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1995-09-08
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K-INSTALL for DOS and Windows 2.0
Copyright (c) 1994-95 by Rob McDonell, ARK ANGLES
All Rights Reserved
DEVELOPER'S MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
K-INSTALL is one of the most powerful and flexible installation
programs around, in a very robust and compact package. It comes in
both DOS and Windows versions. Both versions feature a wide set of
almost identical capabilities such as:
* checking CPU type and maths coprocessor,
* checking DOS and Windows version,
* deleting files prior to installation,
* installing from and to any drive and directory
* installing within the same directory
* installing files to several different drives and directories,
* optionally replacing or appending to existing files,
* prompting for additional disks as necessary,
* asking whether to install optional components,
* unpacking LZH, ZIP, ARJ and self extracting archives,
* expanding compressed files,
* creating or updating AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS,
* creating or modifying WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI and other INI files,
* creating or modifying a file with registration data,
* updating Windows Program Manager,
* running external programs before, during and/or after installation,
* linking to an external product catalogue,
* linking to an external help facility,
* providing messages and a status bar as installation proceeds,
* rebooting DOS or restarting Windows after installation,
* giving additional instructions at the conclusion of the program,
* running the main program from the installation program,
* uninstalling the program again,
* modifying display colours, layout and graphic,
* auto-starting any or all of the above functions.
and much more. And it's all controlled from a single settings file.
This manual describes both the DOS and Windows version of K-
INSTALL Standard Edition. The few differences between them are
indicated where appropriate.
System Requirements
K-INSTALL for DOS will run on any IBM-PC or compatible computer
with 256KB memory. DOS version 3.0 or higher is recommended.
K-INSTALL for Windows will run on any IBM-PC or compatible
computer running Windows 3.1 (preferably in Enhanced Mode if
unpacking archives).
Installation Instructions
K-INSTALL installs itself! Run INSTALL.EXE or SETUP.EXE to
unpack and copy the whole package. You get the installation program
itself, documentation, and samples to show the full power of this
versatile piece of software.
Support and License Information
Individual registration entitles the registered user to free support for at
least 12 months, and a license to use and distribute INSTALL.EXE
and/or SETUP.EXE royalty free with any software developed by that
individual.
Business registration entitles the organisation to free support for at least
12 months, and a license to use and distribute INSTALL.EXE and/or
SETUP.EXE royalty free with any software developed for it by any
number of its employees from the one site.
Customised versions of K-INSTALL are also available such that options
can be hard coded into the program rather than specified in the separate
settings file. This not only makes the program even more secure, but
also smaller.
Registered users get prompt resolution of problems, and free upgrades
if they encounter bugs.
Warranty
ARK ANGLES warrants the physical disks and related printed matter
to be free of significant defects in materials and workmanship, and that
the program works largely in accordance with its documentation. This
warranty is effective for three months from date of registration, and is
not transferable.
No liability is accepted for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused by
the use of this product. No warranty is made that it is suitable for any
particular person or purpose.
In any event, the liability of ARK ANGLES is restricted to either a
refund of the registration paid, a replacement of the physical disks
and/or printed matter, or the provision of an upgrade to the latest
version.
Further Information
For more information see the following files on the Registered
Installation Disk:
README.TXT Support and license information, program
history.
REGISTER.TXT Registration and pricing information
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
K-INSTALL is a flexible and powerful program. There are many
options to tailor it to run just as you need it. However you can also get
the basics up and running very quickly. The INSTALL or SETUP
executable file can be renamed if required.
The Settings File
K-INSTALL uses a settings file to control it's many functions. File
names, directories, and many other options are defined by special
keywords. Suitable default values are used for any options not explicitly
defined, ensuring that the settings file can be extremely simple.
Creation and Use of Directories
K-INSTALL can be run from any drive or directory. When running on
DOS version 3.0 or later it will automatically identify it's own location
and look for all other installation files in the same place. On DOS
versions earlier than 3.0 it will assume it is running from A:\. For multi
disk installs the user can change the "from" drive and/or directory for
each new disk, allowing faster installation using two drives alternately,
or installation from multiple directories on a hard disk.
K-INSTALL automatically asks for and creates a main directory in
which to install the program. If this directory already exists (unless it is
a root directory) confirmation is obtained from the user before
continuing the installation. Extra directories can also be created and/or
accessed, including subdirectories of the main directory, the boot
directory, the DOS directory, the Windows directory, the Windows
System directory, and the drive and directory from which the program
is being installed.
K-INSTALL can also be set to append to files, always overwrite/replace
existing files, only overwrite/replace older files, or never overwrite
existing files.
K-INSTALL can install a program within the same directory,
automatically identifying files that do not have to be copied, while still
unpacking archives and expanding compressed files. This is particularly
convenient for users who obtain software electronically, as they do not
have to use diskettes or other subdirectories temporarily to be able to
install the program.
The default directory where the program is to be installed is specified
with the DIR keyword in the settings file. The other directory options
are controlled through INSTALL and MKDIR keywords.
Archives and Compressed Files
K-INSTALL automatically unpacks any files with extensions of .LZH,
.ZIP, .ARJ, .EXE and one definable extension if the files have the
unpack identifier in the file name. The unarchiving programs used are
LHA.EXE, PKUNZIP.EXE and ARJ.EXE respectively. The options
parameters passed to these unarchiving programs when they are run
may be altered by the LHA, ZIP and ARJ keywords. Parameters for
self-unpacking archives are set with the EXE keyword.
The unpack identifier is normally a single underline, which means that
files such as _ABC.ZIP or MY_FILE.LZH ARCHIVE_.EXE will be
unpacked automatically. The unpack identifier can be changed in the
settings file with the UNPAK keyword. If you do not wish any files to
be unpacked then it is a good idea to change the identifier to characters
that are invalid in file names, such as "<" or ">" or ":" etc.
K-INSTALL also automatically expands COMPRESSed files (created
by the program COMPRESS.EXE) where the last character of the file
extension is a single underline. This is not changed by the UNPAK
keyword. If the file was compressed with the -r or /r parameter then the
original file name is restored when the file is copied, unless a specific
new name is given by the INSTALL keyword.
If you wish to unpack other types of archives (such as .ARC, .PAK or
.ZOO files), or you want to use a different unarchiving program for
.LZH, .ZIP and .ARJ files (such as UNZIP.EXE instead of
PKUNZIP.EXE), then a file extension and associated unarchiving
program can be defined with the ARCHIVE keyword.
Appropriate versions of the unarchiving program(s) must be accessible
to K-INSTALL to enable it to automatically unpack any archives that
are not self-extracting. Also, in the DOS version of K-INSTALL (but
not the Windows version), the program EXPAND.EXE must be
accessible to enable automatic expansion of compressed files. This
means the decompression program(s) must be either somewhere in the
user's DOS Path (but this cannot usually be relied upon), or on the
installation disk itself. For multi disk installs the decompression
program(s) should actually be installed from the first disk to the main
program directory, from where they will be available to unpack archives
on subsequent disks, otherwise the decompression program(s) would
need to exist on every disk that contained an archive or compressed file.
Note that multi-volume archives are not supported.
User Data
At the commencement of the installation process K-INSTALL asks the
user for the name of the directory in which to install the program. The
default value for this is specified through the DIR keyword, which can
also specify whether the user has the option to change the directory, and
how the question is asked.
The user can also specify whether to install certain optional components
of the package. This is controlled by INSTALL keywords.
Most importantly, K-INSTALL can be set up to request other
information from the user such as serial number, name, company,
address, even configuration preferences. The information can be
validated for completeness and correctness, which can be particularly
useful to ensure the user has a genuinely registered package and knows
the required format of data such as the program serial number. Entry
of user information is specified through INPUT keywords.
The actual data entered by the user, along with certain other variable
data such as file and directory names, can be used in the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file through the PATH, AUTO and SHELL
keywords, in the CONFIG.SYS file through the CONF keyword, in the
registration data file through the RFILE and REG keywords, in INI files
through the IFILE and INI keywords, in the Windows Program
Manager information through the GROUP and ITEM keywords, in all
external programs through the CATALOG, HELP, FIRST, LAST,
INSTALL, LHA, ZIP, ARJ, EXE and ARCHIVE keywords.
