Psearch

P S E A R C H
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Users Guide and Reference
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Version 4.4E
March 1991
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Patri-Soft
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Copyright 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 by Patri-Soft

PSEARCH Users Guide/Reference Copyright 1991 Patri-Soft
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Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Using PSEARCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Using PSEARCH Menu Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Function Selection Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Text Search Entry Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
File Name Search Entry Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Special Editing Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Advanced Options Entry Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PSEARCH output data display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
PSEARCH Command Line Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Command Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Setting Default parameters in the DOS Environment. . . . . 22
Screen Colors and Monitor Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Pausing the Search. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Bonus Features for Registered Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Maintenance History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Registering PSEARCH and other Patri-Soft Utilities. . . . . . 27
Site Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
VISA/MasterCard Telephone Registration Orders . . . . . . . . 28
PSEARCH Registration form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Reporting Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
i
PSEARCH Users Guide/Reference Copyright 1991 Patri-Soft Page 1
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Introduction
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PSEARCH lets you easily locate lost or forgotten files on hard

disks or diskettes. Since hard disk technology has made 70, 80,
150 megabyte, and larger hard disks commonplace, users keep more
information than ever stored in their PC systems. It is not
uncommon for users to have over 2000 files on their hard disks.
This proliferation of files makes it very difficult to store files
with names and directory structures that can be easily remembered
and retrieved when files are later needed.
When you need to find a file on your disk but do not know its
filename or even directory, you most always know something unique
about this file. If not, you would probably not be searching for
it. This unique information might me a person's name, a product
name, a type of process, or even a location. Whatever it is,
PSEARCH can take this information and use it to search all files on
the disk to identify one or more files that contain this unique
data.
Since PSEARCH can reduce your search from a list of 2000 files to
just a few files, your job of locating a file becomes effortless.
Quick examination of a few files easily lets you know if the
desired file is on your disk.
PSEARCH users have saved thousands of dollars in time searching for

files, and time that would have been used to recreate lost files.
PSEARCH becomes a invaluable tool for all hard disk users.
PSEARCH goes farther than searching for data. Once files are found,
you can automatically invoke other DOS programs and utilities to
process them. PSEARCH becomes a powerful driver for other programs.
In addition to being flexible, PSEARCH is fast! Our review of

available text search utilities showed PSEARCH to be the best
performer. Our advanced search algorithm combined with
flexible selection and exclusion criteria insure PSEARCH can
find your files in the fastest possible time.
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PSEARCH has functions and features that make it useful in many

different situations. After reviewing this documentation and use
PSEARCH, we are confident you will find a permanent place for it in
your arsenal of tools.
Here are a list of some of the many possible uses for PSEARCH.
** List all files on a hard disk that match a wildcard

specification.
** Show the names of any files containing specified text
** Show text lines of any file containing a specified string.
** Look for word "Mrs" in any file and preserve case in search.
** Find 123 files containing the word "BUDGET" and print their name.
** Compile all C programs that refer to the "RECDESC.H" include

file.
** Find a word processing document containing the name "Wiffle".
** Delete any *.DOC files containing "To: Mr. Johnson".
** Locate all readonly files existing on a disk.
** List all files updated today.
** Build a DOS command to archive manually selected files from one

or more directories.
** Search multiple drives attached to the system for text or a file

name
** Search for a file name even if it has been archived into .ZIP,
.ARC or .LZH formats.
** Limit text search to WORDS, PREFIXES, or SUFFIXES. This greatly

enhances the search by returning only the data you want.
** Ability to exclude files from the search process to greatly

improve search performance.
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Using PSEARCH
-------------
PSEARCH may be executed directly from the DOS prompt or using menus
that guide you through the process of entering search
specifications. Both techniques use the same 'PS' command. PSEARCH
determines the difference in modes by the presence or absence of
command line parameters. When no command parameters are used, menu
operation is selected.
Using PSEARCH Menu Mode

-----------------------
To start PSEARCH using the menu mode, enter the PS command at the
DOS prompt and press the <Enter> key. The following menu will
be displayed...
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PSEARCH - File Searcher Copyright 1991 by Patri-Soft
F U N C T I O N S E L E C T I O N
Select the PSEARCH activity you want to perform...
Text Search. Find Files Containing Text

Name Search. Find Files using name patterns
Help
Exit to DOS
--------------------------------------------------------------------
PSEARCH Main Menu
The PSEARCH menu provides entry to PSEARCH processing. Menu items

may be selected by using an highlight bar positioned over the first
menu item when PSEARCH is started. Use the cursor arrow keys to
move the the highlight bar to the function desired and press the
<Enter> key to start the action. You may quickly select any item
by pressing the key relating to the first character of the menu
item. For example, press <N> to start a file name search.
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Following is a description of each menu item:
Text Search. Activates PSEARCH's text search facility. You will

be presented with a entry menu to allow you to enter
specifications PSEARCH is to use to search for data.
Text Search is PSEARCH's ability to search within

files to find specific text. It allows you to
automatically scan you systems disks to locate files
containing specific data contents. For example, you
can find all files on the system that contain the
name 'Jones'.
Name Search. Activates the Name search facility. Name search

allows you to use PSEARCH to locate files on your
system by the contents of their file names.
The DIR command provied with DOS only allows you to

locate files within any one single directory. When
you have many directories and maybe even multiple
hard disks, it becomes impracticle to use the DIR
command to locate a file when you do not know what
directory it exists in.
PSEARCH name search can automatically search all

directories and even all disk devices to find a
specific or pattern file name.
Help PSEARCH's command line help provides very complete

help information on all of PSEARCH's facilities. The
help is provided primarily for those that want to use
PSEARCH's command line mode of operation but is
useful for all to use as a quick reference of
PSEARCH's abilities.
PSEARCH help consists of several pages of scrollable

data. When you exit the help, you will be returned
to PSEARCH's main menu.
Exit to DOS. You may exit PSEARCH menu mode by either selecting
the Exit menu item or by simply pressing the <ESCAPE>
key from menu mode.
Upon exiting, PSEARCH will display how long it has

been active and provide a summary of its results.
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The Text Search Entry Display

