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                                  PopDBF (tm)
                       "Instant Access to X-Base Files"
                                  Version 4.0
                                 User's Manual
                                   _______
                              ____|__     |            (R)
                           --|       |    |------------------
                             |   O___|__  |  Association of
                             |  |       |_|  Shareware
                             |__|   O   |    Professionals
                           -----|   |   |--------------------
                                |___|___|    MEMBER
     Copyright (c) 1989-1991 Bowen Software, All Rights Reserved
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                               Table of Contents
     
     
     1  Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1
          1.1  Overview of PopDBF  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    1
          1.2  Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    3
          1.3  Cautions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4
          1.4  Registration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    5
               1.4.1  How to Register  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    5
               1.4.2  Registration Benefits  . . . . . . . . . . . .    6
          1.5  What is "Shareware" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    6
          1.6  ASP Ombudsman Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7
          1.7  Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    8
          1.8  Trademark Acknowledgements  . . . . . . . . . . . . .    9
          1.9  License Agreement, Disclaimer and Warranty  . . . . .    9
               1.9.1  Shareware Version License  . . . . . . . . . .    9
               1.9.2  Registered Version License . . . . . . . . . .   10
               1.9.3  Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   10
     2  Getting Started  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   11
          2.1  Installing PopDBF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   11
          2.2  Executing PopDBF  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   11
               2.2.1  Running PopDBF in Memory Resident Mode . . . .   11
               2.2.2  Running PopDBF in Non-Resident Mode  . . . . .   12
          2.3  Modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT to Load PopDBF . . . . . . . .   12
          2.4  Removing PopDBF from Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
          2.5  How to Invoke PopDBF (Using the "Hotkey") . . . . . .   13
          2.6  Command Line Options  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
               /A<A|B|E|S>    Default action . . . . . . . . . . . .   13
               /C<C|M|O>      Color scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . .   14
               /D<dir>        Initial PopDBF Directory . . . . . . .   14
               /E<size>       Edit buffer of size bytes  . . . . . .   14
               /F<num>        Maximum of num fields  . . . . . . . .   15
               /G<num>        Maximum of num files . . . . . . . . .   15
               /H             Command line syntax and options  . . .   16
               /I             Ignore hotkey, toggles on and off  . .   16
               /L<dir>        Directory  where  master .FRQ  file is
                              located  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   16
               /[!]P[file]    Use "Pass-Thru" non-resident mode  . .   16
               /R<size>       Read buffer of size bytes  . . . . . .   17
               /S<D|E|N>      Swap to Disk|EMS|None  . . . . . . . .   17
               /T<B,C,I,V,W,Z>
                    Toggle indicator defaults  . . . . . . . . . . .   18
               /U             Uninstall (remove) from memory . . . .   19
               /X<file>       File name for swapping to Disk . . . .   19
               /Y<file>       Initial PopDBF File  . . . . . . . . .   20
                                       i
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                               Table of Contents
     
     
     3  Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
          3.1  Generic Help (Alt-F1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
          3.2  Context Sensitive Help (F1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .   21
     4  Alt Menu (Alt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   22
          4.1  Alt Action Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   22
          4.2  Alt Toggle Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   23
          4.3  Toggle Indicator Summary  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   24
     5  Cursor and Lite-Bar Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
          5.1  The "Wordstar" Diamond  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   25
     6  Pick File (Alt-P)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   26
          6.1  Select Directory/File/Index (Enter) . . . . . . . . .   26
          6.2  Move to Parent Directory (BackSpace)  . . . . . . . .   26
          6.3  Change Directory and/or Drive (F2)  . . . . . . . . .   26
          6.4  Enter A Specific File (F3)  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
          6.5  Change File Specification (F4)  . . . . . . . . . . .   27
          6.6  Change Default Action (F5)  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   27
          6.7  Delete File (F6)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   28
          6.8  Move to Current DOS Drive & Directory (F10) . . . . .   28
          6.9  Frequent Database Access (Alt-1 thru Alt-=) . . . . .   28
          6.10 Show Names  of Frequently  Accessed Databases  (Ctrl-
               N)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   29
          6.11 Program Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   29
     7  Setup View (Alt-S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
          7.1  Return To Data (Enter)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
          7.2  Number/Un-Number Fields (Space) . . . . . . . . . . .   30
          7.3  Clear Field Numbers (F2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   30
          7.4  Assign a Specific Field Number (F3) . . . . . . . . .   31
          7.5  Order Fields Using Field Numbers (F4) . . . . . . . .   31
          7.6  Tag/Un-Tag Field for Exclusive Find (F6)  . . . . . .   31
          7.7  Clear Exclusive Find Tags (F7)  . . . . . . . . . . .   31
          7.8  Copy File Structure (F8)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
          7.9  Print the File Structure (F9) . . . . . . . . . . . .   32
     8  Browse Records (Alt-B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
          8.1  Current Record and Delete Status  . . . . . . . . . .   33
          8.2  Toggle Vertical Separator Bars On/Off (Shift-|) . . .   33
          8.3  Pan the Browse Window (LeftArrow/RightArrow)  . . . .   33
          8.4  View Large Fields (Tab/Shift-Tab) . . . . . . . . . .   33
          8.5  Zoom the Browse Window (F2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
          8.6  Goto a Specific Record (F3) . . . . . . . . . . . . .   33
                                      ii
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                               Table of Contents
     
     
          8.9  Find Text (F7)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   34
          8.10 Find Next Occurrence of Text (F8) . . . . . . . . . .   35
          8.11 Print Records (F9)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   35
          8.12 Turn Century On/Off (Ctrl-K)  . . . . . . . . . . . .   36
          8.13 Mark Record as Deleted (Ctrl-U) . . . . . . . . . . .   36
     9  Edit/Append Records (Alt-E/Alt-A)  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
          9.1  Copy a Record (F2)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
          9.2  Goto a Specific Record (F3) . . . . . . . . . . . . .   37
          9.3  Cut Field into Keyboard Paste Buffer (F4) . . . . . .   37
          9.4  Clear Keyboard Paste Buffer (Shift-F4)  . . . . . . .   38
          9.5  Find Text (F7)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
          9.6  Find Next Occurrence of Text (F8) . . . . . . . . . .   38
          9.7  Print Records (F9)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   38
          9.8  Field Information (F10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
          9.9  Restore Field Data (Ctrl-J) . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
          9.10 Turn Century On/Off (Ctrl-K)  . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
          9.11 System Date (Ctrl-M)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   39
          9.12 Move to Last Field Position (Ctrl-N)  . . . . . . . .   39
          9.13 Restore Entire Record (Ctrl-O)  . . . . . . . . . . .   39
          9.14 Paste Data (Ctrl-P) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   40
          9.15 Abort and Lose Changes (Ctrl-Q/ESCAPE)  . . . . . . .   40
          9.16 Mark Record as Deleted (Ctrl-U) . . . . . . . . . . .   40
          9.17 Toggle Verify Mode On/Off (Ctrl-V)  . . . . . . . . .   40
          9.18 Quit and Save Changes (Ctrl-W/Ctrl-End) . . . . . . .   40
          9.19 Blank Current Field (Ctrl-Y)  . . . . . . . . . . . .   40
          9.20 Blank to End of Field (Ctrl-Delete) . . . . . . . . .   41
          9.21 Move to End of Data (End) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   41
          9.22 Move to First Position (Home) . . . . . . . . . . . .   41
          9.23 Move Word (Ctrl-LeftArrow/Ctrl-RightArrow)  . . . . .   41
          9.24   Move   to   First/Last  Field   (Ctrl-UpArrow/Ctrl-
               DownArrow)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   41
          9.25 Previous Record/Next Record, Same Page (Alt-PgUp/Alt-
               PgDn) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   41
     10  Common Questions and Answers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   42
     11  Error Messages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   44
     12  Configuring PopDBF  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
          12.1  The Configuration Main Menu  . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
          12.2  Configuring Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   46
          12.3  Configuring Date/Number Formats  . . . . . . . . . .   47
          12.4  Configuring Main Hotkey  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   47
                                      iii
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                               Table of Contents
     
     
          12.5  Configuring Paste Options  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   48
                                      iv
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     1  Introduction
     1.1  Overview of PopDBF
     PopDBF is a pop-up memory resident program that uses only 4K of RAM!
     PopDBF allows you to  have "Instant Access" to any  dBase compatible
     .DBF database  file.  This  includes, but is  not limited to,  files
     used  by Clipper, dBASE III,  dBASE IV, dBXL,  FoxBASE+, FoxPro, PC-
     File/db and  Quicksilver.  The term  X-base (which is in  the public
     domain) refers to all of the different dialects referred to above.
     Memory resident programs, also call TSRs (Terminate Stay  Resident),
     are special programs that stay in memory after you run them.  To use
     a  memory  resident  program  that  is  in  memory,  you  press  the
     designated hotkey.  It is this hotkey that causes the program, which
     is hibernating in memory, to "spring"  to life and pop-up for you to
     use.
     After PopDBF has  been loaded,  you can access  your database  files
     from  anywhere  by  pressing  the  hotkey  (the  default  hotkey  is
     Alt-BackSpace).  To  return to where  you came  from just press  the
     hotkey again.  It's that simple!
     There  are many  reasons why PopDBF  is the best  tool available for
     accessing your database files.  Some of the reasons include:
  • Faster than using dBASE or a compatible program! You

don't have to wait while a bulky database program loads

               just  to take a quick  look at a  database file.  "Instant
               Access" means just that - INSTANT!
  • Easier to use than dBASE! You don't have to know dBASE

commands. Switching from append to browse to edit is a

               matter of pressing one key!
  • Access database files without leaving another application!

You no longer have to exit your word processor, load your

               database program,  look at  the  database file,  exit  the
               database  program and  reload your  word processor  - just
               press the PopDBF hotkey!
  • Cut and Paste information from a database directly into

another application! Save time typing in name and address

               information  to your word processor - let PopDBF do it for
               you!
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 1
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
  • Searches on a database for ANY text are lightning fast.

