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                       Ŀ   SYSTEM Ŀ   Ŀ
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                      Version 2.1    07/98
                      By Jim Sivage  All Rights Reserved
                      System Safe is Year 2000 Compliant.
                      Safeguard you system with System Safe.
                      Features Mouse Support. Automated Protection.
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                             SYSTEM SAFE README                      
      

This is all of System Safe's text and online help files compiled into one
manual.

Note: Readme.exe contains this same information and gives you navigational
      menu choices.

   Installation instructions begin on line # 140.

WHAT IS SYSTEM SAFE?
System Safe is a system recovery program designed to survive a computer crash
resulting from an array of causes.  Chances are, if System Safe cannot revive
your system then nothing will. You must first install this program and have
it actively running in your system before it can be of value in the event of
a future crash.

HOW DOES SYSTEM SAFE WORK?
Ever so often, I had the unfortunate experience of system crashes. In my
desperation, I went out and bought a $50.00 diagnostic program (not named)
that done many things including save a snapshot of my system files. The
problem is, you have to manually run the program and from there, save the
snapshot. This is great except first, it didn't save enough of the system
files to be useful and secondly, since you manually had to do it, it might
be two or three months before you get around to the procedure again. By
this time, your snapshot system files could be obsolete. Useless.

The advantage of System Safe is, it will run from your autoexec.bat file which
is a startup file located in your root directory. After you install this
program, it is included in your autoexec.bat file, and loads each time your
computer is booted up. Upon loading, it checks to determine the last date it
took a snapshot of your system. With its user interface, you can set the
number of days between each update, determine program and data directories,
set the run file name, recover system data, uninstall System Safe and more.

System Safe alternates a set of two update snapshots and uses the level of
protection you choose.

You can't ask for better protection.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

* Windows 95

There is no version of System Safe available for Windows 3.x.

IS SYSTEM SAFE A WINDOWS APPLICATION OR A DOS APPLICATION?921 Return to menu
Please imagine if you will...your computer has just been turned on. Your memory
check clicks by, then a beep, next you see your general computer information
come up on the screen and you wait... Suddenly the message you've been waiting
on... Starting Windows 95. Then it happens. Just pops up on the screen. A
message telling you the windows operating system will not load up. 

As you can see, at this point, a Windows application would be useless.
System Safe is a DOS based program not dependant on Windows.

JUST HOW DURABLE IS SYSTEM SAFE?
While System Safe can handle most anything it encounters in accordance to a
system failure, it is not fool proof. It cannot guard against accidental or
intentional deletion of system files, unless they are confined to the Windows
and/or Windows\System directories and you've updated those recently.

So because of this and the many quirks experienced in computer systems, I
must include this clause:

I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE INCURRED BY SYSTEM SAFE. SYSTEM SAFE IS
PROVIDED AS-IS WITH NO WARRANTY EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. SYSTEM SAFE HAS
BEEN TESTED EXTENSIVELY AND SHOULD PROVE TO BE A GREAT ASSET TO YOUR PEACE OF
MIND AND YOUR COMPUTER.

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                          REGISTERING SYSTEM SAFE                    
      

System Safe is not freeware. It is shareware.
You may distribute the shareware edition as freely as you would like,
providing you keep all files in tact. You may not freely distribute the
passcode.

Registration is easy and affordable.   Just $5
Registration gives you the passcode that switches System Safe to the
registered version. It also makes you available for any future updates or
enhancements.

Use of System Safe is allowed for 30 days. After this time, you are expected
to register. Registering System Safe will make all the features available to
you. I feel you will find System Safe a great asset and I am convinced in
your integrity and desire to do the right thing.

This work is dedicated to God and my family.

Once the settings are made, System Safe will automatically keep your system
updated without intervention.

System Safe activates each time you turn on your computer and checks if an
update is due. For those of you who keep your computer on all the time,
I offer solutions on how to keep your updates current and automatic which
you will find in the help file  Panel3.exe or below in the section: Install
System Safe.

To Register...

