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- 22221 222222
- 21 21 V2.10a 221 221
- 21 21 221
- 221 221 221
- 22222222221 221
- 21 21 221 221
- 21 21rchive 2222221onverter
-
-
- Donald M. Langhorne
- South 5241 Columbia Ave.
- Hamburg, NY 14075
-
-
- Regisration only $10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -i-
-
-
- Contents
- --------
-
-
- Introduction---------------------- 1
- Special Features------------------ 1
- Installation---------------------- 1
- Archive programs------------------ 2
- Usage----------------------------- 3
- Options--------------------------- 4
- Using ACSETUP--------------------- 5
- Command Line---------------------- 6
- Command Line Options-------------- 7
- Command Line Examples------------- 7
- Limitations----------------------- 8
- History of Revisions-------------- 9
- Disclaimer------------------------ 12
- Registration---------------------- 12
- Forum on Data Express------------- 13
-
-
-
- -1-
-
-
-
- INTRODUCTION:
- =============
-
- AC is a menu driven archive converter. It makes converting
- archive types easy for both the expert and novice user.
- AC supports the most popular archive programs in circulation.
- By customizing the AC.CFG file that is now an integral part of
- AC, it is possible to use almost any archive program. AC allows
- for easy conversion between any two archive types specified.
- AC is once again also a Command Line program. Both the menu
- interface and command line have been integrated into one EXE file.
-
-
- SPECIAL FEATURES:
- =================
-
- -AC has the ability to report conversion to a log file
- -AC works in conjunction with a configuration file AC.CFG. This allows
- for customization
- -AC supports recursive archives. To convert an archive recursively
- the archive being converted to MUST support recursion.
- -AC can SCAN archives during conversion to check for viruses
- -AC will prompt for a new file name if it is about to overwrite an
- archive file. This can be suppressed to allow for updating
- archive files to newer version. IE pkzip 1.10 --> pkzip 2.00
-
-
-
- Installation:
- =============
-
- Installation can be completed by following these simple steps:
-
- 1) Copy the files AC.EXE, AC.CFG and ACSETUP.EXE to a directory
- in your path.
-
- 2) Wherever you place AC.EXE, AC.CFG and ACSETUP.EXE they MUST
- be in the SAME location for AC to operate properly.
-
- 3) Check the file AC.CFG to make sure that the archivers match
- the ones you use, and if necessary modify it to suit your
- system.
-
-
- That's It!! Enjoy.
-
-
-
- -2-
-
- Archive Programs:
-
- The following is a list of all known archivers that I was able
- to integrate into AC along with the versions I have tested
-
- -AC will search your path for the following archive programs:
-
-
- Type: Files Supported Vendor Versions(tested & supported)
- =============================================================================
-
- ARC programs:
- pkarc.exe & pkxarc.exe {PKWARE, Inc.} 3.61
- pkpak.exe & pkunpak.exe {PKWARE, Inc.} 3.61
- arc.exe {Sea, Inc.} 6.02
-
- ARJ programs:
- arj.exe {Robert Jung} 2.00-2.22
-
- LZH programs:
- lha.exe {Haruyasu Yoshizaki} 2.11-13
- lharc.exe {Haruyasu Yoshizaki} 1.13c
-
- ZIP programs:
- pkzip.exe & pkunzip.exe {PKWARE, Inc.} 1.10
-
- DWC programs:
- dwc.exe {Dean W. Cooper} A5.01
-
- HYP programs: (P. Sawatzki K.P. Nischke}
- hyper.exe 2.5
-
- ZOO programs:
- zoo.exe {Rahul Dhesi} 2.01-2.10
-
- MD programs:
- mdcd.exe {Mike Davenport} 1.00
-
- PAK programs:
- pak.exe {NOGATE Consulting} 2.51
-
- LZS programs: {K.MIKI H.OKUMURA K.MASUYAMA}
- larc.exe &larc7e.ovr 3.33
-
-
-
- -3-
-
-
-
- USAGE:
- AC has been designed to be as easy and quick to use as possible.
