WinUpD8R Main Index

Using WinUpD8R

Main Dialog Controls

Options Dialog Controls


Using WinUpD8R

Introduction

WinUpD8R was written to help manage files between two or more computers.  Many people want to work at home on projects for work (and vice-versa...) and find it clumsy keeping the file versions on each machine consistent.  WinUpD8R solves this problem by using a floppy disk as an intermediary between machines.  Files on the floppy can be automatically UpD8ed from the first machine and then used to automatically update the second machine.

Setting Up WinUpD8R

Before using WinUpD8R you'll need to set up a floppy disk to serve as your transfer medium.  You'll also want to review the default option settings.  You may wish to review the operation of the Main Dialog controls and the Options Dialog controls before proceeding.

The following examples are suggestions for possible methods of using WinUpD8R.

If you were farsighted enough to have your directory structures on your two machines match and have less that 100 files in each directory you wish to keep up to date try the following:

Note:  Since WinUpD8R can independently choose the two paths, it is NOT necessary to maintain identical directory structures - only easier for the brain to keep track of...

1.  Format a floppy compatible with both machines and create a directory tree on it which matches the paths to each directory you wish to keep UpD8ed.  For instance, if you have a directory  on path C:\DATA\EXCEL and another on D:\WORD\WINWORD you would create a floppy with directories B:\DATA\EXCEL and B:\WORD\WINWORD (assuming you were using drive [b]).

2.  Run WinUpD8R and set the UpD8 Modes control (in the Options Dialog Box) to Add New Files Bidirectionally.  Set other controls to your preference.  In the Main Dialog Box, select matching directories (for instance  B:\DATA\EXCEL and C:\DATA\EXCEL).  Press the UpD8 button and the files from your hard drive will be copied onto the floppy disk.  Repeat this step for each pair of directories which you want on this floppy.

3.  On your second machine, repeat the above process and the floppy will now contain:

        The most current version of each file which resided on both machines.

        A copy of each file which previously resided on only one of the machines.

4.  Repeat with the first machine and your machines will now be fully UpD8ed.

5.  Each time you finish working on a machine, run WinUpD8R on the directories you have been working in.  You'll find that not needing to remember exactly which files you've changed at the end of the day will become a real convenience to you.  When you start working on the other machine, run WinUpD8R on the directories you'll be working with to assure access to the most current file versions.

The above approach, while the most straightforward, may not suit your needs.  If you have non-data files in the same directories that your data files are in, you may want to try the following approach:

1.  Format a floppy compatible with both machines and create a directory tree on it which matches the paths to each directory you wish to keep UpD8ed.  For instance, if you have a directory  on path C:\DATA\EXCEL and another on D:\WORD\WINWORD you would create a floppy with directories B:\DATA\EXCEL and B:\WORD\WINWORD (assuming you were using drive [b]).

2.  Manually transfer the specific files from each directory on your hard drive to the appropriate directory on the floppy.  On your second machine, manually transfer any additional files to the floppy drive.

3.  Run WinUpD8R and set the UpD8 Modes control (in the Options Dialog Box) to Add New Files From Dir 1 To Dir 2.  Set other controls to your preference.  In the Main Dialog Box, select matching directories (for instance  B:\DATA\EXCEL and C:\DATA\EXCEL) making sure the floppy drive is selected as Dir 1.  Press the UpD8 button and the files from your hard drive will be UpD8ed and any files not on Dir 2 copied to the hard drive as well.  Repeat this step for each pair of directories

4.  On your second machine, repeat the above process and your machines will now be fully UpD8ed.

5.  Each time you finish working on a machine, run WinUpD8R on the directories you have been working in.  You'll find that not needing to remember exactly which files you've changed at the end of the day will become a real convenience to you.  When you start working on the other machine, run WinUpD8R on the directories you'll be working with to assure access to the most current file versions.


Main Dialog Controls

The Main Dialog contains the following controls:

Options...

Opens the Options Dialog window allowing permanent or temporary modifications to WinUpD8R's control settings.

UpD8

Launches actual file operations by WinUpD8R

Done

Closes WinUpD8R

Help

How you got here...

Directories 1/2 Pick Lists

Double clicking in the list allows the user to select the desired drive and directory for the source and destination of the update.  These appear in the Dir 1 and Dir 2 displays.

Dir 1/2 Displays

These two boxes display the selected directories, also referred to in the Options Dialog as Dir 1 and Dir 2.


Options Dialog Controls

The Options Dialog contains the following controls:

UpD8 Modes:           One of the following three selections must be chosen:

UpD8 Matching Files Only

This selection only allows WinUpD8R to work on files with the same name in each of the selected directories.

Add New Files From 1 to 2

This selection UpD8s all the files with the same name in each directory  and copies any files in Dir 1 that do not exist in Dir 2 into Dir 2.

Add New Files Bidirectionally

This selection UpD8s all the files with the same name in each directory  and copies any files in Dir 1 that do not exist in Dir 2 into Dir 2 and copies any files in Dir 2 that do not exist in Dir 1 into Dir 1.

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Confirm On Each File

If this box is checked, WinUpD8R asks for confirmation (by pressing OK) before each file operation.  This can become rather tedious and is not recommended once some experience is gained with the program.

Create Backup Files

If this box is checked, WinUpD8R makes a backup copy (by renaming the older of the two matching files to a .BAK extension).

Save As Default Settings

Checking this box causes WinUpD8R to change the option settings permanently in WINUPD8R.INI.  If this box is not checked on exiting the dialog, the changes will only be used for the current session.  This control is reset each time Options is opened and so must be checked each time you wish to permanently update the .INI file.

OK

Pressing this button exits the Options Dialog and temporarily or permanently stores the new settings.

CANCEL

Pressing this button exits the Options Dialog without changing the settings.


Main Dialog

The primary control window for WinUpD8R.  This window contains the Dir 1, Dir 2 displays, the Directories 1 and Directories 2 pick lists, as well as the control buttons for UpD8, Options, Done and Help.


Options Dialog

This dialog box allows the user to select the UpD8 Mode as well as toggling the check boxes for Create Backup Files and Confirm On Each File.