DiskEase records details of the files (all or matching user criteria) found from any given path on a drive for later viewing, comparing and searching. DiskEase 'scans' the selected path recording file names and all details along with a description and the disk label and serial number. DiskEase has extensive options for file selection/ exclusion, options for scanning sub-directories, hidden/system directories and into ZIP files. n
Once a scan is complete, it is stored and added to a catalogue of existing scans which can then be used for:
1. Viewing in a display similar to the way most file
manager programs display the current contents of a
drive. Selected parts of the scan can be printed out
for reference.
2. Searching for files/directories using a file mask
with wildcard characters and by date, time,
attributes etc.. The searching can be of a specific
scan, scans of a specific drive letter, scans of a
certain type of drive or all scans. The results can
be viewed or printed.
3. Comparing with each other or with a current disk/path.
The comparing function can find all differences or
selected types of change such as time, size,
attributes, new or deleted. The results can be
viewed, printed and stored. Stored comparisons can
be re-opened and used to remove unwanted NEW files
from disks.
DiskEase is ideal for: a
1. Cataloguing removable media such as CD ROMs so
that useful files can be located easily.
2. Removing files added by new programs. Obviously
DiskEase can do nothing about files that have been
modified or deleted but it enables selected removal
directory structure changes to be easily identified.
DiskEase is written so that most tasks can be carried out without having to close other viewing, searching, etc windows. Additionally, once a search is started it is carried out in the 'background' enabling multiple searches to be in progress at the same time or using other parts of the program while the search is in progress.
Menu Commands
Available menus:
File Print
Printer
Setup
Execute
Command
DOS
Shell
Exit
Last
Viewed
Items
Scans New
View
Compare
Search
Rebuild
Catalogue
Delete
scans
Comparisons View/Edit
Undo
additions
Options Toggle
80/132
column
Use
Use
Use
Setup
column
Screen
saver
Directories
Mouse
Colors
Scan
views
Scanning
Save
Options
Re-load
Options
Window Tile
Cascade
Close
Size/Move
Zoom
Next
Previous
Close
List
Help Contents
Context
Sensitive
About
Program Capabilities
Scans : Maximum of 2,147,483,648 files/dirs in total.
Maximum of 16,380 files per directory.
Maximum path length of 127 characters as
per DOS limit.
Maximum of 126 levels of directories,
restricted by current path length to 62.
Catalogue : Maximum of 16,380 scans, but the current
file naming system limits this to 10,000.
Comparisons : Maximum of 16,380 differences.
Searches : Maximum of 16,380 matches.
When viewing scans, only the directories visible, and all files in the current directory are actually read into RAM. The catalogue file is accessed directly from disk but has a set number of entries cached in RAM for extra speed. However comparison and search results are held entirely in RAM. This means that in the real mode version of DiskEase the number of differences or matches found may be limited by the amount of RAM available to normal DOS programs. q
During the scanning of disks, DiskEase will use RAM, EMS (real mode version only) or disk files to store/sort the temporary data. DiskEase will always use the fastest available resource during such operations. Therefore, in the real mode version the time taken to complete the scanning and sorting will vary depending on the RAM available/already used by the program.
File Menu
The File menu has options for printing, configuring printers, shelling to DOS and exiting the program. V
Print
Printer
Setup
Execute
Command
DOS
Shell
Exit
Last
Viewed
Items
Scan Menu
The Scan menu provides commands for creating, viewing, comparing, searching and deleting scans.
There is also a rebuild option that will make a new catalogue file (to replace the current one) by checking the data directory for valid scan files. I
New
View
Compare
Search
Rebuild
Catalogue
Delete
scans
Comparison Menu
The Comparison menu provides commands for viewing/editing a saved comparison and for using a saved comparison to remove unwanted files.
View/Edit
Undo
additions
Options Menu
The options menu provides commands for changing the screen font, number of lines, general settings for the program and for re-loading/saving the configuration file.
