















                                What Vehicle History?



                   Service History Tracking, Reporting, and Billing
                        of vehicles & other mechanical devices
                                 for MS-DOS computers




                            Shareware Edition User's Guide












                               Written by Angel Babudro
                                     P.O. Box 132
                                   Paonia, CO 81428














                          Copyright Angel Babudro 1991-1996
                                 All rights reserved.







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                                       CONTENTS



          I.    DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

          II.   COPYRIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

          III.  LICENSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   1

          IV.   TECHNICAL SUPPORT (HOW TO REACH ME) . . . . . . . . . .   2
                Official Distribution Bulletin Boards . . . . . . . . .   3

          V.    ORDERING METHODS AND REGISTRATION FEES  . . . . . . . .   4
                A. Benefits of Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   4
                B. How To Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                C. Pricing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
                INVOICE & REGISTRATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7

          VI.   WHAT DOES THIS SOFTWARE DO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8

          VII.  SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS & LIMITS  . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
                A. Computer Hardware Requirements . . . . . . . . . . .   8
                B. Storage Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
                C. Using on a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
                D. Using with MS Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    10
                E. Using with 4DOS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    10
                F. Operating Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    10

          VIII. RUNNING What Vehicle History? FOR THE FIRST TIME  . .    10
                A. Quick Start  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    10
                B. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    11
                C. Using the Menus  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    12
                D. Using Information Windows  . . . . . . . . . . . .    12

          IX.   MANAGING FILES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    13
                A. Copying Files  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    13
                   1.  Using DOS Commands (13)
                       __________________
                   2.  Using the Back-up option (13)
                       ________________________
                   3.  Restoring files from a back-up copy (14)
                       ___________________________________
                B. Formatting Floppy Disks  . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15
                C. Re-Indexing Files  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    15
                D. Packing Files  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    16

          X.    DATA ENTRY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    16
                A. Service Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    17



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                                What Vehicle History?
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                B. Customers/Departments, Mechanics, Service Types,
                   and
                   Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    18
                C. Inventory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    19
                D. Inventory Receipts & Depletions  . . . . . . . . .    19

          XI.   REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    20

          XII.  PREFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    20
                A. Inventory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    20
                B. Miscellaneous  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    21
                   1.  Country setting (21)
                       _______________
                   2.  License State/Province (21)
                       ______________________
                   3.  Alert Tone (22)
                       __________
                   4.  Other ID Titles (22)
                       _______________
                C. Printer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    22
                   1.  Laser printer soft fonts (22)
                       ________________________
                   2.  Scalable fonts (23)
                       ______________
                   3.  Lines per page (23)
                       ______________
                   4.  Left margin (23)
                       ___________
                D. Sales Tax Rate and Labour Rate Entry . . . . . . .    24

          XIII. HELP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    24

          XIV.  ERROR MESSAGES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    25
                A. EMS Memory Error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    26
                B. Text overlaps on reports . . . . . . . . . . . . .    26
                C. Information is Missing - Correcting Disk Problems     27

          XV.   FILES WHICH MAKE UP THE PACKAGE . . . . . . . . . . .    28



















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                                What Vehicle History?
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          I.    DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

                WVH IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OR
          CONDITIONS, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
          THOSE CONCERNING MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
          PURPOSE.  NEITHER ANGEL BABUDRO NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN
          INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS
          SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR
          INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE
          THIS SOFTWARE EVEN IF ANGEL BABUDRO HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
          POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS.  IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
          AUTHOR'S LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR
          THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF CLAIM. 
          THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY
          AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE.
                Some States do not allow the exclusion of the limit of
          liability for consequential or incidental damages, so the above
          limitation may not apply to you.
                This agreement shall be governed by the State of Colorado
          and shall inure to the benefit of Angel Babudro and any
          successors, administrators, heirs and assigns.  Any action or
          proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out
          of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a State
          or Federal Court of competent jurisdiction located in Delta
          County, Colorado.  The parties hereby consent to in personam
          jurisdiction of said courts.


          II.   COPYRIGHT

                WVH is owned and copyright (c) 1991-1995 by Angel Babudro,
          all rights reserved.  You may only use and/or distribute WVH
          under the License terms below.


          III.  LICENSE

                The following terms and conditions apply to the use and/or
          distribution of What Vehicle History?:
                          _____________________

                1. WVH is being distributed as Shareware; it is not free. 
          You are granted a limited license to use WVH for an evaluation
          period of up to 60 days, to determine if it suits your needs. 
          Any other use of WVH or use past this period requires
          registration.

                2. You may keep as many back-up copies of WVH as you wish. 
          The Registered Edition is limited to simultaneous use on the

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                                What Vehicle History?
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          number of computers indicated on the Use License.  The
          Unregistered Edition may be used on any number of computers for
          the purpose of evaluation as specified in paragraph (1).

                3. All files originally distributed as part of the package
          (including this notice) must be included without modification. 
          The complete list of files can be found in the PACKING.LST file
          which is part of this package.  The Registered Edition CONFIG.WVH
          file is NOT to be distributed.

                4. Individual users may freely copy this disk and share it
          with friends, family, and acquaintances.  Non-profit groups
          (including user groups and BBSs) may distribute copies of this
          disk.  A fee of no more than $5 may be charged to cover disk
          copying costs.  If the files on this disk have dates more than a
          year old please contact the author for a free update to the
          current version.

                5. Disk distributors and dealers must have written
          permission before selling copies of this software unless the
          author has uploaded the software directly to your BBS or Internet
          site.  When you contact me you will receive a free copy of the
          latest version and you will be placed on my mailing list to
          receive updates as they are released.  Disk distributors may
          charge no more than $10 per disk (floppy disk or CD-ROM) which
          contains this software.  If, as a distributor, you supply copies
          to other resellers, the end price to the user may not exceed $10.

                6. You must obtain written permission prior to distribution
          in conjunction with any other product or service (e.g., placing
          on new computer systems, providing in conjunction with a seminar,
          etc.).

                7. If the software is packaged for retail sale the
          packaging must explain that the software is Shareware, that the
          purchaser is receiving a trial version, and that use beyond the
          trial period requires registration with the author.

                8. You must immediately stop selling/distributing copies of
          this software upon notice from the author.


          IV.   TECHNICAL SUPPORT (HOW TO REACH ME)

                If you have questions or need help, just send a note to me
          through the mail or a BBS listed below.  Registered users, those
          intending to register within 30 days, vendors, and sysops may


                                         -2-







                                What Vehicle History?
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          contact me via telephone as well.  Sysops and shareware vendors
          please see VENDOR.DOC for distribution information.