Updating System Configuration Files
Many options are available to modify the configuration of the user's
computer. This includes updating the DOS Path in AUTOEXEC.BAT,
and the FILES and BUFFERS value in CONFIG.SYS. Any number of
other lines may also be added to both of these files. These options are
enabled through the PATH, AUTO, SHELL, CONF, FILES and
BUFFERS keywords.
Additional options are available to create or modify the Windows
WIN.INI, SYSTEM.INI or private INI files. This is done through the
IFILE, ISECT and INI keywords. Program Manager can also be
updated with the GROUP and ITEM keywords.
All these functions can include user entered data as defined in INPUT
keywords.
For safety, backup copies of AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS and INI
files are taken prior to modification, and the original versions are
automatically restored if the modification fails for any reason.
Creating Registration Data Files
K-INSTALL can create or modify files with any combination of
predefined and user entered data. This is much more flexible than
standard INI file creation, and allows complete control over the format
of the data in each file. It is possible to create a registration data file
which validates that the program is a genuine registered version, a
configuration file which defines the various characteristics of how the
program will run, even a batch file to run a program with user-defined
parameters.
The files may be in plain Text format, or machine readable data files
using either C format (null terminated strings) or Pascal format (length
byte followed by string) or Binary format (with neither a length byte or
a null terminator). The Text format allows lines to be written or
appended to INI-type files, batch files or other configuration files. The
C or Pascal or Binary formats allow data to be written directly into EXE
files or DLLs or the like.
The creation or modification of these files is done using the RFILE and
REG keywords, often in conjunction with INPUT keywords. The data
can be written to the installation disk and then copied as part of normal
install procedure, or written directly to the target directory.
Uninstallation
K-INSTALL can keep a log of all new files written and all directories
created, as well as most changes to AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS,
INI files and Windows Program Manager. The uninstall function can
be run immediately or at any time in the future from the same install
program. It will delete any files that are still in the same location, and
then remove any directories that are now empty again.
Confirmation is requested from the user before deleting files from the
Windows or Windows System directories, as these files may
subsequently have been used by other programs as well.
Files that have been created by the application after installation, such as
saved desktops or configuration files, can be deleted through the
REMOVE keyword.
Uninstall also undoes most changes to AUTOEXEC.BAT,
CONFIG.SYS, INI files and Program Manager.
Users appreciate an uninstall facility with their software, especially for
Windows applications, so it should be highlighted as a major feature of
your programs. It is a good idea to copy INSTALL.EXE or
SETUP.EXE and at least a basic settings file to the main installation
directory, and then add an Uninstall icon to Program Manager which
runs K-INSTALL. SETUP.EXE includes an icon number 2 which can
be used for un-installation.
Additional Information
The appearance of K-INSTALL can be highly customised in terms of
screen layout, colour and text. This is done through the TITLE, MSG,
COLS, WINDOW, PATTERN, PICTURE and ICON keywords in the
settings file. The CATALOG keyword can also be used to link a
separate catalogue or other information file into the main install screen.
While K-INSTALL is installing the program it provides information
about each file copied or unpacked, and can also display a progress
indicator showing how much has been completed. The progress
indicator is controlled through the file sizes defined with INSTALL
keywords in the settings file. The progress indicator is as accurate as the
sizes entered on the INSTALL record(s).
When K-INSTALL terminates it provides final instructions on the status
of the program, how to run it, and where to get more information. This
is customised through the GROUP, RUN and DOC keywords in the
settings file.
PROCESSING
The Main Screen
The main K-INSTALL screen displays a number of functions,
depending on the keywords specified and the state of the program being
installed.
* The Help function is displayed if defined by a HELP keyword and
if the help program can be found.
* If there is a log file in the directory from which K-INSTALL is run,
then the program has already been installed so the Uninstall
function is displayed. Otherwise the Install function is displayed.
* The Reboot function is displayed if the program has been installed
and the level defined by the RESTART keyword is 2, or the level
is 1 and AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS have been modified.
* In the Windows version only, if the program has been installed and
there is no Reboot function then the Restart function is displayed if
the level defined by the RESTART keyword is 2, or the level is 1
and WIN.INI or SYSTEM.INI have been modified.
* If there is no Reboot or Restart function then the Run function is
displayed if there is a program defined by a RUN keyword and that
program can be found.
* The Catalogue function is displayed if defined by a CATALOG
keyword and if the catalogue program can be found.
* The Exit function is always displayed.
The FUNCTION keyword can be used to automatically start any or all
of the above functions if they are available.
Installation
When the user initiates the installation process within K-INSTALL, the
program performs its steps in the following order:
1. Checks the CPU type if required by the CPU keyword.
2. Checks whether a coprocessor is installed if required by the COPR
keyword.
3. Compares the DOS version if required by the DOSVER keyword.
4. Compares the Windows version if required by the WINVER
keyword.
5. Asks the user to enter the directory into which to install the
program. If the directory already exists, checks that the user wishes
to continue the installation.
6. Checks the total program size if defined by INSTALL keywords
against the target drive.
7. Asks the user about any optional components if required by
INSTALL keywords.
8. Asks the user to enter any variable data if required by INPUT
keywords.
9. Creates the main program directory.
10. Creates any directories specified by MKDIR keywords.
11. Runs a program if required by the FIRST keyword.
12. Deletes any files specified by DEL keywords.
13. Creates a registration data file if required by RFILE and REG
keywords.
14. Processes the list of files defined on INSTALL keywords,
prompting for new disks if necessary, copying or unpacking files as
appropriate, and then running any specified program.
15. Updates AUTOEXEC.BAT if required by PATH, AUTO and
SHELL keywords.
16. Updates CONFIG.SYS if required by FILES, BUFFERS and
CONF keywords.
17. Updates INI files if required by IFILE, ISECT and INI keywords.
18. Updates Windows Program Manager if required by GROUP and
ITEM keywords.
19. Runs a program if required by the LAST keyword.
Uninstallation
When the user initiates the uninstallation process, the program performs
the following steps:
1. Deletes any files specified in REMOVE keywords.
2. Deletes each file listed in the log file (that is, those files that did not
exist prior to installation).
3. Undoes most changes to AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS and
INI files.
4. Removes icons from Program Manager (Windows version only).
5. Removes each directory listed in the log file (that is, directories
created by installation) if those directories are now empty.
THE SETTINGS FILE
The settings file is a plain ASCII file that can be created and updated
with any editor in DOS or Windows.
The default settings file has the same name as the installation program
itself with an extension of ".SET". Therefore if the installation program
is SETITUP.EXE then the settings file must be called SETITUP.SET.
A different settings file can be used by entering its name (as a parameter
when running K-INSTALL. For example,
INSTALL MYSET.TXT
will read the settings from "MYSET.TXT". If no file extension is
entered then ".SET" is presumed. Do not enter a directory name, as the
settings file must always be in the same directory as the installation
program.
Each option is defined in the settings file by a single keyword, often
followed by one or more additional parameters. For example, to specify
that the main program directory is to be added to the DOS Path in
AUTOEXEC.BAT the line:
PATH
is added to the settings file. To specify the default directory in which to
install the program a line like:
DIR C:\GAMES\BLASTER
or similar is added. Or to describe files or groups of files to install,
include lines such as:
INSTALL READ.ME, ., 4, 10
INSTALL MYPROG.*, , 4,260, First Install Disk
INSTALL *.EX_, *.EXE, 3, 85, Second Install Disk
INSTALL *.DLL, ~SYS, 2, 120, Second Install Disk, Update
changed DLLs?
INSTALL *.VB_, ~SYS\*.VBX, 4, 170, Third Install Disk, Update
VBXs?
Each of these and many more options are detailed below.
Keywords may be in upper or lower case. Some keywords have a short
and a long form, and either may be used interchangeably. Keywords
that require additional parameters must be followed by a space before
any parameters.