This means you don't have to know what field the text is

               in, PopDBF takes care of it for you!
     The applications for PopDBF are just as numerous.  After  just a few
     minutes of using PopDBF you will be thinking up your own ways of how
     to use  its many  features to improve  your productivity.   Here are
     just a few examples to spark your creativity.
          Great for Anybody who uses a phone:
  • Maintain and search a rolodex database of all the people

you know with their place of business, address(es) and

               phone number(s).   This could  be applied to  any type  of
               information you need "instant" access to.
          Great for Secretaries and Order Operators
  • Take messages for people or log problems with products in

the field without having to leave the program you are

               currently running.
  • Add an order to the order database or search the database

to see the current status of the order.

          Great for Programmers:
  • Find out the name, type or length of a field.
  • Find out the key used to create any .IDX, .NDX or .NTX

index file.

  • Pack or Zap a database file without having to get out of

the application to use a database program.

          Great for Consultants:
  • Print the structure of any or all databases in a directory

with ease.

  • Quickly get into any database to see what the data looks

like.

     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 2
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     PopDBF provides an easy way to move throughout your hard disk(s) and
     networks to find your database files.  It also has context sensitive
     help  for novice (or forgetful)  users, but you  probably won't need
     it.  PopDBF is that easy to use!
     You can use PopDBF to:
  • pick a database file
  • delete a database file
  • view file structure
  • print file structure
  • append and edit records
  • browse records
  • delete or undelete records
  • print records (design your own mini-report)
  • search for strings anywhere in a database
  • pack or zap a database
  • specify fields and assign their order for the above

features

  • view index expressions of index files
     And if you  don't feel comfortable  using memory resident  programs,
     PopDBF has a non-resident  "pass-thru" mode so that  you can run  it
     from the DOS prompt like any other program.
     Programmers can even set  up macros in some program  editors (BOXER,
     Qedit,  etc.) to execute PopDBF  and have it  automatically open the
     database the cursor is positioned on.
     PopDBF has four main areas:
          1.   Pick File
          2.   Setup View
          3.   Browse Records
          4.   Append/Edit Records
     Each of these  areas is described  more fully below  along with  the
     actions available from each.
     1.2  Limitations
     Though PopDBF has many features, it does not do everything, yet!.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 3
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     Currently PopDBF does not do the following:
  • view or edit memo fields
  • use index files (it does display the expression used to

create them)

  • view more than one database file at a time
  • handle database files with more 65,535 records
  • handle fields larger than 254 characters
  • lock individual records in a database on the network
     Also,  PopDBF is  not  meant to  be a  complete replacement  for the
     relational  database  management  systems  (RDBMS)  many people  are
     currently  using (i.e. dBASE).  In some instances the function being
     done  with the RDBMS can be fulfilled  entirely by PopDBF.  However,
     in general PopDBF  is meant  to enhance those  programs and  improve
     productivity by providing "instant access" to your valuable database
     information.
     1.3  Cautions
     When using PopDBF from  within any RDBMS or application  that allows
     dBASE  compatible records to be changed, it is important to remember
     that  most of  those products  do internal  record buffering.   This
     means that if a record is changed and resides in an internal buffer,
     the change will NOT be reflected when viewed from within PopDBF.
     Likewise, if a record is changed in PopDBF while that same record is
     in an internal buffer,  the change will be overwritten  by the RDBMS
     or application when it  closes the file and/or flushes  the internal
     buffer.
     As a general rule, do not use PopDBF to change records in a database
     that might be opened by an RDBMS or similar application.
     It should also be pointed out that because PopDBF does not currently
     use index files,  no indexes will be updated.   Care should be taken
     when changing databases  that have associated indexes  which need to
     stay up to date.  For these types of databases, as long as you don't
     change  key fields (fields used  to create an  index), add or delete
     records there will be no problem.
     Should  you need to change information in databases falling into the
     category  mentioned  above,  just  make sure  that  you  reindex the
     database.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 4
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     1.4  Registration
     1.4.1  How to Register
     PopDBF is not FREE!   You may try it out at no charge for an initial
     trial period to  determine if it  fits your needs.   If you want  to
     continue  to  use PopDBF  after the  initial  trial period  you must
     register.    This  method  of  software  distribution  is  known  as
     Shareware.
     The registration  fee for a  single copy  of PopDBF is  $35US.   All
     checks  or  money orders  must  be payable  in  US dollars.    For a
     description  of what  you  get when  you register  see "Registration
     Benefits" on page 6.
     Registration of PopDBF  is mandatory for  commercial and  government
     users.
     To register your  copy of PopDBF, send your registration fee of $35,
     payable in US funds (see the file ORDER.FRM), to:
          Bowen Software
          P.O. Box 2134
          East Peoria, Illinois   61611
     You  can order  by  sending  check, cash  or  money  order to  Bowen
     Software at the address listed above.
     You can also register  with Master Card, Visa, Amex,  or Discover by
     calling (800) 242-4775 or (713) 524-6394 or by FAX to (713) 524-6398
     or by CompuServe  Email to 71355,470.  THESE NUMBERS  ARE FOR ORDERS
     ONLY.
     Any  questions  about  the status  of  the  shipment  of the  order,
     refunds,  product  details,  technical  support,  volume  discounts,
     dealer  pricing, site  licenses,  etc,  must  be directed  to  Bowen
     Software at 309-699-0950.   You can also mail credit  card orders to
     Bowen Software c/o PsL, P.O. Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235-5705.
     There is a cash discount, which is waived for credit card orders.
     You can also order PopDBF by calling your local software distributor
     (i.e. Computerland, Egghead).
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 5
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     PopDBF must be registered for EACH USER at your site; alternatively,
     contact Bowen Software for current SITE LICENSE information.
     It is our desire at Bowen  Software that you be completely satisfied
     with our  software products and services.  To insure this we offer a
     complete money back guarantee!
     1.4.2  Registration Benefits
     The following benefits apply to all registered users of PopDBf:
  • FREE technical support over the phone for at least six

months.

  • Notified of program updates and provided the first update

absolutely FREE!

  • Registered version of PopDBF does NOT contain the

registration information screen, which pops up on the

               screen  twice during each 24  hour period (it  does pop up
               when exiting each time if run in Pass-Thru mode).
  • FREE introductory subscription to CompuServe Information

Service - the biggest national BBS! You will receive: a

               private  user ID number  and Password, a  $15 usage credit
               (over 1  hour connect time at 2400  baud), a complimentary
               subscription to CompuServes's monthly  computing magazine:
               'Compuserve'.
  • Significant discount on Shareware Magazine where you can

find out about the best shareware and how to get it.

     1.5  What is "Shareware"
     "Shareware" is a term used to describe a system for distribution  of
     software.   Under  the  shareware concept,  software  may be  freely
     copied and passed along  to others, or distributed  through bulletin
     board systems, etc.
     As a recipient of a shareware program, you may use  the software for
     a short trial  period to determine if  it meets your needs.   If  it
     does, you  pay the registration  fee.   By paying the  fee, you  are
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 6
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     granted  the right  to retain  the software  for your  use.   If the
     software is not suitable, then you may discard it.
     The shareware system provides significant benefits to the  computing
     community (of which YOU are a member):
          
          1)   You get to  try out the software BEFORE you  buy it so you
               know exactly what you're buying.
          2)   Shareware  is  substantially   less  expensive  than  most
               commercial programs.   You don't pay  for costly marketing
               programs and fancy packaging.
          3)   You get  access  to  a  MUCH  broader  base  of  available
               programs.    Thousands  of excellent  programs  have  been
               written by  expert programmers  who  would never  consider
               marketing commercially.  Through the concept of shareware,
               these  people  make  their   programs  available  to   the
               community.  Usually, all they ask in return is a small fee
               to  reward them for the  time and effort  they've put into
               the program.
     The  system is  based entirely  on the  honor system,  and generally
     works  quite well (Most people  are honest and  wouldn't violate the
     trust placed in them by the  author of the software!).  Shareware is
     NOT free software - the author counts on your integrity.   
     1.6  ASP Ombudsman Information
     Bowen Software is an  author member of the Association  of Shareware
     Professionals  (ASP).   ASP wants  to make  sure that  the shareware
     principle  works  for  you.    If  you  are  unable   to  resolve  a
     shareware-related  problem  with an  ASP  member  by contacting  the
     member  directly, ASP may  be able to  help.  The  ASP Ombudsman can
     help  you resolve a dispute or problem  with an ASP member, but does
     not provide technical support  for members' products.  Please  write
     to the  ASP Ombudsman at P.O. Box 5786, Bellevue, WA 98006 or send a
     Compuserve message via Compuserve Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 7
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     1.7  Technical Support
     You  can contact Bowen Software by leaving messages on Compuserve to
     76665,736.  The latest version of  PopDBF can be found on Compuserve
     in the  IBMAPP forum Data Library  3.  We recommend  that anyone who
     accesses Compuserve frequently use  another Shareware program called
     TapCIS to automate the online processes.  TapCIS can save users both
     time and money.  To learn more about TapCIS when on Compuserve, type
     GO TAPCIS when online.
     Bowen  Software shareware  products can  be found  on many  Bulletin
     Board  Systems (BBS)  across the  country.   We directly  upload our
     products  to  the  Exec-PC  bulletin  board  located  in  Milwaukee,
     Wisconsin.   The Exec-PC phone number is (414) 789-4210.  Electronic
     messages  can be  left on  Exec-PC and  should be  addressed to  Don
     Bowen.
     To  contact  Bowen   Software  via  Internet,   leave  messages   to
     76665.736@COMPUSERVE.COM.
     Contacting  us using the above methods is  preferred.  If you do not
     have  access to electronic communication you can contact us by phone
     at (309) 699-0950.  Messages are usually returned within 24 hours.
     The cheapest way to  ask questions or make  suggestions is by  mail.
     Send inquiries or recommendations to:
          Bowen Software
          P. O. Box 2134
          East Peoria, IL  61611
     Registered and commercial users are provided free technical  support
     on the phone  for at least six months.  No support is guaranteed for
     non-registered users, but we are happy to answer questions about our
     products  and consulting services.  Bowen Software can be reached at
     (309) 699-0950.   Registered users  will be asked  for their  serial
     number.
     Also,  if you  are  having problems,  be  prepared to  describe  the
     hardware  and  operating  system  you  are  using  as  well  as  the
     CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files.  
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 8
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     1.8  Trademark Acknowledgements
     Association  of  Shareware  Professionals  and  the  ASP  Logo   are
     trademarks of the Association of Shareware Professionals.
     CLIPPER is a trademark of Nantucket Corporation.
     COMPAQ is a registered trademark of COMPAQ Computers, Inc.
     dBASE and dBASE III are registered trademarks of Ashton Tate, Inc.
     dBASE III Plus and dBASE IV are trademarks of Ashton Tate, Inc.
     dBXL and Quicksilver are trademarks of Wordtech Systems, Inc.
     Desqview and QEMM are trademarks of Quarterdeck Office Systems.
     FoxBASE+ is a registered trademark of Fox Software, Inc.
     FoxPro is a trademark of Fox Software, Inc.
     PC-FILE is a registered trademark of Buttonware, Inc.
     PopDBF is a trademark of Bowen Software.
     Sidekick is a trademark of Borland International, Inc.
     Other  product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks or
     registered trademarks of their respective companies.
     1.9  License Agreement, Disclaimer and Warranty
     BY INSTALLING PopDBF ON  YOUR SYSTEM YOU INDICATE YOUR  AGREEMENT TO
     THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS.  IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THEM YOU
     ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE THIS PROGRAM.
     PopDBF, its  documentation and supplementary files  and programs are
     Copyright  (c) 1989-91  Bowen Software.   All rights  reserved world
     wide.
     PopDBF is not now, nor was  it ever, public domain or free software.
     PopDBF is currently available in shareware and commercial versions.
     1.9.1  Shareware Version License
     The Shareware  evaluation (trial  use)  version is  provided AS  IS.
     Bowen  Software MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
     INCLUDING  WITHOUT  LIMITATION,  ANY  WARRANTIES  OF MERCHANTABILITY
     AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
     You  are  granted a  limited license  to  use PopDBF  for evaluation
     purposes  for  a period  not  to exceed  sixty  (60) days.    If you
     continue to use PopDBF  after the sixty (60) day  evaluation period,
     you must make  a registration  payment of $35US  to Bowen  Software.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                          Page 9
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                 Introduction
     
