ICO to BMP.exe
Version 2.0

January 2nd, 1998

Rufus Productions
by James A. Packard
26 East Shore Road
Huntington, NY 11743

e-mail: rufusproductions@ghostlight.com
web site: http://www.ghostlight/software/

	I created this little program to allow me to convert icon files to bitmap files, so I could edit those icons.  This program is not an editor or extractor, it is just a very simple converter.  It handles only one image at a time, at this point in time there is no batch options.

	New features include a menu bar, help files, copy to clipboard, send to Microsoft PaintBrush for editing and a new setup/uninstall program.

	I created this for my own use, so it is not filled with lots of error traps in the programming.  If you find a big problem please let me know.

	ICO to BMP is a written with Visual Basic 4.0 and is in 32 bit format and is a Shareware Program.  Individual copies maybe registered for $12.00 each U.S. There is a 16 bit version also which is freeware, with the understanding that no changes may be made to it.  If you are interested in the source code for older versions please contact me at the above address.

	Enjoy.   It has been of much use to me.

	James Packard
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History

Version 1.0 of "Ico to Bmp" was originally created with Microsoft Visual Basic 3.0 Standard version September 9th 1996. It was a very simple interface which allowed only the opening of "ico" files and then allowed simply saving them as "bmp" files.  The program was allowed only short file names and was in 16 bit form.

Version 1.1 of "Ico to Bmp (16)" was rewritten in March 3rd, 1997 with Microsoft Visual Basic 4.0 Professional version.  Fixed a problem with proper file extension when saving files.  This was the first publicly released version as freeware.  The interface included the "About" button and setup program for Windows 3.1 and Windows95.

Version 1.2 of "Ico to Bmp (32)" was the second publicly released version of the program on March 17th, 1997 as freeware. While the interface stayed the same it now allowed long file names and improved path display to handle better viewing of long paths, it was written in 32 bit form.  The interface included the "About" button, and setup program for Windows95 and Windows NT.  Web site help was provided to give program help and download options.

Version 1.3 of "Ico to Bmp (32)" was never released publicly.  The program was updated on November 30th, 1997.  The interface was the same but included a menu bar.  It was only produced in the 32 bit form so worked only with Windows95 and Windows NT.

Version 2.0 of "ICO to BMP" was publicly released January 2nd, 1998 as shareware, because of the positive public response to versions 1.1 and 1.2 and the need of support for continued develop the program further.  The program is in 32 bit form for Windows95 and Windows NT.  Program is still written with Microsoft Visual Basic 4.0 Professional.  Changes include new setup/uninstall program, new menu bar, registration form, copy functions, and help file.  New web site for downloads and help.

Future Versions and updates are still under consideration.  This program was originally written purely for the use of the author and for the same reason it was written it seems to meet the need of many other people too.  New functions which are under development are "DLL" file extraction and conversion of "bmp" files to "ico" and "cur" files.  While this is possible with MS VB 4.0 Prof. the acquisition of MS VB 5.0 Prof. will increase speed and ease of programming.  If you register version 2.0 you will be kept aware of updates and new versions of "ICO to BMP"

Thank-you for your past support. 