Parameters may be in upper or lower case. Parameters are separated
from each other by commas. Any number of spaces may also be added
between parameters for readability. Parameters which themselves
contain commas must be enclosed in double quotes.
Numeric parameters may be entered in either decimal or hexadecimal
format. A hexadecimal number is identified by a trailing "h" or "H", as
in "c000h" or "FFh" or "10h". All numeric parameters must be
integers.
In most cases, keywords may be entered in any order in the settings file.
Keywords that allow multiple entries, such as INSTALL, DEL,
MKDIR, AUTO, CONF, REG etc will be processed in the order in
which they appear in the file. The only keywords that are sequence
dependent are IFILE and ISECT which must come before their
corresponding INI records,
Blank lines and REMarks lines may be inserted anywhere into the
settings file for readability.
Use of Variables
Many of the keywords in the settings file allow the use of variables to
insert information such as file names, directory names, or other data that
is not defined until the program is run.
There are three types of variables:
1. User-entered variables contain data entered by the user in response
to INPUT keywords in the settings file. Up to ten user variables are
available, named ~0 through ~9.
2. Program-defined variables contain information derived from the
names of files, directories and other data used by K-INSTALL
when it is run:
~BOOT the boot directory
~CMD the command to run the program derived from
RUN keyword
~CPU the name of the required processor defined by the
CPU keyword
~DOC the main documentation file defined by the DOC
keyword
~DOS the DOS directory
~DOSVER the minimum DOS version defined by the
DOSVER keyword
~WINVER the minimum DOS version defined by the
WINVER keyword
~GROUP the Program Manager group defined by the
GROUP keyword
~INST the directory from which K-INSTALL is being run
~MAIN the main program directory entered by the user
~NAME the name of the installation program itself
~PROG the name of the program defined by the RUN
keyword
~SYS the Windows System directory
~TITLE the program title defined by the TITLE keyword
~WIN the Windows directory
3. System defined variables contain information about the machine on
which K-INSTALL is being run:
~$CPU the name of the processor
~$DOSVER the DOS version
~$WINVER the Windows version
All the above variables can be used by many keywords such as PATH,
AUTO, SHELL, CONF, RFILE, REG, IFILE, INI, GROUP, ITEM,
CATALOG, HELP, FIRST, LAST, INSTALL, LHA, ZIP, ARJ, EXE
and ARCHIVE. Note that variable names must always be entered in
upper case.
Getting Started Fast
K-INSTALL has many features, but you don't have to know about them
all to use the program effectively - a very simple settings file will get you
started. K-INSTALL uses sensible defaults for anything not specified,
while still utilising many of its powerful functions. In fact, K-INSTALL
can run without a settings file at all!
However, to give your program just that little customisation that you
want, create a simple settings file for it. K-INSTALL is versatile enough
to actually create a basic settings file for you!
1. Run INSTALL or SETUP with the special MAKE.SET settings
file, for example:
INSTALL MAKE
2. Press Enter to start the "installation" process, then enter the name
of the disk and/or directory that contains the program you are
getting ready to distribute.
3. Answer each question with information about your program. The
final question asks for the name to use for the installation program
itself, such as "install" or "setup" or something else. K-INSTALL
will copy itself and create a basic settings file with this name into
the directory you have chosen at the start.
4. Now run INSTALL or SETUP in your directory. You already have
a complete working installation program, attractively presented, that
will copy everything from your disk or directory to wherever the
user specifies, and includes checking the available space on the
destination drive, giving a full status display as the install proceeds,
automatically unpacking archives that contain an underline
character, displaying information to the user at the end of the
program, and allowing the user to uninstall either immediately or
any time in the future.
5. Using any text editor you can continue to customise your settings
file as much as you like for additional options such as multi disk
installs, optional component installs, system configuration updating,
your own screen layout and colour scheme, and many others.
INSSAMPL.SET (for the DOS version) and SETSAMPL.SET (for
the Windows version) provide a complete list of keywords for you
to choose from and complete. The other sample files show different
combinations of these settings.
Differences between DOS and Windows versions
The substantial functions of both the DOS and Windows version of K-
INSTALL are exactly the same. The only differences are those that
relate specifically to the operating environment in which K-INSTALL
is running, and relate to the appearance of K-INSTALL, and the means
of running the installed program.
Regarding K-INSTALL's appearance, the syntax of the WINDOW,
COLS and PICTURE keywords are different, and the Windows version
also has additional keywords ICON and PATTERN to take advantage
of the extra capabilities of that environment.
Regarding the running of the installed program, the format of the
GROUP keyword is different and the Windows version also has the
ITEM keyword.
Apart from these differences, any settings file can be used
interchangeably in both the DOS and Windows version.
DICTIONARY OF SETTINGS
The following list describes all available settings.
Parameters in square brackets [ ] are optional.
REM
Allows additional remarks to be inserted into the settings file without
altering the operation of the INSTALL program.
Usage: REM [text]
text is any explanatory notes or additional information for
anyone editing the settings file.
Example: REM This file last modified by Rob McDonell 1.2.95
TITLE
Defines a descriptive name for the program to be installed, which is
used throughout K-INSTALL as a title for the program.
Usage: TITLE text
text is any text including spaces.
Example: TITLE Super Space Blasters II
Default: The general term "Program" is used.
MSG
Specifies a fixed message to be displayed on the K-INSTALL screen.
Usage: MSG [text]
text is the message to be displayed.
DOS version only: text may contain colour codes to
change foreground and background colours anywhere in
the message. See the PICTURE keyword below for an
explanation of colour control characters.
Example: MSG Another quality product from Blasterware
Default: No message is displayed.
CPU
Defines the minimum processor required by the program being
installed. If the user's CPU is not greater than or equal to this value then
installation is terminated.
Usage: CPU [type]
type is the type of processor:
1 PC1/XT
2 AT/286
3 386/486/Pentium
Examples: CPU 3
Default: No CPU defined, no checking done.
COPR
Defines whether a maths coprocessor is required by the program being
installed. If the user's machine does not have a coprocessor then
installation is terminated.
Usage: COPR [type]
type is whether a coprocessor is required:
0 not required
1 required
Examples: COPR 1
Default: No coprocessor specified, no checking done.
DOSVER
Defines the minimum DOS version required by the program being
installed. If the user's DOS version is not greater than or equal to this
value then installation is terminated.
Usage: DOSVER [ver]
ver is the version number
Examples: DOSVER 3.10
DOSVER 4
Default: No DOS version defined, no checking done.
WINVER
Defines the minimum Windows version required by the program being
installed. If the user's Windows version is not greater than or equal to
this value then installation is terminated.
Usage: WINVER [ver]
ver is the version number
Example: WINVER 3.1
Default: No Windows version defined, no checking done.
Note: In the DOS edition of K-INSTALL the installed Windows
version is always 0.
DIR
Defines the default directory in which the program is to be installed.
Usage: DIR [dest[,opt[,ask]]]
dest is the full drive and directory name, or blank to install to the
current directory.
opt is whether the user has the option of changing the
directory:
0 the user is asked for a directory and can change from
the default
1 the user is not asked, the dest is used without alteration
ask is the question used to ask the user to enter a directory
name.
Examples: DIR C:\GAMES\BLASTER
DIR D:\ACCOUNTS, , Enter the Accounts program
directory name
DIR C:\SETDIR, 1
Default: ask defaults to a standard question, opt defaults to 0, dest
defaults to blank (the current directory).
INSTALL
Specifies a file or group of files to be copied and/or unpacked. It
includes information about how and where to copy the files, the space
required, the prompt for inserting a new disk if required, a prompt to ask
the user whether to install the files at all, an additional description of the
files, and a program to run when the files are installed.
Usage: INSTALL
fspec[,dest[,repl[,size[,disk[,ask[,desc[,prog[,parm]]]]]]]]
fspec is the name and extension of the file(s) to be installed.