                Mail        Angel Babudro, "Organic Computer Wizardry",
                            PO Box 132, Paonia, CO 81428 USA
                Phone       (970) 527-6756 Tue-Fri 10am-6pm Mountain Time
                            ("970" is a new area code for Colorado; if it
                            doesn't work try "303" instead)

                I am normally available by phone during the hours stated
          above.  If you get the answering machine please leave a message. 
          Unregistered users: please try again later - I am happy to answer
          your questions but I cannot afford to pay for the call.

                Official Distribution Bulletin Boards

                   My software packages are "free" downloads on the BBSs
          listed below - you need not subscribe to download my shareware
          (although other files or functions may require subscription).  I
          use the first name "Angelo" on BBSs since it avoids gender
          confusion (I'm used to both names anyway).  Scan for the file
          name WVH*.* to locate the latest version.

          West Coast   Expanding Horizons (CO)    14.4k V.32 (970) 241-2847
                         This is my local BBS so it is the one I most often
                       update and check for messages.  The first time on
                       you will have to fill out the registration form.
                         From the main menu:
                       * Enter "OCW" to join the Organic Computer Wizardry
                         conference where all the latest files are stored.
                       * Enter "F" to view the list of available files
                       * Enter "E Angelo Babudro" to post messages for me

          Midwest      Rusty 'n Edie's (OH)     USR HST 16.8 (216) 726-1804
                                       USR V.Everything 28.8 (216) 726-3628
                                                  Hayes 28.8 (216) 726-3619
                                    ZyXel 19.2k v.32/v.32bis (216) 726-3620
                                           2400/v.32/v.32bis (216) 726-2620
                                         CompuCom SpeedModem (216) 726-3584
                       You will have to subscribe in order to download
                       updates from Rusy 'n Edie's, although I believe they
                       give a trial subscription the first time you log on.

          East Coast   Excalibur (Central NY)       USR Dual (315) 736-3792
                         FREQ (File REQuest) from this board via RBBS
                       address A:954/401, FIDO address 1:26501, or I.C. Net
                       address 91:315/101.


                                         -3-







                                What Vehicle History?
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                       WhiTech BBS (NC) ZyXEL 14.4 V32b/V42b (910) 944-1165
                       File Request (FREQ) via Fido address 1:3636/2.

                       Software Creations (Mass.)
                        2400/9600/14.4 USR HST Dual Standard (508) 368-7036
                        2400/9600/14.4/28.8 USR V.Everything (508) 365-6604
                       This BBS offers about 130 phone lines and tons of
                       Shareware.  They call it "Home of the Authors." 
                       It's also home of Night Owl CD-ROM.  I believe you
                       will need to subscribe in order to download my
                       Shareware from this BBS.


          V.       ORDERING METHODS AND REGISTRATION FEES

                   WVH has been under constant development since 1991 in
          the hopes that many people will be willing to pay for a small
          part of the development.  If you use this software past the 60-
          day trial period I ask that you pay the registration fee.  There
          are many benefits to registering WVH, as explained in the
          following section.

                A. Benefits of Registration

                The Shareware (unregistered) version of WVH is fully
          functional so that you may try all of its features and know
          exactly for what you are paying.  Past the 60-day evaluation
          period WVH will display reminders to register your copy or
          discontinue use of the software, but it will always continue to
          be fully functional.

                When you register you have the following benefits:

                -  You get the latest version with the latest features and
                   enhancements direct from the author.
                -  You get thorough manual, including an introductory
                   course in using computers with sections on hardware,
                   software, and DOS, in addition to WVH.
                -  Telephone support - you can talk to the software author
                   who can help you right away and is committed to making
                   the software work well for you.
                -  Updates are free or very low cost - get them from a
                   local BBS or Shareware vendor, or direct from the author
                   for just $4 plus shipping. As new features are added,
                   WVH's price is sometimes adjusted to reflect the
                   dramatic increase in its value to users. By registering
                   now, you pay the current (low) price and are entitled to
                   the higher-priced features.

                                         -4-







                                What Vehicle History?
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                -  You can subscribe to receive updates & upgrades as soon
                   as they are released so you will always have the latest
                   features & enhancements.
                -  The Shareware License display and Unregistered Edition
                   delay go away.
                -  It rewards the author for thousands of hours of software
                   development done without pay and from which you are
                   deriving benefit.  It's the right thing to do and will
                   surely come back to you in blessings & good karma.

                B. How To Order

                Send cash, check, or money order in U.S. funds (Canadians
          may send Canadian funds).  Payment must accompany Purchase
          Orders.  Since you are (and have been) using the Unregistered
          Edition, please consider it the case that you are paying for
          already-delivered merchandise.

                If you prefer to use a credit card, you can order WVH from
          Public (software) Library with your MC, Visa, AmEx, or Discover
          card by calling 800-242-4PsL (from overseas: 713-524-6394) or by
          FAX to 713-524-6398 or by CompuServe to 71355,470.  THESE NUMBERS
          ARE FOR ORDERING ONLY.  I CANNOT be reached at those numbers.  To
          contact me for information about dealer pricing, volume
          discounts, site licensing, the status of shipment of the product,
          the latest version number, or for technical information, call
          970-527-6756 or write me at PO Box 132, Paonia, CO USA 81428. 
          The idea behind Shareware is that you try it before buying and,
          therefore, product returns are not allowed.

                When ordering from PsL ask for product #11518.

                C. Pricing

          Use License with Disk, Manual, and Computer Course -- $99. 
                License to use WVH on one computer along with the latest
                Registered Edition on disk with automated installation, the
                latest version of this documentation on disk, notification
                of major updates, a printed 3-ring-bound manual, and life-
                time technical support.  The manual contains an
                introductory course in computers plus a complete guide to
                using WVH.  The course contains introductory-level material
                covering computer components (hardware), DOS & software
                basics, using BBSs, etc.  Manuals are printed on recycled
                or tree-free (hemp & cereal straw) paper.

          Wholesale & OEM -- If you want to resell WVH or bundle it with
                your product or service please write me with your idea.

                                         -5-







                                What Vehicle History?
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          Site License -- If your firm has multiple computers or network
                stations on which WVH will be used you may purchase a Use
                License for the first copy (explained above) plus a Site
                License.  With a site license you get a discount based on
                the number of computers you are licensing, for which you
                received a disk for each computer and up to 10 printed
                manuals (additional printed manuals may be purchased as
                well).  Discounts range from 30% to 80%.  Use WVH's Site
                License option on the Help menu to print the Site License
                order form.

          Free Updates -- When you register I will send you a "key" which
                will allow future releases to work as Registered Editions. 
                You can download from a BBS or otherwise obtain an updated
                copy and it will recognize your registration key.1

          Updates Through The Mail -- An update disk with the latest
                versions of all my shareware costs $4 plus shipping charge.

