Text Delimiter v1.0

                              c1991 Gerry Genson

         The purpose of writing this program was to save hours of
         retyping in data so that I could convert the data to a new
         database program (INFORMER II). Many database programs can
         import data in a delimited file format. Basically this is
         with the data fields separated by commas. There are, however,
         very few that can read SDF (standard data format), which is
         just a text listing of the data. Any database program can
         create type of file by just printing a report to a disk file
         instead of a printer. This program will convert SDF files to
         delimited files.

         STEP 1

         Use your database program to print a report or listing of the
         data. You can also use the information of any source whose
         data is in a strictly defined format, such as bulletin board
         file listings.

         STEP 2

         Run 'DELIMITR.PRG'.

         Use the file selector box to find the source data file. When
         the main dialog box appears, it should contain the first line
         of the source data file. Don't worry if some of the line
         seems to be missing. This bug is caused by the mouse pointer
         moving through the data line. It will not effect the output
         of the program. I tried to get it out but was unable to
         figure out a way to do it. Use the arrow buttons to move the
         '^' pointer to the spot in the line where you would like the
         first field to end. Click on the CUT button. The portion of
         the line that will appear in this field will be highlighted.
         Next, click on one of the following buttons.

         TEXT - This will put quote marks around the data in the
         delimited file.
         NUMERIC - For numbers only. No quote marks will be outputed.
         EXTRACT - For any information that you don't want in the
         final data file.

         The next data field will start with the next character in the
         line. Continue inputting lines until the entire record is
         read. An example of a multiple line record would be a list of
         names and addresses. Up to six lines can be inputed including
         blank lines which might appear between records in the source
         data file.

         If you make a mistake and cut the line in the wrong place you
         can correct it by moving the pointer back to the last
         cut-point and again clicking on the CUT button. This will












         remove the last field. You cannot go back to a previous line
         though. You will have to abort the process and start over.

         When you are finished with the entire record, click on the
         CREATE button. This will bring up another file selector box
         used to locate the output file. The default is OUTPUT.DEL in
         the same directory as the program file. I strongly suggest
         using a ramdisk program if you have enough memory for it. The
         program reads one line and writes one line at a time. This
         causes the disk drive to work overtime. You will need
         slightly more than twice the memory needed for the source
         file if you do decide to use a ramdisk.

         No shareware program would be complete without a plea for
         funds. I used a dialog box to get my message across. Once the
         delimited file is created, the mouse pointer will become
         visible again. Click anywhere in the dialog box and you will
         be returned to the desktop.

         I realize that this type of program would likely be used just
         once. That makes it hard to sell as shareware, because my
         name doesn't get the exposure that it needs to make you feel
         guilty for continuing to use the program without paying for
         it. So I ask you to think of me whenever you use the data
         that I've saved you from typing in. I'm asking just five
         dollars for this program. Please send it to the address
         below.

                  Gerry Genson
                  131 Lincoln Blvd.
                  Kenmore, NY   14217