Contents

CAUTION:  This file contains sensitive information about PassKeys' security functions and should not be made available to users.

Contents:

ABOUT

SETUP/INSTALLATION

Using as SHELL

Auto-Run

CONFIGURING

Adding Buttons

Removing Buttons

Re-Arranging Buttons

PASSWORDS

Master Password

Button Passwords

ENHANCED SECURITY

REGISTRATION

LICENSING INFORMATION

SUPPORT

HISTORY


About
About:

PassKeys will enable you to selectively allow access to your computer and it's programs with Multi-Level passwords.  For instance....

In a home environment you may... Set up as many Program Buttons as you like and through the Master Password, YOU will have access to all of them.  Through the use of the individual Button Passwords your spouse, children, friends, guests etc. will have access to selected programs at your discretion.  (i.e.,. whomever you tell the Button Passwords to will have access to the programs).

In a business environment, YOU, as the administrator, will have access to all Program Buttons that you set up through the use of the Master Password  Your employees(or Departments) can have access to selected programs through the Button Passwords.

PassKeys will allow you to set up and lock-in, your desired color & configuration and not have to worry about Groups, Icons, Colors etc., being changed in your absence.  PassKeys insures a uniform Desktop appearance in business and network environments and prevents data and information pilferage by restricting access to the "File Manager" and DOS Command Prompt.


Setup
Setup/Installation:

If you received a shareware version of PassKeys in zipped form (PASSKEYZ.ZIP or PASSKEYZ.EXE), run the SETUP.EXE file located in the subdirectory where you unzipped the compressed file.  We suggest that you accept the default "WINDOWS" installation directory when prompted or provide the path to your Windows directory so that you will be able to make PassKeys your shell in the future should you decide to do so. (PassKeys can only function as your shell if it is located in your Windows directory.  When you first run PassKeys you will be prompted to accept the defaults.  This prompt should be answered "Yes".

If you have received the registered version of PassKeys, run the SETUP program on the "Setup" disk.  Again, we advise that you accept the default "WINDOWS" destination directory when prompted.

Using As Shell:

In order to enable "Maximum Security",  PassKeys.exe must be used as your SHELL (i.e.,. system.ini should contain the line Shell=passkeys.exe).

With the exception of some OEM supplied software or computers, the "Shell" is generally progman.exe aka "Program Manager".  Since the primary security functions of PassKeys are accomplished by requiring the entering of a user-configured password prior to launching programs, and since "Program Manager" does not require passwords and contains the "RUN" command, it effectively nullifies PassKeys' security functions.

This is not to say however that with PassKeys as your shell you have to give up the functions or features of "Program Manager" that you like and use often since you can launch "Program Manager" from a PassKeys button that you have password protected.

To make PassKeys your shell, you need merely to Click on the PassKeys close button (Minus sign),choose "Configure" and enter the Master Password, and click once in the box labeled "Use as Shell" so that an x appears within the box.

note...if at any time you desire to return to having "Program Manager" as your shell, simply remove the x from the "Use as Windows Shell" box.

Auto-Run:

The Auto-Run function is provided as a replacement for Program Manager's "Startup Group".  Program Buttons with the Auto-Run function checked will launch automatically each time you start Windows.

.ini files:

Most WINDOWS programs make use of ".ini" files to store program information, settings and preferences.  Most significantly, WINDOWS uses the files "WIN.INI" and "SYSTEM.INI" to store the settings that control the look, feel and general configuration of WINDOWS itself.

We have identified these .ini files as a possible vulnerability in the security functions of PassKeys.  In order to minimize this risk, please see the topic Enhanced Security


Configuring

Configuring:

PassKeys is pre-configured to be a short (4 button wide) command bar containing the programs.... PROGRAM MANAGER, NOTEPAD, CALCULATOR. and CONTROL PANEL.

During the course of your usage of PassKeys, you may..... Change the default programs, add your own Program Buttons, add or change Button Passwords, change the Master Password, re-arrange the Program Buttons etc.  You may therefore at times, desire to change the look or orientation of the PassKeys SHELL.