          Update Subscription -- I will send important updates as they are
                released.  In return you will be expected to send $4 plus
                shipping to me within 30 days or return the disk to cancel
                this service.  There is no time commitment and this
                subscription can be cancelled by either party at any time
                with written notice.

                Prices and specifications are subject to change without
          notice.  Vendors and sysops see VENDOR.DOC and SYSOP.DOC.

                           Register the Shareware you use.











                              
          ____________________

               1 When  you share  copies with  BBSs and  others be  sure to
          delete  your CONFIG.* file  from those copies.   Not only does it
          contain all the  settings on  your system and  certain pieces  of
          your  data, but it also  contains your registration  key and your
          name.

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                                What Vehicle History?
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                                INVOICE & REGISTRATION
                     Credit card orders see "How To Order" above

          REMIT TO:                       FROM:

            Angel Babudro                   Name___________________________
            "Organic Computer Wizardry"
            PO Box 132                      Company________________________
            Paonia, CO  81428
            USA                             Address________________________

                                            _______________________________

                                            Phone__________________________



          Use License      Registration, disk, & manual                 $99

          Shipping &       Continental U.S. - add $5
           Handling        Canada, AK, HI, VI, PR - add $7
                           Outside U.S.A. & Canada - add $22        _______

                                                  *** T O T A L  = $_______

          Update        Send WVH updates 4 to 8 times per          YES [__]
          Subscription  year.  In return I will pay $4 plus
                        shipping within 30 days or return the       NO [__]
                        disk to cancel the subscription.

          Disk size            [__] 5"                [__] 3"
          Drive density        [__] Low (DD) required  [__] High (HD) okay
          FDFORMAT/FDREAD      [__] FDFORMAT extended densities okay
          Do you have a CDROM? [__] Yes                [__] No

          Printer make(s) & model(s)______________________________________

          Which version are you using now?________________________________

          I got it from __BBS __Vendor __Other   Name_____________________

          I saw a review in_______________________________________________

          Upon receipt of this paid invoice the latest Registered Edition
          disk and any options ordered above will be sent.  Mail with your
          cash, check, or money order in U.S. funds (Canadians may send
          U.S. equivalent in Cdn$).  Put comments on back.  Allow 1-4 weeks
          for delivery.  Thank you for registering!

                                         -7-







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



          VI.   WHAT DOES THIS SOFTWARE DO?

                What Vehicle History? (WVH) was originally designed in
                _____________________
          October 1991 to track maintenance records for construction
          equipment.  Over the years it has been expanded to track the
          maintenance history of just about any ground-based mechanical
          devices - cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, big rigs, power
          generators, or anything else that is tracked by miles or hours. 
          (An aviation version is being researched - please write if you
          are interested in this.)  Each "vehicle" has an owner, division,
          or department identified with it, which makes WVH perfect for
          companies who own many vehicles or shops who maintain other
          people's vehicles.

                WVH will track parts, labour, and comments pertaining to
          each service incident for a vehicle.  In addition, you may enter
          your parts inventory and WVH will track stock levels and sales
          history (including profit margin) on parts.


          VII.  SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS & LIMITS

                A. Computer Hardware Requirements

                In order to use WVH here is what you will need:

                *  An 8088/80x86 computer2
                *  At least one disk drive with at least 720k of free
                   storage3
                *  MS/PC-DOS 3.1 or higher, DR-DOS 6 or higher, OS/2 2.14
                *  At least 400k free RAM5
                *  A printer if you wish to print reports
                              
          ____________________

               2  An 80286 or newer computer will operate much more quickly
          than an 8088 or 8086.

               3 Although WVH can be run on floppy disk, for adequate speed
          a hard disk will most likely be needed.

               4 Recommended DOS versions are:  PC-DOS 3.3, 5.0, or 6.1  or
          higher; MS-DOS 3.3, 5.0,  or 6.2 or higher; DR-DOS/Novell  DOS 7;
          OS/2 version 2.1 or higher.

               5  This  is the  amount  of free  conventional  (or "lower")
          memory  required.   Your  computer may  also have  High/UMB, EMS,
          and/or XMS  (or "upper") memory.  If you have about 500kb of free
          upper memory, WVH will use it to operate more quickly.

                                         -8-







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                Here is what you don't need (i.e., these things don't make
          any difference in how quickly WVH operates):
                *  A numeric co-processor
                *  More than 500kb of EMS memory

                B. Storage Requirements

                Although the system is capable of handling 5.5 millions
          entries per file, you would need a super-computer or a lot of
          time to manage it.  Here are some practical guidelines for your
          computer system:

                PC/XT (8088 or 8086) - perhaps 10 vehicles
                80286 - 10 to 20 vehicles
                80386 - 20 to 100 vehicles
                80486 - Over 100 vehicles

                These are just recommendations, though.  You can track a
          thousand vehicles on a PC/XT if you want to, but it will operate
          slowly due to the slow speed of the hard disk and processor.

                C. Using on a Network

                WVH does not yet use record locking so it is not suitable
          for use on a network.  If only one person will use WVH at any one
          time then it will work fine on a network.

                WVH allows shared access to the programme files, which
          means that you can have more than one user running WVH as long as
          each user is using a different set of data files.  You create new
          data files by creating a new directory, changing to that
          directory, and then starting WVH.  For example, if you have two
          departments which repair and track the records for their own
          vehicles you can install the WVH programme in the network drive
          F:\WVH.  Next you could create two directories called
          F:\WVH\DEPT-1 and F:\WVH\DEPT-2.  To begin using WVH with
          Department-1's data files you would "CD \WVH\DEPT-1" and then
          "..\WVH" (or "\WVH\WVH") to run the programme.

                Record locking can be set up by request.  If you want to
          run WVH on a network, having multiple stations access the same
          data base of vehicles, please write.  The registration fee for a
          network version is contained in the Site License Form which can
          be printed from WVH's Help menu.





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                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                D. Using with MS Windows

                WVH can be run as a DOS application under Windows 3.1
          although it is not a Windows application (in other words, it runs
          the same in DOS or Windows).  If you don't use Windows or use it
          only occasionally (as I do), then use WVH from DOS since it will
          work faster without Windows' overhead.  If you normally have
          Windows loaded, however, then go ahead and set up an icon for
          WVH.  To do this, highlight or create a group, then use File/New
          to create a program item and define it as C:\WVH\WVH.EXE (or
          whatever directory you are using) and set the data directory to
          C:\WVH or some other, as you desire.

                E. Using with 4DOS

                WVH has been tested on 4DOS versions 4.0 through 5.5.  No
          special considerations or procedures are necessary.

                F. Operating Limits

                WVH has certain operational limits of which you may want to
          be aware.

