DiskSpan 3.12
written
by Dustin Friesenhahn
QuickStart Guide
DiskSpan Requires Visual Basic 6
Runtime files
If you do not have these files or you do not know what they are
you MUST go to the webpage and download vbrun60.zip.
Email: DustinFr@Bigfoot.com
Internet: http://www.bigfoot.com/~DustinFr
Thank you for using DiskSpan. Although the floppy disk is now universal on PC computers, it's usability has decreased with the advancement of the rest of our computers and software. Most files are now much larger than the 1.4 meg limitation of the floppy. This program adds a choice to your SendTo menu called DiskSpan. When you send files to it, the program allows you to copy or move them to any folder on your computer quickly and automatically. If the files are too large for one floppy disk, use the Spanning mode and they are automatically compressed and spanned across multiple disks. All of the compression and spanning is done using tried and true PkZip format, making the file compatible with other compression programs. Later when you open the Span file with DiskSpan, it is uncompressed, and unspanned to your specified location. Compatible with ZIP Disks, tape drives and most other media formats. It has been tested to handle over 10,000 files and 1,000 megabytes at a time. Not only does DiskSpan simplify file management; it is also great for sharing, storing, or backing up large files.
| Although DiskSpan is
freeware, I spent a lot of time and hard work to create this software. It is not easy or
free to develop software. Please send a small donation to the address below... DiskSpan Donation |
"This is the QuickStart guide. Also see the Troubleshooting and Manual files included with package."
To select one of the items in the Table of Contents, just click it.
Table of Contents
1. Installation: (Back to Table of Contents)
Run Setup.exe – (double-click filename)
Creates executable in DiskSpan directory and shortcut in SendTo Menu. Also associates .Span files with DiskSpan.
2. To Move, Copy, or Span a File or Files: (Back to Table of Contents)
2.1 Open Windows Explorer or My Computer to locate the files.
2.2 Select the file or files and right click the ones you wish to span.
2.3 Select the menu choice SendTo then DiskSpan.
2.4 Choose DiskSpan mode or ClearCopy mode.
2.5 Select the options menu to make sure the options fit your needs.
2.6 Click on Go and follow the self-explanatory prompts to finish.
3. To expand files: (Back to Table of Contents)
3.1 Open the A: drive using My Computer or Explorer.
3.2 Right click on the .SpAn file and then SendTo—DiskSpan.
OR
Double click on the file, and DiskSpan should be associated with the file.
3.3 Again make sure your options are set correctly.
3.4 Press GO and the files will be uncompressed.
4. To expand .SpAn files without DiskSpan: (Back to Table of Contents)
The .SpAn file is simply a .zip file. You can open it with any zipping software such as WinZip. Just rename it to .zip instead of .SpAn (or set the .zip option in options).
Troubleshooting: (Back to Table of Contents)
Read the special Troubleshooting file included with the package.
Installation problems: (Back to Table of Contents)
Problem: No icons appear in start menu. DiskSpan is not associated with .SpAn files.
Solution: When installing DiskSpan you choose a destination directory with a long filename, try reinstalling to the default directory.
Problem: Error prompt during installation says CTL3D32.dll meant for Windows NT.
Solution: This is a DLL incompatibility issue that appears on some systems. It has no adverse effects, and the program runs fine. Just ignore the prompt.
Problem: Any other installation error message.
Solution: See if DiskSpan is installed, if it runs correctly then ignore the errors during installation. If you do notice any adverse effects, feel free to contact me.
Disclaimer: (Back to Table of Contents)
This software is provided as freeware. You may distribute it as you wish. I am not responsible for any damage caused by this software, or with this software.
Please contact me with comments, suggestions or bugs at:
Version Info: (Back to Table of Contents)
1.0 - First release manual installation required
1.2 - Added automatic installation
1.3 - Fixed major bug when spanning more than 2 disks
2.0 - Complete revamping of entire program interface
- Added user options
- User defined destinations
- Overwrite Files
- Save directory tree
- Select extension for file
- Ability to send folders
- Fixed bug associated with spanning ZIP files
- Fixed bug of recursion
2.5 - Fixed minor bugs such as error trapping
3.0 - Revamped User Interface
- Added ClearCopy to copy or move files to
- Added better user options, and lots of new customizations
- Uses registry to store options instead of .ini file
- Other minor bug fixes
3.1 - Minor update
- Added Create Directory to directory options
- Fixed minor bugs
- Redesigned the HELP and Manual files
Redesigned and edited by: EA Wouters 30-11-98