




                                   MIMENU


                           Hard Disk Menu Program


                                  VERS 3.1

                              By  John M. Haro



                                  MIMENU                             Page 2


                            GENERAL INFORMATION

          MIMENU (pronounced MY-MENU).  It was originally developed due to
     a need for a user friendly menu program for my job working with the
     Air Force.  Every computer in the office had a different type of a
     menu program which only had one thing in common and that was they were
     hard to modify except by the creator of the menu.  Using a Quick Silver
     dBase III compiler I created the first menu program which quickly
     became the standard for all the MS-DOS computers used throughout the
     HQ Strategic Communications Division Logistics Section.  The program
     was later converted to 'C' using Turbo 'C' with the CXL window
     library.

                             FEATURES OF MIMENU

         10 choices per page with a maximum of 10 pages in one set of menu
          pages.  Vertitually unlimited as to how many submenu page sets you
          can have.
          
         A quick screen system display to determine your systems equipment
          configuration.
          
         Password protection capability to prevent quiting out of MIMENU.
       
         Password protection capability to prevent unwanted editing of menus.
       
         Individual password protection capability to prevent certain menu
          choices from being ran by unwanted persons.
          
         Easy transfering or copying menu choices to new locations on any
          set of menu pages (even across different sets of menu pages).
          
         Built in screen blanking capability or you can run an external
          screen saver of your choice.
          
         Editing of menu choices, page names are all done on current screen
          without having to run an external editor.
          
         Mouse supported through out MIMENU.
       
         Option of returning to current menu choice after a program has
          been ran.
          
         Full support of being able to select different color choices for
          screen displays.


                                  MIMENU                             Page 3


                             INSTALLING MIMENU

          If you are upgrading from an older version of MIMENU, please
     follow the directions listed in the READ.1ST file.

          Create a subdirectory such as: MIMENU with the following
     command.

               C:> MD MIMENU

          Change to this subdirectory with the following command.

               C:> CD MIMENU

          Uncompress MIMEN30A with the appropriate decompression program
     such as PKUNZIP, into the MIMENU directory.  If the files are already
     expanded on a disk, just copy them into the directory with the
     command.

               C:> COPY A:*.*
     
          To allow the MIMENU program to be run from anywhere on your
     hard disk, copy the file M.BAT to your root directory or to any
     subdirectory that is identified in your path statement.

          The AUTOEXEC.BAT file should be modified with the last sentence
     as M.  This will allow MIMENU to be brought up every time the
     computer is turned on.

          NOTE:  If you want to rename the batch file M.BAT to some
     other name, change the last line in your AUTOEXEC.BAT appropriately.
     This M.BAT file needs to be able to execute the MENU.BAT file located
     in the MIMENU directory.

          MIMENU is now ready to be used and can be quickly customized
     to run all your programs or DOS commands.  The only information you
     will need to know is the DOS statements you normally enter to run
     each program or DOS function.


                                  MIMENU                             Page 4


                           HOW TO CUSTOMIZE MIMENU

          When the program is started, the following describes the
     customization key codes.

       <F1>  --  Gives you a quick help screen which describes all of
                 the following keys and how to maneuver about MIMENU.
                 Press <ESC> to exit from the help screen.

          M  --  Allows you to change the main program defaults
                 through a set of menu choices as follows:

            Main Defaults:
              Menu Editing Allowed (Y/N)  -  No editing will be allowed
                 on any menu page unless this is set to "Y".  Normally 
                 left in "N" to prevent accidental changes.

              Date Time Displayed (Y/N)  -  Answer with a "Y" if you
                 want the date and time to be displayed in the lower left
                 corner of each menu screen.  If you use a Clock TSR 
                 program and do not want a second clock to be displayed, 
                 set it to "N" to disable it.

              Screen be Blanked (Y/N)  -  Enter a "Y" if you want the
                 the screen to be blanked after the Blank Time (next item)
                 has elapsed.

              Screen Blank Time (Secs)  -  Enter the time in seconds.
                 After the time you have entered has elapsed and the 
                 computer has not been used MIMENU will erase the screen
                 to prevent burn in.  Pressing any key (except non
                 printable keys like the SHIFT or ALT) will return the 
                 menu to the screen.

              Return to Last Menu Choice (Y/N) - Enter a "Y" if you want
                 MIMENU to return to the current menu page and choice
                 when you exit to run a program.

              Display Screen Save Message  -  Enter a "Y" if you want the
                 screen blank message to be displayed after the screen is
                 blanked.  This message will constantly move on your screen
                 from side to side and top to bottom.