There are three main appearance options, they are......Horizontal(default), Vertical(Buttons in a vertical "Tower"), and Tile.

Once you have determined the desired appearance for PassKeys, you must right click on the PassKeys Close button (Minus sign), select "Configure", enter the Master Password and select the Horizontal, Vertical or Tile option by clicking in the box next to the appropriate configuration. If you select Tile, you must also provide the #Across, this will configure the number of buttons across in your PassKeys Window.  The number of buttons down will be determined by the number of Program Buttons total divided by the set #Across.

DataStream Software STRONGLY recommends that you do not attempt to configure PassKeys through the "passkeys.ini" file since each line is linked with a password which are stored separately and in binary form.

Adding/Editing Buttons:

PassKeys comes pre-configured with Program Buttons for Program Manager, Notepad, Calculator, and Control Panel.  In order to change these and add Program Buttons for your own programs, you will...

(To Change)

1.) Click on the PassKeys close button (Minus sign).

2.) Choose "Configure"

3.) Enter the Master Password.

4.) In the main configuration dialog box select the button name of the Program Button you want to change by clicking on the down arrow next to the "Label" window and selecting the name from the drop-down list and clicking on the "Edit" button beside the "Label" window.

5.)Fill in the new name and location of the desired program as well as"Arguments" (optional) and Icon Path if necessary by typing them or using the "Browse" function.

6.)In order for the Program Button to be protected you must click on the "Edit Password" button and type in a Button Password, you must then tab to the "Verify Password" field and retype the same password.  You may also remove protection for a previously passworded application by checking the "No Password" option box.  (Note: the Master Password will also launch this program and any others).

7.)Select whether you want the program to run "Normal"(default), "Minimized" or "Maximized".

8.)Click OK.

(To Add)

1.)Click on the PassKeys close button (Minus sign).

2.)Choose "Configure"

3.)Enter the Master Password.

4.)Click on the "Add Item" button.

5.)Using the dialog box, locate the program you are adding and select it by either double-clicking on the file name or clicking once on the file name and once on the "O.K." button.

6.)Supply the name for the button.  (Note, names are centered on the Program Button, those exceeding the width of the button will show up truncated.)

7.)If the program contains an icon, it will be displayed it the icon window, otherwise the default PassKeys icon will be displayed.  You may type in the name of another icon or use the "Browse Button" to locate an alternate.

8.)In order for the Program Button to be protected you must click on the "Edit Password" button and type in a Button Password, you must then tab to the "Verify Password" field and retype the same password. (Note: the Master Password will also launch this program and any others).

(To Delete)

1.)Click on the PassKeys close button (Minus sign).

2.)Enter the Master Password.

3.)Select the button name of the Program Button you want to delete by clicking on the down arrow next to the "Label" window and selecting the name from the drop-down list.

4.)Click on the "Delete Item" button.

5.)Click on "Yes" to confirm the deletion.

Re-Arranging Buttons:

To Re-Arrange the buttons in your Passkeys Window......

1.)Click on the PassKeys close button (Minus Sign)

2.)Choose Arrange.

3.)Enter the Master Password

4.)Select the name of the Program Button you wish to move.

5.)Use the Up and/or Down buttons to move the title to the desired position.

6.)Click O.K.


Passwords
Passwords:

Passwords are the main function and utility of PassKeys.  You may have any number of Program Buttons within PassKeys and you may choose to control access to them through the use of Passwords or not.  The Master Password must be set in order for Button Passwords to take effect.

Button Passwords:

The procedure for adding/changing Button Passwords is as follows.

1.)Click on the PassKeys close button (Minus sign).

2.)Enter the Master Password.

3.)Select the name of the desired Program Button by clicking on the down arrow  next to the "Button" window and selecting the name from the drop-down list.

4.)Click on the "Set Password" button.