                *  Except as otherwise noted, the maximum number of records
                   in any file is 5.5 million
                *  The maintenance (service) incidences may not exceed 300
                   for nay one vehicle.
                *  Each maintenance incident may contain up to 99 parts.


          VIII. RUNNING What Vehicle History? FOR THE FIRST TIME

                A. Quick Start

                To get started in a hurry just type "WVH" from the DOS
          prompt and set each of the Preferences screens.  Use a mouse or
          keyboard commands to move around.  To get help while on any data
          entry screen:  position the cursor (using keyboard arrows or move
          mouse cursor then click the left button) on the item you want
          more information about, then press the F1 key.

          ____  Enter your customers first, then mechanics (or service
                providers), vehicles, and service categories.
                ____   If you don't care about tracking maintenance by
                       service category (e.g., Brakes, Transmission, etc.)
                       then just enter one category called, "General" or
                       something like that.


                                         -10-







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                ____   Likewise, if you don't want to track mechanics or
                       service providers then enter a single service
                       provider (e.g., code "1", name "General") and leave
                       the hourly rate set to zero (you can enter the
                       hourly rate as you enter each maintenance record.
                ____   Set "Allow labor amount to be entered on maintenance
                       screen" to "Yes" on the Sales Tax Preferences screen
                       or you won't be able to change the dollar amount.

                B. Installation

                Before you can use WVH you will have to install it on your
          hard disk or create a working floppy disk.  Since almost no
          business uses dual floppy disk systems anymore I won't bother to
          explain the procedure here.  If you have a lap-top computer with
          dual floppy disks simply place the necessary files (as listed
          above) on one disk and use the other one for data files.  The
          full Printed Manual contains details on this.  Contact me if you
          need help with this in order to evaluate WVH before registering.

                If you received your copy of WVH on floppy disk it came
          with an INSTALL programme.  If INSTALL.EXE or any other of the
          files which make up the software are not on your disk please
          contact me so I can make the distributor aware of the problem.

                To use the automated installation programme, go to the DOS
          prompt (usually "C:\>" or something similar), and type
          "d:INSTALL" where "d:" is the letter of the floppy disk drive
          with the WVH disk (e.g., "A:INSTALL" to install from floppy A:). 
          You will be asked to supply the destination drive and directory. 
          If you have an existing version of the software on disk you will
          be informed that it will be updated with the new disk.

                After INSTALL is finished you will see some helpful
          information for setting up your computer well, and directions on
          how to run WVH.  A batch file called WVH.BAT is created in your
          root directory if you so permit, and your CONFIG.SYS and
          AUTOEXEC.BAT files are not touched at all, not one little bit -- I
          wouldn't invade your system that way.

                While in the root directory you just type "WVH" to start
          the programme.  WVH is a batch file which merely changes to the
          proper drive & directory then runs WVH.  You can delete this file
          if you are using a menu or would rather type the commands
          yourself.




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                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                C. Using the Menus

                WVH uses the familiar pull-down menus which are common to
          QuickBASIC, Windows, and Macintosh applications.  Basically,
          there is a horizontal menu of choices -- File, Data Entry, etc. 
          Under each of the horizontal choices is a menu of functions
          pertaining to that item -- it is a two-dimensional menu, in other
          words.

                There are two ways to select an item from the main menu:

                1. Press the letter which is highlighted in the option
                   description
                2. Use the Up/Down/Right/Left arrows to highlight the
                   option you want then press ENTER (a.k.a. RETURN or CR).

                Some menus have no highlighted options.  On these you must
          use the arrow keys to highlight your choice then press ENTER.

                If you want to cancel an operation you selected, just press
          the Esc ("Escape") key.

                D. Using Information Windows

                Whenever you press the F1 (help) key, use WVH's Help Index,
          and at many times in the programme's execution, you will see a
          window of information "pop up" on the screen.  These information
          windows follow these guidelines of operation:

                *  To close the window or to cancel whatever operation was
                   being attempted, press the Esc (escape) key or click
                   with the mouse on the symbol in the upper left corner of
                   the window.

                *  If there are only affirmative and negative buttons
                   (e.g., Yes/No, Continue/Stop, etc.) then the ENTER (or
                   RETURN) key chooses the affirmative response (Yes,
                   Continue, etc.) and the Esc key chooses the negative
                   response (No, Stop, etc.).

                *  To use one of the functions indicated by the buttons at
                   the bottom of the window you may press the highlighted
                   letter of the button (for example, the "Index" button
                   shows the letter "I" in bright white) or you may press
                   the Tab or BackTab keys to highlight the button you want
                   followed by pressing the ENTER key.



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          IX.   MANAGING FILES

                The choices under the File menu have to do with your system
          set-up, file management, and ending the programme.

                A. Copying Files

                To copy a particular file between computers (say, a lap-top
          and desk-top) you will need to copy more than just the data file
          for proper operation.  A complete set of data consists of:

                1. The data file (ending in WVH)
                2. The index files (ending in IX*)

                You can re-create the index files if you do not copy them,
          but it is usually faster to copy them.  If the GROUPS files are
          missing you will not be able to select records by group nor will
          you be able to change or view the group settings.

                The easiest way to be sure you have it all is to copy all
          of your data files using the Copy Files option under the File
          menu.  Alternately, you can use the DOS copy command to copy the
          files outlined above.

                   1.  Using DOS Commands
                       __________________

                   The Copy Files function is described in the next
                section.  Here is an example using DOS:  Let's say you have
                several mailing list files and you only want to put one of
                them on a 3.5" floppy to use on your lap-top.  Let's call
                the list MYLIST and assume that your 3.5" disk drive is B:

                1. Go to your WML directory on the hard disk (e.g.,
                   CD \WML)
                2. COPY MYLIST.* B: to copy the data & index files
                3. COPY GROUPS.* B: to copy the group definitions

                   2.  Using the Back-up option
                       ________________________

                   Your computer is a machine and one day it will probably
                break down.  File/Back-up protects your information by
                making a copy of it on another disk.  To determine when it
                is time to make a back-up copy of your information consider
                a hard disk failure.  Feeling suicidal?  It's time to make
                a back-up copy.

                   When using floppy disks remember that a disk must be
                formatted before use.  You can use the same back-up disk or

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                                What Vehicle History?
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                directory over and over again - each new copy will
                over-write the old one - but it is a good idea to alternate
                at least three back-up copies just in case there is a
                problem (such as a power outage) while you are creating a
                copy.  In this case if the computer "crashed" and the back-
                up was incomplete you would still have two other back-up
                copies on which to rely.

                   Once you select the Back-up option you will see a menu
                of up to four choices of methods to use when backing-up and
                restoring:  DOS COPY, ARJ, LHARC, or PKZIP.  The options
                for ARJ, LHARC, and PKZIP will only appear if WVH is able
                to locate them using your search path and if there is
                enough free memory to use them.  I recommend LHARC since it
                uses a fairly small amount of memory, it's reliable, and
                it's Freeware (the others are Shareware so they should be
                registered).

