════─

Q: What should I do in order to install/uninstall TDel?

A: Run "TDel /Install". If it's the first time you are installing TDel, read
   the instructions carefully.
   Otherwise, a menu will appear. If you want to uninstall TDel, select the
   "Restore the original DEL command" option. If you want to upgrade to a newer
   version, select the "Upgrade" option.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: Why does TDel create a file called COMMAND.DEL when installing itself? Can
   I delete this file?

A: The file COMMAND.DEL (or 4DOS.DEL) is a backup of your original COMMAND.COM
   before it was modified by TDel's installation. You do NOT need this file,
   and can delete it freely. TDel does NOT need this file in order to uninstall
   itself.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: I'm using a DOS version which is unknown to TDel. Won't I be able to install
   it? :-(

A: Of course you will! TDel can recognize almost all the common operating
   systems. If you encounter a system which is unknown to TDel, contact me, and
   I'll send you a tiny file, called TDEL.DAT, which is updated as needed, and
   contains information about your system and others.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: What is the TDEL.DAT file? TDel runs normally without it, so what do I need
   it for?

A: The TDEL.DAT file in needed only when installing TDel on a system which TDel
   does not recognize. This file contains information about your system, and
   that way TDel can be installed and uninstalled. This file is not needed for
   daily use, so you can delete it. However, remember that if you needed it for
   the installation, you'll also need it for the uninstallation.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: I want to try something with the original DEL command. Do I have to restore
   it first?

A: Absolutely not! Use the ERASE command - it works exactly like DEL. But why
   would you like to try something with the original DEL command anyway?

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: After installing TDel, my anti-virus reported that my COMMAND.COM file has
   been altered. Why is that, and what should I do?

A: When installing itself, TDel modifies your COMMAND.COM file. You should tell
   your anti-virus to update its database. This will also happen when
   uninstalling TDel.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: I have installed TDel from DOS. When I run windows, and open a DOS window,
   the original DEL command is run instead of TDel. Why is that?

A: This is because you are running a different COMMAND.COM for your DOS window
   than the one which is specified in the COMSPEC environment-table variable.
   Here is how to fix it:
   - At the DOS prompt, type "SET <Enter>".
   - Remember the full path and file name which is shown beside the "COMSPEC="
     variable.
   - Run Windows.
   - Single-click on your DOS window's icon.
   - Press <ALT><Enter> (properties).
   - Watch the "COMMAND LINE" file name. If it ends with ".PIF":
     - Press the "CANCEL" button.
     - Run the "PIF Editor".
     - File|Open|[pif_file] (where [pif_file] is the file shown in
       properties|command-line).
   - Write the file name shown in the COMSPEC variable in the "command-line" or
     in the "program file name".

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: I'm using Windows 95. I installed TDel from a DOS window. Sometimes I
   restore my old DOS version (6.22) by pressing F4 when booting. But then
   the original DEL command is run instead of TDel. How do I fix it?

A: You have to /INSTALL TDel again under your old DOS version.

      ∙ - ---────═─═══─══════════════════════════════════─═══─═───---- - ∙

 Options Questions
─═════════════════─

Q: How can I set some options as defaults?

A: It's very simple. Just add the line "SET TDEL=[options]" to your
   AUTOEXEC.BAT file, where "[options]" are the switches and/or parameters you
   would like to set as default. The order and the case of [options] are not
   important; spaces can be omitted. Few examples:
   - SET TDEL=/D+ --> TDel will not ask you for permission to delete empty
     directories, and will delete them automatically.
   - SET TDEL=/A:a --> Delete only archive files (not hidden, read-only or
     system files - defaults in the original DEL command).
   - SET TDEL=/CA /P --> Confirm deletion of ALL files in directory, and pause
     each full screen.
   - More examples in on-line help pages.
   Note: The default options are overridden by the command-line options when
   conflicting. (see also: "How can I override default options").

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: How can I override default options?

A: Easily. The rule is that command-line options override defaulted options
   when conflicting. Let's take two examples:
   - By default, TDel deletes files with ALL the attributes (including hidden,
     read-only and system files). If you wish to override this option, use the
     "/A:" switch in the command-line: "TDel c:\util /A:ah". (This will delete
     only files with archive or hidden attribute active, and will disregard
     read-only and system files).
   - Let's say you defaulted the "/D+" parameter (automatically delete empty
     directories), but you encountered an empty directory which you do not want
     do remove, delete like that: "TDel . /D-". (The "/D-" switch is
     conflicting with the "/D+" switch, and overrides it).

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: What is that "+" thing you're talking about in the help screens?

A: The "+" parameter is similar to the "/S" switch. However, the "/S" will
   affect ALL the selected files and directories, and the "+" will only affect
   the file or directory name it is attached to. Some examples:
   - "TDel c:\games /s" is similar to "TDel c:\games+" - both will delete the
     GAMES directory with all its sub-directories.
   - "TDel c:\games c:\util /s" will delete the GAMES directory and the UTIL
     directory with all their sub-directories. However:
   - "TDel c:\games+ c:\util" will delete the GAMES directory with all its
     sub-directories, and the all the files in the UTIL directory (but not its
     sub-directories).
   - "TDel .tmp c:\.bak+" will delete all the *.TMP file in the current
     directory, and all the *.BAK files in all drive C:.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: What is the purpose of the /TEST switch?