Toggle
80/132
column
Use
Use
Use
Setup
column
Screen
saver
Directories
Mouse
Colors
Scan
views
Scanning
Save
Options
Re-load
Options
Window Menu
The Window menu provides commands for size, moving, closing and selecting windows. I
Tile
Cascade
Close
Size/Move
Zoom
Next
Previous
Close
List
Help Menu
The Help menu provides access to the online help, context sensitive help and an about box. %
Contents
Context
Sensitive
About
Print
The print command will print the contents of the current window if applicable. Before actual printing the Select
Output
Destination dialog box gives you a chance to cancel or select your required output destination.
Printer Setup
The printer configuration dialog enables up to 5 printers to be configured for use with the program. By default the program starts with a configuration for an Epson FX style printer and a HP Laser printer. These can be removed or modified if required.
Modify
Printer
Dialog
Execute DOS command
The Execute Dos Command dialog enables a standard DOS command to be typed in which will then be executed in a DOS shell. Once the command has executed, press any key to return to DiskEase.
Shell
DOS Shell
With the DOS Shell command, you can leave the program temporarily to perform a DOS command or run another program. 5
To return to DiskEase, type EXIT at the DOS prompt.
Execute
Command
Exit
(Alt-X)
The Exit command terminates this program.
Last Viewed Items
Up to the last 5 scan views or comparison files that were viewed are added to the file menu. Selecting one will automatically re-open the file in the correct type of window.
New Scan
The New Scan command will show the Select
Drive dialog box and if a drive is chosen will then show the Scan
Disk dialog box.
View Scan
The View Scan command will show the Select
Scan dialog box and if a scan is chosen will then show the a Scan
window
Compare Scans
The Compare Scans dialog box enables two existing scans or a scan and a current disk to be compared.
Click on the Select buttons or their adjacent text line to bring up the Select
Scan dialog box or if a drive is required the Select
Drive dialog box. /
The selection can be changed by re-selecting.
Then choose what differences you require to be found. By default all differences are found. Then click on Start to proceed with the comparison. {
The Options button (only visible when Scan to Disk comparing is selected) causes the Scanning
Options dialog box to show.
Search Scans
The Search Criteria dialog box enables a search of all or specific type of scan to be searched for a specific file/directory or files and directories meeting the required criteria.
As the Search radio button selection is changed a further selection line will sometimes appear (with/without a Select button) depending on the choice. If the line has a Select button, click on that or the line to bring either the Select
Scan dialog box or if a drive type is required the Select
Type dialog box. If a drive letter is required, enter that directly into the input line. m
The default '*.*' wild card filename can be left or replaced with any specific or other wild card filename.
For the DATE and TIME entries, select from 'ANY, ON/AFTER, UP TO, ON' and enter the required date or time for entries other than any. ;
Then select what attributes the file/directory must have: \
[?] = Does not matter
[X] = Must have this attribute
[ ] = Must NOT have this attribute
Then select Find First to start searching, but to stop at each match or Find All to find all matches (can be interrupted). 5
The results will be shown in a Search
Scans window.
Rebuild Catalogue
The Rebuild Catalogue option will show an information dialog box and if accepted will show the Rebuild
Catalogue
Options dialog box. This is used to make a new catalogue file (to replace the current one) by checking the data directory for valid scan files.
Delete Scan
The Delete Scan dialog box allows scans to be deleted from the catalogue and from disk. Select a scan with the mouse or keyboard and either double click or select DELETE. F
The sort order can be changed by selecting one of the radio buttons.
View/Edit
The View/Edit comparison command opens a Select
Comparison
File dialog box and allows a comparison file to be selected. It then opens a Comparison
Results window with the selected comparison in.
Undo Additions
The Undo Additions command show the Undo
Additions window and shows a Select
Comparison
File dialog box to allow a comparison file to be selected for it.
Toggle 80/132 column mode
The Toggle 80/132 column mode command toggles the standard EGA/VGA mode with the 132 column mode that has been entered in the Setup
column
mode dialog box. If a number has not been entered and tested this option will not be available.