Send Check or Money Order to:

System Safe
%Jim Sivage
610 N 18
Fort Smith, Ar.  72901

Make payable to Jim Sivage.

Remember to include your Name & Mailing Address.
The passcode will be mailed to you promptly.
If you include your e-mail address, I will e-mail it to you instead for
faster delivery.

If you have any questions or comments please include in your registration
or e-mail me at: jimmyb@iso.net

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                           INSTALL SYSTEM SAFE                       
      

System Safe can be installed using Winzip or installed from DOS.

* Winzip
  Choose open, choose SSAFEV20.ZIP and double click on Install.

* DOS
  Create a temporary directory on your hard drive and unzip the files to
  there using Winzip or Pkunzip. Then switch to that directory and run
  Install.exe. 

Once you've run Install.exe...

Change current directory in which to install
   Choose this function to determine the directory that will contain the
   System Safe program. Note: The drive letter depicted here must be the
   same as your startup hard drive.

   Once you name this directory from here, the only way to rename it
   afterward will be to use System Safe's Uninstall feature, then re-install
   System Safe.

Change current system data update directory
   Choose this function to determine the directory that will contain the
   data update files. Note: The drive letter depicted here must be the
   same as your startup hard drive.

   WARNING! This directory will become a hidden system directory. Any
   attempts to rename this directory after this install or move this
   directory or re-arrange the files contained within could and/or will
   cause disruptions and the inability to update/restore your system files.

   Once you name this directory from here, the only way to rename it
   afterward will be to use System Safe's Uninstall feature, then re-install
   System Safe.

Change current run file to run System Safe from C:\
   Choose this option if you wish to change the run file from the root
   directory of drive C. The default is Safe.bat. After installed, you may
   switch to the C:\ prompt and type  [ Safe ]  and the System Safe
   interface panel will appear. If you change it, use a word that's easy
   for you to remember because in the event you need to recover your system
   files, you may not want the added stress of remembering a complicated
   word. Another point is to keep this word at eight characters or less or
   you may find yourself typing something like: recove~1  when you really
   intended the word:  recover_system. This file may be renamed at any time
   as long as you keep the .bat file name extension.
   
Choose how many days between level updates
   From here you can choose how many days between each update. The range
   is 1-20 days. There are two times when System Safe checks to see if
   an update is due. 1) Upon computer startup and  2) When you exit the
   System Safe program interface. For all those who never turn off your
   computer, here is how to occasionally update the two alternating sets
   that System Safe saves. If you have System Agent that comes with
   Microsoft's Windows 95 Plus package you can set System Agent to run
   System Safe's monitor periodically. Note: For best results, set
   System Safe's days between updates either equal to or less than the
   amount of days Systems Agent checks. If you don't have System Agent,
   then there are other third-party schedulers available, many on the
   internet. Ideally if you set System Agent, or a third-party scheduler,
   to check every seven days, then you need to set System Safe to check
   every six or seven days.
   This feature will also be available from the uninstall panel.

Uninstall Note
   System Safe understands the importance of a total and complete clean
   uninstall. I hope you never find the need to do so, but if you do, you
   can do this from the uninstall panel available after you install System
   Safe.

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                               UPDATE PANEL                          
      

Set Protection Level
   There are three levels of protection from which to choose, depending on
   your needs. If you change this setting, you will automatically update.

Level 1  Crucial Files
   Choose this level to update only the basic DOS and Windows system files.

Level 2  Crucial Plus
   Choose this level to update the basic DOS and Windows system files and
   update many of Windows additional startup protocols.
   
Level 3  Crucial Maximum   (Available only in the registered version.)
   Choose this level to update the basic DOS and Windows system files and
   update many of Windows additional startup protocols.
   Plus, you will have the added protection of Windows arsenal of critical
   DLL, VXD, DRV and other files. Choose this setting only if you're
   thoroughly serious about system protection. (Could take 100+ meg.)