              External Screen Save - Enter a "Y" if you want to use an
                 external screen saver program.  This option is provided
                 if you prefer your own special program or picture to be
                 displayed.  The "Screen be Blanked" option must still be
                 set to "Y".

                                  MIMENU                             Page 5

              Screen Save Pgm - Enter the program name of the external
                 screen saver program you want to run if the previous
                 option is set to a "Y".  This program must be located
                 in the current directory or in a directory located in
                 the path statement.  The program can not load up in
                 Terminate and Stay Ready (TSR) mode, since this is
                 only ran with a second COMMAND.COM loaded.  A TSR
                 type program could lock up your computer.

              Program Start Name  -  Enter the name of the Batch file to
                 start MIMENU.  This is provided in case you want to rename
                 the M.BAT file to some other name such as MENU.BAT or
                 HELP.BAT when it is placed in the Path directory.

              Menu Title  -  Enter any title you want displayed at the top
                 of the menu pages.  This same title is displayed on all
                 pages.

              Menu Program Path  -  Enter the drive and directory where
                 the MIMENU program resides if different from the default.
                 The last statement in this path should be the word MENU
                 which is the default batch file that is executed when
                 returning from a called program or command.

              Exit Program Path  -  Enter the commands you wish MIMENU to
                 execute upon exiting.  Refer to the Choice Path below for
                 explanation on how to set up the Paths.

            Change Colors:
              This allows you to change your menu screen colors.  Use the
                 arrow keys to move the flashing pointer to any selection
                 you wish to change.  Press <ENTER> and then type in the 
                 number from the color spectrum window at the right for the
                 color wanted.  Enter a Y or N if you want the foreground to
                 blink.  To see a test menu page press F10.  When done
                 viewing this menu page press any key to continue.  When
                 done editing, press the <ESC> key.  If you have a mouse
                 installed, you can use the mouse cursor to point and click
                 at the item to be changed.  Then point and click at the
                 color you want for that item.  You can select it to blink
                 by pointing and clicking in the Blink box.  You can also
                 select the test menu by pointing and clicking at the test
                 menu box.  These boxes will only be visible if you have a
                 mouse installed.

                                  MIMENU                             Page 6


            Passwords:
              Enter a "Y" for any area that you want password protection to
                 be provided:

              Use a Password to run a Menu Choice - Enter a "Y" here if you
                 want a password to be requested before a menu choices is
                 performed.  The menu choice you want protected must have a
                 "^" in the first character of the path (or after the "@" if
                 running in shell mode, or after the "%" for a new menu
                 page.)  Use this to prevent unwanted access to your computer.

              Menu Choice Password - Enter in any appropriate characters or
                 words you want for your password.

              Use above Password to run Function Quick Keys - Enter a "Y" if
                 you want to use the password you enter above as the password
                 for any of the Shift Function Quick Keys.

              Use a Password to Edit or Modify Menus - Enter a "Y" here if
                 you want a password to be requested before any editing can be
                 performed, or before access is allowed to the modify screen.
                 This is allowed to prevent any unknown changes to be done
                 to your MIMENU.

              Edit/Modify Password - Enter in any appropriate characters or
                 words you want for your password.

              Use a Password to Quit MIMENU - Enter a "Y" here if you want a
                 password to be requested before allowing MIMENU to be ended
                 returning to DOS.  Be careful, some menu choices could still
                 allow someone to drop to DOS since they are only running
                 batch files.  This is only provided as a minimum of security
                 for a computer system.  It will not protect your computer
                 from a good computer hacker.

         NOTE:  If you do not want to change any of the above settings,
                or are done editing you can press <ESC> to end editing.

              Quit Password - Enter in any appropriate characters or words you
                 want for your passwords.

              All passwords are case sensitive so if you enter your password
                 in lower case, you must respond to the password prompt with
                 the same characters in lower case.

              If you should forget a password, the only quick fix you have
                 available to you is to recopy the original MI-RUN.CFG file
                 over your current file.  You will have to go back and 
                 recustomize any defaults you might have changed.

                                  MIMENU                             Page 7


            Function Keys:
              This area is used to customize the F9 or F10 function key to
                 any DOS command you might like to use on a regular basis.
                 Enter the information as follows:

              Screen Description - Place a title here for the command you
                 want for either the F9 or F10 user defined function key to
                 display in the <SHIFT> pop up menu.
                    Example:    Dir A:  (example if you want a different DIR)

              Functions DOS Command - Enter in the actual DOS command or
                 program you want for the associated function key to execute
                 upon its selection.
                    Example:    DIR     (does not have to be capitalized)

              Command Options - Enter in any standard default options you
                 want for this command such as particular flags or switches.
                 These must be able to work if applied immediately after the
                 command line.
                    Example:    A:DIR/W      The "/W" is the Option Entered.