- All that is necessary to convert an archive is to follow these
- simple rules:
-
- 1) After running AC, you will see a window that shows all
- the available directories(including '..' to allow you
- to navigate your entire directory structure by moving
- one directory back toward the root directory). This
- window will also show any archives that reside in your
- current directory. AC will ONLY show valid archive
- files recognized by AC
-
- 2) By moving the cursor, either higlite the file you want to
- convert or Tag files for conversion.
-
- 3) Before you convert the archives, you should check to see
- that AC is configured for your needs. Hitting the F3
- key will bring up a window with all the current toggles
- and their settings. Make any adjustments necessary.
- ***It is possible to save the desired settings of the***
- ***Toggles as defaults only if AC has been registered***
-
- 4) after you have selected what archive type and what settings
- to use, Press F2 to convert the highlited file only, or
- F5 to convert all tagged files.
-
- 5) AC will then proceed with the conversion, and when done
- return you to the main program, with the file structure
- updated.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -4-
- OPTIONS:
- =========
- All options can be changed by higliting the desired toggle and
- pressing the <return> key to go thru the available selections.
-
- Convert to: ARC/ARJ/DWC/LZH/LZS/MD/PAK/ZIP/ZOO
- This setting allows the user to change what type of archive
- that AC should convert to.
- Recursion: ON/OFF
- This will either turn on support for recursion or turn it off.
- Recursion means to reconize archives that have directories with
- files converted without losing it's structure.
- If you are converting a recursed archive to another type that
- does not support recursion, it is important to turn this switch
- off.
- Timestamp: ON/OFF
- This toggle when turned on causes AC to alter the date of
- the new archive file to the latest date of the actual files
- that are inside the archive. Turning this feature off causes
- AC to use today's date for the date of the archive.
- Logging: ON/OFF
- This toggle when on, will cause AC to send a one line report to
- a text file AC.LOG that shows the name and size of both the
- old archive and new archive, and the difference in size after
- conversion. Each time a file is converted with this on, AC.LOG
- will be appended to. Turning this feature off will cause no
- report to be sent.
- Scan: ON/OFF
- This toggle when ON, will enable SCAN.EXE to check for viruses
- inside the archive. This will increase the conversion time, so
- it can usually be turned off, unless you are converting a file
- you have just downloaded.
- Keep Originals: ON/OFF
- This toggle when ON, prevents AC from deleting the original
- archive after conversion.
- Video Mode: 25/43/50
- This will toggle the screen size. Be aware that 43/50 line
- support is not available for CGA monitors and 50 line support
- is not available to EGA monitors. Changing this value on a
- monitor that does not support these modes, could cause the
- screen to look very odd, since AC does not check before it
- switches modes, whether the monitor supports the higher modes.
- Overwrite Mode: ON/OFF
- This toggle when ON will allow AC to support updating of
- archives. For example when PKZIP 2.0 is available, you may want
- to update all your existing ZIP files to the new version.
- with this set to ON, AC will not check to see if it is
- overwriting a file, which it normally does. This should only
- be set to ON when you want to update archives to the same type.
- Current drive: C:,D:, etc.
- This will allow the user to change drives, note that for this
- release floppy drives are not supported! This will be addressed
- in a future release.
-
-
- -5-
-
- Using ACSETUP
- =======================
-
-
- -ACSETUP is a menu driven program that allows the user to easily
- and quickly configure the AC.CFG program for use with AC.EXE.
- Once AC.CFG is configured it is not necessary to keep ACSETUP
- installed, but any changes that need to be made should be done
- using ACSETUP.
-
- -Assuming ACSETUP is in your path and AC.CFG is in THE SAME
- DIRECTORY as ACSETUP, ACSETUP can be run from any directory.
-
- -When using ACSETUP, use the up and down arrow keys to highlight
- the item you wish to change. Then hit the enter key to choose
- your choice. ESC will return you to the previous menu options.
- and if you hit ESC at the main menu, it will exit the program.
-
-
- -Major features of ACSETUP, and some limitations.
-
- 1) If you make changes in ACSETUP, you MUST save them by
- selecting the last option on the main menu 'Save
- configuration' Your changes will not be saved unless this
- is done.
