





















                                 SUPERINSTALL FOR DOS

                                      Version 1.0

                             SOFTWARE INSTALLATION PROGRAM


                                     USER'S MANUAL


                                    LOGISTRAL, INC.



                                  _______
                             ____|__     |               (R)
                          --|       |    |-------------------
                            |   ____|__  |  Association of
                            |  |       |_|  Shareware
                            |__|   o   |    Professionals
                          -----|   |   |---------------------
                               |___|___|    MEMBER























































        Copyright 1994 Logistral, Inc.

        SuperInstall is a trademark of Logistral, Inc.

        All products mentioned in this manual are trademarked or
        copyrighted by their manufacturers.



                                                             Software Licence


          LICENCE AGREEMENT


          When used in this Licence:

            "We" and the  "Author" mean "Logistral,  Inc.".  The  "Trademark"
            means the mark "SuperInstall".  The "Software" means the  program
            and related text files and  printed materials distributed by  the
            Author under the Trademark.

            This Shareware Licence gives you a limited period to evaluate the
            Software. It also tells  you how you can  use the Software  after
            the evaluation period ends, and *encourages* you to distribute it
            so that others can evaluate it. By using the Software, you  agree
            to all of the terms, conditions and disclaimers in this Licence.


          Ownership

            The Author owns, or has licenced  from the owner, all  copyrights
            and trade secrets in the Software,  and owns the Trademark  under
            which it  distributes the  Software.   Among other  things,  this
            means:

            [1]  The Software is not public domain software and is not  free.
            Your rights to it are only those provided by this Licence.

            [2]  The rights granted by this Licence are on the condition that
            you will  not modify,  reverse compile,  disassemble, or  reverse
            engineer the Software,  in order to  use or  disclose any  secret
            information of the Author that it contains.


          How and why to register

            You may evaluate the Software for 30 days after you first run any
            part of it on a computer.

            To use the Software after your  evaluation period ends, you  must
            register your use of  the Software by  completing the ORDER  FORM
            and sending it to the author  together with the registration  fee
            it indicates.

            After your register the Software, you will have the right to  use
            the Software on any  number of machines, so  long as there is  no
            possibility that more than one copy will be used at a time.   You
            will have the right to use  the Software royalty-free to  develop
            any number of installations, of any number of software titles, of
            which you are the author or publisher.

            Use  of  the  Software  beyond  the  trial  period  is  copyright
            infringement unless you register and pay us the registration fee.
            Such  use  also  threatens  the  continuation  of  the  shareware
            revolution, which has  benefitted users  by its  "try before  you
            buy" philosophy  and by  slowing  increases in  software  prices.

                                                                            i



        Software Licence

          Shareware enables hardworking  shareware authors  who don't  have
          the marketing resources  of a  large software  company to  market
          some of  the  best  and most  innovative  software  to  be  found
          anywhere. SHAREWARE IS GOOD FOR YOU -- IF YOU LIKE THE  SOFTWARE,
          PLEASE REGISTER YOUR COPY OF IT!


        Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Remedies

          [1]  THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED TO ALL WHO RECEIVE IT "AS-IS".   NO
          WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE AS TO IT  OR
          ANY MEDIUM IT MAY BE ON, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO  WARRANTIES
          OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

          [2]  ALL WHO  RECEIVE THE SOFTWARE HAVE  NO REMEDY FOR  INDIRECT,
          CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR  INCIDENTAL DAMAGES  ARISING FROM  THE
          SOFTWARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, INCLUDING SUCH FROM  NEGLIGENCE,
          STRICT LIABILITY, OR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, EVEN FROM  A
          PERSON WHO HAS NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

          Some jurisdictions do not allow disclaimers of implied warranties
          or  the  exclusion  of   consequential  damages,  so  the   above
          disclaimers and exclusions may not apply to you.


        Reservation of Rights

          All of  the Author's  right, title  and interest  in and  to  the
          Software and  the  Trademark  not expressly  granted  herein  are
          reserved exclusively by the Author.