8x16, 8x14 8x8 Font Commands
This Use 8x16, 8x14 and 8x8 Font commands will change to the font required. Normal VGA cards will be able to use all three fonts. If you are using a 132 column mode, the font commands may work differently depending on the size of font your graphics card uses in that 132 column mode.
Setup
column
mode
Setup 132 Column mode
The Setup 132 column mode number dialog box allows a number (1-99) to be entered and tested. Once a valid number is entered you can perform a 5 second test by selecting Test. To abort the test early just press ESC. If the mode worked correctly select OK. f
In most cases no harm will occur by testing a mode that your graphics card does not support however:
NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ACCEPTED BY THE AUTHOR FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR TO YOUR COMPUTER & MONITOR AS A RESULT OF USING THIS PROGRAM.
To find out which number to use, please consult your graphics card manual and ideally select a 132x25 or 132x45 mode. VESA 132 column modes (number > 255) are not supported.
Mouse Options dialog box
This dialog box consists of one check box, one slider bar, and the standard buttons OK and Cancel.
Fast Medium Slow
The Mouse Double Click slider bar adjusts the double-click speed of your mouse. ^
[X] Reverse Mouse Buttons
Reverse Mouse Buttons makes the right mouse button take on the normal functions of the left--and vice versa.
Screen Saver
The Screen Saver dialog box enables configuration of the screen saver: &
Select whether it is enabled or not. .
Enter a time before it activates in seconds. K
Enter a time between redraws of the saver message box in 1/100ths second. K
Changes do not take effect until you close the dialog box by choosing OK.
Directories
The Directories dialog box enables a path to be entered where all scans and the catalogue file are stored. Other files (comparisons, printing to file) can be stored wherever required. 4
Select browse to browse for an existing directory. 6
Browse
Dialog
Missing
Catalogue
Warning
Dialog
Colors
The Colors dialog box enables the colors for the program. It consists of two list boxes, a text display area, and one of the following:
On color and black-and-white systems, it
also contains two color palettes.
On monochrome systems, it contains a set
of radio buttons instead of the palettes.
This dialog box is where you can change the colors of different parts of this program.
Group
Desktop -
Menus
Dialogs boxes
Windows
Scan viewers
Screen saver
Help
The Group list box contains the names of the different regions of the program that you can customise. L
Item
Color -
When you select a group from the Group list, the Item list box displays the names of the different views in that region.
Foreground
Background
On color and black-and-white systems, you use the Foreground and Background palettes to modify colors.
Colors
) Mono low
( ) Mono high
( ) Mono underscore
( ) Mono inverse
On monochrome systems, you use the Colors set of radio buttons systems to modify the character attributes. Q
Text Text Text
Text Text Text
On all systems, the display text (above the Help button) shows the current color or attribute settings. a
Changes do not take effect on the desktop until you close the Colors dialog box by choosing OK.
Scan Views
The scan views dialog sets the default options for a scan viewer window when it is opened. Once a scan view window is opened its options can be changed by using its local menu.
Options are available for: C
Sorting files by:
Name, Extension, Date, Size, Attributes
Displaying files names and any of:
Size, Date, Attributes
Sorting files: Ascending/Descending order
Showing directory names in : UPPER/lower case
Showing file names in : UPPER/lower case
Scan
Scanning
The scanning options dialog sets the options to be used when a new scan is created. To change to between the File Options and Dir/Zip Options 'pages' click on the required tab or use the shortcut letter. y
The Reset To Default button will reset all criteria so that a scan will use the same criteria as used by DiskEase v1.0x
FILE OPTIONS:
=============
Inclusion Masks: {
Enter one or more (wildcard) file specifications. Files will be included in the scan if they match any of the file masks.
Exclusion Masks: }
Enter one or more (wildcard) file specifications. Files will be excluded from the scan if they match any of the file masks.
File Time/Date:
For the DATE and TIME entries, select from 'ANY, ON/AFTER, UP TO, ON' and enter the required date or time for entries other than any.
