Micro-OverHead
Micro-OverHead 2.2

Copyright © 1993 by Fred L. Freel

and Micro-Bytes\Wordware

Registered Version 3.0

Note:  The Help File uses Hot Spots.  Click on a control, button or field-area that you want information on.

Micro-OverHead is a "Front End," for the Micro-Bytes\Wordware Modules described herein.  It's a Mini-Shell designed to position itself at the top edge of the Windows desktop with "stay on top" capability, and allows you to run any of its Modules by clicking on the appropriate mini-icon button.  If you find that the graphic representations illustrated in  this Help file differ from those incorporated in Micro-OverHead Version 2.2, please realize that what the Registered User will receive, Version 3.x, is being displayed.

Micro-OverHead requires  VBRUN200.DLL  be situated in your Windows or Windows-System directory.  This is Microsoft's Dynamic Link Library for Visual Basic.

Micro-Boot Version 5.1


hotspot_1
This button closes Micro-OverHead.


hotspot_2
This button initiates access to Micro-Boot.


hotspot_3
This button provides loading functions for Micro-Launch.


hotspot_4
This button brings up Micro-Cal, a multi-year, multi-month calendar.


hotspot_5
This button initializes Micro-Fone, a telephone dialer and interactive FoneBook.


hotspot_6
This button calls Micro-Squeeze, a directory compressor linked to popular compression software via DOS.


hotspot_7
This button is a toggle to turn the clock display on or off.


hotspot_8
This button allows you to check available disk space on drives A through F.


hotspot_9
This button is a quick route to a DOS window in 386 enhanced mode.


hotspot_10
This button will allow you to access this Help file for assistance in running our various Modules.


hotspot_11
This button provides a graphical representation of System Resources available, or additional information at a click of your mouse.


moresys


hotspot_12
You may also iconize Micro-OverHead by selecting the Minimize Arrow.


hotspot_13
For files with no extension, or an extension not linked to Notepad or Paintbrush, our little  [image]  is not a button, but a real BasketCase.  Drag a file from File Manager into the Basket, and you'll get a view . . . garbage, or not.  It works with graphics and text.


hotspot_14
Clicking on our Micro-Bytes-Wordware logo displays copyright information for Micro-OverHead.


hotspot_15
Clicking on the clock itself will toggle the readout from analog [image]   to digital.


hotspot_16
This control arrow drops down the Launcher with a list of programs you've added.


Micro-Config
Micro-Config 5.0

Copyright © 1991, 1992, and 1993 by Fred L. Freel

and Micro-Bytes\Wordware

Registered Version 5.0

Micro-Config is a stand-alone DOS program used to re-configure the Root Directory of your boot drive.  It is accessible from DOS, to alter the configuration files AUTOEXEC.BAT,  CONFIG.SYS, WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI when you are outside of Windows.  Ther is no need to access it from windows, as all configurations in this environment are handled by Micro-Boot.

Using Micro-Config from DOS


Using Micro-Config from DOS

If some of your configurations are outside of Windows, as ours are, you may want to run the Micro-Config program from DOS.  If so, you must first make the Micro-OverHead directory your current directory.  You may re-configure your system by entering MBCONFIG  0nn, where "0nn" is the Micro-Boot Level number you wish to apply.   You will be prompted as to whether you want to also re-configure your Windows directory files.  Micro-Config will not cause a reboot when accessed from DOS.  Simply press Ctrl-Alt-Del to reboot.

The 0nn configurations we've supplied are only for use as examples, as they are only typical for a 386/486 system.  You will have to edit or replace them to correspond to your needs.  The files Autoexec.inf, Config.inf, Bootexec.inf and Bootcfg.inf shouldn't be used for booting, but can be loaded into the Micro-Boot Comparison Editor.


Micro-Boot Version 5.0
Micro-Boot Version 5.1

Copyright © 1992, and 1993 by Fred L. Freel

and Micro-Bytes\Wordware

Registered Version 5.1

Micro-Boot incorporates viewing, editing and configuration capabilities that are not provided in   the DOS level Configurator, Micro-Config.

