

                               ERASEDIR Ver. 1.0 (c)







OVERVIEW:
---------
ERASEDIR is the safe alternative to KILLDIR.  ERASEDIR was written entirely in
'C' using Borland's C++ compiler ver. 2.0.  ERASEDIR  provides the means to
delete or clear a directory and all its sub-directories. By entering a drive,
path and a function parameter ERASEDIR travels through the directory structure
deleting all files then removing the directory from the structure.  As files
and directories are being deleted or cleared ERASEDIR will display them to the
console.  The program may be launched from anywhere regardless of the directory
to be deleted and without cause of concern (unless of course you give it the
wrong directory).

REMINDER: ERASEDIR will not read minds. It will only do what you tell it to.


COMMAND SYNTAX:
---------------
There are two parameters which are used by ERASEDIR.
1.    drive:\path
2.    /function

drive:\path is the directory you wish to delete.  For example:  C:\TEMP.
/function is the function you wish to perform on the specified directory.

    /D  -  for deleting  the directories (THIS IS THE DEFAULT)
              (deleting files and removing the directories).
    /C  -  for clearing the directories
             (deleting files without removing the directories).


An example of ERASEDIR:
Suppose you wish to delete a directory called TEMP and it is on drive C.
The following command structure would be entered:

                ERASEDIR C:\TEMP /D
                       -or-
                ERASEDIR C:\TEMP

NOTE:  ERASEDIR will not allow you to delete or clear the ROOT DIRECTORY
       (so don't bother trying).
              For example:    C:\




READ-ONLY, HIDDEN AND SYSTEM FILES:
-----------------------------------
Read-only and hidden files will be deleted automatically however, ERASEDIR will
prompt for permission to delete files marked as system files.  If a "NO" reply
is given then the file will not be deleted and the directory will not be
removed.  A "NO" reply is the default.  If you wish to delete the file a "YES"
reply must be given by pressing the "Y" key.

             For example:  *WARNING* File C:\TEMP\FILE1.SYS is a SYSTEM FILE.
                                     Delete anyway Y/(N)? _

At this point you would press the "Y" key to delete the file or press "ENTER"
to continue without deleting the file.


METHOD:
-------
ERASEDIR first switches to the drive specified in the drive:\path parameter.
If the drive exists it then checks to ensure that the directory entered is
valid.  All sub-directories are then found and a directory tree structure is
built internally.  ERASEDIR starts at the bottom of the tree deleting files
then switches up to the next tree level removing the previous tree level.
This process is repeated until all directories in the tree structure are gone.
ERASEDIR has a limit of 256 nested sub-directories.


SOURCE CODE:
------------
Source code may be obtained by contacting the author at the address below.
Source code may be used by an individual in any capacity except for commercial
profit without the written permission from the author.


COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER:
-------------------------
THE AUTHOR CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE USE OF THIS
PROGRAM.  USE OF THIS PROGRAM IS AT THE OWNERS RISK.
THIS VERSION OF ERASEDIR IS HEREBY PLACED IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
ERASEDIR IS INTENDED FOR YOUR PRIVATE, NON COMMERCIAL USE
ONLY.  YOU ARE FREE TO COPY AND DISTRIBUTE THE ERASEDIR PROGRAM AND
DOCUMENTATION.  YOU MAY NOT CHARGE FOR SUCH COPIES OR IN ANY OTHER
WAY SELL THE PROGRAM AND OR OTHERWISE ATTEMPT TO GAIN PROFIT FROM IT OR
ANY MODIFIED VERSION OF IT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR.
THE AUTHOR MAKES NO CLAIMS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, THAT ERASEDIR
OPERATES AS DESIGNED.  THE AUTHOR WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND SUSTAINED THROUGH THE USE OF THE PROGRAM.  BY
USING THE PROGRAM, YOU AUTOMATICALLY AGREE TO THIS.

NOTE:  ALWAYS BACKUP YOUR DATA.

Author:
Copyright (c) 1991 by:
James G. Hawkins
13345 Feldman Place
Herndon, Va.  22070
Ph.  (703) 689-4923
