Copyright: Copyright © Bernd Klaiber
Citation: copied from EasyClean


Buttons

These are the available Buttons:

Loads an EasyClean selection (*.ECS) file. This file contains all data about the selections you can do on the three selection pages under 'Select registry and drives'. (see selections too)

Saves an EasyClean selection (*.ECS) file. So you can retrieve a special selection. (see selections too)

If you load a result file (next button) your current selections will be overridden by the ones being used to build up the result file. So you can see which selections were used to generate the differences between two configurations.

If you leave EasyClean, you have the chance to store the current selections as default for the next start. If you do not save them, EasyClean will use the selections of the last startup. You can save any selection as next default. Use LAST.ECS to save the selection.

Load the results of a comparison. If you click the compare button, the results of this comparison will be saved using the given filename. You can retrieve this information later when you decide to uninstall a program.

Note: If you load a logfile, the selection, which was used during that comparison is loaded, too. This is the information for you to check, which selections have been used to build the comparison. This means on the other hand that you'll lose your current selection when you load a logfile.

Stores the current configuration to OldCfg.ECD (automatically). This is needed later, to compare two configurations. Please press this button BEFOR you install a new Software. (You don't need this button if you use 'chaining (incremental compare)'.

Stores the current configuration to NewCfg.ECD (automatically) and starts to compare the current and the previously stored configuration. Therefore it asks you for the filename of the result file (logfile) which will contain the changes of both configurations. This filename should be the same as the installed program, so that you can retrieve the installation data, if you decide to uninstall the program.

This is nearly the same as the prior button, but it renames the NewCfg.ECD file to OldCfg.ECD after the comparison. So you don't have to store the current information again when you want to install the next program. If you use only this button, you will build a complete chain of all installation data between pressing this button.

Using this button, you can refresh your views. This will be done at startup of EasyClean automatically, so you can see the new folders and registry-keys to select them.

If a parent folder or key is choosen or greyed, all new folders (or keys) will be watched automatically, you don't have to explicitely select them.

(Please use 'Clear selections' from the 'file'-menu to update the list of drives, only folders will be refreshed using this button)

Using this, you can revert to the previous state and remove all changes with one click. This means all changes to the registry, the filesystem and the systemfiles will be restored. Prior this action proceeds you'll get an information window to confirm the actions. If you are not sure, you can press 'Cancel' here.

Another way to get this result, is to click with the right mouse button on the very first entry in every result window.

Caution: This Command could be dangerous, perhaps files you still need will be deleted, or unwanted values are restored to the registry.

To remove changes and revert to the previous state just click with the right mouse button on a Item (either in the treeview or in the listview).


Concept of EasyClean

The Concept of EasyClean is very easy:

(start the step by step Wizard [image] to do all these steps)

1. You should select the items you want to watch.

2. You have to store a snapshot of the current configuration

3. Install your new software or manipulate your configuration files. EasyClean can be closed first, you don't have to keep it running.

4. Now store the current configuration and compare this one to the old one(see 2.)

(both steps are done with one click here). You have to specify a filename for this comparison.

You can do this even a week later, so you don't have to do this immediately after installation. But then the list of changes will be very long.

5. Now you can see all the changes on the screen.

To restore the old value, or to delete a file/dir just click with the right mouse button on an item (or a tree) to see the following screen:(multiselect is allowed in the listview, like in the Explorer).

Now EasyClean lists all restore actions, so you can confirm the restore operation.

First you will see a detailed List of the actions EasyClean will perform.

You are now enabled to choose just a group of operations, e.g. only operations to restore altered values.

Now press the 'Execute'-button and your old Configuration will be restored.

The status of each Operation will be shown, so you can see if the restore operation did work properly.

Another way to get this result, is to click 'restore all' [image] , you'll get the window shown above but all changes will be removed.

That' s all, and its that easy.


Contents

 EASYCLEAN 32

EasyClean is a deinstallation system. It is a very powerful tool to obey all the software installed on your computer. EasyClean is designed and tested for Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0. The major strength of EasyClean is handling changes in the Windows registry. This should no longer be a grave for information!

This powerful tool is designed for advanced users, who wants to keep the registry,directories and ini-files clean.

THIS PROGRAM WILL DELETE FILES AND INFORMATION IN YOUR CONFIGURATION FILES. So it is not a tool for beginners.

Concept of EasyClean

Registry Concepts

Selection

Buttons

Menu commands

Settings

Very exact watch functions

Windows NT Users only

Windows NT AND Win 95 the same time

QuickStart of EasyClean

Troubleshooting

Register - License agreement

Version History

EasyClean (c) 1996 by Bernd Klaiber


Menu commands

The Menu contains the same functions as the buttons, so here are only the additional functions announced:

(see Buttons also)

"File | Clear Selections" :

Use this to reset all the selections (normally the selections are saved in Last.ECS and restored at startup)

"Action | Advanced | Save configuration as"

This is a powerful function. You can store the current configuration with a name of your choice. (normally EasyClean uses only OldCfg.ECD and NewCfg.ECD to store this data)

"Action | Advanced | Compare two configurations"

Use this to compare two configurations of your choice. So you can obey all changes during  a long period (you can use the normal compare function several times, then create a major logfile for a bunch of installations). Use this together with "Action | Advanced | Save configuration as".