Wildcards are allowed.
dest is the directory to install the files to and/or new name for
the files being copied. The directory is specified relative to
the main directory entered by the user:
. is the main directory (same as blank)
.. is the parent directory of that drive
\ is the root directory of that drive
ABC is a subdirectory of the main directory
A new fspec can be added to the dest parameter to rename
the files as they are copied. If there is no fspec, or there are
wildcards ("*" or "?") for both the name and extension,
then the file retains its original name. If there is a wildcard
name and specific extension then just the extension is
changed. If there is a wildcard extension and specific name
then just the name is changed. If the file being copied is an
archive to be automatically unpacked, then the new fspec
is ignored and the file names are obtained from within the
archive.
Any tilde variables may also be used - see the section "Use
of Variables" above for more information.
repl is the method of deciding whether to overwrite/replace or
append existing files with the same name in the destination
directory:
0 don't replace anything, copy only new files
1 replace older files on user confirmation
2 replace older files
3 replace all files on user confirmation
4 replace all files
5 append to files
size is the space in KB required to install the files.
disk is the name by which to ask the user to insert another disk
if no files matching the fspec are found on the current disk.
This enables single or multi disk installs using the same
settings file - the additional disks are only requested if
necessary.
ask is the question to ask the user as to whether to install the
files represented by this INSTALL record. If this is not
blank then the INSTALL record is taken as a conditional
install, that is, the user is asked whether they want to install
them or not. The question should be asked in such a way
that a positive response indicates that the files should be
installed. This allows the user to choose how much of the
function of the total package they wish to install. If
consecutive INSTALL records contain the same question
then the user is asked only once.
desc is the description of the files, such as "Help System" or
"Sample Databases" which is displayed along with the file
name as it is installed.
prog is the name of a program to run following installation of the
files on this INSTALL record.
parm is any parameters required by the above program.
Examples: INSTALL BLAST.EXE, ., 2, 125, Install Disk 1
INSTALL BLAST.OV_, *.OVL, 2, 220, Install Disk 1
INSTALL SAMPLE.*, ., 2, 140, Install Disk 2
INSTALL *.HLP, ., 1, 130, ,Do you want to install the Help files?
INSTALL SAMPLS.ZIP, SAMPLES, 2, 90, Disk 2, Install samples?
INSTALL *.DLL, ~SYS, 1, 430, 3rd Install Disk, Update DLLs?
INSTALL *.DL_, ~SYS\*.DLL, 1, 90, 4th Install Disk, Update DLLs?
INSTALL *.EX_, ~MAIN\*.EXE, 1, 90, , , Program files
INSTALL *.DBF, , 4, 287, , , Sample databases, convert.exe, /all
INSTALL *.DL_, ~SYS\*.DLL, 1, 90, , , Windows DLLs
Default: prompt defaults to blank (files are installed without asking
the user), disk defaults to blank (presuming a single disk
install), size defaults to 0 (space on target disk will not be
checked), repl defaults to 0 (copies only if files do not
exist), dest defaults to blank (the main program directory
entered by the user, file is not renamed). If no INSTALL
records at all are entered then K-INSTALL defaults to a
simple all-on-one-disk installation, ie fspec is "*.*", dest is
blank, repl is 0, size is 0, disk and prompt are blank.
FIRST
Specifies a program or command to be executed at the beginning of the
installation. This can be used to perform a DOS command or run some
other specialised program to perform additional processing.
Usage: FIRST [cmd[,parms]]
cmd is the program or command to be executed.
parms is any additional parameters for the program.
Any tilde variables may be used in any of the above
parameters - see the section "Use of Variables" above for
more information.
Examples: FIRST DOFIRST.COM
FIRST MKDIR, C:\TEMP
Default: No additional processing is performed before installation.
LAST
Specifies a program or command to be executed at the end of the
installation. This can be used to perform a DOS command or run some
other specialised program to perform additional processing.
Usage: LAST [cmd[,parms]]
cmd is the program or command to be executed.
parms is any additional parameters for the program.
Any tilde variables may be used in any of the above
parameters - see the section "Use of Variables" above for
more information.
Examples: LAST DOLAST.EXE
LAST ARJ.EXE, SAMPLES
LAST PRINT, READYREF.TXT
Default: No additional processing is performed after installation.
UNPAK
Defines the identifier that indicates that an archive file is to be
automatically unpacked by K-INSTALL.
Usage: UNPAK string
string is between 1 and 8 valid filename characters.
Example: UNPAK &&
Default: A single underline indicates an archive to be unpacked, so
files such as _ABC.ZIP or MY_FILE.LZH
ARCHIVE_.EXE will be unpacked automatically by K-
INSTALL into the directory defined in the relevant
INSTALL record.
LHA
Sets the options used by LHA.EXE when automatically unpacking
.LZH files.
Usage: LHA [parms]
parms is all the options required by the unarchiving program.
Any tilde variables may be used in the above parameter -
see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Example: LHA e /m1
Default: The options "e /ma1" are used.
ZIP
Sets the options used by PKUNZIP.EXE when automatically unpacking
.ZIP files.
Usage: ZIP [parms]
parms is all the options required by the unarchiving program.
Any tilde variables may be used in the above parameter -
see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Example: ZIP -o
Default: The options "-o -Jhrs" are used.
ARJ
Sets the options used by ARJ.EXE when automatically unpacking .ARJ
files.
Usage: ARJ [parms]
parms is all the options required by the unarchiving program.
Any tilde variables may be used in the above parameter -
see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Example: ARJ e
Default: The options "e -y -a" are used.
EXE
Sets the options used by self unpacking archives when they are run
automatically.
Usage: EXE [parms]
parms is all the options required by the unarchiving program.
Any tilde variables may be used in the above parameter -
see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Example: EXE /s
Default: No options are used.
ARCHIVE
Defines an additional unarchiving program and associated file extension
and optional parameters.
Usage: ARCHIVE ext[,prog[,parms]
ext is the file extension of files to be unarchived.
prog is the program name and extension of the unarchiving
program.
parms is all the options required by the unarchiving program.
Any tilde variables may be used in any of the above
parameters - see the section "Use of Variables" above for
more information.
Example: ARCHIVE .ZIP, UNZIP.EXE, -o
Default: No unarchiving program defined, function not enabled.
DEL
Specifies the name of a file to be deleted prior to the commencement of
installation. This can be used to remove existing files, usually from an
earlier version of the same program, which are incompatible with this
version. Wildcards are not permitted.
Usage: DEL path
path is the directory, file name and extension of the file to be
deleted. The directory is specified relative to the main
program directory entered by the user. This can include the
DOS directory symbols ".", "..", "\" etc, and/or any tilde
variables - see the INSTALL keyword and the section "Use
of Variables" above for more information.
Example: DEL PREVIOUS.DOC
DEL ~DOS\OLD.EXE
DEL ~MAIN\UNWANTED.DAT
Default: If the directory is blank then the file is deleted from the
main program directory. If there is no DEL record then no
files are deleted.
MKDIR
Specifies the name of a directory to be created following completion of
installation.
Usage: MKDIR dir
dir is the directory to create. The directory is specified relative
to the main program directory entered by the user. This
can include the DOS directory symbols ".", "..", "\" etc,
and/or any tilde variables - see the INSTALL keyword and
the section "Use of Variables" above for more information.
Example: MKDIR PRIVATE
MKDIR ~BOOT\TEMP
Default: No directories are created except those to which files are
copied.
INPUT
Specifies a variable that may either be a constant or a user entered item.
The value of this variable may then be inserted into the system
configuration files AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS, INI files or
registration data file using "~0" for the first value, "~1" for the second
value etc. Up to 10 INPUT records may be specified, giving variables
from "~0" to "~9".
Usage: INPUT num[,size[,data[,fmt[,name[,ask]]]]]
num is the varaible number from 0 to 9
size is the maximum length of the variable.
data is the default value for the variable.
fmt is the format of the data to be entered. It may contain any
combination of literal characters and wildcards, and relative
and boolean operators.