-----------------------------
The following display is shown as a result of selecting the Text

Search option from PSEARCH's main menu. It allows you to enter
specifications indicating the data PSEARCH is to locate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Text Search Specification
Path to Search: _______________________________________________
Text(1): _____________________________________________
Text(2): _____________________________________________
Text(3): _____________________________________________
Text(4): _____________________________________________
Text(5): _____________________________________________
__ Match All? (Y=All Text must be found N=Find any matches)

__ Search Directories (blank=Current S=System(all) P=Path only)
__ Exclude files and directories entered in PSEARCHT.EXC?
__ Case Sensitive Search? (Y=Match exact text N=Ignore case)
__ Qualify (blank=none W=Find Word P=Prefix S=Suffix)
__ Showing found text? (Y=ALL N=none F=First match R=Related Text)
__ Show linenumbers for found text? (Y/N)
__ Stop scrolling when display full (Y/N)
__ Pause on each found match?
_____ For multiple drive search drives to search
_____ If multiple text, text must within n characters
Keys: <F3> DOS <F9> Advanced Options <F10> Start Search

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Text Search Entry Menu
See the command parameter portion of this document for a complete

description of all the parameters you are allowed to specify on
this display.
Once all data is entered, you may immediately start the search by
pressing the <F10> key, or may specify advanced search options by
pressing the <F9> key. The advanced options entry menu allows
further specifications to be made. You may use the <F3> key to
temporarily exit to a PSEARCH window to execute DOS commands. You
may enter any DOS command in this window.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The F10 key may be pressed from any location on this display. If
you use the <Enter> key to proceed through each item on the
display, pressing <Enter> on the last item will begin the search.
All specifications on this display except for pathname and search

text are maintained in a special PSEARCH control file. This file
(PSEARCH.DAT) is created the first time you run PSEARCH and is
placed in the same directory as the PSEARCH program file (PS.EXE).
This control file allows PSEARCH to retain your search
specifications for the next time you use it.
The File Name Search Entry Display

----------------------------------
The File Name Search Display allows you to enter specifications

PSEARCH is to use while searching for files by name on your system.
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Find File Specification
Path to Search: ____________________________________________
__ Search Directories (blank=Current S=System(all) P=Path only)

__ Exclude files and directories entered in PSEARCHF.EXC?
__ Search Archived Files (ZIP/ARC/LZH)? (N=none A=Yes B=Both)
__ Stop scrolling when display full (Y/N)
__ Pause on each found match?
__ Flex Search: =none S=Sound like V=NoVowels C=CharsOnly
_____ For multiple drive search, letter of drives
Keys: <F3> DOS <F9> Advanced Options <F10> Start Search

--------------------------------------------------------------------
This entry screen works like the Text Entry display discussed earlier.
See the command parameter descriptions for more information about the
parameters you may enter.
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Special Editing Functions

-------------------------
Special edit functions are provided to enhance your capability

to specify DOS pathname and text specifications. These following
features are available on all specification entry screens.
Field Edit -- You are presented with pathname and text

specifications from prior executions on the
parameter input displays. You may use the
shown value by simply pressing <Enter>.
You may change the value by first pressing a

field edit key such as left or right cursor
arrow, <INS>, or <DEL>. Then you may edit
the field as desired.
Entering any other value causes the current

field to disappear and to be replaced by the
keyed in value.
Restore Field Press alt-X when you are editing a field to

restore it to its original value.
Lower Case Press alt-L to convert all characters in the

field to lower case.
Upper Case Press alt-U to convert all characters in the

field to upper case.
Captialize Press alt-C to cause all words in the field to

be capitalized and other characters to be changed
to lower case.
Reverse Press alt-R to reverse the characters in the

in the field (first=last and last=first).
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Advanced Options Entry Display

------------------------------
The Advanced Options Entry Display allow specification of advanced

options to be used for both Text and File name searches. These
options are not necessary for PSEARCH to function and may be
ignored if desired.
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Advanced Options Screen
__ Print and Display all results? (Y/N)

__ Log and Display all results? (Y/N) Log file PSLOG.TXT
____ Files Attributes U=Updated H=Hidden S=System R=Readonly
For each matching file PSEARCH can generate and optionally

execute any desired command. Specify the command below:
__ Action? blank=none W=Write to PSCMDS.BAT file X=Execute

P=Execute command with pause after each
Execute Command: _____________________________________________
The following characters may be used in the command to

generate commands with the matching directory and filename.
&=path #=Filename !=File @=/ ~=Archive name
For example, to copy all matching files to drive A:
Command: COPY & A:
Keys: <F3> DOS <F10> Start Search

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Advanced Options Entry Screen
See subsequent sections in this document for more information about

the advanced specifications that may be entered on this display.
Once all specifications are entered you begin the search by
pressing the <F10> key on any field, or by pressing the <Enter> key
from the last entry field on the display.
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The PSEARCH Output Data Display

-------------------------------
The following display is a sample of PSEARCH output as a result of

a TEXT Search request.
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Searching *.* for (this) Opt ==> SHOW MULT ANYCASE MORE
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Searching *.* files for string (this)
======> FINANC.LTX 3287 16FEB89 6:42p