Attributes: -
Select what attributes the files must have: \
[?] = Does not matter
[X] = Must have this attribute
[ ] = Must NOT have this attribute
DIR/ZIP OPTIONS:
================
Directory Options: t
Scan sub-directories: if selected DiskEase will recurse into all sub-directories from the selected starting point. X
Scan hidden directories: if selected DiskEase will scan hidden and system directories.
Store empty directories: if selected DiskEase will store a directory even if it is empty (really empty of having no files that pass the specified criteria).
Zip File Options:
Scan into zip files: if selected DiskEase will open files ending with a .ZIP extension and if a valid ZIP files will read the list of files contained in it. The files will be shown in the Scan
window as files within a directory that has the name of the zip file. P
Use stored directories: if Selected DiskEase will use any path information stored in a zip file to recreate the original directory structure and store this in the scan. When viewed in the Scan
window the files within the zip file will be seen in their appropriate directories off of a directory that has the name of the zip file.
Apply file criteria: if selected DiskEase will apply the file criteria specified on the File Options page to files contained within a zip file.
Save/Re-load Options
The options (all settings and last viewed list on the file menu) are only saved by the SAVE option or after setting a new data directory (Directories). z
Use Re-Load to replace the current configuration with the last one that was saved. This is useful to restore colors etc.
If you wish to go back to the programs default configuration simply delete the DISKEASE.CFG file. Then run the program and set the data path again when prompted.
Window|Size/Move
(Ctrl-F5)
Choose this command to change the size or position of the active window.
Size
If you press Shift while you use the arrow keys, you can change the size of the active window. Once you've adjusted its size or position, press Enter. Q
If a window has a Resize corner, you can drag that corner to resize the window.
Move
When you choose Window
Size/Move, the active window moves in response to the arrow keys. Once you've moved the window to where you want it, press Enter. F
You can also move a window by dragging its title bar with the mouse.
Window|Zoom
(F5)
Choose Zoom to resize the active window to the maximum size. If the window is already zoomed, you can choose this command to restore it to its previous size. {
You can also double-click anywhere on the window's title bar (except where an icon appears) to zoom or unzoom the window.
Window|Tile
Choose Window
Tile to tile all file viewers on the desktop. L
Tiled Windows
Window
Cascade
Choose Window
Cascade to stack all file viewers on the desktop. A
Cascaded Windows
Window|Next
Choose Next to cycle forwards through the windows on the desktop.
Window|Close
(Alt-F3)
Choose Close to close the active window. O
You can also click the Close box in the upper right corner to close a window.
Window|Close All
Choose Close all to remove all windows (that can be closed) from the desktop.
Window|Previous
Choose Previous to cycle backwards through the windows on the desktop.
Window|List
The Open Window List window shows all of the windows that are open on the screen. A window can be selected with the mouse or keyboard for selecting. If this window is not the previously top most window it will be made so.
Help|Contents
Opens the help file at its main index.
Help|Context Sensitive
Opens the help file at text applicable to the currently active window (if available).
Help|About Box
The About Box dialog gives program copyright and version information.
Select Output Destination Dialog Box
This dialog box allows the selection of any one of the configured printers or a file (with or without codes for a selected printer) to be chosen as the output destination. H
Choose between Printer, File (ASCII text) or File (with printer codes) N
Select the printer (where applicable) to use, and then select OK to proceed.
Printer
Configuration
Dialog
Printer Error Dialog Box
The printer error dialog box displays when a problem has occurred during printing. Either rectify the problem and select Retry or select Cancel.
Printer Codes Dialog Box
The Printer Codes dialog box enables codes to be set for each individual printer. To change to another 'page' of codes click on the required tab or use the shortcut letter. B
For each item enter the codes required. Codes can be entered as: A
1. Single ASCII characters in single/double quote, eg. 'A',"W"
2. Hex values prefixed with $, eg. $4F,$7e
3. Decimal value, eg. 240,65
All values must be separated with commas.