        Miscellaneous

          This agreement [A] shall be governed in all respects by the  laws
          of the Province of  Quebec as to  its validity, construction  and
          performance,  without  giving  effect   to  the  choice  of   law
          provisions thereof; [B] constitutes  the entire agreement of  the
          parties as to its  subject matter and  merges and supersedes  all
          prior discussions, agreements,  and understandings;  and [C]  may
          not be modified  orally.  With  respect to  every matter  arising
          under this  Agreement,  the  parties  consent  to  the  exclusive
          jurisdiction and  venue of  the courts  sitting in  Quebec  City,
          Province of Quebec.













        ii



                                                            Table of Contents


          TABLE OF CONTENTS

          LICENCE AGREEMENT........................................i
               When used in this Licence:..........................i
               Ownership...........................................i
               How and why to register.............................i
               Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Remedies...ii
               Reservation of Rights...............................ii
               Miscellaneous.......................................ii
          TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................iii
          Chapter 1:  Introduction.................................1
               Thank You For Using SuperInstall....................1
               Our Philosophy......................................1
               Major features......................................1
          Chapter 2:  Using the Keyboard and the Mouse.............2
               Keyboard Conventions................................2
               Mouse Conventions...................................2
          Chapter 3:  Setup........................................3
               Getting installed...................................3
               Ready to go.........................................3
          Chapter 4:  Reference....................................4
               File | New..........................................4
               File | Open.........................................4
               File | Save.........................................4
               File | Save as......................................5
               File | Close........................................5
               File | Shell to DOS.................................5
               File | Exit.........................................5
               Configuration | Main................................6
               Configuration | Directories.........................6
               Configuration | Requirements........................7
               Configuration | Boot file modification..............8
               Distribution | File selection.......................10
               Distribution | Disk set configuration...............11
               Distribution | Disk set creation....................11
               Options | Colors | Customize........................12
               Options | Colors | Load palette.....................12
               Options | Colors | Save palette.....................12
          Chapter 5:  Miscellaneous................................14
               How to Get Technical Support........................14
               Tools of the Trade..................................14















                                                                          iii




                                                     Chapter 1:  Introduction


          Chapter 1:  Introduction


          Thank You For Using SuperInstall

          We at  Logistral,  Inc.  would  like  to  thank  you  for  choosing
          SuperInstall, our installation program generator.  We are confident
          that you will find that this practical and versatile software meets
          your needs.

          The purpose  of this  guide is  to help  you get  the most  out  of
          SuperInstall in the shortest possible time.   We know that you  are
          eager to begin,  but please take  time to read  through this  guide
          before you start using the software.


          Our Philosophy

          While most installers force you to write scripts for even the  most
          basic installation, SuperInstall uses a menu driven approach.   You
          answer  a   few  basic   questions  about   your  application   and
          SuperInstall does the rest.  The program's user interface  conforms
          to industry standards.  It is intuitive and easy to use.

          We designed SuperInstall  as a flexible  tool, capable of  handling
          most  software  installation  tasks.    We  believe  that  software
          normally  should   not  require   the  development   of  a   custom
          installation program or a complex installation script.


          Major features

            Menu driven interface - No scripts!

            Superior file compression - ZIP 2.0 compatible!

            CUA-compliant user interface - Modern and intuitive!



















                                                                            1



        Chapter 2:  Using the Keyboard and the Mouse


        Chapter 2:  Using the Keyboard and the Mouse


        Keyboard Conventions

        Just to make sure  we are on  the same wavelength,  here are a  few
        conventions for the keyboard:

        Press Tab  to  move the  cursor  from one  field  to the  other  in
        sequence.

        Press Shift-Tab to move the cursor backwards through the fields.

        Press Enter to accept a dialog.

        Press F1 to bring up a context-sensitive help screen.

        Press F10 to activate the menu.

        Press Esc to leave a menu or back out of an option or dialog.


        Mouse Conventions

        Move the mouse until  the pointer on the  screen is over the  menu,
        the field or the command you want to select.  Click the left  mouse
        button to select.





























        2



                                                            Chapter 3:  Setup


          Chapter 3:  Setup

          Before you setup SuperInstall on your  computer, you should make  a
          backup copy of your master disk.