     Failure  to  make  this  payment  after  the  evaluation  period  is
     considered to violate this license.
     1.9.2  Registered Version License
     If you are  a registered user of PopDBF, you  may use the registered
     version on  one computer at a  time and make copies  for backup (for
     your own use ONLY) as needed.
     You may not distribute the registered version of PopDBF to any other
     person via any form of media.
     1.9.3  Warranty
     This software is provided "as is" without any warranty of  any kind,
     either expressed  or implied,  including,  but not  limited to,  the
     implied warranties  of merchantability and fitness  for a particular
     purpose.  The entire risk  as to the quality and performance  of the
     software  is with  you.   Should the  software prove  defective, the
     user, NOT Bowen Software,  assumes the entire cost of  all necessary
     servicing, repair or correction.
     In  no event  shall Bowen  Software be  liable to  the user  for any
     damages, including lost profits, lost savings or other incidental or
     consequential damages arising  out of  the use or  inability to  use
     this  software, even  if  Bowen Software  has  been advised  of  the
     possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 10
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
     2  Getting Started
     2.1  Installing PopDBF
     To  load the PopDBF  and its associated  programs and  files on your
     hard  disk, you use the installation program called INSTALL.EXE.  To
     run the installation program, do the following:
          1.   Place the PopDBF diskette in drive A:
          2.   Type A:INSTALL and press ENTER.
               (If you are using drive B, substitute B: for A: above)
          3.   Make sure that  the name of the installation  directory is
               correct and press  ENTER.  The  installation directory  is
               where the PopDBF files  will be copied.  If  the directory
               you specify does not exist, it will be created.
          4.   You will see the names of each of the files as it is being
               copied to the  destination directory.  When  all the files
               have been copied, the  message "press any key..."  will be
               displayed in the lower  left corner of the screen.   Press
               any key and you will be returned to DOS and will be in the
               directory you specified as the installation directory.
     NOTE:     When PopDBF is  executed it assumes  that POPDBF.HLP,  the
               context sensitive  help file, is in the  same directory as
               POPDBF.EXE.    If POPDBF.HLP  is  not  in that  directory,
               context sensitive help will not  be available.  See "Help"
               on page 21.
     2.2  Executing PopDBF
     PopDBF can be  run in two modes.  Normally,  when PopDBF is executed
     it  installs itself into memory for access from anywhere by pressing
     its  hotkey.   Alternatively,  you  can run  PopDBF  in non-resident
     "pass-thru" mode like any other DOS program.
     2.2.1  Running PopDBF in Memory Resident Mode
     To run PopDBF in memory  resident mode, just type POPDBF at  the DOS
     prompt and press ENTER.  It  is in this mode that PopDBF  can become
     an  invaluable tool.  Once  loaded into memory,  pressing the hotkey
     (the default hotkey is Alt-BackSpace) will give you "instant access"
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 11
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
     to your  X-Base files!  See "Command Line Options"  on page 13 for a
     list of configuration options. 
     PopDBF  does  not  need to  be  the  last  memory resident  program.
     However, it can NOT be uninstalled from memory if it is not the last
     memory resident program  or if another  memory resident program  has
     recaptured one of PopDBF's interrupts.
     When PopDBF is installed in memory it requires only 4K of RAM!
     If the /SN command line  option is used to prevent swapping  to disk
     or EMS,  PopDBF will  require around  45K of  RAM.   This  may be  a
     desirable mode if  no EMS is available, the local  hard disk is very
     slow and  most of the lower 640K of RAM is available for application
     programs. 
     2.2.2  Running PopDBF in Non-Resident Mode
     The second mode  of operation is to run PopDBF  in "Pass-Thru" mode.
     In "Pass-Thru" mode, PopDBF  works like most other programs.   To do
     this type POPDBF /p at the DOS prompt and press ENTER.
     In this  mode the hotkey  is ignored.   To exit PopDBF in  this mode
     press the ESCAPE key until you return to the DOS prompt.
     When using this mode, the Ctrl-P paste key in Edit mode is disabled.
     Memory  consumption  in "Pass-Thru"  mode  depends  on command  line
     options, but will default to using 45K of RAM.
      
     2.3  Modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT to Load PopDBF
     To  have PopDBF  load each  time you  start  your computer,  add the
     following line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file:
               .
               [path\]POPDBF [options]       <load PopDBF into memory>
               .
     If the optional path is not  specified, POPDBF.EXE must either be in
     the current directory or in the PATH.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 12
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
     For help on which  options to use  when loading PopDBF see  "Command
     Line Options" on page 13.
     2.4  Removing PopDBF from Memory
     To remove  PopDBF from  memory use  the  /U command  line option  by
     typing the following at the DOS prompt:
          POPDBF /U
     PopDBF must be the last memory resident program or you will  receive
     an error message indicating that  PopDBF was unable to unload.   See
     /U under  "Command Line  Options" below for  further information  on
     this option.
     2.5  How to Invoke PopDBF (Using the "Hotkey")
     By default the hotkey to invoke  PopDBF is Alt-BackSpace.  To invoke
     PopDBF, press and hold  the Alt key and  at the same time  press the
     BackSpace key.
     As soon as you press the hotkey, PopDBF will "pop"  onto the screen.
     Pressing   the  hotkey  again  will  take  you  right  back  to  the
     interrupted program.   You can  pop out  of PopDBF from  anywhere in
     PopDBF,  except a  few  places  when  you  are  being  prompted  for
     information.   At those times,  pressing the hotkey  will abort that
     action just as if you had pressed ESCAPE.
     When you  press the  hotkey to  leave PopDBF,  any open  database is
     automatically  closed.  Pressing the hotkey again will return you to
     the same location in PopDBF with the file being opened automatically
     as if it had  never been closed.  You  can even pop out and  back in
     while in the middle of using Edit or Append!
     2.6  Command Line Options
     To load or execute PopDBF type the following at the DOS prompt:
     PopDBF [options],   where options can be:
     /A<A|B|E|S>    Default action, where:
                    A>ppend <B>rowse E>dit S>tructure
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 13
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
                    The  default is to open databases in Browse mode.  To
                    load PopDBF  so that  databases  are opened  in  Edit
                    mode, use the following command line:
                    POPDBF /AE
     /C<C|M|O>      Color scheme, where: 
                    M>ononchrome O>riginal
                    The  original  colors  option is  provided  for those
                    people  who  liked the  colors  used  in versions  of
                    PopDBF before 3.7.
                    To  load or run PopDBF  so that monochrome colors are
                    displayed, use the following command line:
                    POPDBF /CM
      
