Doctor Fred's Net Decompressor V1.10 ------------------------------------ February 23, 1992 Unregistered Revision List: 1.00 - 02/19/92 - Initial Release. 1.10 - 02/23/92 - Corrected bug that doesn't handle read/write errors properly (Would give you ERROR 0, instead of the real error number). Updated the docs. INTRODUCTION ------------ Starting around NET25 (or so), Wayne Bell added PKWare Data Compression (C) to the net packets. However, he never supplied a stand-alone decompression program to convert these files back to their uncompressed state, and LNET was unable to process these packets in the compressed format. Consequently, I purchased the PKWare Data Compression Library, made some hex dumps of some compressed net packets, and by the end of the day I had written my own utility (written in PASCAL) to decompress the files. Shortly after developing the door I received a copy of the logic (in Turbo/Borland C) that Wayne uses to compress/decompress the packets. I haven't had the time to study it in detail yet, but when I do, I will likely add a RECOMPRESSION option to this program. USAGE ----- DECOMP path\inputfilename path\outputfilename For Example: DECOMP data\z9800.net data\s9800.net After decompressing the net packet, the program will automatically remove the original net packet (Just like the net software). Make a backup copy of the original packet (before running DECOMP) if this makes you nervous. If an error occurs during decompression, the original file will NOT be removed! If the net packet contained many SUB PACKETS, when NETWORK1 recompresses the file, it could actually be smaller than before. This is because there is a 5 byte overhead with each SUB PACKET. When NETWORK1 recompresses the file, it may compress it into FEWER SUB PACKETS than before, shaving off 5 bytes here and there. This is perfectly normal! The unregistered version will lock up if it is run from a DOS SHELL from within WWIV, and DOS INTERRUPTS are on (should work okay with SHIFT-F10 though). The registered version works fine from within WWIV, even with DOS INTERRUPTS on. TECH SUPPORT BBS ---------------- Doctor Fred #1 @9800 Maniac Mansion III BBS WWIVNet Node @9800 (908)525-8295 300 - 38400 BPS USRobotics Dual Standard (V32/V32bis/V42/V42bis/HST) Home of Doctor Fred's Timebank & Free Download Doors! REGISTRATION ------------ While I do not generally favor crippled software, the PKWare Data Compression routines used in this program cost a considerable amount of money ($300), and you and I know that VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION is not very effective. So, in an attempt to recover my investment, I have disabled the program from processing any net packets larger than 75,000 bytes. The registered version does not have this limitation, and is a bit more user friendly. Additional features of the REGISTERED version: 1. No 75,000 byte file limitation. 2. Works from within WWIV (even with DOS INTERRUPTS ON) 3. Filename paths not required. The program will figure out your data directory automatically (From CONFIG.DAT). You can override this feature by specifying a full path, if you wish. 4. Better handling of corrupt net packets. (Shareware version does minimal checking for corrupt packets). 5. If output file exists, the program will ask you if you want to overwrite it (Shareware version just overwrites it). 6. Shows progress of decompression for each sub packet. 7. Shows compression ratio of original net packet. 8. Sample batch file included to show how to best use it with LNET. To REGISTER and receive the latest version: Send $5 and a blank disk (5.25 or 3.5 inch) to: Don't forget your Name, Address, and Net Node Number (specify WWIVLink, WWIVNet, etc...). Gregg Beasey 12-15 Vermeer Drive S Amboy, NJ 08879