QuickStart EasyClean

You can QuickStart EasyClean, if you double click on a selection file (*.ECS), or on a logfile (*.ECL).

The file you clicked on, will be loaded automatically.


Register - License agreement
Register - Licence agreement

If you register, you purchase the right to use EasyClean.

This right is also valid for to use newer (bugfixed) versions of EasyClean. Please help to improve this Software and send me a bugreport (if you find a bug). I' ll try to fix bugs and will offer newer versions to customers.

EasyClean is distributed as shareware. After a test period of 20 days you should register. For to register your version of EasyClean you need a password. This password will be sent to you by e-mail via compuserve or internet, so there are no additional costs for shipping.

email: see the INFO-Window too

registrationfee: EasyClean

$45 via Compuserve # SWREG 12657

or

$45 or DM 65,-- via cheque (best is EuroCheque) to Bernd Klaiber, Ginsterweg 66, 75323 Bad Wildbad / Germany  (Tel:07085 7124 from Germany (0049-7085 7124 from most countries))

or

EUROCARD/Mastercard accepted

Internet:

bernd.klaiber@idv.de (fastest way for me)

101626.363@compuserve.com

web: http://www.idv.de/homepages/bernd

CIS:

101626,363

If you are not able to use Compuserve email me or phone me and we'll find a Solution.

Every user accepts the following terms without exclusion, or has to stop using this Software.

DISCLAIMER - Licence Agreement

DEVELOPER OF EasyClean is Bernd Klaiber (CIS 101626,363).

DEVELOPER OF EasyClean  EXPERIMENTAL SOFTWARE LICENSE STATEMENT.

YOUR USE OF THE EXPERIMENTAL SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTED WITH THIS LICENSE IS SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE STATEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS STATEMENT,DO NOT USE THE SOFTWARE.

1. This Software is protected by copyright law and international copyright treaty. Therefore, you must treat this Software just like a book, except that you may copy it onto a computer to be used and you may make archive copies of the Software for the sole purpose of backing up our Software and protecting your investment from loss.

This Software is experimental, which means it is still under development and may contain bugs. Therefore it is shareware, so you can test this software, if it is useful for you and it fullfills your needs.

You are not allowed to resell or distribute any Parts of this Software, even if you purchased the source code. That goes for the used techniques too.

2. THE DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY OF THIS SOFTWARE OR ABOUT ANY CONTENT OR INFORMATION MADE ACCESSIBLE BY THE SOFTWARE, FOR ANY PURPOSE. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT. THE DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean SHALL NOT BE LIABLE UNDER ANY THEORY OR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY YOU OR ANY USER OF THE SOFTWARE. MAKE BACKUPS OF YOUR SOFTWARE.

BE CAREFUL, THIS PROGRAM CAN DELETE FILES AND INFORMATION IN YOUR CONFIGURATION FILES.

3. Title, ownership rights, and intellectual property rights in and to the Software shall remain in the hands of the DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean and/or our suppliers. You agree to abide by the copyright law and all other applicable laws of Germany. You acknowledge that the Software in source code form remains a confidential trade secret of the DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean and/or our suppliers and therefore you agree not to modify the software or attempt to decipher, decompile, disassemble or reverse engineer the Software, except to the extent applicable laws specifically prohibit such restriction.

4. THE DEVELOPERS OF EasyClean OR OUR SUPPLIERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR (a) INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF ANY SORT, WHETHER ARISING IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF THE DEVELOPERS

OF EasyClean HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR (b) FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH LIMITATION. FURTHERMORE, SOME STATES AND/OR COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THIS LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

But at last have fun with this useful (i hope so) software.

(Windows is a Trademark of Microsoft)


Registry Concepts

I don't want to talk too much about the registry, see several magazines like c't, DOS... .

One thing I want to mention here:

You don't have to watch the Key:'HKEY_Current_User', if you watch 'HKEY_Users', because this is a part of it.

You don't have to watch the Key:'HKEY_Classes_Root' seperately, because this is part of 'HKEY_Local_machine'.


Selection

First You should select the Items or drives you want to watch. Simply click on the small rectangle to select (or deselect) an item.

Notes:

EasyClean stores only the Keys and Drives which are grayed or selected.

This selection will be used while comparing the files (not while storing), so you can deselect trees, which should not be scanned (while comparison).

(see Selections too)


Settings

On the settings page you can specify files which should not be checked. Sure you want to watch the Windows directory, so you have to select it in the drive selection window. There are some files, that change very often: WIN386.SWP or PAGEFILE.SYS, the Windows-Swap-File.

Just add these files on the Settings page for not to check this file.

You can also add these files to the list by using the right mouse key (popupmenu) in the DriveSelection Window (on the list of files). There is multiple file selection allowed. (use this way,either if you have problems with the ADD-Button: there can be an access violation error, or if you want to add many files)

You can also specify the path to your autoexec.bat and config.sys (C:\ by default).