Create my System Safe recovery disk
   Highly recommended. You should create a recovery disk soon after
   installing System Safe. In the event your system crashes and Windows
   will not start, just place your System Safe recovery disk in floppy
   drive A: and restart your computer. Windows 95 should start from the
   disk and take you directly to the System Safe interface, provided
   System Safe is still in-tact on your hard drive, and you should be able
   to recover from the restore panel. See more information on system
   recovery in recovery help. This help is available in the file:
   Panel2.exe. If you are unable to start your computer with the recovery
   disk, you have more serious problems, possibly hardware related.
   Seek a qualified computer technician to examine your machine.

   I believe you'll find that System Safe will safeguard against a great
   number of mishaps.

   When creating a recovery disk, You will be asked to insert a blank disk
   into Drive A or B. Be certain the floppy you use is blank because System
   Safe uses direct file transfer to create your recovery disk. Once you're
   completely sure, you can select the drive letter of the floppy and are
   asked if you're sure the disk is indeed blank. Pressing [C] will let you
   continue the process. Any other key will abort the process so you can
   exit from System Safe to check the disk. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE DISK
   BE BLANK BEFORE MAKING IT A RECOVERY DISK.

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                              RECOVER SYSTEM                         
      

For best results, recover your system using System Safe from DOS. Not shelled
to DOS from Windows.

Emergency Recovery . . . When is the best time to recover?
   There are generally two ideal times a recovery should be performed.
   1) After a crash, then resulting ill effects occur, i.e. inability to
      properly start Windows or inability to startup DOS or when you observe
      unusual startup error messages or are forced into 'safe mode'.
   2) Typically, after a major install wherein you receive improper effects
      similar to those experienced above.

I have two update sets. Which recovery set do I use.
   System Safe provides you with two alternating sets of updates in order to
   maximize your chances of a secure recovery. The one you choose depends on
   your system settings. When System Safe restores your system files, it
   totally replaces your existing ones. You want to go 'back' far enough to
   restore from a good, uncorrupted set, but not so far back that the old
   system files does not reflect your recent program installs and system
   setting changes. That's why System Safe allows a range of 1 to 20 days
   between updates. The ideal setting is 3-5 days. If your setting is 1-2,
   then choose the earliest date. if your setting is 3-20, then your most
   recent should be adequate. However, if you find it corrupt, then choose
   the earliest date.

   Note: If you've updated from both sets and still experience ill effects,
         then chances are either both sets are corrupt or you have a more
         serious problem such as, hardware, or hardware conflicts, or a
         computer virus. In either case, first eliminate hardware and virus
         possibilities and re-install Windows 95. Refer to an authorized
         computer technician.

Folder Help...

Recover my level settings from update set A
   Choose this option to recover from set A. Refer to Emergency Recovery
   above to determine the best recovery strategy. If you've just installed
   and not yet updated, then recovery is not yet possible.

Recover my level option from update set B
   Choose this setting to recover from set B. Refer to Emergency Recovery
   above to determine the best recovery strategy. If you've just installed
   and not yet updated, then recovery is not yet possible.

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                          UNINSTALL SYSTEM SAFE                      
      

Choose how many days between level updates
   From here you can choose how many days between each update. The range
   is 1-20 days. There are two times when System Safe checks to see if
   an update is due. 1) Upon computer startup and  2) When you exit the
   System Safe program interface. For all those who never turn off your
   computer, here is how to occasionally update the two alternating sets
   that System Safe saves. If you have System Agent that comes with
   Microsoft's Windows 95 Plus package you can set System Agent to run
   System Safe's monitor periodically. Note: For best results, set
   System Safe's days between updates either equal to or less than the
   amount of days Systems Agent checks. If you don't have System Agent,
   then there are other third-party schedulers available, many on the
   internet. Ideally if you set System Agent, or a third-party scheduler,
   to check every seven days, then you need to set System Safe to check
   every six or seven days.
   This feature was also available from the install panel.

Uninstall System Safe
   System Safe understands the importance of a total and complete clean
   uninstall. I hope you never find the need to do so, but if you do, here
   is the proper method.

