Readme file for (ADVANCED) DOS SEEK, Release III, (C) 1998 by Stephan Meyer

For the latest versions of my free MS-DOS programs visit URL

          http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Hills/1698/


1. Purpose of the program:

DOS SEEK offers an advanced search function for both -
users of DOS/Windows 3.x and Windows 95 (NT should
be OK, too, but was not tested): 

---> File "seek.exe" was created for DOS 6.x/ Windows 3.x,
     "seek95.exe" especially for Windows 95 (very fast!) -
     it's meant to be renamed to "seek.exe" in case you find
     it to be the right choice for your system.
     
The parameter DOS SEEK is used with is the search string (maximum
length = 80 characters). It will show all file and folder names
containing or consisting of the string in alphabetical order 
and with complete path. It also shows hidden and system files.

The reason for writing it (very simple code to interface
with DOS) was my dissatisfaction with the search function
of the Explorer in Windows 95. If you want to search for
a hidden or system file you always have to make sure the
setting is "show all files" and then you will not be shown
the complete path of the objects found if the path name is
too long. That's why I think you will love it in Windows 95
and probably Windows 98 as well.

2. Syntax:

SEEK [object to seek for] 

(As mentioned above: I expect you to 
 rename "seek95.exe" to "seek.exe" if
 you decide to use it!)

The program always searches the current directory including
all subdirectories. So if you want the most complete search
execute it from your root "\". If no objects are found and 
you are using the small 1.5 kb executable ("seek95.exe") you
won't see any special output on the screen. It also won't
count the number of hits for you.
You may wonder why there are no additional options. Well, I
like the simple usage and don't miss any possible options. If
you do, please let me know (see email adress below).

Please keep in mind that you don't have to use any Wildcards
as DOS SEEK automatically includes them. If you nevertheless
do, it won't cause errors but also gives you no advantage.

3. Sample output:

Current directory is "C:\" and you typed in "seek explorer"
...

C:\Apollo13\stories\docs\explorer5.doc
C:\Apollo13\stories\docs\mission_explorer.doc
C:\Windows\explorer
C:\Windows\explorer\explorer.exe
C:\Windows\explorer\explorer.ico

4. Installation:

There is no special installation required but I recommend you
to copy or move the executable to a folder where it can be run
from any other folder on your system. You can then consider
"seek" to be a DOS command like <dir> or <copy>. If you are
running DOS/Windows 3.x this will usually (but depending on 
your path setting) be done by copying the file in your "\DOS"
or "\Windows" directory. In Windows 95 it is "\Windows\Command".

5. Status of the program:

(ADVANCED) DOS SEEK is Freeware. It may be freely copied and
distributed. If you are interested in the code please let me know.

The program is 90% based on DOS commands. So if you're facing any 
problems and want to ask for help please don't forget to tell me
your DOS version number!

Email: Stephan.Meyer@t-online.de


Thanks for using my util.
Special thanks to the ones who gave me their feedback!