Wildcards are similar to those in DOS, but with additional
capabilities. There are four wildcard characters:
@ is for any one alphabetic character
# is for any one numeric character
? is for any one character
* is for any number of characters
Use a single asterisk "*" to indicate that anything can be
entered, including a blank line. Use a combination "?*" to
indicate that at least one character must be entered (ie,
anything except a blank). Use other wildcard combinations
to restrict the valid input even further, such as "?* ?*" to
indicate that the input must be at least two words, or
"@@?" to indicate that the input must be three characters
long, the first two of which must be alphabetic, or "#A" to
indicate that the input must be a number followed by the
letter "A". This facility is very useful to ensure that the
user is properly registered and knows how to enter the right
information in the right place.
Relative operators allow ranges to be specified. There are
seven:
= is equal to (optional, this is the default)
<> is not equal to
== is exactly equal to, wildcards treated as literal
characters
> is greater than
< is less than
>= is greater than or equal to
<= is less than or equal to
Boolean operators allow negative matches or combinations.
There are three:
NOT true if the criteria is not satisfied
AND true if both criteria are satisfied
OR true if either criteria are satisfied
name is the name of the data item that the user is asked to enter.
If this is blank then the user is not prompted to enter a
value.
ask is the question to ask the user so that they will enter the
correct information.
Examples: INPUT 1,6, , @@######, Serial Number, Enter program
serial number
INPUT 2,30, , ?* ?*, First and Last name
INPUT 3,60, , *, Address
INPUT 4,5, 2400, 2400 or 4800 or 9600 or 14400,Modem
Speed
INPUT 5,8,, ##/##/## and >=840101, Date, Enter Date as
yymmdd
Note: Ensure that the size and format are compatible. Specifying
a length of 2 and a format of "???" will block the user from
ever entering a valid value for the variable.
Default: If ask is blank then it is derived from name, name defaults
to blank (no user input requested), fmt defaults to "*" (any
input allowed), data defaults to blank (no value assigned),
and size defaults to 0 (no specific size) if not entered.
RFILE
Specifies the location, name and format of a registration data file. The
information in this file can be constructed from any combination of
predefined and user entered data such as name, address, program serial
number etc. The user data is controlled through INPUT keywords.
Usage: RFILE [path[,fmt]]
path is the full directory, name and extension of the registration
data file. The directory is specified relative to the main
program directory entered by the user. This can include the
DOS directory symbols ".", "..", "\" etc, and/or any tilde
variables - see the INSTALL keyword and the section "Use
of Variables" above for more information.
The directory must exist, or be the main program directory
entered by the user, or it must be created through the
MKDIR keyword.
fmt is the format in which the data is written to the file:
A is Appended Text format, ie normal text appended to a file
B is Binary format, ie no length byte or null terminator
C is C language format, ie null terminated string
P is Pascal format, ie length byte followed by string
T is New Text format, ie normal text replacing any existing file
In both Appended and New Text format all information is
written sequentially to a normal text file such as could be
created by any editor. Appended Text format will append
to the end of any existing file, while New text format will
completely replace any existing file with the same name.
In Binary or C or Pascal format information can be placed
precisely in an existing file, or a new file created.
If more that one character is entered for fmt just the first
character is examined to determine whether it is A, B, C or
P or T.
Examples: RFILE BLASTER.DAT, P
RFILE ~WIN\MYPROG.INI
RFILE \STARTUP.BAT, TEXT
Default: If path is blank or there is no RFILE record, then no
registration data file is defined, option not enabled. If fmt
is blank or anything starting with other than "A", "B", "C"
or "P" then New Text format is presumed. If there is no
directory specified then the main program directory is
presumed.
REG
Specifies text to be written to a registration data file. The data may
include any variables or special directory identifiers.
Usage: REG [pos[,size[,text]]]
pos is the incremental position in the file where the data is to be
written in a C or Pascal or Binary format file, that is, the
number of bytes to skip over from the end of the previously
written text. This is ignored in a Text format file.
size is the length of the data required. In a Text format file the
information is truncated to this length, in a C or Pascal or
Binary format file it is truncated or padded out as necessary
to exactly this length.
text is the data to be written to the file. Any tilde variables may
be used - see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Examples: REG 0, 0, Colour=7 4 6
REG 0, 0, Serial=~0
REG 0, 0, UserName=~1
REG 37, 16, UnlockCode872915
REG 58, 8, ~3
Default: text defaults to blank, and pos and size default to 0 if not
entered. If no REG records at all are entered then K-
INSTALL does not create a registration data file.
BAK
Specifies the file extension to be used when backing up
AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS and INI files prior to alteration.
Usage: BAK ext
ext is the file extension to be used for backups. Ensure that it
commences with a full stop.
Examples: BAK .BAK
BAK .OLD
Default: A file extension of ".ARK" is used for backup files.
PATH
Specifies directories to be added to the DOS Path in AUTOEXEC.BAT.
The file is updated if the directories do not already exist in the Path.
Confirmation is always obtained from the user before modifying
AUTOEXEC.BAT, and the file is backed up before alteration.
Usage: PATH [dirlist]
dirlist is one or more directory names separated by semicolons.
Any tilde variables may be used in the above parameter -
see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Examples: PATH
PATH ~MAIN\;~MAIN\HELP
Default: If dirlist is blank then just the main program directory is
added to the DOS Path. If there are no PATH records then
the DOS Path is not altered.
AUTO
Specifies a line that is to be added to AUTOEXEC.BAT. The line is
added after all other lines in AUTOEXEC.BAT except for a final
DOSSHELL or WIN or other shell command (see SHELL keyword
below). Confirmation is always obtained from the user before
modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT, and the file is backed up before
alteration.
Usage: AUTO [text]
text is the line to be added to the file. Any tilde variables may
be used - see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Examples: AUTO REM Run VET Anti-Virus program
AUTO ~MAIN\VET /#
AUTO SET VETDIR=~MAIN
Default: No lines are added to AUTOEXEC.BAT.
SHELL
Specifies a line that is to be added to the end of AUTOEXEC.BAT.
Existing calls to DOSSHELL or WIN are replaced. The PATH
statement and any lines defined by AUTO keywords are inserted before
these lines if necessary. Confirmation is always obtained from the user
before modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT, and the file is backed up before
alteration.
Usage: SHELL [text]
text is the line to be added to the file. Any tilde variables may
be used - see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Example: SHELL KMENU /td/vd
Default: No lines are added to the end of AUTOEXEC.BAT.
FILES
Specifies a minimum value for the FILES setting in CONFIG.SYS. The
file is updated if the FILES value is less than that specified.
Confirmation is always obtained from the user before modifying
CONFIG.SYS, and the file is backed up before alteration.
Usage: FILES [num]
num is the minimum value for FILES that is required.
Example: FILES 20
Default: The FILES value is not altered.
BUFFERS
Specifies a minimum value for the BUFFERS setting in CONFIG.SYS.
The file is updated if the BUFFERS value is less than that specified.
Confirmation is always obtained from the user before modifying
CONFIG.SYS, and the file is backed up before alteration.
Usage: BUFFERS [num]
num is the minimum value for BUFFERS that is required.
Example: BUFFERS 20
Default: The BUFFERS value is not altered.
CONF
Specifies a line that is to be added to CONFIG.SYS. The line is added
at the end of the file. The FILES and/or BUFFERS statements are
inserted before this line if necessary. Confirmation is always obtained
from the user before modifying CONFIG.SYS, and the file is backed up
before alteration.
Usage: CONF [text]
text is the line to be added to the file. Any tilde variables may
be used - see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Example: CONF DEVICE=~DOS\MSCDEX.SYS
CONF DEVICE=~MAIN\TDRIVER.SYS /F:200 /D
/L:~BOOT
Default: No lines are added to CONFIG.SYS.
IFILE
Specifies the location and name of an INI file to be created or modified.
The information in this file can be constructed from any combination of
predefined and user entered data such as name, address, program serial
number etc. The user data is controlled through INPUT keywords. The
actual data written to the file is defined with ISECT and INI keywords.
Usage: IFILE [path]
path is the full directory, name and extension of the INI file.
The directory is specified relative to the main program
directory entered by the user. This can include the DOS
directory symbols ".", "..", "\" etc, and/or any tilde variables
- see the INSTALL keyword and the section "Use of
Variables" above for more information.