     /D<dir>        Initial PopDBF Directory
                    The format  of <dir> is  [d:\]path, where  d: is  the
                    optional disk drive identifier.
                    The initial PopDBF  directory is set  to the  current
                    DOS directory the first time PopDBF invoked, if  this
                    option is not specified.
                    The PopDBF directory changes only when a move is made
                    from within PopDBF.  Each time PopDBF is invoked, the
                    current  DOS  directory  is  saved   and  the  PopDBF
                    directory  becomes  the  current  directory.     When
                    leaving PopDBF the  DOS directory is  restored.   See
                    also "Move to Current DOS Directory" on page 28.
                    To load or run PopDBF so that the starting  directory
                    is C:\DBASE, use the following command line:
                    POPDBF /DC:\DBASE
     /E<size>       Edit buffer of size bytes (default = 512)
                    If  a file  has a  record size  larger than  the edit
                    buffer size,  you  will not  be  allowed to  Edit  or
                    Append.   Should this occur an error  message will be
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 14
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
                    displayed.  To  determine the minimum  size that  you
                    will need  to specify to  allow Editing on  the file,
                    press Alt-S to view the record size.
                    To load or run PopDBF  so that you can Edit a  record
                    1024 bytes long, use the following command line:
                    POPDBF /E1024
     /F<num>        Maximum of num fields (default = 64, max = 1024)
                    The  default value should  handle most needs, however
                    Clipper databases can have up to 1024 fields.
                    Should  you try to Browse or Edit a database with too
                    many fields, an error message  will be displayed.  To
                    determine the minimum number of fields you will  need
                    to  specify to  allow Browsing  or Editing  the file,
                    press Alt-S to view the number of fields.
                    To load or run PopDBF so that  you can Browse or Edit
                    a file  with 95  fields,  use the  following  command
                    line:
                    POPDBF /F95
     /G<num>        Maximum of num files (default = 100, min = 3)
                    The default  value  should handle  most  directories,
                    unless  the  file specification  is  changed to  *.*.
                    Files  matching  the  file specification  are  loaded
                    first,  then  any  sub-directories  in   the  current
                    directory.
                    If  too many files are found, you will be notified by
                    an error message that the /G option should be used to
                    correct the problem.   Just press any key to  respond
                    to the  error.   Only the  specified number  of files
                    will be displayed.
                    To  load or  run  PopDBF so  that  200 files  can  be
                    displayed in the Pick File window, use the  following
                    command line:
                    POPDBF /G200
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 15
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
     /H             Command line syntax and options
                    This will list all of PopDBF's command line options.
                    You can also specify a single question mark (?).
     /I             Ignore hotkey, toggles on and off
                    To  use this option,  run PopDBF from  the DOS prompt
                    with  this  option.   This can  be  used if  for some
                    reason  you  want   to  disable  the  PopDBF   hotkey
                    temporarily.   To  reactivate the  hotkey  run PopDBF
                    using this option again.
     /L<dir>        Directory where master .FRQ file is located
                    Normally, the frequent  database access list  file is
                    located  in  the   same  directory   as  the   PopDBF
                    executable.  However,  when PopDBF is  loaded from  a
                    Network drive, users will probably want to specify  a
                    local  drive  and  directory  where   their  personal
                    frequent database  access list file  is located using
                    this option.
                    To load  or run  PopDBF and  specify that the  master
                    .FRQ file is located in F:\PUBLIC, use the  following
                    command line:
                    POPDBF /LF:\PUBLIC
     /[!]P[file]    Use "Pass-Thru" non-resident mode
                    This  option will  NOT load  PopDBF into  memory, but
                    will  execute  it and  allow you  to  use all  of its
                    features.
                    If  a  file  is  also  specified  (no  brackets   are
                    necessary), PopDBF will automatically come up in that
                    file  in Browse,  unless  the /A  option  is used  to
                    specify a different action.
                    Pass-Thru mode is indicated on the screen by the word
                    "PASSTHRU"  in the  upper left-hand  corner.   The /P
                    option  can also be used even if PopDBF is already in
                    memory  without  affecting   the  resident   version.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 16
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
                    Pressing the  PopDBF hotkey  will cause  the resident
                    version to pop up over the Pass-Thru version.
                    Preceding the P  with an exclamation  point (!)  will
                    cause PopDBF  to exit  when  ESCAPE is  pressed  from
                    Append,  Browse,  Edit, or  Setup.   This  is  a nice
                    feature to use  from batch files, so  that users only
                    have to press ESCAPE once to exit PopDBF.
                    To run PopDBF  in "Pass-Thru" mode and  automatically
                    open C:\DBASE\ROLODEX in Edit mode, use the following
                    command line:
                    POPDBF /AE /PC:\DBASE\ROLODEX
     /R<size>       Read buffer of size bytes (default = 4096)
                    If  a  file's record  size  is larger  than  the read
                    buffer size,  you will not  be allowed to  Browse the
                    file.
                    The larger  the read buffer the  faster scrolling and
                    finding will be done when in Browse and Edit.
                    Specifying  a larger  read  buffer  will  not  affect
                    memory consumption unless PopDBF is run using the /SN
                    option to prevent swapping.
                    To  load or run PopDBF  using a 16K  read buffer, use
                    the following command line:
                    POPDBF /R16184
     /S<D|E|N>      Swap to Disk|EMS|None
                    D for Disk swap, E for EMS swap, N for No swap.
                    If this option is not specified, swapping to EMS will
                    be  attempted  first and  swapping  to  Disk will  be
                    attempted second.  If both fail, no swapping  will be
                    done.
                    If  Disk swapping is done,  it can be  helpful to use
                    the  /X  option  to  specify that  the  swap  file be
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 17
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
                    located on a RAM drive or a Network drive.  This  can
                    greatly decrease swap time.
                    To load PopDBF so that it does disk swapping to a RAM
                    drive  E: and a  swap file name  called POPDBF.SWP in
                    the root directory, use the following command line:
                    POPDBF /SD /XE:\POPDBF.SWP
                    To load PopDBF  so that it does  NOT swap to disk  or
                    EMS and resided entirely in memory, use the following
                    command line:
                    POPDBF /SN
     /T<B,C,I,V,W,Z>
                    Toggle indicator defaults
                    Any  or all  of the  toggle indicator letters  may be
                    specified to override the defaults.  The letters  and
                    the toggle indicator they modify are discussed below.
                    The  /W option should be specified  as /TW.  However,
                    it   will   still   function   to   provide  backward
                    compatibility.
                    B - Borders for fields ON
                    Specifying  this  option  forces  all  finds  to   be
                    successful only if WITHIN field borders.
                    C - Case sensitive
                    Specifying  this  option  forces  all  finds   to  be
                    sensitive to upper and lower case letters.
                    I - Insert mode
                    When  insert   mode  is  on  and   you  are  entering
                    information or  editing a  record, characters to  the
                    right will move to the right as you enter data.
                    V - Verify mode in Edit
                    When  verify mode is on you will be required to press
                    ENTER in Edit to move to the next field.  When verify
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 18
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
                    mode  is on  a "V"  is displayed  in the  upper right
                    border of the Edit window.
                    W - Write file access
                    Specifying this option will cause each database to be
                    opened with read-write access.
                    Z - Zoom the Browse window
                    By default  the Browse window shows  only 12 records.
                    When  zoomed it will show 18 records.  See also "Zoom
                    Browse Window" on page 33.
                    For more  information on toggle indicators,  see "Alt
                    Toggle Keys" on page 23.
                    To load or run  PopDBF so that read-write mode  is on
                    and  finds are  done with  case sensitivity,  use the
                    following command line:
                    POPDBF /TCW    (you can combine options)
     /U             Uninstall (remove) from memory
                    This will remove PopDBF from  memory, but ONLY if  it
                    is the last memory resident program.
                    In some special  cases, even when PopDBF  is the last
                    memory  resident  program it  can't  be removed  from
                    memory.    This occurs  if  another  resident program
                    recaptures one  of the interrupt vectors after PopDBF
                    has  chained into it.  Sidekick is an example of this
                    type of program.
     /X<file>       File name for swapping to Disk
                    If PopDBF swaps to Disk, it can be very beneficial to
                    use  this option  to direct  the swap  file to  a RAM
                    drive  or Network  drive (if  faster than  local hard
                    disk).  This can greatly decrease the swap time.  The
                    default is POPDBF.SWP  in the root  directory on  the
                    current drive.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 19
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Getting Started
     
     /Y<file>       Initial PopDBF File
                    This is very similar to the  Pass-Thru option, but is
                    used for memory resident mode.  This is the file that
                    will be opened when PopDBF is first activated.  It is
                    an especially  nice feature  to  use for  people  who
                    usually access one file.
                    To load PopDBF so that the first time it is popped up
                    it  opens  C:\DBASE\ROLODEX in  Edit mode  with read-
                    write mode on, use the following command line:
                    POPDBF /AE /TW /YC:\DBASE\ROLODEX
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 20
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                     Help
     
     3  Help
     Help is  available in PopDBF only  if the file POPDBF.HLP  is in the
     same directory as POPDBF.EXE, the main program.
     While in Help you  can press the up and  down arrow keys as  well as
     PgUp and PgDn  to scroll the help text.   To get out of  Help, press
     ESCAPE.  
     3.1  Generic Help (Alt-F1)
     You can  get generic help about  the system by  pressing Alt-F1 from
     any area of the program.
     The  generic help explains  the Alt Action  and Toggle  Keys and the
     toggle  indicators.  See  "Alt Menu" on  page 22.   It also explains
     cursor and lite-bar movement.
     3.2  Context Sensitive Help (F1)
     Pressing F1  will provide specific help for any area of PopDBF.  The
     help provided is basically the same text found in this manual and in
     some cases is even more thorough.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 21
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Alt Menu
     
     4  Alt Menu (Alt)
     Pressing  the Alt  key will show  the Alt  menu on  the status line.
     Releasing the Alt key will restore the previous status line. The Alt
     menu is divided  into two  parts, "Action Keys"  and "Toggle  Keys".
     Pressing Alt  and one of the highlighted  Action Keys will cause the
     appropriate   action  to  occur.    Pressing  Alt  and  one  of  the
     highlighted Toggle Keys will toggle the appropriate indicator in the
     indicator  window located  in  the lower  left  border of  the  main
     window.
     4.1  Alt Action Keys
     Alt Action Keys  will have no effect when responding  to an error, a
     prompt,  or  inside  of Help.    They  also  have  no  effect  while
     positioned on a directory in the Pick File window.
     The Alt Action Keys are:
          Alt-A     Append records  in the current database.   Ignored if
                    file access mode is read-only.
          Alt-B     Browse records  in the current database.   If pressed
                    while in  Edit  or Append  is  the same  as  pressing
                    ESCAPE to  abort.   See "Abort  and Lose Changes"  on
                    page 40.
          Alt-E     Edit records in  the current database.   If the  file
                    access mode  is read-only, Edit acts as a full screen
                    record viewer.
          Alt-P     Pick a  different database or directory.   If pressed
                    while in  Edit  or Append  is  the same  as  pressing
                    ESCAPE to abort.
          Alt-S     Setup View of current database.  If  pressed while in
                    Edit or  Append is  the  same as  pressing ESCAPE  to
                    abort.
     There are potentially 12 other Alt Action keys.  These keys are used
     to access  frequently  used  databases.   For  more  information  on
     Frequent  Database Access keys, see FREQUENT DATABASE ACCESS on page
     28.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 22
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Alt Menu
     