5.)Type your new Password in the "Enter Password" box, then tab to the "Verify Password" box and re-type the same Password.  NOTE: Passwords can be any combination of upper or lower case alpha numeric or symbol character up to 12 characters long.  Passwords may contain spaces but may not use function keys (F1 thru F12, TAB, CTRL, or ALT)

6.)Click on "OK" as needed to close the configuration windows.

Master Password:

The procedure for adding/changing Master Password is as follows.

1.)Click on the PassKeys close button (Minus sign).

2.)Enter the current Master Password.

3.)Click on the "Edit Master Password" button in the main configuration window.

4.)Type your new Password in the "Enter Password" box, then tab to the "Verify Password" box and re-type the same Password.  NOTE: Passwords can be any combination of upper or lower case alpha numeric or symbol character up to 12 characters long.  Passwords may contain spaces but may not use function keys (F1 thru F12, TAB, CTRL, or ALT)

5.)Click on "OK" as needed to close the configuration windows.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

It is VERY important that you not forget your Master Password.  The ONLY remedy for a forgotten Master Password is to purchase the Registered Version.


The Master Password has several functions.   #1. The Master Password is required to make any configuration changes to PassKeys.   #2. While each Program Button can be configured to use it's own unique Password, the Master Password will launch any program within Passkeys.   #3. The Master Password is required to shut down PassKeys.  When an attempt is made to use a function that is protected by the Master Password, you will be prompted to enter it before proceeding.  For instructions on setting, See PASSWORDS


Each Button may have an associated password which will be required to run applications you have protected.  When an attempt is made to launch a password protected program, you will be prompted to enter the associated password.  For instructions on setting, See PASSWORDS


Enhanced Security

Enhanced Security:

Here are a few tips you can use to prevent others from circumventing PassKeys' security...

1.) In it's 6.x versions of DOS, Microsoft has included the ability to Bypass(F5), or Step Through(F8), the AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS startup files.  In the event that either of these functions are used (ie. pressing the (F5) or (F8) keys during system startup), the user is left at the C:\> prompt and can run programs, edit files etc. before PassKeys has a chance to protect them.  In order to disable these (Fx) functions, you need to add the line switches=/n to the beginning of your CONFIG.SYS file.

2.) The Ctrl+C key combinations has the effect of terminating the processing of the AUTOEXEC.BAT and/or CONFIG.SYS files at the line where it is pressed.  Add the line Break=off to the start of your CONFIG.SYS file (but after switches=/n) to disable this function.

3.)The best and most effective way to prevent access to your programs from the C:\> prompt prior to Windows and Passkeys loading is to enable the "Password" function in your computers CMOS setup(most late-model computer BIOS/CMOS makers include a password function).  This requires a password to be entered before any startup files are processed.  Refer to your computers manual for instructions on setting up the CMOS Password.

4.) ".ini" files. Since these files are stored in text form, they can be opened and changed using any word processing program.  Windows' main ".ini" files, WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI(which includes the Shell= line) could be tampered with unless protected.  Note: Button Passwords and the Master Password which are stored separately and in binary form are not vulnerable in the ".ini" file.  In order to protect these ".ini" files you will need to make them "Read Only" files which will prevent any changes made to them from being saved.  To add the "Read Only" attribute to the ".ini" files, you need to select them from the Files list, in the Windows directory in File Manager, Click on "File" on the system menu and "Properties" in the drop down menu, click within the box in front of  "Read Only" in the "Attributes" section and click O.K.  Since many Windows programs make changes to and store settings in these files during setup, we suggest that you remove the "Read Only" attributes prior to attempting to install any software.  During normal day-to-day use however, these files are not modified and may be protected.

Warning!

When used alone or in conjunction with these tips, PassKeys will keep your system safe from most prying eyes, and will discourage tampering by most users.  HOWEVER...as in any area, an educated and dedicated professional Will be able to find ways to get past even the strongest precautions.


Support
Support:

If you have questions, suggestions or need technical support for the Shareware version of PassKeys you can contact the authors at the following addresses.