          Getting installed

          Insert the SuperInstall master disk in drive A (or drive B).   Then
          log onto drive A by typing:

          A:  [Enter]

          Now you can start the Setup process.  Type:

          INSTALL  [Enter]

          Once the installation  has started,  you should  simply follow  the
          instructions shown on the screen.  Along the way, you will be asked
          to confirm information about the directory where the program is  to
          be kept  on  disk.    Normally  you  should  accept  the  suggested
          directories by pressing  [Enter].

          Depending on  the  diskette  format being  used,  the  installation
          program may  need  to access  files  which are  stored  on  another
          diskette.  The program will prompt you to change diskettes if  that
          is necessary.

          Check  the   file   README.TXT  for   late-breaking   information,
          corrections and notes of special interest.   Who knows, the  answer
          to your first question might just be there.


          Ready to go

          Now you can load SuperInstall.  Type:

          SINSTALL  [Enter]


















                                                                            3



        Chapter 4:  Reference


        Chapter 4:  Reference

        To create  an installation,  you will  circulate through  all  menu
        options under Configuration and Distribution.

        But before you may start, you will need to create a definition file
        or open  an  existing one.    This  will enable  several  new  menu
        options.




        File | New

        Select this menu option to create a new definition file.  The  file
        will be given the temporary name 'UNTITLED.DAT'.




        File | Open

        Select this menu option to open  an existing definition file.   You
        will see a dialog box.   In the Name field, enter the  name of the
        file you want to  open.  You may  enter a fully qualified  filename
        (i.e. 'C:\SINSTALL\MYSOFT.DAT') or simply 'MYSOFT.DAT' if the  file
        is in the current  directory.  To  get a list  of files matching  a
        file specification, enter the file specification in the Name field
        and press Enter.

        You can also select a file from the list.  Press Tab to move to the
        Files window, use the arrow keys to highlight the file you want  to
        open and press Enter.  To change the current directory or  navigate
        the subdirectories  on your  disk, press  Enter on  the '..\'  file
        specification and select the subdirectory you want to make current.





        File | Save

        Select this menu option to save a definition to disk.  If you  were
        modifying a definition file, this  option will save the  definition
        file under its current  name, overwriting a  previous version.   If
        you were  working  on  a new  file,  you  will be  prompted  for  a
        filename.  The default filename is 'UNTITLED.DAT', you will want to
        enter a  more  descriptive name.    You  may enter  any  valid  DOS
        filename, preferably with the '.DAT' extension.







        4



                                                        Chapter 4:  Reference


          File | Save as

          Select this menu  option to save  a new definition  to disk, or  to
          save a  modified  definition to  another  filename.   You  will  be
          prompted for a filename.   The default filename is  'UNTITLED.DAT',
          you will want to enter a more descriptive name.  You may enter  any
          valid DOS  filename, preferably  with the  '.DAT' extension.    The
          Files window offers a list of existing definition files so you  can
          enter a unique name.




          File | Close

          Select this menu option to close  the definition file that you  are
          working on.  If the definition file has been modified, you will  be
          asked if you want to save it.  Choose  Yes to save it, No to close
          without saving  (loosing your  work) or  Cancel to  return to  the
          program without closing the file.




          File | Shell to DOS

          Select this menu option  to exit to DOS  momentarily.  Most of  the
          memory occupied by SuperInstall will be  made available so you  can
          run large programs.  To resume using SuperInstall, type:

          Exit  [Enter]

          You should not run TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs  from
          within SuperInstall.  If you need to run such a program, it  should
          be loaded before you launch SuperInstall.




          File | Exit

          Select this menu option to exit SuperInstall.  Careful!  Make  sure
          that you save your file first, or all your work will be lost!













                                                                            5



        Chapter 4:  Reference


        Configuration | Main

        Select this menu option to  provide general information about  your
        program.

        Enter the name of your program in the field Application name.  The
        installation program will display this information when it is  run.
        For example: 'MySoft version 2.0'.

        Enter the author's  name in the  field Author name.  For  example:
        'John Smith'.

        Enter your company's name in the field Company name.  For example:
        'GoodSoft, Inc.'.