Unlike most Shareware software, this is a fully working version of Micro-Boot.  Shareware software is generally provided "as is" to the user for evaluation purposes.  The user, if satisfied with it's performance, is obligated to pay a registration fee to continue using it.

Micro-Bytes\Wordware, on the other hand, will supply a complete update of their Shareware to the Registered User.   They receive a high density 5¼ or 3½ inch disk containing the latest version of Micro-OverHead with all of its modules functioning.  Please specify the type of disk you wish to receive when ordering your software.

The registered version is also considerablly different, in that no "advertising" logos or order forms are included. This preserves disk space and speeds up execution performance, and this help file is replaced with one that is fully context sensitive.

Any of the Micro-OverHead Utilities described herein may also be newer versions than indicated here.

Please fill out the Order Form located in the About Micro-OverHead Menu.  It's accessed by clicking on our [image] logo.  The order form is designed for use on VGA displays of 800x600 resolution or better.  If you have lesser resolution, select Help with Order Form in the Order Form menu.  Fill in the necessary information, then return to the original Order Form.  You may then print the 800x600 Order Form.  Prices and mailing information are included on the Order Form.  Please be sure to indicate the disk format desired.

Thanks . . . Micro-Bytes\Wordware.

Using Micro-Boot


Using Micro-Boot

Editor

The registered version of Micro-OverHead automatically configures your current configuration files to Level 1 during installation.  If you have been running an earlier version of Micro-Boot, always copy your current configuration files to a safe directory prior to installation to prevent over-writing them.

You must use CAUTION when selecting Micro-Boot's REBOOT option. If you've made any changes to the positioning of windows in Program Manager or File Manager since you started your current Windows session, those changes will be lost.  You will NOT be prompted by Windows (Rev 3.1) to confirm your decision to do a Ctrl-Alt-Del.

The first line of each configuration file should be a REM line describing the contents of the that file.  The REM line is read by both Micro-Config and Micro-Boot for identification purposes.   INI files use a semi-colon [ ; ] instead of a REM.  View the sample files for examples.


Side-by-Side Configuration Editor

For further information check the Winini.wri and System.wri files that came with Windows, the Windows 3.1 User's Guide, or the *.wri files accompanying the Microsoft Windows Resource Kit.  These files can't be used for booting, but they can be used in the comparison side of the editor as reference.


$ hotspot_49#
Allows you to Load a selected Config.sys configuration file into the side-by-side Editor.


$ hotspot_50#
Allows you to Load a selected Autoexec.bat configuration file into the side-by-side Editor.


$ hotspot_51#
Allows you to Load a selected System.ini configuration file into the side-by-side Editor.


$ hotspot_52#
Allows you to Load a selected Win.ini configuration file into the side-by-side Editor.


$ hotspot_78#
Allows you to Save the file currently being edited.  You can overwrite the extension only, if you want it to apprear in the Load Editor file listing.


$ hotspot_69#
 You can overwrite the extension only, if you want it to apprear in the Load Editor file listing.


$ hotspot_70#
Will Save the file as shown in the filename box.


$ hotspot_71#
Will return you to the Configuration Editor.


$ hotspot_59#
Allows you to Load in one of the other 10 related configuration files for comparison, and to Cut and Paste text into the Edit File area.  Configuration file Bootexec.inf is not for use when rebooting, but is an example of Microsoft's defaults for some of the parameters used in their DOS file.  It may not be correct nor function correctly when used in the combinations  illustrated.


$ hotspot_60#
Allows you to Load in one of the other 10 related configuration files for comparison, and to Cut and Paste text into the Edit File area.  Configuration file Bootcfg.inf is not for use when rebooting, but is an example of Microsoft's defaults for some of the parameters used in their DOS file.  It may not be correct nor function correctly when used in the combinations  illustrated.


$ hotspot_61#
Allows you to Load in one of the other 10 related configuration files for comparison, and to Cut and Paste text into the Edit File area.  Configuration file Sysini.inf is not for use when rebooting, but is an example of Microsoft's defaults for some of the parameters used in their INI file.  It may not be correct nor function correctly when used in the combinations  illustrated.