     4.2  Alt Toggle Keys
     Alt  Toggle Keys  will function regardless  of where you  are in the
     program.
     The Alt Toggle Keys are:
          Alt-C     Toggles the case  sensitivity indicator between "IC",
                    ignore  case,   and  "CS",  case  sensitive.     This
                    indicator  affects  how the  Find  function does  its
                    search.  See "Find Text" on page 34.
          Alt-D     Toggles  the field border  indicator between "NB", no
                    borders, and  "BO", borders on.   This indicator also
                    affects how the Find function behaves.
          Alt-I     Toggles the insert/overstrike indicator between "IN",
                    insert  mode,  and  "OV",  overstrike   mode.    This
                    indicator affects  how text is placed  into fields in
                    Edit.  It can also be toggled by pressing Insert.
          Alt-M     Toggles the file access mode indicator between  "RO",
                    read-only mode, and "RW", read-write mode.  When  the
                    file access  mode  is  read-only,  you  will  not  be
                    allowed to Edit or Append.
                    On a  NETWORK read-write  mode  will open  files  for
                    EXCLUSIVE access.  Read-only will open files so  that
                    multiple users can have access.  Record level locking
                    is not currently implemented.
                    If opening  a  file  in  read-write  mode  fails,  an
                    attempt  to  open the  file  in  read-only mode  will
                    automatically be made.  If successful, when the  file
                    is  closed, the  mode  will  automatically return  to
                    read-write.
          Alt-F5    Toggle viewing  underlying application screen.   This
                    avoids having to swap out and back.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 23
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Alt Menu
     
     4.3  Toggle Indicator Summary
     The default values for the toggle indicators are given below.
  1. -| RW IC BO OV |–

| | | |

          |  |  |  -- IN/OV: edit mode is insert/overstrike
          |  |  ----- BO/NB: field borders are on/off
          |  -------- IC/CS: case sensitivity is off/on
          ----------- RO/RW: file access mode is read-only/read/write
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 24
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Alt Menu
     
     5  Cursor and Lite-Bar Movement
     UpArrow/DownArrow        Move up or down one entry or line
     Ctrl-UpArrow/Home        First entry or line in current window
     Ctrl-DownArrow/End       Last entry or line in current window
     PgUp                     Move up one "screen"
     PgDn                     Move down one "screen"
     Ctrl-PgUp                Move to first entry or record
     Ctrl-PgDn                Move to last entry or record
     5.1  The "Wordstar" Diamond
     Many  of  the basic  Wordstar  control  key  combinations have  been
     implemented  to maintain  some  compatibility  with other  programs.
     These keystrokes are found in many of the  editors users have become
     familiar with.
     Ctrl-Q    Abort
     Ctrl-E    Move up one entry or line (like UpArrow)
     Ctrl-R    Move up one page or screen (like PgUp)
     Ctrl-A    Move one word to the left (like Ctrl-LeftArrow)
     Ctrl-S    Move one character or field to the left (like LeftArrow)
     Ctrl-D    Move one character or field to the right (like RightArrow)
     Ctrl-F    Move one word to the right (like Ctrl-RightArrow)
     Ctrl-X    Move down one entry or line (like DownArrow)
     Ctrl-C    Move down one page or screen (like PgDn)
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 25
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Pick File
     
     6  Pick File (Alt-P)
     Pressing any  letter will  move the  lite-bar to  the first file  or
     directory that begins with  that letter.  Successive presses  of the
     same letter will move to the next file or directory that begins with
     that  letter.   If  no  file or  directory  begins  with the  letter
     pressed, no movement will occur.
     6.1  Select Directory/File/Index (Enter)
     Pressing ENTER will cause one of the following to occur: 
  • If the file is a directory, you will move to that

directory. Once in that directory the Pick File window is

               refreshed  with the  names of  files that  match the  file
               specification.
  • If the file is a database, the action taken corresponds to

the currently specified Action letter. This can be

               changed  by pressing  F5 (see  "Change Default  Action" on
               page 27).  It is the same as pressing Alt-<action letter>.
  • If the file is an index (.NDX, .IDX, .NTX only), you will

view the index expression used to create it. You can

               press Ctrl-I to change the file specification to show only
               index  files.    Pressing  Ctrl-B  will  change  the  file
               specification back to show only database files.
     6.2  Move to Parent Directory (BackSpace)
     Pressing  BackSpace will  take  you to  the  parent of  the  current
     directory, unless you  are currently  in the root  directory.   This
     feature is especially useful on a network, where no parent directory
     will be shown in the Pick File window, but the function still works.
     The lite  bar will be  positioned on the  name of the  directory you
     came from.
     6.3  Change Directory and/or Drive (F2)
     Pressing  F2 will allow you  to change the  current PopDBF directory
     and/or drive.  The name supplied can be a drive letter followed by a
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 26
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Pick File
     
     colon   (C:),   a   directory   path   (\DBASE\PAYROLL),   or   both
     (C:\DBASE\PAYROLL).
     If the new directory is invalid, an error message will be displayed.
     If it is valid the  file selection window will be filled  with files
     matching the current file specification.
     6.4  Enter A Specific File (F3)
     Pressing  F3 will allow you to  enter a specific file  name.  If the
     file is  not found or  is not  a valid database  or index,  an error
     message  will be  displayed.    If  no  extension  is  entered,  the
     extension  in the file specification will be  used.  This will cause
     an error  if that extension contains  a wildcard (*/?) and  you will
     need to enter the file extension as well.
     6.5  Change File Specification (F4)
     Pressing  F4 will allow you to modify the file specification located
     in   the  upper  right  corner  of   the  main  window.    The  file
     specification is used to determine which files in the current PopDBF
     directory  you  are  allowed   to  pick  from.    Entering   a  file
     specification of *.* will  allow you to pick  from all files,  while
     *.DBF will allow only files with an extension of .DBF.
     The names of any sub-directories in the current PopDBF directory are
     included   for   possible   selection   regardless   of   the   file
     specification.
     6.6  Change Default Action (F5)
     The current default action is displayed in the upper left portion of
     the  file  selection window.    The default  action  determines what
     happens when  you press Enter  and the selection  bar is on  a valid
     database file.  Each press of F5 will change the action as follows:
     Append -> Browse -> Edit -> Setup -> Append, etc.
     The result is the same as holding the Alt key and pressing the first
     letter  of the  appropriate action.   You  can override  the default
     action by  holding the Alt  key and pressing a  different action key
     while the lite bar is positioned on the desired database.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 27
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Pick File
     
     6.7  Delete File (F6)
     Pressing F6  will allow you to delete a file.   You will be asked to
     verify that you really want to delete  the file.  If you answer with
     a Y for yes, the file will be deleted.  Pressing ESCAPE or N for no,
     will cancel the delete.
     When the lite bar is on a directory, this function is ignored.
     6.8  Move to Current DOS Drive & Directory (F10)
     Pressing  F10  will move  you to  the  current DOS  directory.   The
     current DOS directory is the directory you were in before the PopDBF
     hotkey was pressed or when you  loaded PopDBF.  If that directory is
     on  a drive  other than the  current drive,  that drive  becomes the
     current drive as well.
     This is a  handy function to use when you want to move from wherever
     you were using PopDBF last to the directory where you are currently.
     6.9  Frequent Database Access (Alt-1 thru Alt-=)
     To use  this feature  you must  have already  created an  ASCII file
     named  POPDBF.FRQ containing the names  of up to  12 frequently used
     databases.  Multiple POPDBF.FRQ  files can exist.  PopDBF  will look
     first  in the current directory and then in the directory from which
     it was executed, unless the /L  option was specified on the  command
     line.
     Each database name can include a drive identifier and path.  It MUST
     include  file  name and  extension.   Optionally,  each file  can be
     preceded  by an  action letter  and a  space.   See  "Change Default
     Action" on page 27 for more information on action letters.
     Pressing Alt-1 will access the  database whose name is on the  first
     line of this file, Alt-2 will access the second, and so on.  If more
     than 12 lines are included POPDBF.FRQ they are ignored.
     Examples of lines in POPDBF.FRQ:
     C:\ME\DBF\ROLODEX.DBF         (use default action)
     E C:\PERSONAL\MILEAGE.DBF     (open database in Edit mode)
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 28
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                   Pick File
     
     A MILEAGE.DBF                 (open database in Append mode)
     Using this feature while in the middle of Edit or  Append, will save
     any current changes.
     The  mode and current record number is maintained on each frequently
     accessed database.   If you press  Alt-1, then go off  and use other
     files and  press Alt-1 again you  will be returned to  the same mode
     and positioned at the same record.  This is very  handy for toggling
     between any of the 12 possible frequent databases.
     6.10 Show Names of Frequently Accessed Databases (Ctrl-N)
     Pressing Ctrl-N will pop  up a window to show the names of the files
     in  the current frequent  database access file.   Each  name will be
     preceded by  an action letter, if it  was specified.  Currently, you
     can not change these names from within PopDBF.
     6.11 Program Information
     Pressing Ctrl-H will pop up  a window to show you the version of the
     context sensitive help  file, along with other information on PopDBF
     and Bowen Software.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 29
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                  Setup View
     
     7  Setup View (Alt-S)
     Setup View can be used to create a customized view  of the currently
     opened database.  You can select only the fields you want to view in
     Browse or Edit.  You can even order the fields differently than they
     are  physically laid  out  in  the  database.    This  ordering  (as
     described below) is not permanent.
     Pressing any letter  will move the lite-bar to the  first field that
     begins with that letter.  Successive presses of the same letter will
     move  to the next field that  begins with that letter.   If no field
     begins with the letter pressed, no movement will occur.
     7.1  Return To Data (Enter)
     Pressing ENTER  will  return you  to either  Browse or  Edit/Append,
     depending on which you were in last.  This makes  changing the Setup
     View (by pressing  Alt-S) and returning to  data (Browse or  Edit) a
     little easier.
     7.2  Number/Un-Number Fields (Space)
     Pressing  the  SPACE bar  will  number/un-number  the field  at  the
     selection bar.   If any fields are numbered, only  those fields will
     be shown when  you Browse or  Edit records.   The number beside  the
     field determines  the order  in  which it  will be  displayed.   Two
     fields  with  the  same number  will  remain  in  the same  relative
     position to each other.
     Pressing SPACE will automatically move the selection bar down to the
     next field, unless it is on the last field.
     7.3  Clear Field Numbers (F2)
     Pressing  F2  will  clear all  field  numbers,  but  leave the  file
     structure  in the  present order.   This means  that you  can assign
     field numbers,  press F4 to  order the fields,  and then remove  all
     field  numbers by  pressing F2.   This  will allow  you to  view all
     fields but in  an order different from the original.   Field numbers
     are also  cleared when  a new  file is selected  from the  Pick File
     window.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 30
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                  Setup View
     
