*************************************
* NOTICE *
* *
* This program is Public Domain, *
* and is not for sale !! If you *
* use this program and find it of *
* value, a $10 contribution would *
* greatly appreciated. *
* *
* Alan Buckwalter *
* 139-18 Pershing Crescent *
* Briarwood, NY 11435 *
* *
*************************************


DELDIR.COM Version 1.0 --------------- DELete a DIRectory



>>>> IMPORTANT - READ THIS BEFORE USING PROGRAM <<<<<


This program simplifies the procedure of deleting sub-directories
under DOS2.x and up. Normal procedure for deleting a sub-directory
consists of changing into the target directory, deleting all of
the files (and sub-directories) and then removing the directory
itself. If the target sub-directory itself contains sub-directories
this process could involve a great deal of navigations through
a tree structure of directories.

DELDIR was written to simplify this procedure. It will recursively
delete the contents of the target sub-directory and then delete the
sub-directory itself. Though simply stated, this program can have
disastrous effects if not used properly.

Consider the following disk arrangement (directories are in
upper case and files are in lower case):


\ TEST WORK xxx.dat
xxx.doc
help.dat

DOC read.me
command.com
ibmbio.com
ibmdos.com
autoexec.bat



To delete the directory: TEST would involve the following list
of commands:

cd \TEST\WORK
del *.* - answering yes to (Are you sure ??)
cd ..
rd WORK
cd DOC
del read.me
cd ..
rd DOC
del help.dat
cd ..
rd TEST

With the aid of DELDIR, this may be achieved by typing:

deldir \TEST

Although this example involves an arrangement of sub-directories
that the average user usually does not encounter, it still
simplifies the procedure of deleting a sub-directory that contains
a great deal of files.

Another "feature" of DELDIR is the fact that it will delete
INVISIBLE, SYSTEM, and READ-ONLY files, and I use the term
"feature" very loosely !! Certain software packages (like
Microsoft WORD) when installed, create sub-directories that
contain hidden, read-only, and system files which make deleting
the package difficult with normal DOS tools. DELDIR will delete
everything, and I mean everything !!! in the specified target
directory, including files marked READ-ONLY !!!

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND EXAMINING THE DIRECTORY BEING DELETED
FIRST WITH ONE OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN DIRECTORY UTILITIES, SO
YOU ARE SURE OF THE FILES THAT ARE GOING TO BE DELETED !!!!!



The following represents the legal syntax for using DELDIR:

deldir DOCUMENT - To delete the sub-directory DOCUMENT
that is off the current directory.

deldir \TOOLS - To delete the sub-directory TOOLS
that is off the root directory.


DELDIR will not allow you to supply a drive specifier for
the directory to be deleted. Due to the nature of this
program, the drive specifier has been left out to avoid
any additional confusion and possible destruction.



The following are the errors generated by DELDIR and what
then mean:


Drive Specifier Not Allowed - A drive was supplied in the sub-
directory path and is not allowed
with DELDIR.

Root Directory May NOT Be Deleted - The root directory was
specified to be deleted and
this is not permitted with
DELDIR for obvious reasons.

Cannot locate Directory: XXXX - The specified directory could not
be found.



I hope you find this program to be a useful utility.
I welcome any comments or suggestions about the program.

Alan Buckwalter

ive was supplied in the sub-
directory path and is not allowed
with DELDIR.

Root Directory May NOT Be Deleted - The root directory was
specified to be deleted and
this is not permitted with
DELDIR for obvious reasons.

Cannot locate Directory: XXXX - The sp