        You may  select  the name  you  wish the  installation  program  to
        display: the author's name,  the company's name or  both.  Use  the
        checkboxes to indicate your preference.

        If you want the  installation program to  display a "README"  file,
        you must  provide its  filename  in the  field  README file.   For
        example: 'README.TXT'.  The file can  be shown Before or After the
        installation.  Use the checkboxes to indicate your preference.   If
        both Before and  After are checked  by mistake,  the file  will be
        shown once, before the installation.

        If  you  want  to  run  another  program  automatically  when   the
        installation  is  complete,  enter   its  filename,  for   example:
        'CONVERT.EXE'.  This option is particularly useful when you wish to
        run a conversion program  or if the  installation of your  software
        requires actions than cannot be handled by SuperInstall.  Normally,
        you will want to ask the user first about running this program,  by
        marking the appropriate checkbox (Prompt).  Enter the question you
        want to ask the user in the field Ask.




        Configuration | Directories

        Select  this  menu   option  to  provide   information  about   the
        directories required by your program.

        Enter the directory where your  program will normally be  installed
        on the  user's  computer  in the  field  Default directory .   For
        example: 'C:\MYSOFT'.

        If  your  program  also  requires  subdirectories  below  the  main
        directory, to  separate documentation  files from  data files,  for
        instance, select the button Subdirectories.  A new dialog box will
        appear.  Select  New to add  a subdirectory.   Enter the  directory
        name in the field  Subdirectory name.  For example:  'DATA' if you
        want a subdirectory  named 'C:\MYSOFT\DATA'.   It is important  for
        the subdirectory name not  to be fully qualified,  as the user  may
        override the default directory.

        6



                                                        Chapter 4:  Reference


          In some  very rare  cases,  you may  find  it necessary  to  create
          directories outside the default main directory.   In that case  you
          would provide  a  fully  qualified  directory  name,  for  example:
          'C:\BACKUP'.   We  strongly recommend  that  you use  this  feature
          judiciously.

          After you have  added a subdirectory,  it will be  included in  the
          list of subdirectories.   You may  edit entries from  that list  by
          selecting the button Edit or erase entries by selecting the button
          Delete.





          Configuration | Requirements

          Select this menu option to provide the system requirements of  your
          program.

          If your program requires a  specific microprocessor class, use  the
          CPU radio  button control  to select  the  appropriate type.    The
          default is  8088,  which means  the  program has  no  specific  CPU
          requirement.

          Note:     More  advanced microprocessor  types  are  considered  as
          meeting the requirement.  For instance,  if you select 80286, then
          your program will run on computers  equiped with an 80286 but  also
          on those with  an 80386, 80486,  or Pentium.   It will  not run  on
          8088-class computers.

          Note:  There is no option for 80486 CPUs or better because software
          for those microprocessors will also  run on computers equiped  with
          an 80386.

          If your program requires  a specific graphics  card, use the  Video
          radio button control to select the  appropriate type.  The  default
          is No graphics  for  programs  that run  in  text  mode (most  DOS
          programs).

          Note:  Again, computers with better graphics capabilities than your
          strict requirements  will  be  able  to  run  your  program.    For
          instance, if you select EGA then computers with EGA, VGA and better
          graphics will run your program while CGA systems will not.

          If your program has special requirements like a math coprocessor, a
          mouse or a joystick, use the  Various checkbox control to  indicate
          these requirements.  Check these  items if your program  absolutely
          requires those equipments, as opposed to merely supports them.

          You may indicate  your program's  memory requirements  in the  Base
          (RAM), EMS and XMS fields, expressed in  Kilobytes.  For  example:
          '512'.



                                                                            7



        Chapter 4:  Reference

        If your program requires a minimum DOS version, you should  specify
        it in the DOS version field, as a whole number.  For example: '330'
        for DOS 3.3, or '500' for DOS 5.00.

        If you check the box Abort if not satisfied, then the user will be
        informed if his computer  does not meet one  or more of the  system
        requirements of  your  program  (they  will  be  listed),  and  the
        installation will abort.  If you do not check the box Abort if not
        satisfied, then the user will  be prompted before the  installation
        proceeds.  For example:

        'This program requires 512K RAM free.  Do you want to continue?'