     7.4  Assign a Specific Field Number (F3)
     Pressing F3 will allow you to assign a specific number (0-1024) to a
     field to  affect its  order.   Assigning a  zero will  un-number the
     field.
     7.5  Order Fields Using Field Numbers (F4)
     Pressing F4 will reorder the fields in  the structure based on their
     field  numbers.   THIS  NEW ORDER  IS  NOT  PERMANENT.   The  actual
     structure  of the  file on  disk is  NOT affected.   To  restore the
     original field order either return  to the Pick File window  and re-
     select the  file or clear all field numbers by pressing F2 and press
     F4 again.
     7.6  Tag/Un-Tag Field for Exclusive Find (F6)
     Pressing  F6  will tag/un-tag  the field  at  the selection  bar for
     exclusive find.  When any fields are tagged for exclusive find, only
     those fields are used when doing a Find or Find Next from Browse  or
     Edit.   Also,  if the  field  border indicator  is  on (see  "Toggle
     Indicators Summary" on page 24), the text being searched for MUST be
     found entirely within  ONE field.   For more  information see  "Find
     Text" on page 34.
     Pressing  F6 will automatically move  the selection bar  down to the
     next field, unless it is on the last field.
     7.7  Clear Exclusive Find Tags (F7)
     Pressing  F7  will turn  off the  exclusive  find indicator  for all
     fields.
     This will  allow Find and Find  Next to locate text  anywhere in the
     record, unless  field  borders are  on,  in which  case it  must  be
     entirely within ONE  field.   Exclusive find tags  are also  cleared
     when a new file is selected from the Pick File window.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 31
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                  Setup View
     
     7.8  Copy File Structure (F8)
     Pressing  F8  will  allow you  to  copy  the  current database  file
     structure  to another  file.    You will  be  prompted  for the  new
     database file name.  Pressing  ESCAPE will abort this function.   If
     any fields are  marked, only  those fields, and  in their  specified
     order, will be copied.
     If the specified file already exists, you will be asked  if you want
     to overwrite it.  NO CHECK IS DONE TO INSURE THAT YOU DO NOT SPECIFY
     THE SAME FILE YOU ARE CURRENTLY VIEWING.
     7.9  Print the File Structure (F9)
     Pressing F9  will  print the  file  structure.   If any  fields  are
     numbered only those fields will be printed.  The file statistics are
     printed first followed by the field structure.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 32
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Browse Records
     
     8  Browse Records (Alt-B)
     8.1  Current Record and Delete Status
     The current record  number and  delete status are  displayed in  the
     bottom border of the Browse window.  See below for directions on how
     to delete a record.
     8.2  Toggle Vertical Separator Bars On/Off (Shift-|)
     Pressing Shift-| (pipe  symbol) will toggle  the vertical  separator
     bars on  and off.   The default  is off.   Viewing can  be a  little
     easier with them  on, but printing is best done  with the separators
     off.
     8.3  Pan the Browse Window (LeftArrow/RightArrow)
     The  LeftArrow and RightArrow will allow you  to pan to the left and
     right, respectively.
     8.4  View Large Fields (Tab/Shift-Tab)
     Tab  and Shift-Tab change  the offset of fields  that are wider than
     the Browse  window.  The offset is  incremented or decremented by 10
     characters.  The current offset is displayed in the upper right-hand
     corner of the Browse window.
     8.5  Zoom the Browse Window (F2)
     Pressing F2  will either expand or contract the Browse window.  When
     expanded  the window shows 18 records and when contracted shows only
     12, but has the advantage of allowing you to see the file statistics
     as well.
     8.6  Goto a Specific Record (F3)
     Pressing  F3 will  prompt you  for a  new record  position.   If the
     record number specified is greater than the number of records in the
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 33
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Browse Records
     
     file, an  error will occur  and the lite-bar  will stay on  the same
     record.
     8.7  Zap Database (F4)
     Pressing F4  will Zap  the current  database.   When  a database  is
     zapped,  all records are  deleted AND  physically removed.   Because
     this  is potentially a dangerous  function, you will  be prompted to
     make sure you  really want to zap the database.   Pressing ESCAPE or
     entering N will abort.  If the database is currently opened in read-
     only (RO) mode, this function will cause an audible beep.
     8.8  Pack Database (F5)
     Pressing F5  will Pack the current database.  When a file is packed,
     all logically deleted records are physically removed.  Because  this
     is  potentially a dangerous function,  you will be  prompted to make
     sure  you really  want to  pack the  database.   Pressing ESCAPE  or
     entering N will abort.  If the database is currently opened in read-
     only (RO) mode, this function will cause an audible beep.
     8.9  Find Text (F7)
     Pressing F7 will prompt you for the text you want to locate.
     Type in the text to find and press ENTER to begin the find.
     Memo fields are not currently searched.
     Date fields  need to be  searched as follows.   If the date  you are
     looking  for is  11/03/89 you  would  enter: "891103"  or "19891103"
     (don't enter the quotes).
     When  the case sensitivity indictor  is off (IC)  finding "don" will
     locate records containing "Don", "DON", and other combinations.   To
     find only  occurrences of  "don", you  must first  turn on  the case
     sensitivity indicator (CS) by pressing Alt-C.
     There may be times that you want to find text only if it occurs in a
     specific field  or fields, not just  anywhere in the record.   To do
     this press Alt-S for the Setup View window.   Now tag the fields you
     want searched exclusively by pressing F6.   When you have tagged the
     fields  to be searched, press ENTER  to return to the Browse window.
     Now Find will search only the fields you tagged.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 34
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Browse Records
     
     By  default,  Find  will  locate  text  even  if  it  crosses  field
     boundaries.   To prevent  this  you can  turn  on the  field  border
     indicator  by pressing Alt-D.  When field  borders are on (BO), text
     must be  found entirely within ONE  field.  Field borders  are on by
     default.
     Find can also  be used to locate deleted records.  Do a find for "*"
     and  make sure that  field borders are  off (NB) and  no fields have
     been tagged for exclusive find.  This will only work  if an asterisk
     is not actually found in one of the database fields.
     Find always begins  with the first  record in the  file.  See  "Find
     Next  Occurrence of  Text" below  to see  how to  start Find  at the
     current record.
     If Find fails an audible beep will sound.
     8.10 Find Next Occurrence of Text (F8)
     Pressing F8 will do a  Find Next.  Find Next always  begins with the
     next record in the file.
     To  start a Find at the current record you can use Find Next.  Press
     F7 and  enter the text  to find  and then press  ESCAPE.   This will
     cause  the find  text window  to disappear.   Now  press F8  and the
     search will begin at the next record.
     If Find Next fails an audible beep will sound.
     8.11 Print Records (F9)
     Pressing F9 prompts for  print parameters and then prints  the data.
     The parameters you will be asked for are the starting record, ending
     record,  if only records matching the find  text should be used, and
     the width of the print line.  Data is printed exactly  as it is seen
     in the Browse window, but more text may be printed if a longer print
     width is specified (this is how you print the additional data to the
     right of the Browse window).
     Print can be used in conjunction with the find text  string to print
     only  records that  contain  certain text.    Find behaves  here  as
     described above under "Find Text".
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 35
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Browse Records
     
     The maximum print width is 250 characters.
     8.12 Turn Century On/Off (Ctrl-K)
     Pressing Ctrl-K will  toggle the century  on or off.   When on,  the
     year  of the  date displays  using four  positions as  in MM/DD/YYYY
     (unless the date format was changed using the configuration program)
     to show the century.
     8.13 Mark Record as Deleted (Ctrl-U)
     Pressing Ctrl-U will toggle the delete status of the current record.
     The delete status  of the current record is displayed  in the bottom
     border of the Browse (and Edit) window.  See  "Find Text" on page 34
     for a tip on how to find deleted records.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 36
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Edit/Append Records
     
     9  Edit/Append Records (Alt-E/Alt-A)
     9.1  Copy a Record (F2)
     Pressing F2 will prompt you for the number of the record you want to
     copy into  the current record.   To append a duplicate  of a current
     record you  must first go into Append by pressing Alt-A.  Then press
     F2 and specify the  number of the record to  copy.  To complete  the
     operation, press PgDn.
     Pressing Ctrl-F2  will also  copy a record,  but will  use the  last
     record you specified to be copied instead of prompting you.  
     9.2  Goto a Specific Record (F3)
     Pressing  F3 works  the same  as it  does in  Browse.   See "Goto  a
     Specific Record" on page 33.
     9.3  Cut Field into Keyboard Paste Buffer (F4)
     Pressing F4 will  "cut" the  current field into  the keyboard  paste
     buffer for  later pasting  inside PopDBF  (using Ctrl-P)  or outside
     PopDBF  (using  Ctrl-Alt-P).   If  data  has  been  cut it  will  be
     indicated by a "P" in the upper right border of the Edit window.
     Trailing blanks are not cut.  Each cut field is terminated by a user
     selected key.  The termination key  is placed into the paste  buffer
     after  the cut  field, unless  it  is ESCAPE.    If a  comma (,)  is
     pressed, an additional space is placed in the paste buffer after it.
     This is  for  use  with  City, State  cuts,  as  well  as  Lastname,
     Firstname cuts.
     If  there is not enough  room to cut the  current field, a beep will
     sound indicating that the field was NOT placed into the buffer.
     The  entire  contents of  the keyboard  paste  buffer can  be pasted
     inside  PopDBF using Ctrl-P or into  an underlying application using
     the  paste  hotkey Ctrl-Alt-P  (the default).    Data can  be pasted
     multiple times.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 37
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Edit/Append Records
     
