XTools File Manager Extensions

The XTools File Manager Extension can add programs to a Tools menu. You can then start the program by selecting them from the Tools menu.

Contacting the Author

The Shareware Concept

Disclaimer Agreement

Release Notes

The XTools dialog box options

Note   This program is distributed as shareware. Please read Disclaimer Agreement before you use this program.


Tools Dialog

Use the Tools dialog box to add programs to the Tools menu. You can then start the programs by selecting them from the Tools menu.

Options

Menu Contents	Add
Command Line	Delete
Menu Text	Move Up
Arguments	Move Down
Initial Directory
Ask for Arguments	About
See Also:

Tips and Troubleshooting


Tips and Troubleshooting

•	You can use predefined macros in the Arguments box.

•	To pipe the output of an MS-DOS program to another tool, or to redirect the output to a file, you need to start an MS-DOS shell to run the program. In the Command Line text box, enter C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM (use the appropriate drive and directory for your system). In the Arguments box, type /c programname, followed by pipes or redirections and program or output file names. If you want a window to stay open after the command or program terminates, you can edit _DEFAULT.PIF to change the Display Usage option from Full Screen to Windowed, and clear the Close Window on Exit check box.  Under Windows, COMMAND.COM runs a virtual MS-DOS machine using _DEFAULT.PIF when it is invoked.

•	If you are adding an MS-DOS program that has an existing .PIF file, the specification for the startup directory in the .PIF file overrides the directory that you specify in the Initial Directory box. To avoid confusion, make the specification the same in both the .PIF file and in the Initial Directory box.

•	If you are adding an MS-DOS program, you may want the MS-DOS window to stay open after the program finishes in order to examine the output on screen. In this case, edit the .PIF file and clear the Close Window on Exit check box.


The list of programs currently displayed in the Tools menu.


The file specification necessary to run the program. This can include the drive and directory path, and must include the filename of the program.


The text that you want to appear on the Tools menu to identify this program.


Any combination of static command-line arguments and dynamic macro arguments that the program requires to run properly. File Manager always starts the program with these arguments.

Note	The length of arguments plus the expansion of any of the following macros cannot exceed the permissible length for an MS-DOS command line.

You can use the following predefined dynamic macros in the argument list:

Macro	Description
$Path	Current selected filename include drive, directory and filename. It is null if no file is selected. Sample:   C:\Foo\Foo.exe
$Drive	Current selected drive. Sample:   C:
$Dir	Current selected directory. Sample:   \Foo\
$File	Current selected filename. It is null if no file is selected. Sample:   Foo.exe
Note	You can see the expansion of any of the following macros if you check the "Ask for Arguments" button.


The current directory when the program run. File Manager change to this directory before starting the program. You can use the predefined macros descripted for the Arguments option.

Note	If you are adding a program that has an existing .PIF file, the specification for the start-up directory in the .PIF file overrides the directory that you specifiy in the Initial Directory text box. To avoid confusion, make the specification the same in both the .PIF file and in the Initial Directory box.


When checked, displays a dialogs box for additional arguments for the program each time you start the program. In addition to the arguments that are automatically used every time the program starts, you can enter arguments for each particular instance of the program.


Displays the Add Tools dialog box. After you select the drive and directory to examine, you can pick a program from the list displayed. When you dismiss the dialog box, the program appears in the Menu Contents list, with its name and path in the text boxes. You can then specify additional information for the tool.


Deletes the program currently selected in the Menu Contents list from the Tools menu.


Moves the identifying text that is currently selected in the Menu Contents list up one position in the list.


Moves the identifying text that is currently selected in the Menu Contents list down one position in the list.


Shows information about version and copyrights of XTools File Manager Extension.


Contacting the Author

You can contact the author Thorsten Ochs...

for registration:

Thorsten Ochs
Blumenstr. 19
D-76133 Karlruhe
Germany

for questions and support only via CompuServe Mail:

CIS: 100024,516


Definition of Shareware

Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs differ on details -- some request registration while others require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue using the software to an updated program with printed manual. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers, just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group. For example, some authors require written permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.

Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook, whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy. And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the product, you don't pay for it.


Disclaimer - Agreement

Users of XTools File Manager Extension must accept this disclaimer of warranty:

"XTools File Manager Extension is supplied as is. The author disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and of fitness for any purpose. The author assumes no liability for damages, direct or consequential, which may result from the use of XTools File Manager Extension."

XTools File Manager Extension is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products. If you find this program useful and find that you are using XTools File Manager Extension and continue to use XTools File Manager Extension after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment of $15 to the author. The $15 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.

You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it being used at one location while it's being used at another. Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the same time. Commercial users of XTools File Manager Extension must register and pay for their copies of XTools File Manager Extension within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may be made by contacting the author.

Anyone distributing XTools File Manager Extension for any kind of remuneration must first contact the author at the address below for authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors, and such distributors may begin offering XTools File Manager Extension immediately (However the author must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept up-to-date with the latest version of XTools File Manager Extension.).

You are encouraged to pass a copy of XTools File Manager Extension along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered users will receive a copy of the latest version of the XTools File Manager Extension system.

This program does not have any printed documentation. All information on use and capabilities is included in the online help. All registers user receive free technical support for 90 days from the date of registration. Also all registered users receive a free upgrade to the next version of this program when that version becomes available. To report bugs, receive help and bug fixes please send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to:

Thorsten Ochs [100024,516]

Make payment by check or money order to:

Thorsten Ochs
Blumenstr. 19
D-76133 Karlruhe
Germany

To register your copy of this program via CompuServe: type GO SWREG at any ! prompt and follow instructions.

Program Title:	XTools File Manager Extension
Registration ID:	2439


Release Notes

Version 3.10a:

The following errors have been corrected:

•	the macro '$File' now works correct.

•	predefine macros now works in the 'Initial Directory' edit box.


Copyright Notice

Microsoft and MS-DOS is a registered trademark and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.