-
- 2) All archivers are different, and some require that all the
- switches be separated by spaces, others require NO spaces.
- It is up to the user to be sure to take this into account
- when changing/adding switches.
-
- Example:
- to compress an ARJ file with recursion and
- timestamping from DOS you would normally type
- something like this:
- ARJ a -r -s arjfile.arj
-
- --The normal switch would be ' a '
- --The recursive switch would be ' -r '
- --The timestamp switch would be ' -s '
-
- When AC runs, it simply adds these lines together, so
- if there are no spaces entered, the command would become:
- ARJ a-r-s arjfile.arj
- which would cause ARJ to return an error message.
-
- 3) Simply hitting return when asked to enter a value will cause
- ACSETUP not to change anything(The original value will be
- retained). The one exception is when entering the
- registration number, which need only be entered once.
-
- 4) The menu choice 'Default toggles' is only applicable to the
- registered version. While you can enter and make changes
- to these values, they will not be recongized by AC unless
- a valid registration number has been entered.
-
-
-
- -6-
-
-
- Command Line:
- =============
-
- AC will accept command line options. This allows for faster operation
- since AC is told what to do when it executes, acts on the switches and
- exits.
-
- Commands:
- =========
-
- /a Convert to .ARC{Default}
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type ARC
-
- /j Convert to .ARJ
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type ARJ
-
- /d Convert to .DWC
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type DWC
-
- /h Convert to .HYP
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type HYP
-
- /l Convert to .LZH
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type LZH
-
- /m Convert to .MD
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type MD
-
- /p Convert to .PAK
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type PAK
-
- /s Convert to .LZS
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type LZS
-
- /o Convert to .ZOO
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type ZOO
-
- /z Convert to .ZIP
- This will convert the specified file(s) to an archive(s) of type ZIP
-
- /k Keep originals
- This command will prevent AC from deleting the original archive after
- conversion. When AC is finished there would be two archives. The
- original and the new.
- /v Scan for Viruses.
- This command will invoke McAffee's SCAN after extraction and before
- re-compression. If a virus is detected, AC will notify the user.
-
- /w Write report to LOG file
- This command will cause AC to append/create to the file AC.LOG which
- would be located in the same directory as AC.EXE. The log file will
- keep information on the names and filesizes before and after
- conversion, plus the difference in size.
-
- /u Update archive
- this command will prevent AC from checking if there is already a file
- with the name that the archive will become after conversion.
- This command is most useful when simply updating an archive without
- changing it's type. IE update files from pkzip 1.10 to 2.00
-
-
-
-
- -7-
-
- OPTIONS:
- ========
- Options should follow the command that specifies the type to convert
- to and should not have any spaces between the two.
- IE 'AC /jr filename.zip' is the correct syntax.
-
- r convert file with recursion.
- This option will allow for nested directories inside of archive files.
-
- t Update to latest member
- This option will cause AC to locate the newest file inside of the
- current archive and change to date of the new archive to that date.
-
-
- Examples: Command Line
- =======================
-
- Example 1: To convert the file AC210.ZIP to an ARJ.
-
- 'AC /j AC210.ZIP' or 'AC AC210'
-
-
- Example 2: To convert the file WP51.ZIP to an ARJ file with recursion
- and timestamping without deleting the original archive.
-
- 'AC /jrt /k WP51.ZIP'
-
- Example 3: To convert the file MYFILE.LZH to a ZIP file with recursion
- timestamping, not deleting the original, scan for viruses
- and report to a log file.
-
- 'AC /zrt /k /v /w MYFILE.ZIP'
-
- Example 4: To update the file ZIPFILE.ZIP which is currently compressed
- with PKZIP 1.10 to the newer PKZIP 2.00
-
- 'AC /z /u ZIPFILE.ZIP'
-
-
- Note on defaults:
- =========================
-
- **Only Registered versions allow for the defaults to be modified.**
-
- The pre-defined default for Archive type is ARC.
- It is possible to not include a switch specifying what archive type
- to convert to. IE 'AC MYFILE.ARJ' would automatically convert the
- file from type .ARJ to type .ARC. Registered users can change this
- default to any other for faster execution.