              Is a Prompt Required - Enter a "Y" here if you an additional
                 prompt to be requested from you prior to executing the
                 command.  This could allow changing parameters to be
                 entered at this time.


         NOTE:  If you do not want to change any of the above settings,
                or are done editing you can press <ESC> to end editing.

         NOTE:  Use <Ctrl-U> to clear the line from the cursor to the
                end of the current field.  Use <Ctrl-Y> to clear from the
                cursor to the last editing field on the page.



                                  MIMENU                             Page 8


     *******************************************************************
     *   When the "Edit Menu Allowed (Y/N)" option listed above is set *
     * to "Y", the following customizations are permitted.             *
     *******************************************************************

          E  --  This allows you to edit the highlighted menu choice.  When
                 pressed, a window opens up allowing you to edit/modify the
                 following items.  Press <F1> at any prompt to bring up help
                 instructions for each entry.

              NAME  -  Enter the name of this menu choice.

              DESCRIPTION  -  Enter any description of the menu choice or a
                 special instruction to be displayed at the bottom of the
                 menu area.  If no description is entered here, nothing will
                 be displayed.

              PATH  -  Enter the normal DOS commands you would type in to
                 execute this choice.  Example, if you normally enter:

                          C:> CD\WP2  {Changes directory to WP2}
                          C:> WD      {Runs Dictionary Program, WD}
                          C:> WP      {Runs Word Processor Program, WP}

                 These commands would be entered into the path line as:

                          CD\WP2;WD;WP

                 The semicolon is used to separate command statements and
                 its use will be explained shortly.

         NOTE:  Avoid executing a batch file if possible because a batch
     file will not return to a calling batch file.  If it is necessary to
     execute a batch file due to lengthy commands required to execute a
     program, edit the end of that called batch file to include the
     statements that are in the Menu Program Path such as:

                              C:
                              CD\MIMENU
                              MENU

                 This will allow proper return to MIMENU.

                                  MIMENU                             Page 9


              Character codes that can be used in the Path input:

              ;  <--  Used to separate commands.  This character is replaced
                      with a carriage return and should be inserted whenever
                      you would normally press the Enter key.

              %  <--  Must be placed as the first character followed by a
                      legal DOS file name of 1 to 8 characters with no
                      extension.  This will switch to an alternate menu file.
                      This can allow grouped items to be given their own menu
                      selection pages.  If the file name given does not
                      already exist, it will be created with one menu page of
                      blank selections except for choice number 0 which will
                      automatically be entered with a return path to the main
                      menu file and choice 9 which returns back to calling
                      menu choice.  This choice can be changed to any other
                      choice or deleted if you do not want a return capability.
                      You can also include a particular page and menu choice
                      to start with.  Example of usage would be:
                              %GAMES
                         or   %GAMES 2 4    to start on page 2 choice 4
                      Page 10 must be entered as a 0, the same as the last
                      menu choice must also be entered as a 0.

              #  <--  Can be used for an input request prompt such as:
                              TIME #
                           or DATE #
                      When the "#" character is detected, the program halts
                      and requests a parameter input.  This input will then
                      be included in the batch file in place of the "#".

              @  <--  Must be placed as the first character.  All the
                      subsequent commands in the path are executed in a
                      shell mode.  MIMENU stays in memory but after execution
                      of the commands, it will return to the current position
                      in the menu screen.  Example of usage would be:
                              @DIR A:

                      This would display the directory of drive A:.  MIMENU
                      automatically pause for any key to be pressed before
                      returning back to the current menu page.

              ~  <--  If placed at the end of the path command line it will
                      terminate the execution of the path commands and leave
                      you at the DOS prompt.  This will allow jumping directly
                      to DOS after any commands have been executed.

              ^  <--  Must be placed as the first character or immediately
                      after the @ character.  If the Password protection for
                      running a menu choice is set to "Y", the ^ character
                      flags the current menu choice as requiring a password
                      before it can be performed.

          NOTE:  The above characters are displayed in a box above the
                 editing box.

                                  MIMENU                             Page 10


          A  --  Adds a new menu page to the end of the current pages.  The
                 screen changes to this new empty menu page.  A total of 10
                 pages can be created within one set of menu pages; but it is
                 unlimited as to how many different alternate sets of menu
                 pages you can create with the "%" described above.