        The user may choose to abort the installation or continue.

        Note:  If Abort if not satisfied  is checked and Install is  unable
        to identify the graphics  adapter present in  the system, the  user
        will be  asked if  he/she wants  to proceed  with the  installation
        instead of  aborting  the  installation  right  away,  which  would
        prevent installation on a computer with a non-standard video  card.
        SuperInstall  can  detect  and  identify  most  graphics  adapters,
        however.





        Configuration | Boot file modification

        Select this menu option if  your program requires modifications  to
        the user's CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files.

        Enter the number of buffers required  in the field Buffers and the
        number of file handles required in  the field Files.  For example:
        '20'.    The  default  value  is   '0',  which  means  no   special
        requirement.

        If your program requires an environment variable to bet set,  enter
        it in the  field Environment.  For  example: 'MYSOFT=/C  /MD /G20'
        would  add  the  line  'SET  MYSOFT=/C  /MD  /G20'  to  the  user's
        AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

        Note:    The  command  SET  is   added  automatically.    This   is
        particularly  useful  for   programs  which   can  obtain   default
        parameters from an environment variable.

        If you want to add the directory where the program is installed  to
        the  PATH  statement,  use  the  appropriate  checkbox  control  to
        indicate your desire.

        Normally, the user will be prompted  before those changes are  made
        to his/her configuration.  In very rare cases you may want to force
        those changes  without  prompting,  use  the  appropriate  checkbox
        control to indicate  your decision.   This  may be  useful if  your
        program's market is beginners who would  be confused by a  question
        about changes to CONFIG.SYS.  It  is often considered rude to  make

        8



                                                        Chapter 4:  Reference

          changes   to   the   configuration   files   without   the   user's
          authorization, so we strongly recommend  that you use this  feature
          judiciously.

          Note:    Backup  copies  of  the  user's  original  CONFIG.SYS  and
          AUTOEXEC.BAT files will be preserved.



















































                                                                            9



        Chapter 4:  Reference


        Distribution | File selection

        Select this  menu  option  to indicate  which  files  your  program
        consists of.  These files will be included in the distribution set.

        Select the New button to enter a file specification.  You may enter
        filenames individually, for example:

        'C:\DEV\MYSOFT\PROGRAM.EXE'

        or use wildcards like ? and/or * to include multiple files matching
        a single file specification, for example:

        'C:\DEV\MYSOFT\*.EXE'

        Normally you  will leave  Destination as  '\' because  you want  to
        place these files in the main directory where the program is  being
        installed, on the user's computer.  Or enter the subdirectory  name
        where you want the files installed instead, for example 'SAMPLE' to
        install in 'C:\MYSOFT\SAMPLE\'.

        You may enter  a description for  this file  specification, in  the
        field Description.  Currently this is for reference only, although
        future versions of SuperInstall may use this information.

        Use the radio  button control to  indicate how you  want the  files
        being installed  to  be  processed.    You  can  choose  to  Always
        overwrite files already on the system,  Prompt the user before  you
        do so,  or skip  installation of  files already  on the  system  by
        selecting Never.  The default is to always overwrite files already
        on the system.

        If a  file  absolutely needs  to  be on  the  first disk,  use  the
        checkbox First disk to indicate  that fact.   ReadMe files are  an
        example of such files  that have to  be on disk  one.  Those  files
        will not be  compressed, so they  should be small  files and  there
        should be very few of them.

        The files  INSTALL.EXE,  INSTALL.DAT,  as well  as  INSTALL.PAL  if
        present, will be included on disk one automatically by SuperInstall
        and you must not include them in this list of files.

        You may edit a file specification  by selecting the button Edit or
        remove one by selecting the button Delete.

        Note:  You must make sure  that the files specified exist, and  are
        located just where  you indicate  they are.   Files  that can't  be
        found by SuperInstall will be ignored.








        10



                                                        Chapter 4:  Reference


          Distribution | Disk set configuration

          Select this menu option to indicate for which diskette formats  you
          wish to create distribution sets.  It may be your company's  policy
          not to offer 5  1/4" or low-density diskettes,  for instance.   Use
          the checkbox controls to indicate which formats will be supported.