-
- As of this release it is NOT possible to toggle the recursion or timestamp
- options from the command line if NO archive switch is supplied.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -8-
-
-
-
- LIMITATIONS:
- ============
-
- The following is a compilation of known limitations that I have
- encountered while writing AC, some are in the works(to be added
- in future releases) and others are inherent in the archivers
- that AC uses and would be extremely difficult, if not impossible
- to fix
-
- --As of this release AC no longer supports SFX archives.
- This will be re-implemented in a future release.
-
- --AC does not support hercules video cards.
-
- --AC may not work well on monochrome monitors(The default colors
- may not allow the user to see the cursor) This will
- be address in a future release as will ability to change
- colors.
-
- --Do not Add Recursive switch settings to DWC or ZOO, while they
- both support recursion, they both use the full path with the
- drive, and will not work with AC at this time.
-
- --While AC does support the option to scan archives for viruses,
- I have not been able to test this feature properly in a
- real-time situation. I would appreciate hearing from ANYONE
- who experience a virus detection with AC, and can let me know
- if it executed properly or not.
-
- --While Larc does have the ability to create SFX files, it will
- create a COM file if it is less than 65k and an EXE if greater
- than 65k. At this time AC does not support SFX files with
- COM extensions. This will be addressed in a future release.
-
- --DWC uses the environment variable TEMP if it exists to point
- to the directory for it to create temporary files in. If this
- value is set to a directory that does not exist DWC will not
- function.
-
-
-
- -9-
-
-
- History
- =======
- *(NR)==Not Released
-
- Version 2.10a [01-25-92]
- ========================
- -Fixed AC so it will not exit if an archive that is defined in AC.CFG
- is not found in the DOS PATH.
- -Fixed AC so that when executing AC -S AC will return to the current
- directory, not the directory where AC.CFG resides.
-
- Version 2.10 [01-10-92]
- ========================
- -Re-implemented command line interface.
- -Modified some screen routines, mostly esthetic.
- -Changed options menu so the cursor will loop around from top to bottom
- and bottom to top.
- -Added -S switch to display defaults.
-
-
- Version 2.02 [01-08-92]
- ========================
- -Fixed a few screen bugs when there are more file than appear on
- screen.
- -Added Alt-T(tag/untag files) to command keys.
- -Modified AC to advance cursor down after tagging a file.
-
- Version 2.00b [12-30-91]
- ========================
- -Fixed bug that caused AC not to recognize first directory
- when at the root directory
- -Support for Hyper was accidentally left out of AC2.00 and
- AC2.00a. Reinstalled it.
-
- Version 2.00a [12-29-91]
- ========================
- -Removed SFX options from ACSETUP to avoid any confusion for
- first time users.
- -Fixed minor screen glitch when switching to 43/50 modes
-
- Version 2.00 [12-28-91]
- =======================
- -AC is now a menu driven program
-
- Version 1.51 [12-18-91]
- ========================
- -Many enhancements made to ACSETUP, improved input handling with
- on screen reference.
- -Added /U switch to AC to handle archive updates.
-
-
- Version 1.50a [11-30-91]
- ========================
- -Fixed bug that caused AC not to work properly when it was renamed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -10-
-
- Version 1.50 [11-19-91]
- ========================
- -Changes made to AC and AC.CFG to accomadate ACSETUP.
- -Added ability for renaming AC.EXE to any other name, so long as the
- .CFG file is also renamed to the same name
-
- Version 1.42a [11-14-91](NR)
- ========================
- -Fixed very minor glitch in the logging routine.
-
- Version 1.42 [11-13-91]
- ========================
- -Fixed problems with the log file, output was not lined up making it
- hard to view as the file became larger. Added size difference to
- log file.
-
- Version 1.41 [11-12-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -Removed the 'x' switch for extra compression. This option can still
- be used by adding the proper switches to the AC.CFG file.
-
-
- Version 1.40 [11-05-91]
- ========================
- -Minor modifications to screen output
-
- Version 1.38 [10-17-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -Fixed long standing bug that prevented using file*.* wildcard specs
- on the command line. Could use file.* or file*, but not file*.*.