I am unable to determine what happened to this specific order.
to me. I may be having trouble with this new address. I know
In any case, I have corrected the problem and hope this package
normally sent to users. If this is
======> ENHANREQ.LTR 2733 1MAR89 6:04a

drives. This invokes the no�window mode.
======> HUFFMAR 1658 10MAR89 7:35a

A copy of the agreement is supplied with this
======> PRINT.TXT 1104 4MAY89 7:47a

receive no royalties from this product but I have agreed
======> LTR.LTR 2821 9JUN89 9:54a

drives. This invokes the no-window mode.
** More? <Enter> for more, <C> for continuous, <ESC> terminate ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Path(#1) C:\WP 27 FILE= WILLAM.BRO
--------------------------------------------------------------------
PSEARCH Output Display
The top and bottom portion of the output display are reserved for
statistical information to keep you aware of what PSEARCH is
searching during processing. The center portion of the display
shows the data found that matches the search specifications.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
For each found text match, PSEARCH displays the file name and data
matching the search criteria. The filename is shown on a line
before the matching text. This line also shows the date and time
the file was last updated or created and the size of the file in
characters. If DOS attributes are present in the DOS directory
entry for the file, they are also shown.
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PSEARCH Command Line Mode

-------------------------
The following section describes the use PSEARCH using command

line specifications. These specifications all you to enter
all PSEARCH options directly on the PSEARCH command when it is
entered to DOS. Although more difficult to master, the command
line mode is the easiest and fastest to use once you learn how
to use PSEARCH.
Command Parameters
------------------
Command parameters control PSEARCH's may different features when it

is use in command line mode at the DOS prompt. They are easy to
understand and learn, and provide you need to quickly locate all
files. Remember that each parameter is summarized in the online
help display. Just type PS at the DOS promot.
COMMAND FORMAT:
PS [fspec] /T:text /F /S /C /P /PR /PF /MO /O:nn/N:nn /NW /TA

/X[F][P]:cmd /AT:c /FW /FP /FS /DR:xxx /SO /AR /AO
PS - PS is the name of the PSEARCH command.

PS actually refers to Patriquin's PSEARCH. Enter the command without
any parameters for menus and help.
[fspec]
Enter the DOS file specification for the directory and file
names to be searched. If no directory name is specified the
current directory will be searched. If the /S option is
specified, the directory name portion of this parameter is
not used.
Like DOS, use the '*' to indicate the last part of a filename
or filename extension may be any set of characters. Also
like DOS, use the '?' to indicate that any single position of
a filename may be any character.
In addition to DOS, you may place an '*' anywhere in the

filename to indicate any set of characters may exist in this
point in the name.
SPECIAL FLEX FILENAME SEARCHING CONTROL CHARACTERS
The filename specification may contain a full DOS pathname

including the standard DOS wildcard characters * and ?. In
addition the special characters '~', '!', or ';' may be
placed immediately before the filename to specify special
filename find criteria.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
~ SOUNDEX -- Select any filename that sounds like the

specified name
~WORD would select:
WORD WOOORD WRD WOOD WORLD
; NOVOWEL -- Select equal filenames but ignore vowels

AEIOU in name
!WOORD would select:

WoRD WoooRD WieRD WRD
! CHARS -- Select any filenames that contain the

characters entered
!WD would select:
WorD.dat WilDone.dat lstWorD.x
Following are examples:
1. *.EXE
2. TEST*.*
3. *TEST*.*
4. DO?FIX.*
5. PC*XX.*
6. C:\DOS\*.*
7. \TEST\*.*
8. !WD*.*
9. ~WORD.*
SPECIFY A LIST OF FILES TO BE SEARCHED
As an alternative, a file containing a list of input files may

be supplied. Create a file containing lines with a filename
or complete pathname on each line. Provide this filename as
the source filename to PSEARCH and add an @ character before the
name. The list of files will be processed as if they were all
specified on the input command line.
For file list processing, PSEARCH understands the output of the

DOS DIR command. You may use the DOS redirection feature to
direct DIR output to a file, edit the file to add or remove
entries, and then provide this to PSEARCH as input. For
example:
DIR \TURBOC\C\*.C > FILE.LST

PSEARCH @FILE.LST /T:TEXT
--------------------------------------------------------------------
/AO Archive type files Only - If you have files on your system
that are compressed into archive files with DOS extension
names of .ZIP, .ARC, or .LZH, PSEARCH is to search only these
files. This parameter is only useful for file name searching.
PSEARCH does not decompress these file contents for text
search requests.
When specified, this parameter specifies that all archive

files are to be internally searched for filenames compressed
in them that meed the specified file specification.
Note, you do not specify .ARC, .ZIP, or .LZH in the PSEARCH

file specification. PSEARCH will automatically find and
search these files.
/AR ARchive type files as well as normal files - PSEARCH will

search both archive files and non-archive files for matching
filename specifications. Use only for file name searches.
(See also the /AO command parameter).
/AT:c ATtributes - Specifies that PSEARCH is to search for files

having one or more of the attributes specified by the /AT:
parameter.
U - Updated,the ARCHIVE bit is on to indicate the file

has been updated since the last backup.
R - Readonly,Files marked with Readonly attribute.
H - Hidden,Files marked with Hidden attribute.
S - System, Files marked with System attribute.
Use /AT:U to locate all files that have been updated since
your last backup was done.
Use /AT:H to determine what hidden files exist on your