                   Using compression software packs more information in
                less space (so you can use fewer floppy disks) but requires
                more memory (RAM).  The compression software WML is
                programmed to use and their memory requirements are as
                follows:

                ARJ 2.41 needs at least 300k free
                LHARC 2.13 needs at least 189k free
                PKZip 2.04g needs at least 157k free

                   After you select File/Back-up a summary window pops open
                and a menu of methods will be presented, starting with "DOS
                Copy" and including each compression technique which is
                found on your computer (using your DOS PATH setting) and
                for which you have enough free memory.  Once you choose a
                method you are asked to enter the back-up destination
                (which is typically a floppy disk drive, such as A:, but
                you may decide to back-up to another hard disk, a network
                drive, etc.).  All WML data files will then be backed-up to
                the destination disk and directory using the method shown
                in the window.

                   3.  Restoring files from a back-up copy
                       ___________________________________

                   If you ever need to recover data files from a floppy
                disk you made using the File/Back-up command (above), just
                place the floppy disk in its drive and select File/Restore. 
                The first thing you will be asked is to specify the disk
                drive from which to restore files.  Once you highlight a
                drive and press ENTER the list of files on that disk will

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                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                be shown - individual data files as well as any compressed
                archives.

                   Highlight each file you wish to restore and press the
                SpaceBar key; you will see an arrow appear next to each
                file as it is selected.  If you change your mind, just
                press the SpaceBar again and the arrow will go away,
                indicating that the file will not be restored. 
                Alternately, you may use the mouse and click the left
                button instead of using the arrow keys and SpaceBar.

                   Once you have selected all the files you wish to restore
                press the ENTER key or click on the "Ok" button with a
                mouse.  Each file will be copied into the current data
                directory.6  Any compressed archives being restored will
                automatically be expanded.

                B. Formatting Floppy Disks

                This option is for those times when you have decided to
          make a back-up copy of your data but don't have a formatted disk
          handy.  File/Format Floppies lets you format a floppy disk to
          your computer's standard density without exiting WVH.  If you
          have a high density drive you can only format high density disks
          (in other words, WVH doesn't pass any parameters to DOS FORMAT).

                If you have What Floppy Format? (WFF.EXE) available
          somewhere in your search path WVH will automatically access it
          for formatting floppy disks (so you can do whatever you want). 
          You will receive a complimentary copy of the latest version of
          WFF with your WVH registration.

                C. Re-Indexing Files

                If you ever notice that information is missing or appears
          in any way wrong, it is probably because something has damaged an
          index file.  WVH will automatically catch and fix most index
          problems (like if power goes out in the middle of the programme),
          but there are times when only you will know that the file indices
          need to be re-built.

                              
          ____________________

               6  The directory from which WVH is started is considered the
          data  directory -  it is where  the data  files are  stored.  For
          example, if you are in the C:\WVH\DATA directory and you  run WVH
          from  there, then files will  be created in,  backed-up from, and
          restored to this directory.

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                                What Vehicle History?
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                One common example would be if you restored files from a
          back-up disk.  When you make a back-up (using WVH's File/Back-up
          option) you are only storing the data files.  This saves space on
          your back-up disk.  However, it means that if you restore from a
          back-up the index files may be mis-matched to the files.  So you
          would use the File/Re-Index option.

                If you have large files (thousands of records) re-indexing
          can take a minute or more, depending on your computer's speed. 
          Aside from that, though, it is harmless to re-index as often as
          you like.

                D. Packing Files

                Whenever you delete information from the files WVH marks
          the "slot" (record) in the files as being "available" so that the
          next new piece of information will use that slot.  If you delete
          a lot of information (for example, if you delete a vehicle that
          had a lot of service history & parts information) there may be a
          lot of disk space being used to store old information.  This is
          where pack comes in handy.

                Packing makes a new copy of all of your files which does
          not include deleted records.  For every deleted record between
          128 and 512 bytes of disk space will be freed.


          X.    DATA ENTRY

                This menu of What Vehicle History? lets you enter vehicles,
                             _____________________
          mechanics and other information into the data base.  The Data
          Entry menu is split into three sections:

                1. Regular (on-going) data entry for vehicle service
                   information

                2. One-time data entry for vehicles, mechanics,
                   departments, and service codes

                3. Rarely needed data entry (schedule next maintenance) --
                   this function is run automatically after you enter
                   service for a vehicle, so you would normally not need to
                   access the function directly.
                The Maintenance Scheduling portion of WVH is not yet
                completed.

                All data entry screens use the same method of asking you to
          choose a code (vehicle, service type, etc.).  There are two

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                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



          windows on the screen: the left-hand one showing the codes and
          the right-hand one showing the details.

                As you move through the codes in the left-hand window, WVH
          shows you the details for the code which is highlighted.  You
          move with the arrow keys, PgUp and PgDn keys, or by pressing the
          letter or number of a code.  For example, if you press the "G"
          key WVH will jump to codes beginning with the letter "G".  If
          there are no codes that begin with "G" the next code after "G"
          will be highlighted.

                You can back-up one step (cancel an operation) by pressing
          the Esc key.  Otherwise, just press ENTER to select the code
          which is highlighted and continue with an operation.

                A. Service Information

                This will likely be the function you use the most in WVH. 
          After you have set up your vehicles, owners, etc., this is where
          you enter the actual service information.

                Once you select this option you will see the menu of
          vehicle choices.  To quit just press the Esc (Escape) key,
          otherwise highlight a vehicle and press ENTER.

                Next you will see the menu of service types.  Choose a
          service type which describes the information you are going to
          enter and press the ENTER key.

                If there is already some service information for that
          vehicle then you will see a menu of dates.  The first item in the
          menu is "New date."  Highlight your choice and press ENTER.

                Finally you are on the service entry screen.  There are
          three windows here:  One for parts, one for comments, and one for
          everything else.  You can jump between the windows using the F6
          (Jump) key.  Within a window use the arrow keys to move around. 
          When you are finished entering information press the F7 key to
          save it.

                When you exit the service screen you are back at the
          vehicle menu (as above) and the cycle starts over.  Just press
          the Esc key to stop entering service information.






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                                What Vehicle History?
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                B. Customers/Departments, Mechanics, Service Types, and
                   Vehicles

                These data entry windows all work similarly.  You will see
          two windows:  One on the left which has codes, and one on the
          right which has the details about the highlighted code.

                Highlight a code and press ENTER to edit it's information
          (in the right-hand window).  To enter a new code press the Ins
          (insert) key.  To delete (erase) a code press the Del (delete)
          key.