- fixed.
-
- Version 1.37 [10-15-91]
- ========================
- -More bug fixes, problem with converting to an SFX of type ARJ,
- fixed.
-
- Version 1.36 [10-07-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -Bug Fixes
-
- Version 1.35 [10-06-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -Added logging feature, uses new switch /w. Will create and/or
- add to AC.LOG the files it has converted and size differences.
-
- Version 1.34 [10-05-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -More bug fixes
- Version 1.33 [10-04-91] (NR)
-
- ========================
- -Fixed some leftover bugs and made AC rely more heavily on it's
- config file
-
- Version 1.32 [10-03-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -Added registration requirement for certain defaults to be recognized
- in AC.CFG
-
-
-
-
- -11-
-
-
- Version 1.31 [10-02-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -Added colors to AC
-
- Version 1.3F [10-02-91] (NR)
- ========================
- -Improved speed with screen writes, particularly the help screen
-
- Version 1.3A-E [09-29-91] (NR)
- =======================
- -Continual refinement of interpreting AC.CFG file
- -AC now depends on the existence of AC.CFG for execution
-
- Version 1.3 [09-21-91] (NR)
- =======================
- -Began conversion of program to separate source files and
- formed basis for using configuration file
-
- Version 1.2B [09-17-91] (NR)
- =======================
- -Fixed bug that would cause AC to crash if an Archive and exe had
- the same name, but the exe was NOT a SFX file.
-
-
- Version 1.2A [08-28-91] (NR)
- =======================
- -Fixed minor bug where AC would report it's switch info for each
- archive converted if multiple filespecs were specified.
-
-
- Version 1.2 [08-21-91]
- =======================
- -Removed some final code left over for debuging purposes.
-
-
- -12-
-
- DISCLAIMER:
- ===========
-
- I assume no liability or responsibility for any damages that may occur
- from the use or misuse of this program. A user operates this program
- without any guarantees as to the accuracy of the information included.
- All use is at the user's risk.
-
-
- A note on registration:
- =======================
-
- I am releasing this program as shareware. Using this program for a
- NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSE is allowed. AC is NOT Public Domain Software
- nor is it Freeware. It is copyrighted by myself and I retain the
- rights to all files included in this release. Using this program
- for personal use is allowed. If you find this program of use,
- a donation of $10 is encouraged. Use of this program
- for COMMERCIAL use REQUIRES registration of $10 US per copy.
- Please make payment in US funds to:
-
- Donald M. Langhorne
- South 5241 Columbia Ave.
- Hamburg, NY 14075
-
- Thank you for your interest in AC.
-
-
- Why register:
- =============
-
- Registering this program gives you a license to use AC and enjoy
- free upgrades for the life of the program. The registered
- version will enable defaults for all options to be set
- either on or off in the CFG file.
- For more information or to register write to the above address.
-
- problems or suggestions:
- ========================
-
- If you encounter a problem or have any suggestions in reference to this
- program, please send your comments to the above address or to the
- following boards. I am interested in you problems/suggestion
- with/for AC. Please contact me with any questions or problems. I
- will try to help anyone, registered or not who takes the time to get
- in touch with me as best as I can.
-
-
- BIBMUG:716-695-0583
- Data Express:716-627-7420(2400) 716-627-3299(19200-HST)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- -13-
-
- FORUM:
- ======
-
- I have a forum on the Data Express that is dedicated to Q & A
- about AC. Whether you are registered or not I would like to
- hear your suggestions for AC, and will be glad to help out in
- as much as I can. Keep in mind that while I will try to help
- all that I can, registered users will have priority.
-
- To Acces the forum, all you have to do is follow these simple
- steps.
- 1) Call the Data Express
- 2) If you don't already have an account, then create one now.
- 3) After answering the usual questions when logging on, at
- the Main menu command type 'J 5'. This will put you in the
- AC Forum.
- 4) If you want to read the previous messages type 'R' to read
- them.
- 5) To leave me a message, just type 'E' to enter a message
- and address it to 'Don Langhorne'.
-
-
-
-
-
-