disks.
/C Case - Indicates that text search requests are to be case

sensitive. That is, exact upper/lower case searching
will be done.
Normally it is easier to let PSEARCH find text data

regardless of its case. This allows you to be sure to find
any possible matches.
Exact case searching is useful for those cases where you know
the text is specified in an exact way. It potentially
reduces the number of false matches that may be encountered
during the search.
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/DR: DRive list. If the drive is not specified in the main

pathname, PSEARCH will search the current disk device. /DR:
indicates one or more drives that the search is to be
performed on. The following example indicates the search is
to be done on drives C and D.
/DR:cd
The drive list is especially useful for searching all drives

on a system containing multiple hard disks. Specify this
parameter in the PSEARCH= environment variable to force it to
be in effect for all command line executions.
/DS Directory path search. Normally PSEARCH will search only the
current directory or the entire disk of /S is also specified.
The /DS parameter indicates PSEARCH is to search the
specified or current directory and all of its subordinate
directories for files.
This parameter is useful for those system that have well

structured hard disk directories. For example, PSEARCH can
easily search all word processing directories if all these
directories are subordinate to a single high level directory
name.
If you have a directory structure like the following...
C:\ Root directory

C:\WPSYS\ Word processing system files
C:\WP\ Word processing data files
C:\WP\PLANNING\ Planning documents
C:\WP\MEMOS\ Memos
C:\WP\STANDARD\ Polocies and Procedures
Use the following PSEARCH command to search for all documents

containing the text "emergency"...
PS C:\WP\*.*/t:emergency/ds
Only the word processing document files will be searched.

All other directories on your hard disk will be ignored.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
/EX Exclude files. Primarily intended for text search requests,

the exclude facility allows you to provide a list of pathname
and filename specifications that are to be excluded from
PSEARCH processing. Since searching through data on your
hard disk requires extensive processing and disk read time,
excluding files from the process will save you time, and will
reduce the number of false matches displayed for your
requests.
The most common files to exclude from text search processing

is product program and control files. These files constitute
a large portion of your hard disk's used space and
unnecessarily lengthen the time it takes searches to locate
the desired data.
The exclude facility is implemented with two actions. First,

you will need to create an exclude specification file and
place it in the same directory where PSEARCH is installed on
your hard disk. This file will contain the names of all the
files and paths to be excluded. You may specify DOS pattern
names to exclude groups of files with a single specification.
Like DOS, use the '*' to indicate the last part of a filename
or filename extension may be any set of characters. Also
like DOS, use the '?' to indicate that any single position of
a filename may be any character.
In addition to DOS, two additional pattern features are

available. You may place an '*' anywhere in the filename to
indicate any set of characters may exist in this point in the
name. For pathnames, you may place an '**' at the end of a
directory path specification to indicate the specification
applies to the specified directory and all subordinate
directories. Using '**', you can exclude an entire path with
a single specification.
You must tell PSEARCH what you want selected for search, and
what you want excluded. PSEARCH supports both of these, making
use of the SEL and EXC commands. Placing a SEL in front of the
filename or pattern tells PSEARCH to select that file, while
putting an EXC tells PSEARCH to exclude it. If nothing is
specified, PSEARCH assumes EXC.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Following are examples:
1. EXC *.EXE
2. *.COM
3. EXC TEST*.*
4. EXC *TEST*.*
5. EXC DO?FIX.*
6. ESC PC*XX.*
7. EXC C:\DOS\*.*
8. EXC \TEST\*.*
9. EXC D:\GAMES**\*.*
10 SEL TEST.XXX
11 SEL FIND.EXE
Explanations for the above examples:

1. Excludes all filenames with the extension .EXE from
processing.
2. Excludes all filenames ending with extension .COM.
3. Excludes all filenames beginning with the letters

"TEST" from processing.
4. Excludes all filenames having the characters "TEST"

anywhere in the first portion of the filename.
5. Exclude files having 'DO' as the first 2 characters of

the filename, and 'FIX' as the 4th, 5th, and 6th
filename characters. The 3rd character of the filename
may be any character.
6. Exclude files having a name beginning with the 2

characters PC and where the first portion of the
filename ends with the characters 'XX'. Any 0 to 4
characters may exist between the 'PC' and 'XX' in the
first portion of the filename.
7. Exclude all files from the DOS directory on drive C:.
8. Exclude all files from the TEST directory existing

on any drive searched.
9. Exclude all files from the D:\GAMES\ directory and

also exclude all files and directories subordinate
to the GAMES directory.
10. Even though all files containing the word TEST are
excluded, using a SEL statment tells PSEARCH to search
just that filename or pattern.
11. Same concept as above. Even though all the *.EXE files
are excluded, the SEL statement forces PSEARCH to look
in that file.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Exclude file names --
Since you may want to exclude different files from

file find and text search requests, a different
exclude file name exists for each.
PSEARCHF.EXC -- File Find exclude specifications

PSEARCHT.EXC -- Text Search exclude specifications
These files may be created using most any word processor

or text editor. If you have no word processor or editor
you may use the EDLIN text editor provided with your DOS
system.
The exclude files must exist in the same directory the