The directory must exist, or be the main program directory
entered by the user, or it must be created through the
MKDIR keyword.
Examples: IFILE MYPROG.INI
IFILE ~WIN\WIN.INI
IFILE
Default: If path is blank, or there is no IFILE record, then data is
written to WIN.INI in the WINDOWS directory. If there
is a file name and extension but no directory then the main
program directory is presumed.
ISECT
Specifies the section name under which the INI data is to be written.
Sections are recorded in the INI file enclosed in square brackets,
however the section name here should be entered without square
brackets. The section will be created in the INI file if it does not already
exist.
Usage: ISECT sect
sect is the name of the section to which the data is written.
Examples: ISECT Desktop
ISECT MyApplicationSettings
Default: None.
INI
Specifies data to be written to an INI file. They may be preceded and
interspersed by as many IFILE and ISECT records as required to write
data to multiple files and sections. The data may include any variables
or special directory identifiers.
Usage: INI key[=data]
key is the name of the item for which a value is being defined,
such as "Colour" or "Directory" or "Font".
data is the value being assigned to the above item, such as
"Red" or "~MAIN" or "Arial". Any tilde variables may be
used - see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Examples: IFILE MYPROG.INI
ISECT Main
INI Colour=7 4 6
INI Dir=~MAIN
INI Serial=~0
INI UserName=~1
ISECT Defaults
INI OpenEmpty=Yes
INI AutoSave=Yes
INI PromptOnDelete=No
Default: if data is blank then any existing value assigned to that item
name is deleted.
GROUP (DOS version only)
Specifies the file name of a pre-created Group to be added to Program
Manager if it does not already exist.
Usage: GROUP fileext
fileext is the name of the group file. Any tilde variables may be
used - see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Example: GROUP MYPROG.GRP
Notes: The group file must be on the last disk in a multi disk
install, and it is automatically copied into the Windows
directory on the user's machine. It should not therefore be
included in any INSTALL keyword.
When creating the original group file, care must be taken to
ensure that it will work satisfactorily on the user's machine,
which may be operating at a different screen size and
resolution, and with the Program Manager window itself of
a different size. Also, user-entered directories and other
variables cannot be added to the group file at installation
file.
Default: if there is no GROUP record specified then Program
Manager is not updated.
GROUP (Windows version only)
Specifies the name of a Group to be added to Program Manager if it
does not already exist.
Usage: GROUP text
text is the name of the group. Any tilde variables may be used -
see the section "Use of Variables" above for more
information.
Examples: GROUP Space Blaster
GROUP My Favourite Programs
Default: if there is no GROUP record specified then any Items will
be added to the currently selected group.
ITEM (Windows version only)
Specifies the name and other information about a program item to be
added to the Program Manager group defined with the GROUP
keyword.
Usage: ITEM cmd[,name[,icon[,index[,x,y[,dir[,key[,min]]]]]]]
cmd is the full command line required to run the program. This
parameter should contain at least the name of the
executable file for the program. It can also include the path
of the file and any parameters required by it.
name is the title that is displayed below the icon in the group
window.
icon is the full path for the icon to be shown in the group
window. The file can be either a Windows executable file
or an icon file.
index is the index of the icon in the file identified by the icon
parameter. This parameter is an integer, and the first icon's
index is 0. SETUP.EXE contains two icons, the first for
install and the second for uninstall. PROGMAN.EXE
contains five icons that can be used for non-Windows
programs.
x,y is the horizontal and vertical position of the icon in the
group window. These parameters are integers, and both
must be specified to set the position of the icon.
dir is the name of the default (or working) directory.
key is the hot (or shortcut) key that is specified by the user.
min is whether an application window should be minimised
when it is first displayed.
Notes: Any tilde variables may be used in any of the above
parameters - see the section "Use of Variables" above for
more information.
Any parameters which contain square brackets [ ] or
parenthesis ( ) must be enclosed in double quotes or
Windows will generate errors and may even crash.
Examples: GROUP Space Blasters
ITEM ~MAIN\BLASTER.EXE,"Space Blasters Game (for
DOS)"
ITEM ~MAIN\BLASTER.HLP,Help for
Blasters,BLASTHLP.ICO
ITEM ~MAIN\SETUP.EXE,Uninstall Space Blasters,,1
Default: If min is blank then the program is not minimised when
run. If hotkey is blank then no shortcut key is defined. If
dir is blank then the working directory is taken from the
cmd parameter. If x,y is blank then Program Manager
places the icon in the next available space. If index is blank
then the first icon in the icon file is used. If icon is blank
then Program Manager uses the first icon in the file
specified in the cmd parameter, or if that is not an
executable file then the first icon in the associated
executable file, or if there is no associated file then a default
icon is used.
HELP
Specifies the file name and extension of a help utility that can be run
from K-INSTALL.
Usage: HELP [fileext[,parms]]
fileext is the name of the help utility, or blank to turn the option
off. No directory need be specified as K-INSTALL will
search the installation disk, the main program directory, and
the user's Path to find the file.
parms is any additional parameters for the program.
Any tilde variables may be used in any of the above
parameters - see the section "Use of Variables" above for
more information.
Examples: HELP README.EXE
HELP BROWSE.COM, README.TXT
Default: No help utility defined, option not enabled.
CATALOG
Specifies the file name and extension of a product catalogue program
that can be run from K-INSTALL.
Usage: CATALOG [fileext[,parms]]
fileext is the name of the catalogue program, or blank to turn the
option off. No directory need be specified as K-INSTALL
will search the installation disk, the main program
directory, and the user's Path to find the file.
parms is any additional parameters for the program.
Any tilde variables may be used in any of the above
parameters - see the section "Use of Variables" above for
more information.
Examples: CATALOG CATALOG.EXE
CATALOG BROWSE.COM, PROGRAMS.TXT
Default: No catalogue program defined, option not enabled.
RUN
Specifies the file name and parameters by which to run the main
program being installed. This allows K-INSTALL to give
instructions on how to run the program, and also allows the user to
run it directly from the installation program. This keyword can be
omitted if the program is a collection of utilities or text files.
Usage: RUN [fileext[,parms[,opt]]]
fileext is the file name and extension of the program to be run. No
directory need be specified as K-INSTALL will search the
installation disk, the main program directory, and the user's
Path to find the file.
parms is any additional parameters for the program.
opt is when and how the program should be run (DOS version
only):
0 run immediately
1 exit from K-INSTALL and then run
2 exit from K-INSTALL, load Windows and then run
If opt is 0 then when the program is terminated control is
returned to K-INSTALL, but if opt is 1 or 2 then control
returns to DOS or from wherever K-INSTALL was run.
Any tilde variables may be used in any of the above
parameters - see the section "Use of Variables" above for
more information.
Examples: RUN CLOCK.COM
RUN BLAST.EXE, /VGA /NOSOUND
Note: Specifying opt of 1 or 2 forces K-INSTALL to load the
program name (minus extension) and parameters into the
keyboard buffer before terminating. If opt is 2 then the
"win" command is loaded into the keyboard buffer first.
One disadvantage of this method is that it probably won't
work if K-INSTALL is itself run from a shell or from
Windows. Another disadvantage is that there is limited
space in the keyboard buffer (usually 16 characters) to store
keystrokes, so lengthy parameters cannot be specified as
they will not fit into the buffer. If the program has lengthy
parameters then put the program name and its parameters
in a batch file and run that instead from K-INSTALL.
RESTART (Windows version only)
Specifies the conditions under which the user is given the option to
restart Windows after installation.
Usage: RESTART [level]
level is the criteria for restarting Windows:
0 never restart Windows
1 restart Windows if WIN.INI or SYSTEM.INI have
changed
2 always restart Windows
Example: RESTART 2
Defaults: 0 if level is blank, 1 if there is no RESTART keyword
REBOOT
Specifies the conditions under which the user is given the option to
reboot DOS after installation.