Modify Printer Dialog Box
The Modify Printer dialog box allows the modification of the name for the printer, its port (LPT1, LPT2 or LPT3) and its time out delay. w
If the printer (in the mode you will be using it) has box drawing characters indicate this by checking the check box. x
The codes used for the printer can also be set by selecting the Set Codes button to show the Printer
Codes dialog box.
Scan Disk Dialog Box
The Scan Disk dialog box performs the actual 'scanning' of a disk. l
The Change Drive button selects a drive (or changes the current choice) using the Select
Drive dialog box. n
The Change Media button resets the information and re-checks the serial number and volume title of the disk. 7
The Scan Disk button starts (and stops) the scanning.
Once a scan is completed it can be given a description and then saved. During the saving process the files and directories are sorted into a full scan file and then saved and added to the catalogue file. D
The Options button causes the Scanning
Options dialog box to show.
Select Scan Dialog Box
The Select Scan dialog box allows scans to be selected from the catalogue and from disk. Select a scan with the mouse or keyboard and either double click or select Ok to proceed. F
The sort order can be changed by selecting one of the radio buttons.
Missing Catalogue Warning Dialog Box
The Missing Catalogue Warning dialog box shows:
1. During program start up if a catalogue file
cannot be found in the path specified (if any)
in the configuration file.
2. When changing the path to the catalogue file
using the Directories option and the new
path does not contain a catalogue file and
you have chosen not to create a new one.
Select Setup Default to create a sub-directory called DATA (if it does not exist) off of the directory that DiskEase is in and create an empty catalogue file. This option should be selected when DiskEase is run for the first time. +
Select Exit Program to exit the program ! @
Select Set Data Path to set a path to an existing directory. If that directory contains a catalogue file it will be opened, otherwise you will be given the option to create an empty catalogue file. If there are scans in that directory they can be added to a new catalogue file using the Rebuild
Catalogue menu command.
Rebuild Catalogue Options Dialog
The Rebuild Catalogue Options dialog box sets the options to be used for the rebuild.
You can choose whether to: b
Delete corrupt scans
Complete a thorough check of each scan
Be prompted before each action
Once chosen, select Start Rebuild to continue. The status will be displayed in the Rebuild
Catalogue
Progress dialog.
Rebuild Catalogue Progress Dialog
The Rebuild Catalogue Progress dialog shows the current status as the data directory is scanned for valid disk scan files. Only valid scan files (with the *.dsk extension) are added to the new catalogue. The old catalogue is not replaced until the rebuilding is finished and the Save button selected.
Search Scans Dialog Box
The Search Scans dialog box shows the progress and results of a search. H
The Stop/Continue button can be used when applicable during searching. f
The list can be printed by selecting Print which will show the Select
Output
Destination dialog box. f
Selecting view will open a Scan
Windows window containing the selected file and show that file.
Undo Additions Dialog Box
The Undo Additions dialog box enables a scan comparison to be used to remove unwanted added files from disk. ]
Click on the Select button to change/open a comparison file via the Select
Scan dialog box.
Details of the scans that produced the list can be seen by selecting More Info to show a Compared
Scans
Information dialog box. ^
The difference list can be modified by selecting Modify to show a Comparison
Results
Window. t
Select whether to have a report, what to delete and whether to be requested for confirmation before each deletion. k
Select Undo to proceed with removing the new files. The progress will be shown in an Undo
Progress
Dialog
Undo Progress Dialog Box
The Undo Progress dialog box shows how much of the removal has been completed and shows a confirmation box depending on the options set in the Undo
Additions
Dialog
Box. /
The process can be stopped by selecting Stop.