U.S. Mail

DataStream Software

100 S. Sunrise Way   Suite 469

Palm Springs,   CA

          92262

E-MAIL

Prodigy-------------BVCD88A

CompuServe-----72733,130

A O L-----------------PSPHANTOM

Internet--------------bvcd88a@prodigy.com

Internet--------------72733.130@compuserve.com

Internet--------------psphantom@aol.com

Internet--------------datastrm@netcom.com

VoiceMail----------(619)325-3074


Licensing Information.
Licensing Information:

Obtaining registered licensed versions

You can obtain a registered licensed version of PassKeys from DataStream Software by remitting payment as described in the Registration section of this help file.  Site licenses are available - write for details.

License Agreement

(SHAREWARE VERSION)

This is a legal agreement between you (either individual or entity) and DataStream Software.   BY INSTALLING THIS PROGRAM ON YOUR SYSTEM YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE NOT LICENCED TO USE THIS PROGRAM AND YOU MUST DELETE IT FROM YOUR SYSTEM.                                                           Limited Distribution Rights

A limited license is granted to copy and distribute the unregistered shareware version ONLY of PassKeys subject to the conditions below and the following:

1) No fee, charge or compensation may be accepted for distribution of PassKeys except:          a)   Time related usage fees for electronic bulletin boards not directly related to the

downloading of this program.

 b)   Purchase price of CD-ROM shareware compilation provided that purchaser is advised that purchase of media does not constitute ownership or registration of all or any part of the PassKeys program.

 c)  Others wishing to charge a fee not provided for above can do so only with the express written consent of DataStream Software.

2) No one may modify PassKeys files, documentation, or executables in any way, including reverse engineering, decompiling or disassembling the program or its contents.

3) The full original compressed file containing machine readable documentation, help files, executables, and libraries (.DLL's) must be included with each copy.

Notice

PassKeys  is not and has never been public domain software, nor is it free software. Unregistered users are granted a limited single user license and ability to use the shareware version of this product on a 30-day trial basis for the purpose of determining whether this program is suitable for their needs.

(BETA TEST VERSIONS)

This is a legal agreement between you (either individual or entity) and DataStream Software.

BY INSTALLING THIS PROGRAM ON YOUR SYSTEM YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, YOU ARE NOT LICENCED TO USE THIS PROGRAM AND YOU MUST DELETE IT FROM YOUR SYSTEM.                                                               This software is provided for the purpose of testing and evaluation.  You may not Sell, Transfer, Copy, Show, Distribute, Reverse engineer, Decompile or Disassemble all or any part of the PassKeys program without the express written consent of DataStream Software.

(REGISTERED VERSION)

This is a legal agreement between you (either individual or entity) and DataStream Software    BY OPENING THE SEALED DISK PACKAGE AND/OR INSTALLING THE PROGRAM ON YOUR SYSTEM YOU ARE AGREEING TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, PROMPTLY RETURN THE UNOPENED DISK PACKAGE AND THE ACCOMPANYING ITEMS (including written materials and binders or other containers) TO THE PLACE YOU OBTAINED THEM FOR A FULL REFUND.

1.GRANT OF LICENSE    DataStream Software grants you the right to use one copy of the enclosed software program "PassKeys" on a single terminal connected to a single computer (i.e., with a single CPU).  Unless you have purchased a Site Licence, you may not network "PassKeys" or otherwise use it on more than one computer terminal at a time.

2.COPYRIGHT    "PassKeys" is owned by DataStream Software and is protected by United States copyright laws, international treaty provisions, and all other applicable national laws.  Therefore, you must treat "PassKeys" like any other copyrighted material (e.g., a book) except that you may either (a) make one copy of "PassKeys" solely for backup or archival purposes, or (b) transfer "PassKeys" to a single hard disk provided you keep the original solely for backup or archival purposes.  You may not copy the Product manual or written materials accompanying "PassKeys" .

3.OTHER RESTRICTIONS    You may not rent or lease "PassKeys", but you may transfer your rights under this DataStream Software License Agreement on a permanent basis provided you transfer all copies of "PassKeys" and all written materials, and the recipient agrees to the terms of this Agreement.  You may not reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble "PassKeys".  Any transfer must include the most recent update and all prior versions.