          I  --  Inserts a blank menu page at the current location.  The new
                 blank page will take the page number of the current location,
                 and the page at the current location will take the next
                 higher page number.  All subsequent pages will be shifted by
                 one page number.

          D  --  This will delete the current menu page.  You will be prompted
                 to insure this is what you want to do.  Any page can be
                 deleted except for the last available page because the
                 program requires at least one page in order to operate.  You
                 will automatically be warned that you are trying to delete
                 the last page and the program will prevent this.

          P  --  This will edit the page name.  You will be prompted for a new
                 page name which will be displayed below the Main Title.  This
                 can be used to identify particular pages such as word
                 processors, DOS commands, etc.

          T  --  This will allow you to transfer a menu choice to a new
                 location.  When you press "T" at the menu choice you want
                 moved, that menu choice will be deleted and a flashing "<T>"
                 will be displayed in the upper left corner.  This is to
                 remind you that a transfer is in progress.  Move to any other
                 position, on any page, and press "T" again.  This will
                 complete the transfer and will write the moved selection to
                 this position.

          C  --  This will allow you to copy a menu choice to a new location.
                 Works similar to "T" but does not delete the original menu
                 choice.  A flashing "<C>" will be displayed in the upper left
                 corner.

                                  MIMENU                             Page 11



                         HOW TO MOVE AROUND IN MIMENU

          To execute a menu choice, either press the number key which
     precedes the menu choice, or use the arrow keys to highlight the
     menu choice.  Then press the Enter key.

          To move to the next or previous menu page, use the PgUp or PgDn
     keys.

          To GoTo a particular menu page, press G and you will be shown
     all the menu page names available.  Press the letter of the page
     number wanted or move the cursor to the page name and press enter
     (or select the page with the mouse cursor).  MIMENU will immediately
     display that page.

          To move to the first page, press the Ctrl and Home keys at the
     same time.

          To move to the last page, press the Ctrl and End keys at the
     same time.

          A mouse if fully supported with a point and shoot cursor.  Use
     the cursor to point at any menu selection and click the left button
     twice.  Two small boxes will be displayed in the upper left area
     labeled as "Next" and "Prev".  Place the mouse cursor in either box
     and click the left button to change pages in the appropriate
     direction.  Press the right button to activate pulldown menus at the
     top.  Through these menus, all the normal keystroke functions can
     be activated.

                                  MIMENU                            Page 12

                       PREPROGRAMMED DOS QUICK KEYS

          MIMENU has eight preprogrammed DOS quick keys and two user
     defined quick keys.  These keys are activated by pressing and holding
     down the <SHIFT> keys.  This will display a list of key descriptions
     on a pop up window in the middle of the screen.  To activate any choice,
     press the function key associated with the choice wanted.  The commands
     for F9 and F10 can be changed to your own choices through the Modify
     command described above.  The following describes the preset commands:

          F1  -  Dir - Directory display.  Enter in your path for the drive
     and directory to be displayed.  You must end the path with "*.*" or 
     any particular file mask you want to display.

          F2  -  Format - Formats a floppy disk using the DOS format
     program.  You first select the drive to format, and then the drive
     size (which sets up the appropriate format switches).  All drive
     sizes were provided to be compatible with all drives.  Select only
     the correct size for your computer.

          F3  -  DskCpy - Diskcopy command.  Select the source drive and
     then the destination drive.  You are then prompted for any additional
     switches you want to enter.

          F4  -  ChkDsk - Check disk command.

          F5  -  Copy - Copy file.  Enter in the file name and path of the
     source file and its destination.

          F6  -  Dos - Jumps out to DOS.  Type in EXIT to return to MIMENU.

          F7  -  Time - Change your computers time.  Prompts you for new
     time.

          F8  -  Date - Change your computers date.  Prompts you for new
     date.

     NOTE:  Time and Date uses the standard DOS update commands.  If your
            computer requires a separate program to update the real time
            clock (like RTCLOCK on Zenith Z-248's), it must be ran
            separately since your clock will not be updated.  You could
            use either the F9 or F10 programmable keys for this feature
            if you need it.


                                  MIMENU                             Page 13



                               SPECIAL FEATURES

          S  --  This will give you a quick reference listing of your
     computer systems equipment as follows:

                 ROM BIOS date if available.

                 Clock Calendar board if equipped (may not display on
                 all computers, depends on how the computer recognizes
                 the installed board).

                 EMS device driver.  If equipped, it will display the
                 total pages free and the total pages in 16K blocks.

                 Math Co-Processor if installed.