PS.EXE file is located on. PS.EXE is the name of the
PSEARCH program file.
Activating exclude --
Exclude will only be functional when the /EX command

parameter is specified. When /EX is specified, you must
have a valid exclude file. PSEARCH will not continue
without one. If you wish exclude to be active during all
executions, specify /EX as part of the PSEARCH= DOS
environment variable. See later in the documentation for
a description of this feature.
/F Find File in the current directory. Normally PSEARCH will

search all directories to find a file. Use the /F parameter
to limit PSEARCH to search only the specified or current
directory.
/FP Find Prefix - (use with /T:) Indicates that matching text
must be at the end of an existing word. Designed primarily
for word searches, find prefix qualifies the search to help
you find exactly the match you want.
/FS Find Suffix - (use with /T:) Works like find prefix, except
finds the matching text only if it preceeds an existing word.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
/FW Find Word - (use with /T:) The text to be searched for is a
word. Only select text that is a complete word. A word is
defined as any string of characters and numbers that is not
preceded or succeeded with other characters or numbers.
In "This", "This" is a word. "is" is not a word. A search

like PS *.*/t:is/fw would show matches for is but will
not match on the "is" characters in "this".
/L Line numbers. When you are searching DOS text files for
specific text (/T: parm used), use the /L parameter when you
want PSEARCH to determine and display the number of the line
associated with the text displayed.
DOS text files are those files that have a carriage return
and line feed at the end of each line of text. A good
example of these is DOS batch command files (*.BAT). Word
processing files often do not use this format and so line
number specifications are not often useful for them.
/N:nnn Newdays - Indicates that only files created or updated

within the last nnn days are to be selected for processing.
/N:1 causes any files updated within the last day to be
selected. To search for files updated on the current date,
specify /N:0.
/ND No Data. For text searches, PSEARCH normally displays the

text data lines for matching data found in files searched.
If you only need the filenames shown, use the /ND parameter
to deactivate the text display.
/NM No Multiples. For text search specifications, causes

PSEARCH to only search for a single matching text
in any file and displays only one match. Other matches
may exist in the file.
/NO No mOre - Normally PSEARCH will stop at the end of each full
display of lines. You may press <ESCAPE> to terminate
processing, <C> to disable more and display without stopping
again, or press any other key to display another page of the
display and stop again. /NO disables this feature.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
/NM Use of the /NM parameter will shorten your display of

output and may improve search performance by stopping
the search of a file after a single match is shown.
/NW No Windows. PSEARCH normally operates in full screen

window mode. To deactivate this feature and DISplay all
output in normal DOS line mode specify this parameter.
The /NW parameter causes PSEARCH to use BIOS type screen

writes to display output to the display. The /NW parameter
may be useful when you have special devices or TSR's
active that screen or capture output going through these
interfaces.
/NP Suppress ALL PSEARCH output.
/O:nnn Olddays - Indicates that only files older than nnn days are
to be selected for processing. /O:365 will cause files over
one year old to be selected.
/P Pause - Pause PSEARCH will pause whenever a match of

filename or text in a file is found. You may terminate the
search or continue by pressing any key.
/PF Print to File - If you want to direct print to an output

file, enter /PR. The file PSPRINT.DAT will be created in the
current directory. The resulting file may be edited or
viewed using your current word processor, text editor, or the
DOS TYPE command.
/PR PRint - Causes all screen output to also be directed to the

output printer device. This allows you to have a printed
record of PSEARCH results.
/R:nnn Near specification for multiple text searches. You may use
the /R parameter when you have also specified multiple /T:
parameters to cause PSEARCH to search for multiple sets of
text. /R specifies a number of characters that may exist
between the first characters of the text to be searched. In
other words, the text will only be considered a match if it
is within n characters of all other text specified.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Use the /R when you want to find values related to one

another and know the values will exist within close proximity
of each other in the file. The following example will search
files for the name 'Jones' and will identify a letter to this
person by indicating the search is only to search for the
name 'jones' when it also exists near the letter salutation
'Dear'. The /R:50 value indicates the two values must be
within 50 characters of each other in the file.
PS *.*/t:jones/t:near/r:50/ta
/RT Related text. During text searches /RT will cause PSEARCH
to attempt to display up to 10 lines of text related to the
matching text being shown. In many cases, less than 10
lines of text may be shown when PSEARCH detects unprintable
data or changes in paragraph structure.
When /RT is specified, each display of matched text will be

separated by horizontal bar lines to help you better see the
groups of text being displayed.
/S System - Indicates that all directories on all hard disk

drives are to be searched. If a directory or drive is
specified as part of the pathname, only it will be searched.
/SO Turns the PSEARCH signal sounds off.
/T:text to be searched
Text - Specifies the text to be found for text search
requests. The text string may contain any characters. A
terminating command line or the following slash character
will signal the end of the text to be searched. If this is
the last parameter on the command any trailing spaces will
not be included in the search. To include trailing spaces,
terminate the string with an ending slash character.
Text may be specified in upper or lower case. Unless the /C

parameter is specified to force exact text matches, the
search will be made for any match regardless of case.
Strings may also be single or double quoted. This allows for

special characters to be included in the search string such
as / characters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Examples:
/T:BUDGET /T:Budget /T:Mr. Jones/

/T:"01/01/88"
Note, to include a trailing space as part of search text, you

must follow search text by another / command parameter. For
example:
PS *.C/T: SMITH /TA
Up to five (5) /T: parameter specifications may be included

for text search requests. This allows PSEARCH to search for
five different texts on a single search of a disk or
directory. When multiple text is specified, consider the use
of the /TA parameter to force PSEARCH to find all text in a
single file before considering the file a match.
The /T: parameter serves the purpose of indicating to PSEARCH

of the search is to be for text in a file or for file names.
Any command line execution of PSEARCH without the /T:
parameter will cause PSEARCH to assume the request is to
locate files by name only.
/TA Text 'AND'. Used for mutiple text searches. Indicates

that all text must be found in the file for a PSEARCH
to display a match. Without /TA specified, any matching
text will be displayed.
/X:xxx eXecute - Build and execute a DOS command whenever a

filename match or a text match is found. xxx is the DOS
command to be executed.
The command may either be a standard DOS command or the name

of a DOS batch command file. The command will be executed
with a second copy of COMMAND.COM. The command data may
contain the following special characters to allow for
substitution values.
# - Always replaced with the selected filename
& - Always replaced with the selected path/filename
! - Always replaced with the filename without extension
@ - Replaced with a slash to allow for command parameters

to be specified in executed commands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Examples:
/X:ERASE &To delete selected files

