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MOREINFO.TXT
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Text File
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1990-01-01
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6KB
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105 lines
As you may have noticed, I've decided to distribute smaller patchers
and place the related information into a text file instead. Note that
this is a generic info file and not everything is pertinent to this
particular patcher.
What the Patcher Does
======================
First the patcher checks to see that you have the correct version/
build/release of the target file. It does this in one of two ways;
(1) checking the file size and/or (2) checking the value
of some specific byte(s) within the target file.
It's imperative that the file you are attempting to patch
be EXACTLY (to the byte) the same size as the the file that I
patched. The reason for this size requirement is this; If the file
that you are attempting to patch is different in
size from the one that I edited, then it's exceedingly likely that
that the location of the protection scheme in YOUR file is NOT in
the same place that is was in MY file.
Understand that most crack patchs are simplistic, both in construction
and function. The code that they contain typically
just "tells" them to go to some specific address within the target
file and to change X number of bytes once they get there. If those
"X number of bytes" happen to constitute computer instructions for
something OTHER (and perhaps more vital) than the program's shareware
protection.....oh well. The bytes are altered nonetheless.
These kinds of "blind" changes to a program's
code usually corrupts the executable and renders it nonfunctional at
best. Remember that you're not dealing with SMART bombs here.
They're more on the order of SCUD missiles <g>
This filesize information will always be clearly stated in the
ZuLu.nfo text file that accompanies the patcher in every patch
archive that I release.
Error messages.....and what they mean
======================================
"Incorrect filesize" --> The filesize of <FILENAME.EXE> differs from the
one that I patched. The file may bear the same
version number and date as the one that I patched
but it is definitely of a different size. How can
this be? The most likely reason is that the author
has revised and RE-released that particular version
or build of the program. But remember that viruses
often add code to executables and thereby increase
the filesize, so be careful when you encounter this
situation.
"File not found" --> The target file is not in the directory where
you ran the patcher. To correct this problem,
simply move the patcher to the directory that
contains the target file, then run the patcher
again. It could also mean that your copy of
the file bears a different name than the one
that the patcher is looking for. If needed,
rename the file so it matches the name of the
"Target File" entry shown in the first screen
of this patching process (and in the ZuLu.nfo)
After patching, you may change the filename back
to what it was prior to patching. You may also
choose just to keep the new filename. It will
not effect program functioning, although any
shortcuts to the file will need to be fixed so
as to reflect the new filename.
"File compressed or wrong version" -->
The target file is not the correct one for
patching, or the file has undergone some form
of EXE-compression with a utility such as
PKLite, WWPack, or Shrinker. To correct this
problem you should obtain the correct version
of the program, decompress the executable, or
reinstall the program (which ever applies).
The next step is to create a backup copy of the target file so that
you may easily revert to using the original program if it turns out
that you don't like the effects of the patcher.
This backup file will be created in the same directory where you run
the patcher. It will be given the same root name as the target file
but will bear an extension of *.BAK
The next step is to patch the target file. Patching is a process
by which a file (typically an executable file) is altered in very
specific locations so as to alter it's functioning in some way.
These alterations consist of changes in the value of specific bytes
of information within the executable file. Different values corr-
espond to different computer instructions.
In order for the patcher to work, the target file must bear a file-
name that conforms to the 8.3 style of nomenclature, in other words,
it must NOT have a LFN (Long File Name). Therefore, the patcher will
temporarily change any LFNs to 8.3 style names, and then restore the
LFNs when patching completes.