Bill Reid's BatchPrep Version 2.0 for Windows95
Copyright Bill Reid, 1996  All Rights Reserved
breid@ebicom.net
http://www.ebicom.net/~breid

Function Summary:

Batchprep provides a convenient means of constructing batch files.

Requirements:
 -32 bit windows, whether 95, NT or other
 -Visual Basic runtime files, available from several locations, including www.windows95.com

Using the Software:

BatchPrep is designed to assist you in creating batch programs.  You can choose one of
two modes of operation to accomplish this: 

(1) Single Task Mode:

Designed to quickly generate a batch file when there's only one command line involved.
For example, if you want your file to repeat a single command for each filename, as:

	copy "1.txt" c:\temp
	copy "2.txt" c:\temp
	copy "3.txt" c:\temp
        etc.

In this mode of operation you create the "pre-filename" and "post-filename" command text, 
specify an output file, drop any files from Explorer you wish to include in the listing 
and BatchPrep cranks out your batch file.  Simple as that.

For example, say I specify my "pre" as "copy", my post as "c:\windows\*.*" and 
output file as "c:\copyit.bat".  I drag the files "1.txt", "2.txt", ... from directory
"c:\backup" on the window.  The file "copyit.bat" is created in my root directory.  
Opening it, I see:

	copy "1.txt" c:\windows\*.*
	copy "2.txt" c:\windows\*.*
	etc.

(2) Multiple Tasks Mode:

New to this release.  This is more of a "scripting" tool that replaces a variable in your
script with the dropped filenames.  You enter the batch file text in the text box provided 
as you wish it to appear in the output file, substituting the tag "<file>" (without the
quotes) for the filenames you plan to drop in.

For example, in the text box I create the following script:

	copy <file> c:\temp
	attrib -r <file>
	del <file>

I drop the files "1.txt", "2.txt", etc.  from the directory c:\backup.  The output file
reads:

	copy "c:\backup\1.txt" c:\temp
	attrib -r "c:\backup\1.txt"
	del "c:\backup\1.txt"
	copy "c:\backup\2.txt" c:\temp
	attrib -r "c:\backup\1.txt"
	del "c:\backup\2.txt"
	etc.

<!> But suppose my batch file won't fit neatly in either category? <!>

In either case, the "append to" option allows you to continue to build on the same 
filename, allowing you some flexibility in making multi-command batches. 

Let's say I have a unique application for this batch.  Suppose I wish to delete all
files in a directory except for a few of my choosing.  "Batchwise" I want to copy those
files elsewhere, delete all files in the directory, then move the ones I saved back.  
I can't do it in Single mode since there's multiple commands and I can't do it in 
Multi mode because of the way each file is handled consecutively -
	
	md c:\backup
	copy <file> c:\backup
	del *.*
	copy c:\backup\*.* c:\orig_dir

will result in a file that looks like - 

	md c:\backup
	copy "1.txt" c:\backup
	del *.*
	copy c:\backup\*.* c:\orig_dir
	md c:\backup
	copy "2.txt" c:\backup
	del *.*
	copy c:\backup\*.* c:\orig_dir
	etc.

You can see that this is doomed because all files (including 2.txt") get deleted before
I get a chance to save 2.txt! Plus I'll get "Cannot create directory" error messages.

I get around it by turning on the append command and sending several small batch commands.
First I go to Multi mode and type the command

	md c:\backup

and drop 1 file on the window.  There's no filename variable to drop in, so I'll just drop
1 file to insert the command 1 time.

Now I switch to Single mode and enter "copy" in the pre and "c:\backup" in the post, then
drop all the files I want included.

Then I switch back to multi and enter 

	del *.*

and drop 1 file on the window again.  My output looks like:

	md c:\backup
	copy "1.txt" c:\backup
	copy "2.txt" c:\backup
	etc.
	del *.*


What else?

That's about it.  I use it occasionally to ARJ (no windows pgm) files from all over my
disk into a backup archive.  You can use it as you see fit.

Licence:

This program is offered as shareware.  This means that although I retain the
copyright to this program, you are free to distribute the archive this program
came in unmodified and to use the software free of charge for a trial period of 
30 days.

If you use the program for more than 30 days, you must register it by sending 
$5.00 U.S. currency via postal mail to:

	Bill Reid
	(BatchPrep)
	408 West Longview Drive
	New Albany, MS 38652

Registering users will receive an updated version of the program reflecting their
status as a registered user (deliverable via E-mail only)  Please include a valid
email address to forward the software to or include a self-addressed stamped mailer
with a blank 3.5" diskette for a hard copy.  Sorry I have to do it this way, but at
$5 a program I can't afford to give everyone mailers, disks and S&H.

This program has NO nag features, and registering the software only gets you the 
latest version customized with your name, but it's the right thing to do.  If you find
this software useful and wish to keep using it you should register it.  I offer the
software without nag features in order to let you properly evaluate it for usefulness, 
I hope you will return the favor by registering.

Support Policy:

Unregistered users are welcome to submit support requests via e-mail to:

	breid@ebicom.net

I do not guarantee support to unregistered users, but I will attempt to answer
questions as time permits.

Registered users receive e-mail support from the above address to the greatest 
extent that I can offer it; ie. the workings of the program itself.

Disclaimer:

I do not guarantee (expressly or implied) that this program is suitable for
your use or free from bugs.  Every effort has been made to properly test it
for my own use, but this is not to be seen as a statement of quality.  You
use this program at your own risk; I will not be held responsible for any
losses incurred as a direct or indirect result of using this program.  By using
this program you agree to these terms and waive me of any responsibility for
your own losses to the greatest extent permissible by law.