/X:ARC A OLD123.ARC # To use ARC utility to archive
file
/X:TYPE & To type the file
/X:LOTUS Start 123 for the file
/XF:xxx eXecute File - Works like /X except that the command is not
executed, it is generated and placed in a DOS batch command
file named PSCMDS.BAT in the current directory. This file may
be edited before it is executed.
/XP:xxx eXecute with Pause - Functions in the same way as the /X

parameter except that you are asked to indicate if the
command is to be executed for each selected file.
Specification of default parameters

-----------------------------------
Default parameters are parameters that do not need to be specified

each time PSEARCH is started. Any PSEARCH parameter may be
specified as a default parameter.
Use the DOS SET command to specify the parameter name and contents
to be used by PSEARCH each time it is started. The following
example indicates the /EX exclude parameter specification is to be
automatically provided to PSEARCH each time it is used in the
command mode.
SET PSEARCH=/D/M
Once this DOS command is issued, each subsequent use of PSEARCH

will operate as if these parameters have been specified on the
command line. The SET command is most commonly placed in the
AUTOEXEC.BAT file so it may be in effect every time your machine is
started.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Screen colors and monitor support

---------------------------------
PSEARCH checks the DOS equipment flags to determine what type of

monitor you have on your system. This is usually always correct
except for one specific information. For those users running a
composite monitor with a color graphics card, the screens may not
be displayed correctly. If this occurs, use the DOS MODE command to
set your environment to black and white. This can be done at system
startup or just before starting PSEARCH. Beware that some
applications incorrectly reset these indicators and they may need
to be reset before again running PSEARCH. Following is an example,
see the DOS reference for more information about setting the
monitor with the MODE command.
DOS MODE command example ===> MODE BW80
Pausing the Search

------------------
Even if the Pause parameter is not specified, you may pause the
search at any time by pressing any keyboard key. At the end of the
next process PSEARCH will pause. You will then have the opportunity
to continue processing, use a function key, or exit from PSEARCH.
Bonus features for registered users |

----------------------------------- |
|
To encourage users to register, the following "bonus" features are
made available only to registered users. When you register your
use of this utility by completing the registration form and
sending it in with the requested fee, you will soon receive
special codes to unlock these bonus features for your use. These
unlocking codes will work for the current and all future versions
of the utility.
I apologize for having to implement locked out features, but after

5 years of experience of developing Shareware it is clear that
most users will not register utility software without having
something to encourage them. The bonus features provide a small
reward for those who do take the time to register.
|
/RT - Ability to show related text for search matches
/PR - Direct display output to the line printer
/PF - Direct display output to a print file
/SO - Turn off the sound
/DR: - Multiple drive support is limited to 2 drives
Use of the PSEARCH= environment variable.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Program Maintenance History

---------------------------
There is an ongoing commitment to improve PSEARCH as long as there

is expressed need by PSEARCH users. I do respond to your requests.
The enhancements below reflect both user requests and my own ideas.
Please let me know of your needs, maybe they can appear on this
list in the future.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Version 1.0 March 1, 1986

-- PSEARCH Version 1.0 was released in March 1st, 1986
Version 2.0 April 8, 1986

PSEARCH Version 2.0 was released April 8th, 1986. It
upgraded version 1 with the following new features.
-- Ability to search in .ARC files for filenames /AR /AO

-- Find text by WORD, PREFIX, or SUFFIX /FW /FP /FS
-- Returns back to menus after search is complete
-- Extract data to file implemented
-- Fix to show found text un upper/lower case
-- /SO to turn sound off
-- Ability to exclude .COM and .EXE files from search
-- Ability to search all drives attached to system /DR:abc
Version 3.0 September 7, 1986

PSEARCH Version 3.0 was released Sept. 7th, 1986. It upgraded
version 2 with the following new features.
-- Sound alike and other new filespec wildcards (! ; ~).

-- More menu options on the Peak menu.
-- Correction to retrieve proper environment string to be used
when executing DOS commands.
Version 3.3 July 5, 1987

-- Change registration so there is no longer a need to have
the PSEARCH.REG file exist in the root directory.
-- Text searches will not attempt to search .ARC files. Since

these files are compressed it makes no sense to search them
for text.
-- Use environment field PS= to specify default command

parameters.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Version 3.4 September 16, 1987
-- Ignore ~ ! and ; filename search characters unless they are

in the first position of the filename. Previous versions
file searches would fail if these characters were found in
any position but the first.
-- Correct filename matching. If file XXX would not be found

if pattern name of XXX.* was specified.
-- When print option was used with menus, when processing

completed, menu text was printed to the printer. Corrected.
-- Add ability to accept " or ' quoted strings in text search

input command data. This is for the /T: parameter only.
Version 4.0 February 22,1990
This version is essentially a rewrite of the original PSEARCH

facility. All the changes are too numerous to mention.
Following is a list of the most significant changes.
Enhancements...
-- Add ability to search up to 5 text strings
-- AND/OR capability on text strings
-- New exclude file allows user to specify file names
-- New menu structure
-- Near parameter to force multiple text matches to be within
n characters of each other.
-- /NW implements no window mode for those that need or prefer
DOS style displays.
-- /DS parameter allows a single directory path including all
subordinate directories to be searched.
-- The limit of the number of directories that can be searched
greatly enhanced. The maximum number of directories is
related to the amount of free memory available to PSEARCH.
Items removed...
-- The Peak feature has been removed.
-- The 5 text strings replaces the ability to specify a ?
in the text search string.
-- The exclude file replaces the /SK command to skip
.COM and .EXE files.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Version 4.1 February 26, 1990
-- System lockup during speaker beeps. Also improper beeps.
-- Set sounds off as default
-- Set pause at full screen (more) as default in command mode

