Shredder (c) 1998 Mark Regal
Version 1.0


Table of Contents
-----------------------------
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Installation
  2.1 Automatic Installaton
  2.2 Manual Installation
  2.3 Supported Platforms
  2.4 Network Installation
3.0 File Information
  3.1 Required Files
  3.2 Support Files
4.0 Using The Shredder
  4.1 Disabling The Dialog
  4.2 Enabling The Dialog
5.0 Warranty
6.0 Contact Information
-----------------------------




1.0 Introduction
-----------------

The Shredder is one of the more simple Windows programs available. The Shedder's sole purpose is to clear the Start Menu's recent file list. Out of the box Windows requires 6 mouse clicks in order to clear that list. I looked around and couldn't find any stand alone utilities that would do the job, so I decided to write my own. The Shredder can and will clear the Start Menu's recent document list with one click.


2.0 Installation
----------------
The Shredder comes in two flavors these days. One version has an installation program and the other version is a Zip - file - slash - manual installation. Both programs work well since one is hands free and the other is your hands. The reason for the manual configuration is because the installation program is large. In fact, the installation program is seven times as large as the Shredder program. 


2.1 Automatic Installation 
--------------------------
Installation can be achieved from any folder. Simply unzip the distribution file and then double click setup.exe to start the installation program. Install the Shredder in any folder you like, although, the default folder for the program is "C:\Program Files\Shredder". 


2.2 Manual Installation
-----------------------
Installation can be achieved from any folder. Just create a folder anywhere on your computer and unzip the distribution file into it. The default folder for the installed version is "C:\Program Files\Shredder". Next, create a "Shortcut Icon" for the Shredder that's convenient for you and you're ready to start using it.


2.3 Supported Platforms
-----------------------
The Shredder is designed to operate on any Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows NT 4.0 server, or Windows 95 workstation. The Shredder does not support Windows 3.x or MS-DOS.



2.4 Network Installation
------------------------
The automatic installation version of the Shredder will install over a LAN or WAN connection with no difficulties whatsoever. The manual installation version will probably require scripting of some kind in order to get it to the end user desktop, but it can be done. You could also create a network share and install the application on it. You could then distribute a shortcut that points to the application on the share.



3.0 File Information
--------------------
The Shredder will function on your system without an original installation. The Shredder program is stand alone and does not include any new .DLL files. The other files contained in the install version distribution are strictly for the setup program. There are only 3 files required to make the Shredder work properly and 2 support files:

3.1 Required Files
------------------
Shredder.exe 	: The Application
Shredder.hlp	: The Help File
Shredder.cnt	: The Help File Index
 
3.2 Support Files
-----------------
Readme.txt	: Text Version Help File
License.txt 	: The License File



4.0 Using the Shredder(c) 1998 Mark Regal
-----------------------------------------
Using the Shredder is as easy as it gets. Double click the shortcut which either you or the installation program created and a dialog box will appear. Next, click the "OK" button and the Start Menu will be cleared and the dialog will close. If you click the "Cancel" button the dialog will close with no action(s) taken. The "Help" button will bring you to the help file table of contents.


4.1 Disabling the Dialog
------------------------
One of the more useful features of the program is that you can use it without the dialog. In fact, the only time I use the dialog is when creating or updating the program. If you uncheck the box marked "Display Dialog", the Shredder will clear the Start Menu without a prompt. The dialog will not appear again, that is, until you tell it to.


4.2 Enabling the Dialog
-----------------------
To enable the dialog window after it has been hidden, hold down the "Shift Key" before you click on the Shredder shortcut or application file. The dialog will then reappear and can be accessed. You can then enable the dialog window to reappear each time you need to clear the Start Menu by placing a check mark in the "Display Dialog" box.




5.0 Warranty and Disclaimer
---------------------------
The Shredder program is freeware and is not to be sold by anyone. It is expressly owned by me, Mark Regal, in it's entirety. I am allowing everyone to use the Shredder, although, I reserve the right to revoke anyone's license to use or distribute it at anytime. No warranty is either offered nor implied with the Shredder. You may use this program for free, but you do so at your own risk. You're more than welcome to distribute the Shredder as long as the distribution is all of the original files and that you distribute it for free. If you don't agree with all of these conditions, you can't use the program. Tampering with this program is prohibited by Federal law.




6.0 Contact Information
-----------------------
Author	: Mark Regal
Email	: mregal@earthlink.net
Web	: http://home.earthlink.net/~mregal/


If you need some help with the Shredder program, please feel free to drop me a note. Bug finding is always a little annoying for the end user and even worse for the developer. If by chance you should come across a bug, even if you're not sure that it's a bug, please inform me immediately. I will provide any assistance that you need in order to resolve the issue.


