File Assistant Application Synopsis

This Windows File Assistant application was built to allow you to:

o   change the case of files and directories from upper to lower or
    vice versa;
o   delete unwanted files using multiple file filters; and
o   rename files using file filter patterns.

When you first install the application, you are given a 15 day trial
period to test drive File Assistant.  After the 15-day trial period,
you will revert to an unlicensed customer, and most of the
application will be disabled.  A registration form is included with
this help file should you wish to register the application.

When registered and during the grace period, all three options may be
accomplished by specifying a starting directory and indicating
whether or not you want the operations carried on its subdirectories.
You may manually add files to the action list when changing case or
renaming files.

File Assistant allows you to:

Delete files, rename files, or change the case of files or
directories:

o   by specifying a starting directory and letting the application
    add the qualifying files based on a set of file filters or a set of
    rename patterns;
o   abort in the middle of a global operation by double left clicking
    on a displayed line in the active window display during the
    operation;
o   abort in the middle of a global operation by double right
    clicking in the active window display during the operation;

when changing case to:

o   define whether to change case on directories or leave them alone;
o   define whether to change case on files or leave them alone;
o   manually add the files from multiple directories via an extended
    file dialog;
o   let the application add the files by defining a starting
    directory and file filter;
o   automatically restore the directories/files when the session is
    aborted;
o   restore the original case of directories/files after the session
    has completed;

when removing files to:

o   define a set of file filters to use in the operation;
o   save the defined file filter set for reuse;
o   reload a previously defined file filter set;
o   send deleted files to the recycle bin or delete permanently;

when renaming files to:

o   define a rename pattern set to use in the operation;
o   save the defined rename pattern for reuse;
o   reload a previously defined rename pattern;
o   manually add the files from multiple directories via an extended
    file dialog;
o   let the application add the files by defining a starting
    directory;
o   automatically restore renamed files when the session is aborted;
    and
o   restore the original file renames after the session has
    completed.

File Assistant also:

o   remembers its last screen/toolbar position;
o   remembers the last drive/directory you specified;
o   allows you to define your own set of file filters and rename
    patterns;
o   allows you to define an editor to launch;
o   launches the editor with the file you double left click on in the
    log window;
o   allows you to print the results of the Delete, rename, or change
    case operation;
o   allows you to save the results in a file; 
o   allows you to define the printer font size;
o   allows you to dictate the number of lines per page to print;
o   allows you to close all open display windows with one button
    click;
o   allows you to tile all open display windows vertically; and
o   allows you to set the default state of most check boxes.

Getting Started
When the application is started it will display a blank log window.
Select Change Case, Delete Files, or Rename Files from the Tasks menu.
Alternately you may select the Change Case, Delete Files, or Rename
Files tool bar buttons.  In any of the cases, you will get a dialog
specific to the task you have chosen that allows you to define the
options, filters, and rename patterns as well as specifying the
operation file set.  The results of your operation will be displayed
in the log window.  You may accomplish multiple operations by starting
as many new sessions as you have tasks to accomplish.

Display Limitation
The application was designed to handle a huge number of files from
multiple directories.  There is a 1,280,000 line display limitation that
will limit the number of files you can operate on at one time to about
1,279,000.

Windows 95 Customers
With Windows 95, I had hoped that the display limitations for list boxes
et. al. would no longer be a concern.  In fact, I assumed that, only to
find out that I can only display 32767 lines in a list box.  As a result,
only 32000 lines are displayed per display frame.  To overcome this
limitation, I allow you to switch display frames using the Up and Down
arrow buttons on the tool bar or selecting the Next/Previous Display Frame
option from the View Menu, or you can jump to a specific display page using
the Right arrow button on the toolbar.  For those of you who running NT,
forget this paragraph.

Manually adding Files
You have the option of adding files manually via an extended file dialog
if you are doing a change case or rename operation.  You may first add
files via the extended file dialog and then let File Assistant add
addition files by specifying a starting directory.

Old Style Extended File Dialog
If you are still using Windows NT 3.51, you will get the old style
extended file dialog.

New Style Extended File Dialog
All newer operating systems will display an Explorer style extended
file dialog.