-- Added /RT parm to show related text
-- Added field edit capabilities.
-- Removed more line from display after user pressed a key
-- Replaced /MO with /NO. More was made default.
Version 4.3 May 4, 1990

-- Corrected errors encountered when processing .ZIP files
containing directory names as well as filenames.
-- Corrected problem where PSEARCH ignored the drive
specification for the path to be searched.
-- Added directory name to filename display on search display
-- Added a screen of condensed help.
-- Improved screen I/O performance
-- Removed requirement to place quotes around text to be
searched for in command line. You may now search for
data containing spaces.
PS *.TXT/T:Joe Doe
-- File find now searches all hard disk drives unless a
specific drive is specified.
-- /S parameter causes all hard disk drives to be scanned
unless a specific drive is specified in the supplied
pathname.
Version 4.4a July 11, 1990

-- When PS *.exe/DS used. The same directory was searched
3 times. This only happened when directory had no
subdirectories. PS was fixed to scan the directory once.
-- For network operation -- added auto skipping of any files
DOS denied access to. A message is printed for each file
that is bypassed.
-- Detect bad exclude file specifications and stop processing.
Processing used to continue but not select any files.
-- PSEARCH was searching all directories for a file even when
a specific pathname was specified. The search is now
limited to just the specified pathname.
-- Support multiple drive parameter (/DR:) when directory name
specified. Allows multiple drives to be searched for a
single directory name.
-- PS *.* /AT:u stopped displaying output when readonly,
hidden, system, updated file displayed.
-- Added [=blank and ]=\ to /X: command substitution
Version 4.4c December 17, 1990
-- Added capability to specify a list of files to be searched
on the command line using the "@" symbol.
-- Added the /NP (No Print) parameter
-- Enhanced the .EXC file to be able to process SELect and EXClude
statements.
Version 4.4D
-- Fixed problem with registration info not displayed.
Version 4.4E
-- When PSEARCH.DAT found during file search IN ARCHIVES,
program locked up.
-- /X: parm did not work in /NW mode. DOS returned Bad command
or filename.
-- A couple little comsmetics.
-- If a corrupted .ZIP file was encounterd, PS crashed. Now skips
the file.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Registering The Utilities

-------------------------
PSEARCH is distributed under the Shareware concept. This allows

users to evaluate software for a short time to determine if it
is useful to them. If you decide the software is of value to
you and decide to keep and use, you are required to register it.
This concept allows for quality software to be distributed at a

reasonable cost. Hundreds of hours of my time has been invested
in PSEARCH. Continued registration will justify the continued
upgrading of this utility to insure it remains up to date with
current technology. In any case, I do greatly appreciate all
users that care enough to register. I try to provide the best
possible software for all you faithful supporting users.
You may use the order form on the next page when registering.
Send registration requests to:
Patri-Soft
P.O. Box 8263
San Bernardino, CA 92412
The registration charge is a one time fee that entitles you to

all future versions of the product. These may either be
obtained from normal Shareware sources or from me. I do not
automatically send product updates to registered users. It is
impossible to provide automatic upgrades at the low costs of
these utilities. If you would like to receive the next version
of the software, add an additional $15 to your order and
indicate on the order form you wish to receive the next update
version. You will be sent the next version along with an
optional order form to request subsequent releases.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Site licensing plans for one or more Patriquin utilities:

---------------------------------------------------------
1. Site licensing fees are as follows:
The first five copies of any or all utilities are

purchased at full price. If all utilities are
purchased, printed documentation is included for these
first 5 copies.
All additional copies of any utility or complete

package are 1/3 off the normal price.
You pay a maximum of $2000.00 to register any

individual utility or $4500.00 for all utilities, for
an entire site. This gives your installation rights to
copy and distribute the utilities to anyone at your
site. This also allows "at-home" use of any utility
for any person at the site.
A site is a company location in one city. A location

in another city is considered a second site.
If a utility is placed on a LAN, each regular user of a

utility placed on the LAN should be registered. Use
your own good judgement here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
VISA / Mastercard / Telephone Registration

------------------------------------------
You may place a telephone order for the utilities using your credit
card by calling Nelson Ford's Public (Software) Library.
Telephone orders: 800-242-4775 or 713-665-7017
The PSL supplies Shareware software at a nominal cost to its

customers. Consider them for all your Shareware needs.
---- OR ------
You may call the Patri-Soft BBS and register online. The number
is (714) 352-2825 1200/14000 8-N-1. Fill out script 2 to place
your order. Credit card orders are also accepted through U.S. Mail.
REGISTRATION
------------
Patri-Soft provides full support to users, both registered and

non-registered. We provide support through several different way:
U.S. Mail - You may send us problem reports through

the mail. Any extended information that
you can provide is greatly appreciated.
(i.e. screen shots, the actual problem
file, etc).
Telephone - You may contact us at (714) 352-2820 to

discuss problems. However, extended
telephone support may be limited as the
circumstances require.
CIS - You may contact us on CompuServe

(76347,2477). This is usually the
fastest way.
A BBS is in operation 24 hours a day to take your enhancement

requests and problem reports. The number for this is
(714) 352-2825. (1200/14000 8-N-1). Extended access is
provided to registered users of the utilities.
Patri-Soft offers a money back guarrentee if you are not satisfied

with the software. Simply contact us with the reasons of your
dissatisfaction, and we will gladly refund your money.
We at Patri-Soft pride ourself on our user support. If for

some reason you feel that you have not gotten the service you
deserve, PLEASE let us know. We try to respond to ALL users
quickly and politely.
PSEARCH 4.4E Registration Request
VISA/Mastercard orders are also accepted through telephone orders.