   When you choose Uninstall, you will be asked if you're sure. If yes
   then System Safe will create a temporary batch file in your root
   directory called unsafe.bat. You will be prompted to type the word
   [ unsafe ] to start the process which will completely remove System
   Safe. Notice I use the file name [ unsafe ]. That's because removing
   System Safe is an unsafe practice. It not only removes the program, but
   also the updated data files making it impossible to recover your
   system. Finally, you will be asked to delete unsafe.bat itself thus
   removing every trace of System Safe.

   Remember, to re-install System Safe...

System Safe can be installed using Winzip or installed from DOS.

* Winzip
  Choose open, choose SSAFEV20.ZIP and double click on Install.

* DOS
  Create a temporary directory on your hard drive and unzip the files to
  there using Winzip or Pkunzip. Then switch to that directory and run
  Install.exe. 

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                               FINAL NOTES                           
      

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
   As you've noticed in the heading of this and other System Safe help files,
   this program is year 2000 compliant. This means that when the year 2000
   comes, this program will continue to function normally because it uses the
   date format MM-DD-YYYY in its internal structure to determine when the
   next update will occur.

   How does this measure into the scheme of things?

   Well, when the year 2000 comes around, it will see 01-01-2000 instead of
   trying to revert to seeing 01-01-1900, or more accurately 01-01-00, where
   it sees 00 as 1900.

   The translation: When many of your programs fail to function, you can have
   the assurance that System Safe won't even notice the woes of the other
   programs around it.

AUTOMATED PROTECTION
   Just Install, Set and Go. System Safe will quietly safeguard you system by
   providing timely updates according to your settings so that one dreadful
   day when your system fails, System Safe can take the edge off by restoring
   your system and peace of mind.

MEMORY FRIENDLY
   System Safe is memory and resource friendly because it is not a terminate
   and stay program (TSR). Once System Safe loads, determines update and the
   program exits, it is no longer in memory taking up space. This is why it's
   important you shut down you computer occasionally and restart. If you
   leave you machine on all the time or for extended periods, you can still
   run System Safe on a schedule. You will find this solution in the Install
   section above.

ALTERNATING SETS
   Remember, to double your protection, System Safe updates two different sets
   of your system files. This method is designed for the purpose of an optimum
   success rate of recovery. Should you ever have to access these files
   directly, they can be found in the hidden directory you set during
   installation under the subdirectories of safe1 and safe2. In these disk
   safes you will find the subdirectories of levels. Just choose the
   directory according to your last set level.

KEY.COM
   This file to be used in the event of a partial install of System Safe.

   If for some reason an incomplete installation of System Safe has occurred
   a lockout will follow. This program unlocks System Safe and allows a new
   installation to be completed.

   The reason for this 'lockout'.
   During a normal installation, System Safe lets you set the program and
   update data directories. Once these are set and the installation is
   finished, you cannot re-install until you first uninstall. If you try
   to re-install without uninstalling first, you get a message telling you
   to uninstall first. Well, I think you get the picture.

   This prevents the directories from being disrupted and unavailable for a
   recovery.

   WARNING! EXECUTING THIS FUNCTION WILL CAUSE YOU TO HAVE TO COMPLETELY
   RE-INSTALL SYSTEM SAFE.

   To execute this function type [ key safe ] at the DOS prompt.

START UP SCREEN DISPLAYS ENHANCED COLOR OUTLINES
   Because of the palettes used to color the logo and progress bar at
   startup, the Windows 95 start up screen may display enhanced color
   outlines. No ill effects are being produced to your system.

MOUSE SUPPORT
   System Safe offers mouse support, but onn some systems, the program may not
   work properly until a DOS mouse driver

SYSTEM SAFE'S PERFORMANCE
   I've tested System Safe during and after production. If you experience
   anything unusual while using System Safe, please email me.

   Email: jimmyb@iso.net

   You're welcome to visit my website at:

   http://www.iso.net/~jimmyb/