Usage: REBOOT [level]
level is the criteria for rebooting DOS:
0 never reboot DOS
1 reboot DOS if AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS
have changed
2 always reboot DOS
Example: REBOOT 0
Defaults: 0 if level is blank, 1 if there is no REBOOT keyword
DOC
Specifies the name of a README or other information file or
document to which the user's attention should be drawn at the
termination of K-INSTALL.
Usage: DOC [fileext]
fileext is the file name and extension of the documentation file.
No directory should be specified, as this file name is used
for reference only.
Examples: DOC BLAST.TXT
DOC README.NOW
Default: No documentation file defined, option not enabled.
COLS (DOS version only)
Specifies the colours used throughout K-INSTALL.
Usage: COLS [titl[,msg[,pic[,btn[,menu[,stat[,ask[,norm]]]]]]]]
titl is the absolute colour for the title line.
msg is the absolute colour for the message line.
pic is the absolute colour for the picture to start with.
btn is the absolute colour for the push buttons.
menu is the absolute colour for the main menu.
stat is the absolute colour for the status bar.
ask is the absolute colour for the questions.
norm is the absolute colour for other program responses.
Notes: Absolute colour codes specify a complete foreground and
background colour combination, and are defined in a single
byte, giving a decimal number from 0 to 255, or a
hexadecimal number from 00h to FFh. The foreground
colour is defined in the lowest 3 bits, the intensity in the
next bit, the background colour in the next 3 bits, and
blinking in the highest bit. There are eight basic colours for
both background and foreground, but the foreground
colours can also be selected in high or low intensity,
effectively giving 16 foreground colours.
Val Low Intensity High Intensity
0 Black Dark Grey
1 Blue Light Blue
2 Green Light Green
3 Cyan Light Cyan
4 Red Light Red
5 Magenta Light Magenta
6 Brown Yellow
7 Light Grey White
To derive the colour code for a specific absolute colour:
take the basic colour number for the foreground, add 8 if
you want high intensity, add the basic number for the
background colour multiplied by 16, and add a further 128
if you want blinking.
Examples: COLS 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7
COLS 79
Default: all colours default to reasonable values if not entered, and
remain unchanged if the colour is set to zero. Defaults are:
title line White on Blue
message line Light Green on Green
picture White on Black
push buttons Dark Grey on Light Grey
main menu Yellow on Green
status bar Yellow on Blue
questions Red on Black
other responses Cyan on Black
COLS (Windows version only)
Specifies the colours used throughout K-INSTALL.
Usage: COLS [top[,bot[,titl[,shad[,depth[,msg[,menu]]]]]]]
top is the background colour at the top of the window.
bot is the background colour at the bottom of the window.
titl is the text colour for the title line.
shad is the text colour for the title shadow.
depth is the amount of offset of the shadow from the title line,
where positive numbers are below and to the right, and
negative numbers are above and to the left, and zero means
no shadow.
msg is the text colour for the message line.
menu is the text colour for the main menu items.
Notes: Colours are made up three components, Red, Green and
Blue. Each component has an intensity from 0 to 255,
specified in one byte. A complete colour code therefore has
three bytes, giving decimal numbers from 0 to 16777215,
or hexadecimal from 000000h to FFFFFFh. The lowest
order byte is the Red value, the next byte is the Green
value, and the highest byte is the Blue value. Any number
of intermediate colours can be made by mixing different
intensities of these three colours.
To derive the colour code for a specific colour: take the
value for Red, add the value for Green multiplied by 256,
and add the value for Blue multiplied by 65538. In
hexadecimal, write the Blue byte followed by the Green
byte followed by the Red byte. Using codes where each of
the three colours are divisible by 64 (40h) minimises
dithering. The most common and attractive colour codes
are:
Decimal Hex Colour
0 000000h Black
128 000080h Dark Red
255 0000FFh Light Red
32768 008000h Dark Green
32896 008080h Brown
65280 00FF00h Light Green
65535 00FFFFh Yellow
8288608 800000h Dark Blue
8388736 800080h Dark Magenta
8421376 808000h Dark Cyan
8421504 808080h Dark Grey
12632256 C0C0C0h Light Grey
16711680 FF0000h Light Blue
16711935 FF00FFh Light Magenta
16776960 FFFF00h Light Cyan
16777215 FFFFFFh White
The depth quality normally works best with just small
values up to about 3 and down to about -3.
Examples: COLS 255, 0, 0, 16777215, 0, 2, 16777215, 12632256
COLS ff0000h ff00ffh, 2, 0, ffffffh, 1
Default: all colours and options default to reasonable values if there
is no COLS keyword:
top background Light Cyan
bottom background Light Green
title White
shadow Black
shadow depth 1
message Black
main menu Black
Individual colours default to black and depth defaults to
zero if they are missing from the COLS record.
WINDOW (DOS version only)
Defines the position and size of the main K-INSTALL window.
Usage: WINDOW x[,y[,w[,h]]]
x is the horizontal location of the window in characters from
the left of the screen.
y is the vertical location of the window in lines from the top
of the screen.
w is the horizointal size (width) of the window in characters.
h is the vertical size (height) of the window in lines.
Example: WINDOW 0, 0, 80, 13
Default: x and y default to zero, w defaults to 80, h defaults to 11 if
there is no WINDOW record.
WINDOW (Windows version only)
Defines the position and size of the main K-INSTALL window.
Usage: WINDOW [max[,chg[,x[,y[,w[,h]]]]]]
max is the initial state of the window:
0 restored
1 maximised
chg is whether the window is resizeable and in what way:
0 the window is fully resizeable, it has a thick border for
resizing, and maximise and minimise buttons
1 the window can be maximised, restored and minimised
only, it has maximise/restore and minimise buttons
2 the window can be minimised only, it has a minimise
button
3 the window is not resizeable at all.
x is the horizontal location of the window in pixels from the
left of the screen.
y is the vertical location of the window in pixels from the top
of the screen.
w is the horizointal size (width) of the window in pixels.
h is the vertical size (height) of the window in pixels.
Examples: WINDOW 1, 2
WINDOW 0, 0, 20, 20, 650, 400
Default: max, chg, x and y default to zero, w defaults to 600, h
defaults to 370 if there is no WINDOW record.
PATTERN (Windows version only)
Defines the makeup of the background of the main K-INSTALL screen.
The background can be either a small bitmap repeated over the whole
screen, or a hatched pattern, or two plain colours that merge into each
other in the middle of the screen. Only one of these three methods is
used to generate the background, and K-INSTALL will attempt each in
turn until valid parameters are found. If a bitmap is used then it must
be added to the EXE file using a resource editor, or exist as a separate
BMP file.
Usage: PATTERN [name[,style[,skew]]]
name is the name of a bitmap resource or file name. The bitmap
may be up to 8 bits square, and is painted repeatedly all
over the background of the window. If the bitmap is larger
than 8 bits square then only the first 8 bits in each direction
are used. If name is valid then the style and skew
parameters are ignored.
style is the type of hatch that used to form a background pattern:
0 no hatch
1 horizontal lines
2 vertical lines
3 forwards diagonal lines
4 backwards diagonal lines
5 vertical and horizontal crossed lines
6 forwards and backwards diagonal crossed lines
This parameter is only used if the name parameter is blank
or invalid. If style is greater than 0 then the skew
parameter is ignored. The foreground colour of the hatch
pattern is the top colour as defined by the COLS keyword.
The background colour of the hatch pattern is the bottom
colour as defined by the COLS keyword.
skew is the relative weight given to the top and bottom
background colours in the way in which they graduate
from one to the other. Positive numbers give more
emphasis to the top colour, and negative numbers give
more emphasis to the bottom colour, and zero means both
colours are weighted evenly. The top and bottom colours
are defined by the COLS keyword. This parameter is only
used if the name parameter is blank or invalid and the style
parameter is blank or less than or equal to 0.
Notes: Normally only one of the above three parameters need be
entered, as the first valid non-blank/non zero parameter will
define how the background is generated.