                 Extended memory available.  This memory is only displayed
                 accurately for AT class machines.  I have also detected
                 that some device drivers may change the computers
                 information and may not display any extended memory.

                 Expanded memory available.

                 Game port if equipped (usually only for XT's or if a
                 separate board is installed).

                 Mouse if available.

                 Number of floppy drives.

                 Number of parallel and Serial ports.

                 Type of video driver card detected.

                 Type/class of computer.


                                  MIMENU                             Page 14



                                 USER SUPPORT

          MIMENU is being made available to the general public under
     the concept of ShareWare.  As such, you are free to copy it and
     distribute it to others provided that all accompanying files are
     distributed intact and unmodified, and that no fee is charged.  The
     author retains ALL rights to the program and documentation.  You are
     encouraged to try the program for a reasonable period of time to
     consider supporting the efforts of the author by sending a small
     contribution to the address shown below.  Once you have done so,
     you are considered "registered", and you can expect a prompt reply
     to correspondence.  You will also receive the latest version of
     MIMENU if the version you have is not the newest.

          MIMENU is also being made available to the Air Force and all
     other DOD agencies with no registration requirements.  The program
     was created to provide a standardized menu system throughout HQ SCCC.
     The current version should be made available and distributed by the
     Small Computer Tech Centers.  I may be reached at HQ SCCC/SOSSB,
     Offutt AFB, NE 68113 for any comments or help.

          I welcome all comments and suggestions regarding MIMENU, please
     be sure to specify the following information in correspondence:

              - Current version of MIMENU you have.
              - What brand and model computer you have.
              - How much memory your machine has.
              - What type of video card and monitor you have.
              - What DOS version you are running.
              - Any other type of cards your machine has.
              - Include your name and return address.

          To register your copy of MIMENU, fill out the registration form
      at the end of this documentation and send $10.00 to the author at:

                              John M. Haro
                              P.O. Box 13031
                              Omaha, NE 68113-0031


                                  MIMENU                             Page 15


                            FILES PROVIDED ON DISK

          Below is the list of files included with the MIMENU disk.  These
      files must remain intact and can not be modified.

               READ.1ST            Information file for upgrading MIMENU from
                                   a previous older version.
               M.BAT               Initial Start up Batch File.
                                   Can be relocated to any Path Dir.
               MENU.BAT            The return Batch file that is
                                   executed after the called commands.
               MIMENU.BAT          A duplicate of MENU.BAT.  This was
                                   included to retain compatibility to
                                   older version.  It can be deleted if
                                   not needed.
               SCRN1.OVL           An overlay file used for MIMENU.
               MI-RUN.EXE          The main MIMENU program.
               README.DOC          This Documentation file.
               MI-RUN.CFG          Data used for the program defaults and
                                   configuration.
               MIMENU.DAT          Initial MIMENU menu data.
               HISTORY.DOC         A list of changes and modifications done
                                   to MIMENU.
               CONVERT.EXE         A conversion program that converts pre
                                   versions of MIMENU 2.6 DEFAULT.DAT and
                                   PASSWRD.DAT files into one file now
                                   called MI-RUN.CFG.  This file will
                                   automatically delete itself after it
                                   performs the conversion, otherwise, you
                                   do not need it in the MIMENU directory.
               MIMENU.HLP          Help file to be used within MIMENU.

               *.DAT               All other submenus will be created with
                                   the suffix of "DAT" when your use the
                                   "%" alternate menu command in the menu
                                   path.


    For basic or site license registration, fill out the following form
    and mail it to:

                              John M. Haro
                              P.O. Box 13031
                              Omaha, NE 68113


    Name:     ___________________________________________________________

    Company:  ___________________________________________________________

    Address:  ___________________________________________________________

    City:     ______________    State:  ____    Zip:  ___________________


    Current version of MIMENU:  3.0a

    Where did you receive MIMENU from:  _________________________________

    Type computer running on:  _____________________

    Comments:  __________________________________________________________

               __________________________________________________________

               __________________________________________________________

               __________________________________________________________

 
     Thank you for taking the time out to register this program.  You will
   be notified of any updates to MIMENU to include one free update.  This
   update will be sent on a 5" disk.  If you can not use this size disk,
   enclose an extra $1.00 for a 3" disk.

           Basic Registration   $10.00
                   or                       _____________________
           Site License         $45.00

           3" disk update       $1.00      _____________________


                Total                       _____________________


    Site license registration of $45.00 allows MIMENU to be used on all
    computer systems within your company.

    Basic registration of $10.00 allows MIMENU to be ran on a single
    computer system.


