                                     *************************************
                                     * Program:   SETUP.EXE              *
                                     * Version:   1.0a                   *
                                     * Date:      18th October 1994      * 
                                     * Author:    Simon Barrett          *
                                     *************************************

Description:
------------

SETUP.EXE is a replacement for the file of the same name provided by
Microsoft as part of the Visual Basic Setup Kit.

This version of Setup differs from the Microsoft program in
that the files required for running the main setup program are
copied to a temporary directory which is removed once the main setup 
program has finished.

This has the benefit that:

*    It is possible to install a Visual Basic program even if 
     another VB program is running.

*    Setup will copy the setup files even if there is a clash with open,
     write protected or older versions of files.


Operation:
----------

Once SETUP is run it carries out the following:

*    Creates a temporary directory (BLACKCAT.TMP) in the 
     Windows directory.

*    Copies the files listed in SETUP.LST to this directory (See description 
     of SETUP.LST below).

*    Runs the main installation program (this is the first file in 
     the file list).

*    Deletes the files in the temporary directory and removes the directory.


SETUP.LST:
----------

A SETUP.LST file must be included on the first installation disc and
must take the following format.

*    Files that are to be copied by SETUP are listed on separate lines.

*    The part of the line before the = sign is the name of the file on
     the setup disc.

*    The part after the = sign is the name of the file once it is 
     copied to the temporary directory.

*    Comments can be included staring with a semi-colon.

*    There is a limit of 20 files.

*    All files to be copied by SETUP must be on the first disc.

*    Setup will copy and decompress compressed files.

     
Example:
--------
     
     mysetup.ex_   = mysetup.exe
     vbrun200.dl_  = vbrun200.dll
     threed.vb_    = threed.vbx
     ver.dl_       = ver.dll
     blackcat.dl_  = blackcat.dll


Also included with this version of SETUP.EXE is BLACKCAT.DLL.

BLACKCAT.DLL is a replacement for SETUPKIT.DLL and is needed if the
main setup program is to run correctly.  See the section below on 
adapting SETUP1.MAK for use with this version of SETUP.


Adapting SETUP1.MAK for use with SETUP.EXE:
-------------------------------------------

Because files are copied to a temporary directory there are a 
few implications for the format of the example Setup program
provided with Visual Basic.

*    All 'Declare' statements for SETUPKIT.DLL should be removed.

*    The following Declare statement should be used instead:

     Declare Function DiskSpaceFree Lib "BLACKCAT.DLL" (ByVal Drive As Integer) As Long

     
     Function GetDiskSpaceFree (drive As String) As Long
       Dim d As Integer
       d = (Asc(UCase$(Left$(drive, 1)))) - 64
       GetDiskSpaceFree = DiskSpaceFree(d)
     End Function

*    d represents the drive for which information about the amount of
     free space is required A: = 1,  B: = 2,  C: = 3 etc.

*    If changes are made to the current drive and/or directory as in
     'CreatePath' and 'IsPathValid' the drive and directory should be
     returned to App.Path before a call is made to a 'dll'.  This is 
     necessary as Visual Basic loads a DLL when a call is made to a
     DLL function rather than when the program loads.

*    SETUP passes the source path with a trailing '\' as a parameter
     when it runs the main installation program.


Registering SETUP.EXE:
----------------------

By registering SETUP.EXE you will obtain the following benefits:

*    Receive full version without 'Register' message.

*    Receive technical support and advice concerning the use of
     SETUP.EXE and BLACKCAT.DLL

*    Receive updates from time to time.

The cost of registering is $12 by contacting me at:

    Simon Barrett
    The Barn, Cwm Camlais,
    Brecon, Powys, U.K. LD3 8TD
    Phone +44 (0) 874 636835
    FAX   +44 (0) 874 636835
    Compuserve: 100102,1247
    Internet:   100102,1247@compuserve.com


Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
 