$ hotspot_62#
Allows you to Load in one of the other 10 related configuration files for comparison, and to Cut and Paste text into the Edit File area.  Configuration file Winini.inf is not for use when rebooting, but is an example of Microsoft's defaults for some of the parameters used in their INI file.  It may not be correct nor function correctly when used in the combinations  illustrated.


$ hotspot_53#
Provides Copy functions for the editor. Copy my be used in the Configuration or Edit File areas, but not Paste and Clear.  The latter are only available in the Edit File area.


$ hotspot_54#
Provides Cut functions for the editor, and is only available in the Edit File area.


$ hotspot_55#
Provides Paste functions for the editor, and is only available in the Edit File area.


$ hotspot_56#
Provides Clear functions for the editor, and is only available in the Edit File area.


$ hotspot_57#
Provides case sensitive Search functions for the editor, and is only available in the Edit File area.


$ hotspot_58#
Allows you to Search Again for the previously defined text.


$ hotspot_63#
Returns you to the Windows Environment Configurator.


Hotspot_39
Reflects the current Configuration Level per the REM description of the Level in use.


Hotspot_38
Is our way of saying goodbye.  Exit Micro-Boot


hotspot_36
Provides access to the side-by-side Configuration Editor.  Redundant with larger command button.


hotspot_41
Provides access to the side-by-side Configuration Editor.


hotspot_37
Will save your current Autoexec.bat, Config.sys, Win.ini and System.ini files to a Configuration Level of your choice.  See larger Save As command button.


hotspot_42
Will save your current Autoexec.bat, Config.sys, Win.ini and System.ini files to a Configuration Level of your choice.  During installation Micro-OverHead (registered version only) will provide a "default" configuration as Level 1 because you know the configuration you are using presently is functionally correct.  You should also use the Save Active option if you install any new software or fonts, as such procedures often modify your INI and/or DOS System files.


$ hotspot_72#
Will only renew your Win.ini file.  The DOS level files have already been copied.


$ hotspot_73#
Will only renew your System.ini file.  The DOS level files have already been copied.


$ hotspot_74#
Will renew both Win.in and System.ini files.  The DOS level files have already been copied.


$ hotspot_75#
Will return you to Micro-Boot.


choice


$ hotspot_48#
Configuration Level of your choice


hotspot_33
Will cause a software reboot.  See larger Reboot command button.


$ hotspot_76#
In case you hit the Yes button in error, you will be given another chance to abort the reboot.


$ hotspot_77#
Selecting No will exit Micro-Boot.


hotspot_40#
Will cause a software reboot.  This "warm start" is, in effect, the same as pressing the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys at the same time.  Some points to ponder:  [1]  Any changes you've made to the location of your windows in Program Manager or File Manager during the current session will be lost.  [2]  If you're booting to another screen mode, say from Super VGA to a lesser resolution, you may lose custom icons you've applied if those icons are not  in a pathed directory.  [3]  Use CARE when experimenting with this option.  It is a quicker method of exiting Windows, and rebooting with a different configuration, but . . .

If you are using Microsoft's Smart Drive for a disk cache, it will be purged before the reboot takes place.


hotspot_43#
Level Buttons 1...10 . . . will copy, without prompt, the selected alternate Level Autoexec.bat and Config.sys files to the root directory of your boot drive.  A backup of the existing files will be made as Autoexec.00x and Config.00x.

You will then be prompted as to whether you want your INI files copied as well.  If you haven't altered them, it isn't necessary (see Save Active).  When you select to copy either or both of them, backup files Win.00x and System.00x, and Progman.00x will be created in your Windows directory.


hotspot_46#
The captions under each Level Button refer to the REM description for each configuration file.  These descriptions should not be too long, as there is only so much space available in the Active = Menu panel, or too long a description may not be fully viewable in the Level Button captions either.


hotspot_44#
Will allow you to view the Autoexec/Config files together for the Level they are adjacent to.


$ hotspot_45#
Will allow you to view the Win/Sys  files together for the Level they are adjacent to.


hotspot_34#
Will allow you to view the Autoexec/Config files together for the current Windows session.


hotspot_35#
Will allow you to view the Win/Sys files together for the current Windows session.


$ hotspot_47#
Displays the current Environment Path settings.