BLAST V1.11

A Freeware Remove Utility

Copyright 1991 Ross S. Wolin
All rights reserved.



August 23rd, 1991


Ever removed a deep directory structure in DOS?  It's awesomely tedious to
descend the directory tree, then remove each directory, level by level, until
you return to the original level.

Now picture if you will that deep directory structure with a few randomly
scattered hidden files, read-only files, or system files.  Using DOS, you
would be required to clear the attributes of each file before you are allowed
to delete it.

BLAST is an affordable (free) solution to your woes.
BLAST is a remove utility which will work on any IBM compatible machine.
BLAST has no minimum memory or hardware requirement.

BLAST will remove files 			(Example:   blast  junk.c)
BLAST will remove filespecs			(Example:   blast  *.c)
BLAST will remove directories			(Example:   blast -r junk)
BLAST will remove hidden files or dirs		(Example:   blast -h junk.hid)
BLAST will remove read-only files or dirs	(Example:   blast -p junk.rdo)
BLAST will remove system files or dirs		(Example:   blast -s junk.sys)

Unlike the DOS erase/delete command, if you specify "blast *.*", you will not
be asked if you are sure.  My philosophy  is "If I type it, I mean it."  I also
find it destroys my self-condifence when computers question my judgement.

Because of this streamlined operation, BLAST should be used with caution!
It is possible to remove vast quantities of files, very quickly!

If you use BLAST without any command line switches (see below) it will not
remove directories or any items which have the hidden, read-only, or system
attributes set.  Instead of erasing these items, you are told what couldn't be
removed and why.  The default (no command line switches) won't remove
everything in sight: this is intended to prevent accidents, so it would be wise
to use the switches listed below only when you need them and not as a
default.  (Note that if a directory you BLAST contains unremovable items, the
directory itself cannot be removed either, because it is not empty.)

BLAST's syntax is:      BLAST [-hprs] filespec                         where...

	  filespec	  is any legal DOS file OR directory spec, which may
			  include drive information, full or partial path
			  information, and wildcards

	  [ ]	  encloses optional switches (don't type these)

	  -h	  Okay to remove items, even if the Hidden Attribute is set
		  (remove hidden)
	  -p	  Okay to remove items, even if the Read-Only Attribute is set
		  (remove protected)
	  -r	  Okay to remove dirs
		  (remove recursively)
	  -s	  Okay to remove items, even if the System Attribute is set
		  (remove system)


The author accepts no responsibility for lost files or data due to the use (or
mis-use) of this freely distributed program!




BLAST V1.11 is being distributed as FREEWARE.


When distributed, the package MUST include the files BLAST.EXE and
BLAST.DOC (this file) which may be freely copied and distributed.  These two
files may be re-archived  to better suit a given distribution system, but the
files may not be  modified in any other way.  No distributor may charge more
than $1.50 for	the distribution of this program.

I would appreciate letters from anyone with bug reports (as far as I know,
version 1.11 has no bugs), ideas for new programs, and/or comments in
general.  (I love getting non-junk mail.)

Also, I will distribute the assembler source code for a fee of $5.

I receive U.S. mail at the following address:

			Ross S. Wolin
			102 Oxford St, Apt 8
			Arlington, MA 02174

or you can leave mail on Compuserve: 70720,1152


Happy BLASTing!