DLT.DOC
-------
Instructions for DLT.COM
Version 1.1 (5/31/90)

(c)1990 E. Meyer


DLT is an enhanced file deletion utility for all MSDOS (2.x and above)
systems. It is geared toward command line aficionados who want to be able to
do as much as possible at one DOS prompt. Unlike the MSDOS "DEL" command, it
can delete lists or groups of files (in different directories) with a single
command, displaying the number deleted. In addition, options allow: display
and user confirmation before deletion; delete all except specified files;
selection of files by time/date; inclusion of hidden, system, or read/only
files.


USING DLT
---------

SYNTAX: A>DLT filespec {,filespec2,...} {/options} "{}"=optional

The target may be either a single (ambiguous) filespec, or
a list of them delimited with spaces and/or commas. Sub-
directories are supported. If not specified, drive and
directory default to the current values.

You can get a help message by typing "DLT" alone.

If the target is a list, the previous item's drive and directory carry
over to the next one, unless the latter itself begins with a drive or root
directory.


OPTIONS

"Options" must be preceded by one slash "/"; separating
spaces, and further slashes, are optional.

CAUTION! Use care when deleting groups of files;
recovering accidentally deleted files requires special
utilities, and can be difficult.
While you are learning to use DLT and its various
options, always use the "/P" option: you will be shown the
selected files, and can choose NOT to delete them!
In the future, any time you are the least bit
uncertain as to your selection of files (especially with
the "/X,E,L" options), use "/P"!

/P - PROMPT to confirm. You will be shown the files and asked "Delete? (y/n)"

/H - HIDDEN and System files (otherwise not found) will be included as well.
/R - READ/ONLY files may be deleted as well (otherwise an error results).

/E - Only files EARLIER than specified date/time (MMDDYY:HHMM) are deleted.
/L - Only files LATER than specified date/time are deleted.

/X - All files EXCEPT those specified will be deleted. (Be careful!)

The /X option cannot be used with a list of files in more than one
directory. Also, /X cannot be used together with /E or /L.

With the /E and /L options, you can choose to delete only files dated
before or after a given date or time. (You can even use both together, to
delete files dated between two date/times.)
With /E or /L, the date/time should follow the option letter. Dates must
be given as six digits in the form MMDDYY; the date "000000" may be used for a
blank time stamp, otherwise YY must be 80 or above. You may also type a
colon, followed by a four-digit (24-hour) time in the form HHMM. Given a date
with no time, the time defaults to 0000 hrs; given a time with no date (note
the leading colon is necessary), the date defaults to today. If time/date are
omitted altogether, the default is today, 0000 hrs. Examples:
/l since today 0:00
/e:1300 before today 13:00
/l020190:1300 since 2/1/90 13:00
/l120189 /e010190 since 12/1/89 0:00, and before 1/1/90 0:00


USAGE EXAMPLES

A>dlt *.bak read.me todo

A>dlt *.*
(Doesn't give the annoying confirmation prompt that DOS does.)

A>dlt b:\wrk\*.doc,apr\*.not
Deletes all files B:\WRK\*.DOC and B:\WRK\APR\*.NOT.

A>dlt *.doc *.not /x
Deletes all files other than *.DOC and *.NOT.

A>dlt \*.sys /p/rh
All files *.SYS in the root directory (including hidden files like
MSDOS.SYS) will be deleted, after you are prompted to confirm this.

A>dlt *.bak /e010189
Every file *.BAK dated earlier than 1/1/89 is deleted.

A>dlt *.* /l/e:1200
Every file dated today before noon is deleted.


ERROR MESSAGES

Missing or invalid argument; think (read?) and try again
You don't have enough free memory; or, too many files
(You might try a more restrictive filespec)
DOS error deleting file (is it read/only?)
You pressed ^C


HISTORY

DLT 1.0 (3/90) - First release.
1.1 (5/90) - Small fixes; no more semicolon delimiters.


DLT and its documentation are (c)1990 E.Meyer, all rights reserved.
They may be freely distributed, but not modified or sold for profit without my
written consent. The user takes full responsibility for any damages resulting
from the use of this program.

Eric Meyer
401 12th Avenue SE, #139 CompuServe [74415,1305]
Norman, OK 73071 USA