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*                                                             *
*              Patch/Unpatch, tools for Backward II           *
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*              V 1.10 by Cyrille Dupuydauby                   *
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Introduction:
-------------
In the old times, the only ATARI product was the ST line. Later,
new and more powerful models did appear. The Falcon is the latest
ATARI computer. Sadly, many programs written for the old ST line
wasn't able to run on the new bird.

That's why Backward (among other programs, such as STE2FALC, MAGI
, VCB or FALCONSX) was created.

Backward was the most evolving program, improving with each new
version. But sadly, it appears to me that some problems could
never be solved with such a solution : Backward tries to recover
from errors, but some of them are unrecoverable.

The only solution was to modify the program BEFORE it was run.
That's why the PATCH.GTP program is provided.

FOREWORD:
---------
BEWARE, this piece of software MODIFY programs. So please make
backup copies BEFORE running it.
The UNPATCH.GTP program is provided
for cancelling modifications, BUT as it is the first release, bugs can
still lie around, so take the time for a backup.


How it works:
-------------
The PATCH.GTP programs reads a script file (given as the only parameter)
and does the patches specified in this script.
The UNPATCH.GTP programs reads a script file (given as the only parameter)
and undoes the patches made by PATCH.GTP.

How to use it:
--------------
There is two methods:

Simple:
- Just drag a script file (with a PTC suffix) on PATCH.GTP (or UNPATCH.GTP)
and then follow the instruction given.

Complicated:
- Double click on PATCH.GTP (or UNPATCH.GTP) and then specify the filename
of the script (including the .PTC suffix). Then follows the instruction.


MANUAL:
-------
Here you will find more explainations.

(1) What PATCH.GTP can do:

It can modify KNOWN programs, thus allowing to use them with Backward. BUT
they won't be able to run on ST. For going back to the normal version,
use UNPATCH.GTP. The list of patches available is given in the PATCHES.LST
file.

(2) What PATCH.GTP can not do:

Modify UNKNWON programs. Sorry, it cannot guess what to do yet.

(3) How to really use PATCH.GTP:

First, take a look at the PATCHES.LST file, which contains the patches
available.

If you find one of your program here (for instance Road Runner), note
the file name of the script.

Then drag the script file (ROADRUNN.PTC with the given example) on PATCH.GTP.

Then follow the given instructions.

For undoing the patch, just use the same scriptfile with UNPATCH.GTP.

(4) Standard instructions:
Here is a list of instructions that you may be given.

'Insert xxxx disk in drive A': well it's easy. This message is usually
displayed for bootsector games. A number may be given (disk 1 for instance)
for games in multiple disks.

'Locate main program': this message appears as the title of a fileselector.
It means you have to select the main program (the one which have to be
doubly clicked).

'Old values not recognized ...': well, it means that PATCH.GTP has not
recognized the program. May be you have selected a wrong script or you
have a different version of the program. You will have to run UNPATCH.GTP
to cancel what has already been done (ignoring error messages). Or another
cause, your program is packed, then you have to unpack it (if possible)
before patching it.

Other messages means that the script file is corrupted (bad news indeed).

(5) I have a program which is not in the list:
Two possibilities :
- the program runs already with Backward. Then it does'nt need any patch.
- the program still resists to Backward. Then a patch is needed.

If you are a registered user, just send me a copy of your program (a full
useable copy if possible) with a blank HD disk (for mail charges).
You will receive back the latest Backward version and a patch script for
your program. PLEASE TRY YOUR PROGRAM WITH BACKWARD FIRST.

If you are not registered, maybe it's time to register.

Which programs cannot be patched ?
-------------------------------
Many programs may not be patched:
- programs with complicated protection (such as checksums, encryption ...).
 Because patching would mean also cracking them which is illegal.

- packed programs. Patching them implies depacking and repacking with
unknown methods.



THE future:
-----------

As it is the first version of this tool, it is still very crude (infamous
interface 'a la DOS'), many improvments can be done.

If you want a doc file about script format, please write me.


Historic:
---------
V 1.10:
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A little improvments in file/boot handling.