You can specify the string which will be shown for the standard key, and an empty key of the registry.

You can specify whether you want to use recycle.bin on delete, or not.

All these settings are saved persistent when you leave EasyClean.

ATTENTION: the list of files which should not be checked are saved with the selection file. So each time you load a result file this list will be overridden by that list, which was active while building the result file.


Troubleshooting

Problems can be caused by destroyed, crippled or manipulated files.

First thing you can do is to clear the selection list (File|Clear SelectionList).

If this is not enough, please delete (or rename) the following files manually:

LAST.ECS (the current selection file)

OLDCFG.ECD

NEWCFG.ECD (configuration files)

now restart the program.

If you need more help, you can contact me via email:

Internet:

Bernd.Klaiber@IDV.de (fastest way)

101626.363@Compuserve.com

CIS:

101626,363


Version History

Version 0.97 Beta: first public realease for real Betatesters

Version 0.98 Beta:

sometimes an empty key is still left in the registry, this one will be deleted now too

much better presentation of the Confirm-List (that list you'll get if you choose 'remove the changes')

Version 0.99 Beta:

Now you can see more System Folders (e.g. Recent, Recycled) (they were checked in earlier versions, but you were not able to deselect these folders)

New File-Format for the Result and Selection files: the NotToCheck Filelist is stored in these files and not in the registry

Add Files to the NotToCheckList with a right mouseclick (multiselection possible) in the Drive-Selection Window

The 'delete'-key now works to delete a file from the NotToCheckList on the page settings

Sometimes there was an error if a TreeView didn' t show the very top item - corrected

Performance is better now, because EasyClean does now only save the keys of the registry which are selected (or grayed), so you can deselect the key 'HKey_Users' to improve performance

Version 1.01 First Final Release:

EasyClean is running with Windows NT 4.0, too.

Now you can refresh your view

You can choose to save the selections

Now each restore operation has its own error-handling, so you can continue, if a operation fails. All results can be viewed after the restore operation.

Some small bugs corrected

Version 1.02 Final:

Helpfile does now only show Bitmaps with 16 colors (a proper view for systems running only 256 colors).

Bug while registering fixed

Bug while previewing the restore set (wrong Key was displayed) fixed

Version 1.03 Final:

step by step Wizard guide you through (only for beginners).

you are now able to move deleted files to RECYCLE.BIN

new drives (e.g. mapped drives) are updated in the view (at startup or refresh button)

splash screen added

Version 1.04 Final:

restore all command button


Very exact watch functions
Very exact watch funtions

As you will see, EasyClean is very exact while checking for changes, even a changed filedate will be noticed.

These are the information which will be noticed:

Registry:

deleted Keys

new keys

deleted Values

new Values

changed Values

all changes can be restored to the prior situation.

Drives:

deleted directories

new directories

deleted files

new files

changed files (size, date and attributes)

only new files and directories can be deleted. Deleted files can not be restored

Inifiles:

EasyClean is watching win.ini, system.ini, config.sys, and autoexec.bat:

deleted Keys

new keys

deleted Values

new Values

changed Values

all changes can be restored to the prior situation (Win.ini & System.ini). This will not work for Autoexec.bat and Config.sys, these ones have to be restored manually.


WinNT Users only

EasyClean is running on NT 4.0 now, too. (it should work with 3.51, too, but I didn't test it).

NT is using the security concept even in the registry, Win95 does not. So it can happen, that EasyClean reports a changed value, but you can' t restore it, because you don' t have the necessary trustees.

In most cases you can manage this problem if you login as ADMINISTRATOR.


Windows NT AND Win 95 the same time

For Users who use both platforms, it is recommended to use two separate Folders to run EasyClean.

If not, EasyClean will be confused, because the stored files do not match the current structure of the registry. It is also better to seperate the result-files.


Selections

EasyClean can watch the configuration selectively. So you should specify exactly, which information should be watched.

This is very important to now, because if you do not select any information items, EasyClean will not report any changes.

A nice feature: When you press the Control key while expanding or collapsing a branch this will lead into a recursive action, so you can expand all children (and their children...) too.

Notes:

It is recommended not to select the branch: HKEY_USERS, and HKEY_CURRENT_USER, because if a program changes the registry under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, the same changes will be done automatically under HKEY_USERS\'active user'. If EasyClean then tries to change both changes, there can be unknown effects.

Better do not watch for the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SharedDLLs. Proper Installation routines will increment the counter for a common used DLL. In most cases such installation routines have a deinstall-function itself, which decrements the counter properly.

The following case will lead into trouble:

1. You store the configuration.

2. The installation routine will increment the counter.

3. You run the compare function of EasyClean. This reports the following: New Value: Dummy.DLL : 1.

4. You install another program which increments the value from 1 to 2.

5. You want to deinstall the first program with EasyClean. Now EasyClean will delete the whole entry, because this is the prior situation. So be careful not to remove the whole branch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

In both cases you can select the critical branches and see which changes are made. But if you click the root with the right mouse to remove all changes, then there will occur these strange effects.