                The codes you define can contain up to five letters,
          numbers, or symbols.  Only upper-case letters are used.  "AG-5"
          and "AG05" are both valid codes, though "AG05" has room for 100
          variations while "AG-5" has room for 10 variations.  It's a good
          idea to give some thought to your coding system before entering
          all of your data!

                WVH sorts codes in typical ASCII fashion.  One character at
          a time is compared, going left to right.  For example, here is a
          list of codes in ASCII order:

                1A
                A001          It is best to pad your numbers
                A002          with zeroes (like these three examples)
                A015          so they come out in order.
                A1
                A100
                A1000
                A2
                B001


                Service Types examples:  Use whatever works for you.  If
          you have an existing system, just use those same numbers or
          letters.  Perhaps you have abbreviations you use on invoices. 
          You can use "BR" for "Brakes", or you might just have service
          type "1" for all types of service if you don't care to separate
          the service history by service types.  Avoid getting too detailed
          because you will have to enter a separate service record for each
          type of service you want to track.  This might mean splitting one
          service into two entries - perhaps you replaced a radiator and
          replaced brake pads at the same time.  If you want to print a
          report in the future which shows just the brake work (or
          whatever), then make a service type for it.



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                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                C. Inventory

                This screen lets you enter your parts inventory into WVH. 
          Once you set up inventory items you may enter an item number when
          entering vehicle service information (in the parts window) rather
          than entering the part descriptions and selling prices manually. 
          This not only makes entering parts data more convenient, but it
          also helps avoid typing errors.

                The inventory window works much like the other data entry
          screens except that a list of inventory codes is not always
          visible on the screen.  Instead WVH waits for you to enter a part
          code and, once you do, it checks to see if it is already on file. 
          If the code is on file, WVH displays the information for that
          part and you may edit it.  If you enter a new part code, WVH lets
          you fill in the information for it.

                You may look up an inventory code by pressing the F2 (Find)
          key.  This pops open a window which shows the inventory codes on
          file; you can move through this list to find the desired code
          then press ENTER to choose it.

                While the cursor is position on any of the fields you can
          press the F1 key to get information about the purpose and use of
          the field.

                D. Inventory Receipts & Depletions

                The purpose of this window is to let you enter changes to
          your inventory and have those changes automatically calculated in
          your inventory's figures & history.  For example, if you are
          tracking your inventory using the Average Cost method then moving
          items in or out of inventory means that a new average cost must
          be calculated.  Rather than doing this yourself and entering the
          new cost figure, you can use the Receipts & Depletions function
          to transfer items and WVH will do the calculating for you.

                To use this screen just enter a valid inventory code (or
          use the F2 key to look-up an inventory code) and WVH will display
          the current quantity on-hand and quantity on order.  You may then
          enter a positive or negative change to the quantity figures and
          you may also enter the value (cost or selling price) at which the
          inventory was sold or acquired.

                When you are finished entering figures for an inventory
          item press the F7 key to save the changes.  WVH will then present
          a blank form for you to enter another inventory code.  When you


                                         -19-







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



          are finished with this window press the Esc key to return to the
          top menu.


          XI.   REPORTS

                Highlight the report you want and follow the instructions
          on the screen.  For reports which ask for dates - enter the date
          in month-day-year order, entering just the numbers and using a 4-
          digit year.

                You can choose to print a report on the screen, on your
          printer, or to a disk file.  If your print to a disk file you
          will be asked for a file name (which may include the drive and
          path, if necessary) and the file will be created without any
          printer control codes.


          XII.  PREFERENCES

                The Preferences menu contains options which help you
          customize the operation of WVH and set necessary parameters, such
          as the type of printer you have.  All of these screens work like
          any of the data entry screens:  Use the arrows to move around or
          click with a mouse, press F1 to get help on any item, and watch
          the bottom of the screen for command keys.

                Check each Preferences screen before making use of WVH,
          otherwise something might seem wrong with the software whereas it
          is due to the set of conditions under which WVH is operating.

                A.  Inventory

                This screen controls how your parts inventory will be
          handled.  The first item, "Print invoice after entering
          maintenance" is set to "Yes" or "No" to tell WVH whether you want
          an invoice printed after you enter service information.  If you
          do not print invoices then you can use the Billing options (on
          the reports menu) to print statements.  If you choose to print
          invoices then the next line becomes active, on which you may
          enter the next invoice number WVH is to use.

                Next is an option for movement tracking.  You can track
          your parts inventory by averaging cost figures or by tracking the
          last four costs and using the parts on a First-In-First-Out basis
          (FIFO, the most common, oldest parts are used first) or a Last-
          In-First-Out basis (LIFO, newest parts are used first).


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                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                Next you can enter the default minimum and maximum
          inventory levels.  If the majority of parts you will be entering
          are not in stock (such as if you were entering a parts
          distributor's entire catalogue into WVH), you will want to set
          the default Min and Max to zero, since that is what you'll want
          most of the time.  If most (or all) of the parts you'll enter
          into WVH are in stock then you'll probably want to default
          minimum to be one (or two or whatever is normal for you).

                The Default Selling Price determines which price will be
          assumed when you enter new customers into WVH.  If you leave this
          set to "Standard" then every new customer will be set to use the
          "Standard" price for parts unless you change it.  Within a
          corporate environment you will probably use "Cost + Overhead" and
          set the overhead to 0% if you do not mark up the parts at all.

                The "Warn if out of stock?" option, when set to "Yes", will
          pop open a window telling you that an item is out of stock when
          you try and enter it in a maintenance record.  If you go to the
          computer first (before checking stock), then set this to "Yes";
          if you pull the part from stock first and enter the data in the
          computer after the work is finished, then you might want to set
          this to "No."  You can change this setting whenever you want, so
          experiment to see which works better for you.

                The last four fields are G/L account numbers for printing
          on reports.  This is just to place the account numbers on reports
          so that the bookkeeper has them handy.

                B.  Miscellaneous

                    1.  Country setting
                        _______________

                    This setting is used only to determine the spelling of
                "labour" versus "labor" and the date format (mm/dd/yyyy or
                dd-mm-yyyy or yyyy.mm.dd).

                    2.  License State/Province
                        ______________________

                    This is the State or Province abbreviation which is
                will be placed in each vehicle's record (you can change it
                if necessary).  If most or all of the vehicles you work on
                are licensed in one State or Province, set this to the two-
                letter code.  If the license plates are from many places or
                the equipment you work on have no license plates, then
                leave this field blank.



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                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                    3.  Alert Tone
                        __________

                    When some type of error or warning message is displayed
                on the screen, you reach the end of a field, press a wrong
                letter in a menu, etc., WVH can alert you with one of three
                sounds or you may select "No sound" for silent operation.