Call the Public (Software) Library at 800-242-4775 to order NOW!
_____ Registration of all Patriquin Utilities with

disk and bound User's Guide ........................$45.00
When you register the below versions, you will receive registration
codes along with the latest version of the utility.
_____ PSEARCH -- Advanced find files with text............$20.00

_____ PCOPY -- Advanced windowed DOS COPY alternative...$20.00
_____ PALERT -- Warns you of low disk space..............$15.00
_____ PATTR -- Manage attributes of DOS files...........$10.00
_____ PDAILY -- Automatically execute commands once/day..$10.00
_____ PDELETE -- Save space with automatic disk cleanup...$15.00
_____ PPRINT -- Advanced file print w/special formats....$15.00
_____ Next Update Please send me the next version

automatically when it is available.......$15.00
_____ Update a registered set with new disk and manual.

Registered users only Ser: __________ ...........$15.00
Disk Size? 5 1/4 3 1/2

*******************************************************************
Name: __________________________________________________
Company: _______________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
City: ________________________ State: ________ Zip: __________
Method of Payment:
______ Check enclosed
______ Credit card, (Visa, Mastercard only)
Account number: __________________________________
Exp. Date: _____________
Please register the software under the following name:
____________________________________________________________
I learned about the utilities from: ____________________________
If BBS (name/number)____________________________________________
Send to Patri-Soft, P.O. Box 8263, San Bernardino, CA 92412

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Reporting Problems (PSEARCH 4.4E)
I welcome all comments or enhancement suggestions. Please

document each item clearly and provide printed examples, if
possible. Please be sure to include this form with all requests.
It will help to make sure we can provide you with the best
possible service.
Name: __________________________________________________________
Company: _______________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: _______________
Zip: ______________________________
Telephone: _______ / ________________________ (Home / Work)
Date: _________________________ Machine Type:_______________
Name of Utility: _______________________ DOS Level: ____________
Description of problem or enhancement:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Suggested solution:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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P S E A R C H

(714) 352-2820 (Voice)

Copyright 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 by Patri-Soft

PSEARCH lets you easily locate lost or forgotten files on hard

PSEARCH users have saved thousands of dollars in time searching for

In addition to being flexible, PSEARCH is fast! Our review of

PSEARCH has functions and features that make it useful in many

** List all files on a hard disk that match a wildcard

** Show the names of any files containing specified text

** Show text lines of any file containing a specified string.

** Compile all C programs that refer to the "RECDESC.H" include

** Find a word processing document containing the name "Wiffle".

** Delete any *.DOC files containing "To: Mr. Johnson".

** Locate all readonly files existing on a disk.

** List all files updated today.

** Build a DOS command to archive manually selected files from one

** Search multiple drives attached to the system for text or a file

** Limit text search to WORDS, PREFIXES, or SUFFIXES. This greatly

** Ability to exclude files from the search process to greatly

Using PSEARCH Menu Mode

Select the PSEARCH activity you want to perform...

Text Search. Find Files Containing Text

The PSEARCH menu provides entry to PSEARCH processing. Menu items

Following is a description of each menu item:

Text Search. Activates PSEARCH's text search facility. You will

Text Search is PSEARCH's ability to search within

Name Search. Activates the Name search facility. Name search

The DIR command provied with DOS only allows you to

PSEARCH name search can automatically search all

Help PSEARCH's command line help provides very complete

PSEARCH help consists of several pages of scrollable

Upon exiting, PSEARCH will display how long it has

The Text Search Entry Display

The following display is shown as a result of selecting the Text

Text Search Specification

Path to Search: _______________________________________________

__ Match All? (Y=All Text must be found N=Find any matches)

Keys: <F3> DOS <F9> Advanced Options <F10> Start Search

See the command parameter portion of this document for a complete

All specifications on this display except for pathname and search

The File Name Search Entry Display

The File Name Search Display allows you to enter specifications

Find File Specification

Path to Search: ____________________________________________

__ Search Directories (blank=Current S=System(all) P=Path only)

_____ For multiple drive search, letter of drives

Keys: <F3> DOS <F9> Advanced Options <F10> Start Search

Special Editing Functions

Special edit functions are provided to enhance your capability

Field Edit -- You are presented with pathname and text

You may change the value by first pressing a

Entering any other value causes the current

Restore Field Press alt-X when you are editing a field to

Lower Case Press alt-L to convert all characters in the

Upper Case Press alt-U to convert all characters in the

Captialize Press alt-C to cause all words in the field to

Reverse Press alt-R to reverse the characters in the

Advanced Options Entry Display

The Advanced Options Entry Display allow specification of advanced

Advanced Options Screen

__ Print and Display all results? (Y/N)

For each matching file PSEARCH can generate and optionally

__ Action? blank=none W=Write to PSCMDS.BAT file X=Execute