(COMMON,  All Versions)

Assign to Successor Clause

Purchaser of this software hereby agrees that DataStream Software. may at any time without notice or consent of purchaser assign this license to a successor corporation, business, or heir.  Any rights, liabilities and warranties may be transferred at DataStream Software's sole discretion along with this license to the successor corporation, business or heir.

GENERAL TERMS:

Installation of this program equates to agreement to all terms of this License Agreement.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED ABOVE DATASTREAM SOFTWARE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  SHOULD THE PRODUCT PROVE DEFECTIVE IN ANY WAY THE PURCHASER ASSUMES THE RISK OF SERVICING, REPAIR, CORRECTION, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INVESTMENT DECISIONS MADE, BUSINESS PROFITS LOST, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS,  LOSS OF INFORMATION AND THE LIKE) USING THIS SOFTWARE.  THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED STRICTLY AS IS.

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of California and shall inure to the benefit of DataStream Software. and any successors, administrators, heirs, and assigns.  Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreementshall be brought only in a STATE or FEDERAL court of competent jurisdiction located in Riverside County, California.  The parties hereby consent to personam jurisdiction of said courts.

Acknowledgments

PassKeys is a trademark of DataStream Software.

Microsoft, Windows, Program Manager, Notepad, Calculator, Control Panel, and DOS are all trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

Borland C++ is a trademark of Borland International.

PKZIP, PKUNZIP, PKSFX are all trademarks of PKWARE, INC.

Many thanks to Computer Innovations Inc. for their input, support and help in testing and improving PassKeys.


Registration
Registration:

Registration form for PassKeys

Copyright 1994 DataStream Software All Rights Reserved.

Return this form to:

 DataStream Software

100 S. Sunrise Way....Suite 469.

   Palm Springs, Ca

           92262

Print this form using the File, Print Topic command.  Enclose check, money order or international money order drawn on a U.S. bank, in U.S. funds and made payable to DataStream Software.  (CA residents add Sales Tax) Registration entitles you to the latest, fully functional Registered version of PassKeys, a printed manual and technical support by telephone and notification of future releases of PassKeys..

Please PRINT CLEARLY.

______ Copies of PassKeys at $25.00 U.S.    $_____________

Subtotal (from above)                                    $______________

California TAX                                               $______________

Shipping $4 (U.S., Canada, Mexico)               $______________

Overseas Shipping $6                                   $______________

Total (to DataStream Software)                      $______________

Questions, Comments or suggestions for future versions of PassKeys:

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

I would like to see previews or be a Beta Tester for other products by DataStream Software when they become available.  Yes___  No___

Ship to:

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

City: ___________________________ State: _______________________

Zip: ______________________ Country: ___________________________

Phone: ________________         DISK SIZE....3.5"_______5.25"_______


PassKeys Horizontal (Default)


Passkeys Vertical


Passkeys Tile..#Across=2


History
History:

PassKeys was developed after it's authors, having spent several years in the personal and business computer-consulting field and after having been approached by business associates and fellow network administrators about the ability (or inability) to protect their Windows based networks and applications from tampering, identified a need for such a program.

Due to the fact that Windows is becoming increasingly prevalent in both the business and home computing markets.  And the fact that Windows offers a relatively easily navigable interface.  A need appears to have arisen to control access to personal and sensitive programs and information by employees, children, guests, and others.

The fact that you have purchased or downloaded this product means that you have identified a need to control the use of and access to your system and therefore have confirmed our suspicion of a need for such a product.  We hope that PassKeys meets your needs and expectations.

While we have endeavored to make PassKeys both secure and easy to use, and have tested it in as many environments and on as many systems as possible, it would be impossible for us to guarantee that the use of PassKeys will or could stop all tampering with your system (especially by those who make a hobby of finding and exploiting ways around this kind of program).  Therefore  we have included information on steps that can be taken to augment PassKeys' in securing your programs and data in the topic Enhanced Security .