     The keyboard  paste buffer  is cleared  when a cut  is made  and the
     previous paste buffer had been pasted at least once.  It can also be
     pasted by pressing Shift-F4.
     9.4  Clear Keyboard Paste Buffer (Shift-F4)
     Pressing Shift-F4 will clear the keyboard paste buffer.
     If data has been cut into the keyboard paste buffer, it is indicated
     by a  "P" in the  upper right border  of the Edit window.   Pressing
     Shift-F4 will turn this indicator off.
     9.5  Find Text (F7)
     Pressing F7 works the same as it does in Browse.  See "Find Text" on
     page 34.
     9.6  Find Next Occurrence of Text (F8)
     Pressing F8 works  the same as it  does in Browse.   See "Find  Next
     Occurrence of Text" on page 35.
     9.7  Print Records (F9)
     Pressing  F9 will prompt you for the print parameters and then print
     the data.  Data is printed exactly as it appears  in the Edit/Append
     window.  Blank fields product blank lines.
     The extra  lines parameter can be  used to print labels  even if the
     data you are  using doesn't fill up all the lines  on the label.  It
     defaults to one to space between records (or labels).
     Records requiring  multiple pages  of fields  currently  have to  be
     printed separately.
     Print can be used in conjunction  with the find text string to print
     only  records that  contain  certain text.    Find behaves  here  as
     described above.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 38
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Edit/Append Records
     
     9.8  Field Information (F10)
     Pressing  F10 will pop-up a window  containing information about the
     field  in which the  cursor is  currently positioned.   This  can be
     helpful if you  forget the field  type or want  to know exactly  how
     long it is.
     9.9  Restore Field Data (Ctrl-J)
     Pressing  Ctrl-J will restore the  field's original data.   Once you
     have  moved  to another  record any  changes  that were  made become
     permanent and can NOT be restored.
     9.10 Turn Century On/Off (Ctrl-K)
     Pressing Ctrl-K  works the  same as  it does in  Browse.   See "Turn
     Century On/Off" on page 36.
     9.11 System Date (Ctrl-M)
     Pressing Ctrl-M while in a date  field will place the system date in
     the field.   It will only work  in a character field  if enough room
     remains from  the cursor  to the end  of the  field.   It will  also
     overwrite any existing data in the field at those positions.
     9.12 Move to Last Field Position (Ctrl-N)
     Pressing Ctrl-N will move  the cursor to the last  possible position
     in a field.
     9.13 Restore Entire Record (Ctrl-O)
     Pressing Ctrl-O will restore the entire record's original data.  See
     "Restore  Field Data" above for  when changes in  the current record
     become permanent.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 39
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Edit/Append Records
     
     9.14 Paste Data (Ctrl-P)
     Pressing Ctrl-P will paste  any data currently in the  Paste buffer.
     If  there is data  to paste,  a "P" will  be displayed  in the upper
     right border of the Edit window.
     This feature  can be  used to  copy information from  one part  of a
     record to another or from one record to  another.  You can even copy
     data from a record in one database to a record in another database.
     9.15 Abort and Lose Changes (Ctrl-Q/ESCAPE)
     Pressing Ctrl-Q or ESCAPE  will quit Edit and abort any changes made
     to  the current record will be lost.   If any changes have been made
     you will be asked if you want to lose  the changes.  Pressing ESCAPE
     will  abort and leave you in Edit.  Pressing N will save the changes
     and then  exit, while pressing Y  will exit and the  changes will be
     lost. 
     9.16 Mark Record as Deleted (Ctrl-U)
     Pressing Ctrl-U will toggle the delete status of the current record.
     The  delete status of the current record  is displayed in the bottom
     border of the Edit (and Browse) window.   See "Find Text" on page 34
     for a tip on how to find deleted records.
     9.17 Toggle Verify Mode On/Off (Ctrl-V)
     Pressing Ctrl-V will toggle verify mode.  When verify mode is on you
     will be forced to press ENTER to move on  to the next field.  Verify
     mode is indicated  by a "V"  in the upper right  border of the  Edit
     window.
     9.18 Quit and Save Changes (Ctrl-W/Ctrl-End)
     Pressing Ctrl-W or Ctrl-End will quit Edit and save any changes made
     to the current record.
     9.19 Blank Current Field (Ctrl-Y)
     Pressing Ctrl-Y will fill the current field with spaces.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 40
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Edit/Append Records
     
     9.20 Blank to End of Field (Ctrl-Delete)
     Pressing Ctrl-Delete will delete from the current cursor position in
     the current field to the end of the field.
     9.21 Move to End of Data (End)
     Pressing  the  End key  will  move  the cursor  to  the  first blank
     position after any data entered in the current field.  If the entire
     field is full, the cursor will move to the last position.
     9.22 Move to First Position (Home)
     Pressing the  Home key will move the cursor to the first position of
     the current field.
     9.23 Move Word (Ctrl-LeftArrow/Ctrl-RightArrow)
     Pressing Ctrl-LeftArrow or Ctrl-RightArrow will move one word to the
     left or right, respectively.  You can also use the Wordstar commands
     Ctrl-A and Ctrl-F to do the same functions.
     9.24 Move to First/Last Field (Ctrl-UpArrow/Ctrl-DownArrow)
     Pressing Ctrl-UpArrow and Ctrl-DownArrow will move  to the first and
     last field respectively, on the current screen.
     9.25 Previous Record/Next Record, Same Page (Alt-PgUp/Alt-PgDn)
     Pressing  Alt-PgUp or  Alt-PgDn will  move to  the previous  or next
     record, but  stay on the  same page.   This is  very helpful when  a
     database has more fields than will fit on one page.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 41
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                               Common Questions
     10  Common Questions and Answers
     10.1  How can I change the PopDBF hotkey?
          You  can change both the  main PopDBF hotkey  (defaults to Alt-
          Backspace)  and the  Paste hotkey  (defaults to  Ctrl-Alt-P) by
          using the PopCFG configuration program.
     10.2  Why doesn't PopDBF pop up in the right directory?
          By default PopDBF pops  up in the first directory in  which the
          hotkey is  pressed.  To  load PopDBF  so that it  pops up in  a
          specific directory, regardless of where you  are when you first
          press  the hotkey, use the /D<dir>  command line option (POPDBF
          /Dc:\dbase).
     10.3  Why are files always opened in Browse mode?
          PopDBF  uses the  default action, displayed  in the  upper left
          corner of the  Pick File  window, whenever a  database file  is
          selected.  To  change the default action you can  press F5 from
          the  Pick File window or use the /A<action> command line option
          (POPDBF /Ae).
     10.4  Why doesn't PopDBF display on my Monochrome monitor?
          If you have problems getting PopDBF to display on your monitor,
          use  the /Cm option to  force PopDBF to  use monochrome colors.
          You  could also  use  the configuration  program  to force  the
          current colors to be monochrome.
     10.5  How can I change the PopDBF colors?
          To  change the PopDBF colors  you use the configuration program
          PopCFG.
     10.6  How can I use my extended memory?
          Load  the  device driver  RAMDRIVE.SYS or  VDISK.SYS, following
          directions in your  DOS manual.   Then use the /X  command line
          option and specify the name of  the swap file on the RAM drive.
          This will cause PopDBF to swap in and out exceptionally fast.
     10.7  How can I limit displayed fields in Edit or Browse?
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 42
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                               Common Questions
          After selecting a  database file,  press Alt-S to  go to  Setup
          View.  To mark the fields you want to use press the  SPACE bar.
          Press F4 to see the  order the fields will be displayed  in and
          use F3 to change the order to suit your needs.
     10.8  Why does PopDBF hang when I pop it up on a network?
          When  loading PopDBF in memory resident mode, it must be loaded
          after any network TSR programs (i.e. IPX, NET3, RPRINTER).
          PopDBF  can be loaded first  if it resides  entirely in memory.
          This can be done using the /SN switch.
          When  loading PopDBF  in  swap  mode (to  disk  or EMS)  it  is
          important  to  load it  AFTER programs  which  must be  able to
          operate at all times.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 43
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Error Messages
     11  Error Messages
     11.1  Too many files, Re-install using new /G parm.
          The default  number of files that  will fit into the  Pick File
          window is 100.  This  can be changed using the /G  command line
          option.   Another way to avoid this  error message is to change
          the default file  specification to something  other than  *.DBF
          (which is the default).
     11.2  Too many fields, Re-install using new /F parm.
          The default maximum number of fields a file can have is 64.  To
          change this  use the  /F command  line option.   Until this  is
          fixed, you will  not be  able to load  any databases that  have
          more fields than were specified (64 if none specified).
     11.3  EDIT buffer too small, Re-install using new /E option.
          If the record size of a database is larger than the Edit buffer
          size you  will not be allowed to Edit the database.  To correct
          this  problem, press Alt-S to see the record size and reinstall
          PopDBF using the /E command line option.
     11.4  READ buffer too small, Re-install using new /R option.
          If the  read buffer size is  smaller than the record  size of a
          database, you will not be  allowed to Browse or Edit the  file.
          To correct this problem, press Alt-S to see the record size and
          reinstall  PopDBF using the /R command line option.  A multiple
          of  at  LEAST  12  times  the size  of  the  biggest  record is
          recommended.
     11.5  Not a dBASE compatible file.
          If this message is displayed, the first byte of the file is not
          one of the following:
               03h  -    dBASE3, dBASE4, Foxbase+, FoxPro
               43h  -    dBASE4
               63h  -    dBASE4
               83h  -    dBASE3, Foxbase+ (with memos)
               8bh  -    dBASE4 (with memos)
               f5h  -    FoxPro (with memos)
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 44
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                Error Messages
     11.6  Sharing Violation.
          If  this error  message is  displayed, it  probably means  that
          someone else is using the database on the network.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 45
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Configuring PopDBF
     12  Configuring PopDBF
     The program PopCFG is provided  to allow customized configuration of
     the  PopDBF  program.   You can  use  PopCFG to  change  the colors,
     date/number formats, hotkeys and paste options.
     To execute  the PopDBF  configuration  program, type  the  following
     command line at the DOS prompt:
          POPCFG
     To force monochrome  attributes use  the command line  option /M  by
     typing the following command line at the DOS prompt:
          POPCFG /M
     12.1  The Configuration Main Menu
  1. —–| Configuration Options |——