Scan View Windows
Scan view windows display a scan in a file manager style format. The mouse or keyboard can be used to move around within the file or directory list window. 5
The standard cursor keys can be used in both lists:
Page Up : Go up one page
Page Down : Go down one page
Home : Go to the start of the line
End : Go to the end of the line
Ctrl+Page Up : Go to first item
Ctrl+Page Down: Go to last item
Additionally, in the directory list: z
* : Expand all directories from the current one
+ : Expand current directory only
- : Close current directory only
A local menu is available to provide: r
Printouts via the Print
Options dialog box
File display options via the File
Display
Options dialog box
Print Scan Options Dialog
The Print Scan Options dialog box allows printouts of: 5
1. The list of all files in the current directory
2. The list of all directories as currently expanded
3. The list of files and dirs. (as currently expanded)
with the option (for 1 or 2) of printing only those items that are currently visible
File Display Options Dialog
The File Display Options dialog sets the details that are displayed about each file: -
Name and any of: Size, Date, Attributes
Select Disk Type Dialog
The Select Scan Dialog Box show a list of the available disk types. Select the one required and double click or select OK to continue.
Select Drive Dialog
The Select Scan dialog box show a list of the available disk drives. Select the one required and double click or select OK to continue.
Comparison Results Window
The Comparison Results window shows the differences between two scans or a scan and a disk.
The list can be saved by selecting Save, printed by selecting Print. Details of the scans that produced the list can be seen by selecting Info to show a Compared
Scans
Information dialog box. Selecting Delete will delete the currently selected difference.
If the SHIFT key is pressed when selecting a second difference (with either mouse or keyboard) all of the differences between will also be selected.
If the CTRL key is pressed when selecting a second difference (with either mouse or keyboard) the second differences will be selected without cancelling the first selection. V
Once multiple selections have been made, they can be deleted as by selecting Delete. !
Comparison
Dialog
Compared Scans Information
The Compared Scans Information dialog box shows summary information about the two scans that were used to provide the difference list.
Comparison
Results
Window
Save Comparison File Dialog Box
The Save Comparison File dialog box contains an input box, a file information panel, the standard button, one other action button, plus a history list that's attached to the name line. p
Name
The Name input box is where you enter the name of the file to save, or the file-name mask to use as a filter for the Files list box (for example, *.*).
Files
FILE0001.DSU
FILE0009.DSU
FILE0002.DSU
FILE0010.DSU
FILE0003.DSU
FILE0011.DSU
FILE0004.DSU
FILE0012.DSU
FILE0005.DSU
..
FILE0006.DSU
\ADIRECT
FILE0007.DSU
\ANOTHER
FILE0008.DSU
The Files list box lists the names of files in the current directory that match the file-name mask in the Name input box, plus the parent directory and all subdirectories.
C:\UTILS\DISKEASE\DATA\*.DSU
PROGCHGE.DSU 45123 May 14,1996 12:00pm
The File information panel shows the path name, file name, date, time, and size of the selected file.
Select Comparision File Dialog Box
The Select Comparison File dialog box contains an input box, a file information panel, the standard button, one other action button, plus a history list that's attached to the name line. p
Name
The Name input box is where you enter the name of the file to load, or the file-name mask to use as a filter for the Files list box (for example, *.*).
Files
FILE0001.DSU
FILE0009.DSU
FILE0002.DSU
FILE0010.DSU
FILE0003.DSU
FILE0011.DSU
FILE0004.DSU
FILE0012.DSU
FILE0005.DSU
..
FILE0006.DSU
\ADIRECT
FILE0007.DSU
\ANOTHER
FILE0008.DSU
The Files list box lists the names of files in the current directory that match the file-name mask in the Name input box, plus the parent directory and all subdirectories.
C:\UTILS\DISKEASE\DATA\*.DSU
PROGCHGE.DSU 45123 May 14,1996 12:00pm
The File information panel shows the path name, file name, date, time, and size of the selected file.
Browse Directory dialog box
The Browse Directory dialog box consists of an input box, a list box, the standard OK and Help buttons, and one other (Set Dir). |
Directory Name
The Directory Name input box is where you type in the path of the new directory.
Directory Tree
Drives
C:\
UTILS
DISKEASE
The Directory Tree list box enables you to navigate directories by using the selecting bar and pressing Enter.
If you're using the keyboard, press Enter to make the selected directory be the current directory, then choose OK or press Esc to exit the dialog box. .
[Set dir]
The Set dir button changes the current directory once you've selected or typed in a directory name.
(.txt)