Examples: PATTERN MINILOGO.BMP
PATTERN BITMAP_1
PATTERN , 6
PATTERN , , 1
Default: name defaults to blank and style and skew default to 0. If
a valid name is entered then the background is generated
from the bitmap and the style and skew parameters are
ignored. If name is blank or invalid and style is greater than
0 then the background is generated from the hatch pattern
and the skew parameter is ignored. If name is blank or
invalid and style is less than 1 then the background is a
graduated colour change from the top to the bottom of the
screen using the skew parameter if entered. If there is no
PATTERN record then the background is a simple
graduated colour change using a skew of 0.
ICON (Windows version only)
Defines an icon that is displayed in the main K-INSTALL screen. The
icon must be added to the EXE file using a resource editor. The EXE
file already contains two icons, the first being the Install icon and the
second being the Uninstall icon.
Usage: ICON [index[,x1[,y1[,x2[,y2]]]]]
index is the number of the icon resource.
x1 is the horizontal location of the icon as an absolute number
of pixels from the left of the window. This is added to the
value derived from x2 if defined.
y1 is the vertical location of the icon as an absolute number of
pixels from the top of the window. This is added to the
value derived from y2 if defined.
x2 is the horizontal location of the icon as a percentage of the
way across the window, 50 being the middle and 100 the
right edge. This is added to the value derived from x1 if
defined.
y2 is the vertical location of the icon as a percentage of the
way down the window, 50 being the middle and 100 the
bottom edge. This is added to the value derived from y1 if
defined.
Example: ICON 1, 0, 20, 50, 0
Default: x1, y1, x2 and y2 default to zero if not entered. If index is
blank or invalid or there is no ICON record then no icon is
defined or displayed.
PICTURE (DOS version only)
Defines the picture that is displayed to the top right of the K-INSTALL
screen. This picture has a fixed height of 10 lines and a default width
of 21 characters. This MUST be the last keyword used in the settings
file, because once this keyword is encountered all of the rest of the file
is read in to define the picture.
Usage: PICTURE [width]
[string
[string
[string...]]]
width is the number of characters width of the picture.
string is ASCII characters and colour control codes which make
up each line of the picture on the screen. Any ASCII
characters greater than or equal to 8 may be used to create
the picture. ASCII characters from 1 to 7 are used to alter
the colours in the picture, as follows:
#1 set colour to the code of the following character
#2 toggle between high and low intensity (xor 8)
#3 shift the foreground down one colour (subtract 1)
#4 shift the foreground up one colour (add 1)
#5 shift the background down one colour (subtract 16)
#6 shift the background up one colour (add 16)
#7 toggle between blinking and non blinking (xor 128)
The #1 character must be followed by another character
which specifies the colour to switch to, the ASCII value of
which is the absolute colour code required.
See the COLS keyword above for an explanation of how to
calculate absolute colour codes.
Example: PICTURE 0
Notes: Ensure that each line fills up the full width of the picture,
putting blanks at the end of lines as necessary.
Remember that you can set an absolute colour with an
ASCII character #1 followed by an ASCII character
specifying the complete colour combination required, or
you can set the colours relative to the last colour with the
ASCII characters #2 to #7.
The pic parameter of the COLS keyword sets the starting
colour of the picture. Alternatively you can simply start the
picture with an ASCII #1 character and then an absolute
colour character.
A very few colour combinations give absolute colour
characters that may be interpreted as something else. For
example to set colours to Light Magenta on a Black
background you may want to use character codes #1 then
#13. However the #13 will be read as a carriage return. In
this case it is necessary to give a slightly different control
code sequence to achieve the same result, such as #1 then
#14 to get Yellow on Black, and then #3 to shift the
foreground colour down one to Light Magenta.
Do not use absolute colour character #0 (Black on Black).
Default: If the width is blank or less than 0 then it defaults to 21, or
if it is 0 then no picture is displayed. If no PICTURE
keyword is entered at all then a simple Southern Cross is
displayed.
PICTURE (Windows version only)
Defines a graphic that is displayed in the main K-INSTALL screen. The
graphic is a bitmap that must be added to the EXE file using a resource
editor, or exist as a separate BMP file.
Usage: PICTURE
[name[,x1[,y1[,x2[,y2[,style[,x3[,y3[,x4[,y4[,mode]]]]]]]
]]]]
name is the name of the bitmap resource or file name.
x1 is the horizontal location of the graphic as an absolute
number of pixels from the left of the window. This is
added to the value derived from x2 if defined.
y1 is the vertical location of the graphic as an absolute number
of pixels from the top of the window. This is added to the
value derived from y2 if defined.
x2 is the horizontal location of the graphic as a percentage of
the way across the window, 50 being the middle and 100
the right edge. This is added to the value derived from x1
if defined.
y2 is the vertical location of the graphic as a percentage of the
way down the window, 50 being the middle and 100 the
bottom edge. This is added to the value derived from y1 if
defined.
style is the method by which the bitmap is superimposed over
the existing background of the window:
0 OVLY: the bitmap is shown with the background
showing through the white parts
1 COPY: the bitmap is copied over the top of the
background, completely replacing it.
2 AND: the bitmap and background are combined
bit by bit with the AND function.
3 OR: the bitmap and background are combined
bit by bit with the OR function.
4 XOR: the bitmap and background are combined
bit by bit with the XOR function.
5-9 other effects.
The first two styles are generally the most useful, but it is
worth experimenting to see the different effects they all
have.
w1 is the width of the graphic as an absolute number of pixels.
This is added to the value derived from w2 if defined. If
the total value is not zero then the graphic is stretched or
compressed to this width.
h1 is the height of the graphic as an absolute number of pixels.
This is added to the value derived from h2 if defined. If the
total value is not zero then the graphic is stretched or
compressed to this height.
w2 is the width of the graphic as a percentage of the width of
the window, 50 being half the width and 100 the whole
width. This is added to the value derived from w1 if
defined. If the total value is not zero then the graphic is
stretched or compressed to this width.
h2 is the height of the graphic as a percentage of the height of
the window, 50 being half the height and 100 the full
height. This is added to the value derived from h1 if
defined. If the total value is not zero then the graphic is
stretched or compressed to this height.
mode is the method by which the bitmap is stretched:
1 preserves black pixels at the expense of white ones
2 preserves white pixels at the expense of black ones
3 treats all colours in the same way
Note: Transparent bitmaps (that is, those copied with style 0)
cannot be stretched.
Example: PICTURE MAINLOGO.BMP, 0, 0, 100, 50, 1
Default: x1, y1, x2, y2, style, w1, h1, w2, h2 and mode all default
to zero if not entered. If name is blank or invalid or there
is no PICTURE record then no graphic is defined or
displayed.
LOG
Specifies the name of an installation log file used to record all files that
have been copied and directories created by K-INSTALL. This allows
the program to be uninstalled by deleting all these files and directories
again, regardless of where they were copied or created. The log file
is always created in the main program directory.
Usage: LOG [fileext]
fileext is the file name and extension of the log file, or blank to
turn the option off. No directory should be specified as the
log file is always created in the main program directory.
Examples: LOG BLASTER.LOG
LOG
Default: Option enabled with log file name "UNINSTAL.LOG".
Note: For the uninstall process to work, the INSTALL program
itself must be copied to the main program directory where
the log file is also created. The associated settings file must
also be copied if it changes the name of the log file. This
can be done with a simple INSTALL record such as:
INSTALL INSTALL.*, ., 2, 18
REMOVE
Specifies the name of a file to be deleted during uninstallation. This can
be used to remove files that are created by the main program subsequent
to installation, such as configuration files, private INI files, temporary
files etc. Wildcards are not permitted.
Usage: REMOVE path
path is the directory, file name and extension of the file to be
deleted. The directory is specified relative to the main
program directory entered by the user. This can include the
DOS directory symbols ".", "..", "\" etc, and/or any tilde
variables - see the INSTALL keyword and the section "Use
of Variables" above for more information.
Examples: REMOVE MYPROG.CFG
REMOVE ~MAIN\SORT.TMP
REMOVE ~WIN\MYPROG.INI
Default: If the directory is blank then the file is deleted from the
main program directory. If there is no REMOVE record
then no files are deleted.