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  The FileTyper Frequently Asked Questions List
        Éfor people who donÕt read manuals.
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Q:  I CHANGED THE TYPE OF A FILE FROM FORMAT A TO FORMAT B, BUT MY PROGRAMS CAN'T READ IT AS FORMAT B. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

A:  FileTyper is NOT a translation utility. It doesnÕt convert files from one format to another. It only lets you edit the codes that the Finder and other applications use to determine the kind of file, and what application it belongs to. If you want to translate a file from one word processor format to another, you need to use another utility. (Most programs provide translators for files of similar programs.)

In general, if you donÕt completely understand how the Finder uses type and creator codes, then you shouldnÕt try to edit them at all.


Q : WHATÕS ALL THIS ABOUT ENABLING AND DISABLING?

A:  FileTyper can do three things to a Finder flag: set it, clear it, or leave it alone. If the box is checked, the flag will be set; if the box is not checked, the flag will be cleared; if the box is grayed out (disabled), the flag will be left alone. This grayed-out state is what is meant by Òdisabled.Ó By disabling an attribute, you can cause FileTyper to ignore it.

To disable or re-enable an item, you should option-click it. This will toggle between the normal change-me state, and the grayed-out disabled donÕt-change-me state. You can also enable or disable all the items at once using the buttons provided.

This feature is intended for editing batches of files. For example, to lock a number of different kinds of files, but maintain their old types, creators, and Finder flags, you can disable all attributes except the ÒlockedÓ flag, set that flag, and click ÒChange All.Ó

Enabling and disabling are also available in the file filtering feature, in the preferences window. The basic concept is the same. FileTyper will filter files and folders based on the attributes that you enable, but ignore those that you disable.


Q:  HELP!  I CANÕT SAVE MY PREFERENCES!  THE ÒSAVEÓ BUTTON IS GRAYED OUT!

A:  In order to save preferences, the FileTyper Folder must be present in either the System Folder or the Preferences Folder, and the file ÒFileTyper 4.1 PrefsÓ must be present in the FileTyper Folder.

Also, make sure neither the FileTyper Folder, nor any files contained within it have been renamed. If youÕre upgrading from version 4.0, do NOT try to rename your preferences file from ÒFileTyper 4.0 PrefsÓ to ÒFileTyper 4.1 PrefsÓ. You need to REPLACE the old FileTyper Folder with the new FileTyper Folder.

FileTyper does not install this folder automatically; you must do this yourself. The reason for this is, many people may carry FileTyper around and use it as a tool for working on other peopleÕs Macintoshes, and I didnÕt want FileTyper to be installing its thing everywhere it is taken.


Q:  WHY ARENÕT THE POP-UP MENUS AVAILABLE?

A:  Make sure the FileTyper Folder is present in either the System Folder or the Preferences Folder, and the file ÒFileTyper Pop-upsÓ is present in the FileTyper Folder. Also, the corresponding pop-up menu will be grayed out if the type or creator field has been disabled. Re-enable the field to use the pop-up.


Q:  HOW CAN I CUSTOMIZE THE POP-UP MENUS?

A:  You need to use ResEdit to edit the pop-up menus. See the documentation to see exactly how to do this.


Q:  WHY CANÕT I UNDO?  THE MENU ITEM IS GRAYED OUT!

A:  In order to be able to undo, you need two things. First, the preferences files must be available. Make sure the FileTyper Folder is present in either the System Folder or the Preferences Folder, and the file ÒFileTyper Pop-upsÓ is present in the FileTyper Folder. Second, you need to make sure the ÒMake changes undo-ableÓ option in the preferences window is turned on.


Q:  SO WHY NOT HAVE ÒMAKE CHANGES UNDO-ABLEÓ ON ALL THE TIME?

A:  You can if you want to. However, when undo is enabled like this, making changes will take longer, because FileTyper has to log its changes. The difference wonÕt be noticeable if you just edit one file or folder at a time, but for a large batch job, having undo recording on may slow down the operation considerably. So itÕs up to you as to when or whether you choose to Òmake changes undo-ableÓ. I personally leave it on unless I have to do a large batch job that IÕm sure I wonÕt want to undo.


Q:  WHAT DOES [insert Finder flag name here] DO?

A:  FileTyper provides a brief description of all the attributes it can edit in Balloon Help. Turn on Balloon Help, and move the cursor over the check box corresponding to the attribute you are concerned with. Note that, for Balloon Help to work, the FileTyper Folder must be present in either the System Folder or the Preferences Folder, and the file ÒFileTyper 4.1 HelpÓ must be present in the FileTyper Folder.

If you want more information, see ÒInside Macintosh: Macintosh Toolbox EssentialsÓ, chapter 7.


Q:  IS THERE A COMPLETE TYPE/CREATOR LIST AVAILABLE?

A:  The only COMPLETE list of file types and creators is maintained by Apple Computer, and they donÕt seem to want to make it public. If you already have a file with the appropriate type or creator, you can use the ÒSame AsÓ button; otherwise, well, youÕll have to find someone who knows. (And donÕt ask me; I probably wonÕt know, either.)