          SuperInstall will create copies  of the master  disks on your  hard
          disk.  Enter the name of the subdirectory where you want to  create
          those copies in the field Create in directory .  If this directory
          does not exist, it will be created.  For example: 'C:\DIST\MYSOFT'.
          Subdirectories   will   be   created   below   it,   for   example:
          'C:\DIST\MYSOFT\DSK72_1' for format 3 1/2" - 720K Disk 1.

          Warning:   If  there are  any  files in  this  directory,  outdated
          distribution sets for instance, they will be deleted.

          The directory  for disk  one will  include the  files  INSTALL.EXE,
          INSTALL.DAT,  any  files  you  selected  to  go  on  disk  one  (in
          uncompressed form) and a compressed file named DISK1.BIN.

          The directory for  disk two (if  required) will include  DISK2.BIN,
          while disk three (if required) will include DISK3.BIN...

          You can have up to 99 disks.

          Note:   SuperInstall won't  split files,  so if  one of  the  files
          compresses to  400K,  you  can't  use  5  1/4"  -  360K  disks  for
          distribution.





          Distribution | Disk set creation

          Select this menu option to create  the distribution set(s) for  the
          disk format(s) you have selected.


















                                                                           11



        Chapter 4:  Reference


        Options | Colors | Customize

        Select  this  menu   option  to  customize   the  colors  used   by
        SuperInstall.  The Colors dialog box appears.

        The Group list box control on the left displays all groups of user
        interface elements for  which you can  customize the  colors.   The
        Item list box control  presents the individual  items part of  that
        group.  Select the item you want to change.

        Now select the foreground and background  colors you want for  that
        item.  As  soon as  you make  a color  selection, you  will see  it
        reflected in the sample text window.

        Choose OK to make the new colors active.  You will probably want to
        preserve the new color selections for future work sessions.  Select
        the menu option Options | Colors | Save  palette to save the color
        definitions.





        Options | Colors | Load palette

        Select this menu  option to choose  one of the  color palettes  you
        already defined or one of those provided with SuperInstall.  Select
        the Preview button to see what the highlighted color palette  looks
        like.  Select the  OK button to make  the color palette active,  or
        the Cancel button to exit without changing the color palette.  The
        active palette  is  saved in  the  file SINSTALL.PAL  and  is  read
        automatically when the program  is run.   If the file  SINSTALL.PAL
        does not exist, default colors will be used instead.

        See File  |  Open  for  a  detailed  explanation  of  all  commands
        available in a similar dialog box.




        Options | Colors | Save palette

        Select this menu option  to save a color  definition.  You will  be
        prompted for a  filename.  You  may enter any  valid DOS  filename,
        preferably with the '.PAL'  extension.  The  Files window offers  a
        list of existing color palettes so you can enter a unique name.

        Hint:   You may  also  customize the  colors  used by  the  Install
        program.   Simply define  a  palette and  save  it under  the  name
        'INSTALL.PAL', or copy an existing one to that name, for example:

        COPY BLUE.PAL INSTALL.PAL  [Enter]




        12



                                                        Chapter 4:  Reference

          SuperInstall will include the file INSTALL.PAL in the  distribution
          set automatically and the program INSTALL.EXE will read it when  it
          is run by your customers.






















































                                                                           13



        Chapter 5:  Miscellaneous


        Chapter 5:  Miscellaneous


        How to Get Technical Support

        Technical support is  a benefit of  registration.  Logistral,  Inc.
        offers free unlimited  technical support to  all registered  users.
        Consequently, unregistered  users receive  only a  bare minimum  of
        support and are not  entitled to phone support  at all.  To  obtain
        technical support, please contact us at:

        Fax:  418-285-0710
        Compuserve:  70313,1071
        Internet:  pats@novalink.com

        Logistral, Inc.
        P.O. Box 483
        Donnacona, Quebec
        Canada, G0A 1T0


        Tools of the Trade

        This software  was  developed with  Borland  Pascal and  the  Turbo
        Vision application framework from Borland International.

        This manual  was  written  with Word  for  Windows  from  Microsoft
        Corporation.




























        14
