Executive Document Shredder 1.2a

A normal DOS/Windows file deletion only removes all references to a file.
The data remains on the drive until another file happens to overwrite it.
Anyone with a disk utility and a desire to read the file can usually
recover the file in its entirety, even years after it has been deleted.

Executive Document Shredder is a utility that "shreds" a file in such a way
that it cannot be recovered. This is useful for sensitive data that you would
rather someone not see, for example, competitors, your parents, or the
F.B.I.  By putting it in the directory specified by PATH= in your config.sys
file (usually C:\DOS or C:\Windows\Command), it can be used from within any
directory. 

Usage (to shred single file): SHRED <path> filename.ext [/Y]
Usage (to shred multiple files): SHRED <path> <*files*> [/Y] where *files* is a filename containing DOS wildcards (* and ?) (e.g. "*.TXT")
Usage (to shred entire directory): SHRED <path>\ [/Y]

/Y bypasses the confirmation dialog (useful for running SHRED from a batch file)
 
(When shredding a directory, a final backslash "\" must be placed after the 
directory name. Program will report 'dir.tmp' file shredded after a directory 
shred. This is a temporary list of files to be shredded, and will be destroyed 
after all other files in the directory have been taken care of.)
Please note that subdirectories and hidden files will be ignored in a directory or
wildcard shred. To shred a hidden file, unhide it first. (In DOS, use 
ATTRIB -h filename.ext 
In Windows, right-click on the file and select Properties, and clear the 'hidden' checkbox.)
Similarly, if you wish to save a particular file in a directory to be shredded, you 
can mark the file as hidden.

Under Windows 95, it can be added to the associations for .TXT,
.DOC, and other files by selecting View -> Options from any Explorer window,
and selecting the File Types tab. Once you register SHRED.EXE with them,
it will appear on your right-click menu for these file types. Additionally,
a file can be shredded by dragging its icon onto the shredder or any shortcut
to it. 
You can also register this program to appear on your right-click menu for folders. 
Because Windows does not include the final backslash on directory names, add a 
space and "%1\" after SHRED.EXE under 'Application used to perform action'.

By default, the program will ask you to confirm the shredding of the file/directory before
destroying it. This can be disabled by editing the config file, 'C:\shred.ini'.
The config file also has a setting for the number of passes the shredder makes over
a file. One should be plenty to render the data completely unrecoverable, while 
3 passes is considered by the US Government to be completely secure. 
The default value is 5, but can be increased to 100 and beyond. (Note: Due to the way 
Windows 95 handles disk caching, multiple passes may not have any effect above and beyond 
a single-pass shred under the Windows environment. It is recommended that this program 
be run in MS-DOS mode to take advantage of multiple passes.)
Please use this program with caution, as a shredded file can *not* be recovered. 
Make absolutely sure that you no longer want the specified file.

This program is "donationware". Unlike many shareware products, this is a
free, fully functional program with no "nag" screens or registration.
If you decide you like this utility, a donation of $5 or so would be greatly
appreciated, especially for multi-site uses, but is by no means required or 
requested. See below for contact information.

This program may be distributed to anyone, but not for profit, as long as
both it and this text file are distributed together and unchanged.

The latest versions of this program can be downloaded from the following locations:
 
  http://www.netcom.com/~bgip/shredder.htm 
  http://www.crosshairs.com/users/snicker/shredder.htm
 
These sites will provide any information, latest versions, or (God forbid) bug 
reports concerning this program. These are free hosted sites; there is a chance
the locations will change and the sites will not be accessible. If this happens, 
email Bill (bgip@ix.netcom.com) for the new location of the EDS download page. 
The files may also be available on DOWNLOAD.COM or similar sites.

If you have any problems or questions concerning EDS, suggestions for 
improvement, etc., feel free to Email the creator at bgip@ix.netcom.com, 
or go the 'old-fashioned way' and send some snail-mail to: 

GIP
8413 Crescent Ct.
Willow Springs, IL 60480

This software is provided AS IS, with no warranties of any kind either expressed 
or implied. GIP disclaims all liability arising from the use or misuse of 
this product, including liability for data loss and/or the failure to lose data. 
No lifeguard on duty; use this program at your own risk. 

Release history
---------------
Version 1.2b (5/14/98): Added command-line switch for bypassing confirmation, ie. for batch files

Version 1.2a (3/5/98): Fixed a small unintended 'feature' that caused the program to exit with
             an Error 14 when shredding large directories.
 
Version 1.2  (1/14/98): By popular demand, added an option to disable confirmations and 
             change the number of passes the shred engine makes over the file. Also
             added the ability to shred multiple files (using wildcard characters) 
             and entire directories. Added liability release to cover our keesters.

Version 1.1  (10/21/97): Added file-size masking to shred routine (disguises original filesize). 
             Added file-size checker. Program will display an error when an invalid
             filename is given, instead of creating the file and shredding it. (For DOS users who
             can't spell)

Version 1.0a (8/28/97): Fixed a minor bug that caused the "% complete" display to only 
	      partially show up when shredding small documents.
	      Increased the number of passes the shredder makes over the 
	      document.

Version 1.0 (8/20/97): Original release.