A: The /TEST switch will allow you to test complicated (and maybe dangerous)
   command-line options. If you are unsure about a specific option, you can try
   to see what will be the consequences by adding the /TEST switch to the
   command-line. No files nor directories will be actually deleted if this
   switch is activated.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: How can I protect specific files/directories from being deleted by mistake?

A: - If you want to protect a single file or some files with common letters on
     their names (like *.EXE), or a single directory, add the following line to
     your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: "SET TDEL=/NO:[filename]", where "[filename]" is
     the name of the file(s) or directory you want to protect.
   - If you want to protect more than one file or directory, you can use the
     "/NO:" switch many times: "SET TDEL=/NO:c:\dos /NO:c:\config.sys /NO:...".
     However, this is an unefficient way. You may prefer to use a script file:
   - A script file is a text-file, which contains the names of the files and
     the directories you want to protect (each name in a new line). After you
     have created this file, add the following line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
     "SET TDEL=/NO:@[scriptfile]", where "[scriptfile]" is the full path and
     name of the script file. For example: "SET TDEL=/NO:@c:\dos\del.not" (do
     not forget the "@" before the script-file name).
     (See also: "Tips & Tricks").
   * Attention: If you want to protect more than one file, do not forget to add
     the "/NO:" switch before each one: "TDel . /NO:.exe /NO:b*.*".
   If for any reason you would like to delete protected files, use the "/YES"
   switch.

      ∙ - ---────═─═══─══════════════════════════════════─═══─═───---- - ∙

 Tips & Tricks using TDel
─════════════════════════─

Q: How to automatically delete backup, temporary and unwanted files.

A: One of the advantages of TDel is that it reads the TDEL environment-table
   variable exactly as a command-line. That way, you can include file and
   directory names in the TDEL variable, which will be automatically deleted
   each time TDel is run. Here is an example of a line you may want to include
   in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: "SET TDEL=.bak .tmp .~??". Other options can be
   also added to this line ("SET TDEL=.bak/ca/d+").

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: How to easily create complicated script files.

A: You can use the MS-DOS DIR command with the /B (bare format) option and with
   the file redirection simbol: "DIR /b > script.txt". This will create the
   file SCRIPT.TXT which includes all the files in the current directory.
   Another example is "DIR *.com /b > comfiles.scr", which will create the file
   COMFILES.SCR which includes all the *.COM files in the current directory.
   These files are pure text-files, and may be freely edited and used as TDel
   script files.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: Little tip with the "/A:" (attribute filter) switch.

A: By default, TDel deletes files with all the attributes ("/A:ashr").
   Therefore, you may want to include the "/A:a" switch in the TDEL
   environment-table variable (which will delete only "normal" files, like the
   original DEL command). If afterwards you would like to delete a file with
   special attribute(s), there is no need to identify it - just add the "/A"
   switch to the command-line. (Note: "/A" is equivalent to "/A:ashr").

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: Some shortcuts.

A: - As you have probably noticed, the asterisk ("*") signal is sometimes
     omitted. This is not a mistake, but a shortcut. The asterisk can be
     omitted when all the files you wish to delete have the same extention:
     ".EXE" = "*.EXE" / "." = "*.*" / BUT: "*." remains "*.".
   - The spaces between the switches and the parameters are not obligatory, and
     can be omitted either: "TDel \.bak/c/s" = "TDel /C \*.bak /S".
   - The file and directory names, the switches and the parameters order and
     case are not important: "/d+/s" = "/S/D+".

      ∙ - ---────═─═══─══════════════════════════════════─═══─═───---- - ∙

 Contact and Updates
─═══════════════════─

Q: How to contact me?

A: The easiest way to contact me is through the InterNet. The T-Utils home-page
   address is: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/3221. My email
   address is: [e-mail]. I can also be contacted through:
   FidoNet: 2:405/420.5, UltiNet: 97:200/520.5 and PowerNet: 23:600/520.5.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: How to obtain the newest versions of the T-Utils products?

A: The newest version of the T-Utils products are available on the T-Utils
   home-page, or by contacting me.

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙

Q: How to obtain the newest TDEL.FAQ file?

A: InterNet: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/3221/tdel_faq.zip, or
   by contacting me.

      ∙ - ---────═─═══─══════════════════════════════════─═══─═───---- - ∙

 Acknowledgements
─════════════════─

I would like to thank the following persons for supporting and/or testing TDel
and the T-Utils products (sorted alphabetically):

Avishay Golan, Eddo Kim, Guy Nesher, Ofir Harzaz, Ron Tamerin, Zarko Bulat.

Thank you!

                      ∙ - ---────═─═════════─═───---- - ∙
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