| Colors |

     |  Date/Numbers Formats             |
     |  main Hotkey                      |
     |  Paste Options                    |
     |  Quit - Do NOT Save Changes       |
     |  eXit - Save Changes              |
     -------------------------------------
     To  execute any menu  option, type the first  capital letter in that
     option  or move  the selection bar  using the  arrow keys  and press
     ENTER.
     If you  press ESCAPE  or select  the Quit option  from the  menu and
     changes have been  made, you  will see  the prompt  "Abort and  lose
     changes [N]?".   To quit and  lose changes you  must then press  the
     letter "Y".  Pressing ENTER or the letter "N" will return you to the
     main menu.
     Changes made using  the configuration program  are written  directly
     into the POPDBF.EXE file.
     12.2  Configuring Colors
     To  change colors  use the  up  and down  arrow keys  to change  the
     category.   Use the left  and right arrows to  change the foreground
     color.  Use Ctrl-left  and Ctrl-right (press  and hold the Ctrl  key
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 46
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Configuring PopDBF
     and then press the left or right arrow key) to change the background
     color.  
     To restore the  default color  for the current  category, press  the
     letter "D".  The  default color is the "factory default", meaning it
     is the way PopDBF was when you first received it.
     To  restore the  color  for  the  current category  to  what  it  is
     currently in the POPDBF.EXE file, press the letter "O".
     To restore all "factory default" colors, press the letter "R".
     Press ESCAPE when you are done making color changes to return to the
     main menu.
     12.3  Configuring Date/Number Formats
  1. ——— Date/Number Formats ———-

| Date Format: U.S. (MM/DD/YY) |

     | date Separator:  /                    |
     | decimal Point:  .                     |
     | Return to Main Menu                   |
     -----------------------------------------
           press ENTER to toggle an option
     The date format rotates through one of the following:
          U.S.          (MM/DD/YY)
          ANSI          (YY/MM/DD)
          European      (DD/MM/YY)
     The date separator  toggles between a slash (/), dash (-) and period
     (.).   When the separator  is changed the  format correctly reflects
     what the date will look like in PopDBF.
     The decimal point toggles between a period (.) and comma (,).
     Press "R" or ESCAPE to return to the main menu.
     12.4  Configuring Main Hotkey
     The main PopDBF hotkey defaults to Alt-Backspace.  It can be changed
     to almost any key combination.  At least one  of the shift keys, Alt
     or Ctrl must be  included.  It can include Alt, Ctrl  and both shift
     keys, but must include at least one of those keys.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 47
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                              Configuring PopDBF
     The left  and right shift  keys are treated  differently.   Left and
     right Alt and Ctrl keys are treated as being the same key.
     After selecting this option you will see:
  1. ——————————————————————

| Main Hotkey Selection: <Alt>Backspace |

     |                                                                 |
     | Enter new hotkey selection (press ESCAPE to cancel):            |
     -------------------------------------------------------------------
     Of  course the main hotkey  selection will display  the current main
     hotkey, which may be different if you have changed it.
     To cancel changing the hotkey, press ESCAPE at this point.
     After you  have pressed the  new main hotkey,  you will be  asked to
     confirm  your selection.    Press "Y"  if  the hotkey  selection  is
     correct.  Press "N" or ESCAPE if you want to change your selection.
     NOTE:     Though it is  possible to have <LShift>A  or other similar
               keys  as the PopDBF hotkey, it is recommended that this be
               avoided.
     12.5  Configuring Paste Options
  1. ——–| Paste Options |———

| Paste Rate |

     | Paste Frequency                 |
     | Paste Hotkey                    |
     | Return to Main Menu             |
     -----------------------------------
     Changing the paste rate, affects the number of keys that are  pasted
     per timer tick.  This is a  number between 1 and 15 and defaults  to
     15, the maximum paste rate.
     Changing the paste frequency determines how many timer ticks to wait
     between  each group of pasted keys.   There are 18.2 timer ticks per
     second.  The  default is 0, which means keys  are pasted every timer
     tick.   This can  be any value  between 0 and  255 (approximately 14
     seconds).
     Changing  the paste hotkey is the  same as changing the main hotkey.
     See "Configuring Main Hotkey" above.
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 48
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                     Index
                    A                                    C
     Action Keys  22                      Change
          Alt-A (Append)  22                   Default Action  27
          Alt-B (Browse)  22                   Directory  26
          Alt-E (Edit)  22                     Disk Drive  26
          Alt-F5 (Screen)  23                  File Specification 
          Alt-P (Pick)  22                          27
          Alt-S (Setup)  22               Clipper  1, 9, 15
     Alt Menu  22                         Colors
     Alt-A  22, 37                             configuration  46
     Alt-B  22, 33                        Command Line Options  13
     Alt-BackSpace  1, 11, 13,                 /A  13
               42, 47                          /C  14
     Alt-E  22, 37                             /D  14
     Alt-F1  21                                /E  14
     Alt-P  22, 26, 37, 42                     /F  15
     Alt-S  15, 22, 30, 34, 43,                /G  15
               44                              /H  16
     Append  1, 3, 13, 14, 17,                 /I  16
               22, 23, 27, 29,                 /L  16
               30, 37, 38                      /P  16
     Append Records  37                        /R  17
     Applications  2                           /S  17
          for Anybody  2                       /T  18
          for Consultants  2                   /U  19
          for Programmers  2                   /X  19
          for Secretaries  2                   /Y  20
     ASP  7, 9                            Compuserve  5-8
     ASP Ombudsman  7                     CONFIG.SYS  8
     AUTOEXEC.BAT  8, 12                  Configuration  12, 36, 42,
                                                    46
                    B                     Configuring PopDBF  46
                                          Copy
     Blank                                     File Structure  32
          Current Field  40                    Record  37
          to End of Field  41             Cursor and Lite-Bar
     Browse  1, 3, 14-17, 19,                       Movement  25
               22, 27, 30, 31,            Cut  1, 37, 38
               33, 34-40, 42,
               44                                        D
     Browse Records  33
     Browse Window                        Date fields
          Panning  33                          searching  34
          Zooming  33                     Date format
                                               configuration  47
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 49
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                     Index
     Dates                                     context sensitive 
          Turn Century On/Off                       11, 21
               36                              Generic Help  21
     dBASE  1, 4, 9, 14, 17,              Hotkey  1, 11-13, 16, 17,
               20, 27, 42, 44                       28, 37, 42, 46,
     dBASE III  1, 9                                47, 48
     dBXL  1, 9                                configuration  47
     Delete                                    default hotkey  1
          current record  36                   Invoking PopDBF  13
          File  28
     Disclaimer  9                                       I
                    E                     Index files
                                               Updating  4
     Edit  1, 3, 4, 12-15, 17,                 using  4
               18, 19, 20, 22,            Installation  11
               23, 24, 27-31,
               36-38, 40, 42,                            J
               44
     Edit Records  37                                    K
     EMS  12, 17, 18, 43
     Enter A Specific File  27                           L
     Exit  1, 12, 17, 40, 46
                                          License  6, 9, 10
                    F                          Registered Version
                                                    License  10
     Field                                     Shareware Version
          exclusive find in  31                     License  9
          selection  30                   Limitations  3
     Find                                 Load order  43
          deleted records  35
          Exclusive  31                                  M
          Next  35
          Text  34                        Memo fields
     Foxbase+  1, 9, 44                        searching  34
     FoxPro  1, 9, 44                     Memory Consumption  12
     Frequent Database Access             Memory Resident  1, 3, 11,
               28                                   12, 13, 19, 20,
                                                    43
                    G                     Modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT  12
                                          Move to
                    H                          Current DOS Drive &
                                                    Directory  28
     Help  3, 7, 11, 13, 21,                   Parent Directory  26
               22, 29
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 50
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                     Index
                    N                     Quit  40, 46
                                               quit Edit and abort
     Network  4, 16, 18, 19,                        any changes  40
               23, 26, 43, 45                  quit Edit and save 
     Number format                                  40
          configuration  47
                                                         R
                    O
                                          RAM Consumption  12
     Options  12, 13, 16, 19,             Registration  5, 6, 9
               46, 48                          for commercial and
     Ordering                                       government  5
          form  5                              How to Register  5
          How to  5                            Registration Benefits 
          using a credit card                       6
               5                               registration fee  5
     Overview  1                          Removing PopDBF from
                                                    Memory  13, 19
                    P                     Restore
                                               Entire Record  39
     Pack Database  34                         Field Data  39
     Pass-Thru  3, 6, 11, 12,             Running PopDBF
               16, 17, 20                      Memory Resident Mode 
     Paste  1, 12, 37, 38, 40,                      11
               42, 46, 48                      Non-Resident Mode  12
          changing frequency 
               48                                        S
          changing hotkey  48
          changing rate  48               Select Directory/File/Inde
          clearing buffer  38                       x  26
          inside PopDBF  40               Setup View  30
          into underlying                 Shareware  1, 5-9
               application  37            Swap to Disk|EMS|None  17
     PC-FILE  1, 9                        Swapping  12, 17-19
     Pick  3, 15, 22, 26, 27,                  specifying name of
               30, 31, 42, 44                       disk file  19
     Pick File  26                             when to avoid  12
     Print
          File Structure  32                             T
          from Browse  35
          from Edit  38                   TapCIS  8
                                          Technical Support  8
                    Q                     Toggle Keys  23
                                               Alt-C (Case)  23
     Questions and Answers  42                 Alt-D (Borders)  23
     Quicksilver  1, 9                         Alt-I (Insert)  23
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 51
     PopDBF                                                 User's Manual
                                     Index
          Alt-M (Mode)  23
     TSR  43
          definition  1
                    U
                    V
     Verify Mode  40
     Viewing specific fields 
               30
                    W
     Warranty  9, 10
     Wordstar commands  25
                    X
                    Y
                    Z
     Zap Database  34
     Copyright (c) 1989-91 Bowen Software                         Page 52
/data/webs/external/dokuwiki/data/pages/archive/programming/hpbook.txt · Last modified: 2001/01/05 02:40 by 127.0.0.1

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