                    4.  Other ID Titles
                        _______________

                    The last nine fields have room for you to enter a title
                for each of the nine extra serial number/ID fields for each
                vehicle.  For example, you may want to keep track of the
                Engine Frame serial number, so you could set the title for
                the first one to "Engine Frame."

                C.  Printer

                WVH lets you use a laser or dot matrix printer, but you
          must first define it and the fonts you want to use for printing. 
          Until you define your printer and fonts there will be a flashing
          message at the bottom of the screen and you will not be able to
          print anything.

                The Preferences/Printer window shows the current settings. 
          Use the arrow keys to move around, and press the F3 key to change
          anything.  For example, to set your Title Font move the cursor to
          that line then press F3 and a menu of choices will appear. 
          Highlight a font to use and press <Enter>.  When you are
          finished, highlight the "Ok" button and press <Enter>. 
          Alternately, you can use a mouse (click on "Ok") or press F7 to
          save the screen and exit.

                    1.  Laser printer soft fonts
                        ________________________

                    You will need portrait (SFP) fonts for reports.  Once
                you define your font choices on this screen WVH will
                automatically use them for all reports.

                    Example: Highlight the "Titles Font" line and press the
                <F3> key - a window of font choices will appear.7  You may
                choose any of the built-in fonts or a soft font.  If you
                choose "Select a soft font," a window will pop open in
                which you may enter a drive and/or path which contains the
                soft font files (whatever you enter here becomes the
                default response for next time).  Next you will be shown a
                              
          ____________________

               7 You must define the printer before you can set any fonts.

                                         -22-







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                list of the soft font files (*.SFP) in that directory.  Use
                the arrow keys and PgUp/PgDn keys to move around, highlight
                the one you want, and press <Enter>.  The soft font file
                name will now be shown on the screen.

                    2.  Scalable fonts
                        ______________

                    A scalable font is a single font (e.g., CG Times,
                Univers, etc.) which can be printed in practically any
                size.  PCL 5 printers like the H-P LaserJet III and IV have
                scalable fonts built in.  This means you can pick a font
                and print in practically any size you want.

                    When you select a scalable font WVH will prompt you for
                the pitch (cpi) or the point size, depending on whether it
                is a fixed-pitch or proportionally-spaced font.  In general
                numbers between 8 and 14 work best.  My favourite font for
                both my laser and dot matrix is a Helvetica-Univers-Swiss-
                etc. (sans serif) font at 12cpi or 12 points.

                    3.  Lines per page
                        ______________

                    Enter the number of lines which may be printed on a
                page in your printer.  Most of the time you will be working
                with 66 lines total (11-inches of paper printed at 6 lines
                per inch).  On laser printers the total number of lines of
                often 60 due to half-inch top & bottom margins.

                    I recommend that you set this to 55 lines, which is a
                common setting leaving an inch margin at the top & bottom
                of each page.

                    4.  Left margin
                        ___________

                    This setting is the same as it would be for a
                typewriter - it is the distance from the left margin, in
                inches, at which printing will begin.  If you would like to
                leave space at the left edge (e.g., to 3-hole punch the
                pages) then set this as you wish.  If you use a 10 cpi font
                (or 12 points for lasers) there will be no room for a left
                margin on most reports.  However, a 12 cpi (or 10 point)
                font, such as Prestige Elite, will give you room to set a
                one-inch margin or so.  Experiment to find what works best
                for you.





                                         -23-







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                D.  Sales Tax Rate and Labour Rate Entry

                    This window lets you set two important items:  The
                sales tax rate for your area and whether or not you want to
                enter the labour hourly rate on the Maintenance Data Entry
                screen.

                    If you do not need to track sales tax, just enter zero
                for this.  Otherwise, enter your sales tax rate as a
                percentage (i.e., 7.50 for 7.5%).

                    When you are entering service information for a vehicle
                you are asked to indicate the mechanic or place of service
                which, in turn, indicates the hourly rate for labour.  If
                you wish you can enter the labour rate on the service data
                entry screen, which allows you to over-ride the rate set
                for the mechanic or place of service.  This can be handy if
                you don't want to track mechanics, only the service done. 
                In this case you could set up a single mechanic and enter
                the hourly rate as it pertains to each incident of service.


          XIII. HELP

                The Help menu contains information screens and print-outs. 
          This menu is divided into three sections:

                1. The on-line manual (Index)
                2. Information about how WVH is running on your computer
                3. Registration, site license, and update order forms

                Choosing the Index option will bring up the table of
          contents for WVH's help system.  You may then use the arrow keys
          or a mouse to highlight a choice and press ENTER (or click the
          mouse button) to view the information on the screen.  The help
          index contains mostly the same information which is displayed
          when you press the F1 (Help) key on data entry screens, plus
          there is additional information which is only available from this
          menu.

                The About option gives you the current version number,
          copyright information, and my address & phone number.

                The Files & Memory option tells you how about your
          computer's free memory (RAM and disk space) and shows statistics
          about the opened mail list file (if any), group file,
          abbreviation file, and zip/postal code file.


                                         -24-







                                What Vehicle History?
                                _____________________



                The lower three options print various order forms.  Order
          Form prints an order form for registering WVH.  Site License
          prints a site license form which shows discounted pricing if you
          wish to use more than one copy of WVH at a single location. 
          Update/Sampler Form prints a form to use when you want to order
          an update disk to the latest version of WVH - you need not be
          registered to order an update disk.  If you have a version of WVH
          which is several months old please feel free to order the latest
          version for evaluation.


          XIV.  ERROR MESSAGES

                WVH tries to handle most problems without any attention
          from you, however, there are times when an error happens which
          WVH is unable to handle.  There are three types of errors which
          you may experience:

                1.  Condition error - this is a problem due to an operating
                    condition.  Examples of this type of error are if a
                    printer is off-line when you try to print or a file is
                    locked by another user on a network.  If the condition
                    is detectable, WVH will report it in a window and, once
                    you press ENTER or click the "Ok" button, WVH will
                    continue operating.

                2.  File error - these problems cause an error screen to
                    appear which suggests a possible solution to the
                    problem and, if you can't fix it, my address and phone
                    number is shown so you can contact me.  Common reasons
                    for this type of error are that an index file contains
                    a bad entry (perhaps due to a power outage) or the disk
                    in use contains an error.  The most common solution to
                    these problems is to re-index your files (File/re-
                    Index).  If that doesn't work, see the section below on
                    disk problems.

                3.  Programme error - this is a mistake of mine and will
                    cause the programme to abruptly end with a one-line
                    error message and a message like "Press any key to
                    return to system."  Report these errors to me right
                    away, please.  Just like other large software packages,
                    WML contains hundreds of thousands of instructions and
                    the bigger it gets the more likely it is that a "bug"
                    will creep in there somewhere.  These errors get top
                    priority and are usually fixed and a new version
                    released within a day.


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                                What Vehicle History?
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                All large software packages have "bugs" which are errors in
          the programming logic.  For example, many Windows uses experience
          "General Protection Fault" messages which are caused by bugs in
          Windows and/or other software which was running.  As WML goes
          through its evolution, bugs are removed; as new features are
          added new bugs sometimes find their way into the software.  It is
          very helpful when someone informs me of a problem they found.

                The following sections describe some common errors and
          procedures to correct them.

                A.  EMS Memory Error

                I have discovered a problem on a Packard Bell computer
          which results in WML refusing to run, giving the error message,
          "Not enough EMS to load overlays."  This error is generated by
          the programming language, not by WML itself, which has left me
          unable to determine its cause.  I saw the error happen with 250kb
          of free EMS memory and 0kb free XMS memory.

                My best guess is that since there is some free EMS memory
          the overlay manager tries to load portions of WML into EMS, but
          since there is not enough memory it fails and is unable to revert
          back to operating without EMS memory.

                There are three ways around this problem:

                1. Remove the EMM386 line in your CONFIG.SYS file or change
          the "RAM" key word to "NOEMS".  Either of these actions will
          remove EMS memory support from your computer.  If there is other
          software in your computer which requires EMS to run this will not
          be a practical solution for you.

                2. Change the EMM386 line to have either more or less
          memory, re-boot your computer, and try to run WML again. 
          Experiment to find the memory setting which works for WML and
          also allows your other software to operate properly.

                3. Change the memory settings for software which uses EMS,
          such as SMARTDRV, so that there is either more or less EMS memory
          available.

                B.  Text overlaps on reports

                This problem is caused by choosing a font which is too
          large for the report layout - WVH has no way to detect this
          situation.  To resolve the problem go to the Preferences/Printers


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                                What Vehicle History?
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          screen and change the font to a smaller (lower) point size or a
          more dense (higher) character pitch.

                C.  Information is Missing - Correcting Disk Problems

                I place great emphasis on keeping data safe and know of no
          case where WML has lost data, however, problems with DOS or
          computer equipment may cause data to be lost in rare
          circumstances.

                If any of your data seems to be missing exit to DOS and
          type "CHKDSK C: /F" (without the quotation marks; replace "C:"
          with another drive, if appropriate).

                MS-DOS 6.2 users:  Use the command "SCANDISK C:" since it
          performs a more thorough test.

                Either CHKDSK or SCANDISK will check that the recorded
          location of each file is valid.  The SCANDISK utility can also
          perform a surface scan which tests the entire disk to be sure all
          areas of it are usable.

                If CHKDSK or SCANDISK find any errors they will be reported
          to you and you will be asked for input on correcting the errors. 
          CHKDSK only knows how to clear any errors and turn "orphan" data
          into new files.  By "orphan" data I mean data which is on your
          hard disk but for which DOS has lost the information about the
          file to which it belongs.  Normally this data is not usable or
          requires tremendous effort to make it usable again.  I suggest
          you do not create files from this data unless you have lost a
          tremendous amount of data which would be very difficult to re-
          enter or the data is irreplaceable.  Beyond this point you will
          require the help of someone who knows how to recover damaged
          files.  Contact me if you cannot find a local consultant to
          perform this service for you.

                SCANDISK is able to identify bad sections of your disk and
          attempt to move data to safe areas.  If the area is badly damaged
          the attempt to move data may not be entirely successful.  If
          SCANDISK tells you it has found problems on your disk I suggest
          you let it fix them.  If your data is irreplaceable or would take
          a tremendous amount of effort to re-enter, then I recommend that
          you get the help of a consultant.  At the very least make a
          complete back-up copy of your data files (or the entire hard
          disk) so that you can attempt to restore information in case
          files are so badly damaged that information becomes lost.



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                                What Vehicle History?
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                In most cases you will find that no data is missing and all
          you need to do is re-index your files for the "missing" entries
          to re-appear.  To re-build the index files just select the Re-
          index option on the File menu.


          XV.   FILES WHICH MAKE UP THE PACKAGE

                The unregistered Shareware Edition of What Vehicle History?
                                                      _____________________
          is made up of the following files:

               FILE_ID.DIZ  * Description file for BBSs
               DESC.SDI     * Description file for BBSs
               WVH.EXE        What Vehicle History? programme
               WVH.HLP        Help file
               WVH.MSG        Screen message file
               WML.MIX        Screen message file index
               WML.HX0 & HX1  Help file indices
               WVH.SCN        Screen field definitions file
               WVH.TXT      * Documentation in ASCII - TYPE WVH.TXT > PRN
                              to print it
               WVH.WP       * Documentation in WordPerfect 5 format
               FKEY.LST       Function key definitions file
               PRINTER.DAT    Printer definitions file
               ORDER.FRM      Order form for WVH and other software
               VENDOR.DOC   * Information concerning the distribution of
                              this software
               SYSOP.DOC    * Information for bulletin board sysops
               READ.ME      * Latest information

               If you distribute evaluation copies to friends and bulletin
          boards please be sure to include all of these files (additional
          files will be created by WVH which contain your data and should
          not be distributed unless you intend to share your data files). 
          Files marked with an asterisk (*) are not required to run WVH so
          they may be erased if disk space is a premium (such as if you are
          using WVH on a floppy disk system).

               The Registered Edition contains a registration key which is
          contained in the file CONFIG.WVH.  If you share WVH with friends
          and BBSs, please ERASE this file from the copies you share:








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                                What Vehicle History?
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                                        INDEX


          4DOS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
          Alert Tone  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22
          BBS
              Official Distribution Bulletin Boards . . . . . . . . . . . 3
          Computer Hardware Requirements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Country
              setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
          CPU
              Requirements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Credit card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
          Customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
          Departments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
          Disk drive  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Disk drive requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Divisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
          DOS requirements  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          DR-DOS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          EMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
          EMS Memory Error  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
          Errors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  25
              Disk errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  27
              EMS memory error  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  26
          Files
              copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
          Floppy disk
              installing from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
          Help  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
              Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
              using the F1 key  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
          Importing
              ASCII (text) files  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13, 14
          Installation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
          Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
              Receipts & Depletions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
          Inventory preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
          License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
          Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
          Memory  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
              disk  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
              Free RAM requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Menus
              using . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
          Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
          Novell DOS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Numeric co-processor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

                                         -29-







                                What Vehicle History?
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          OS/2  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Printer
              defining  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22
              scalable fonts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23
          RAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
          Registration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
          Sales tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  24
          Service Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
          Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
          Vehicles  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
          Windows
              using WVH with  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10





































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