B64dCode Conversion Utility Version 2.4 A Little About B64dCode ----------------------- B64dCode (Base 64 Encode/Decode Utility) will decode MIME/Base 64 files back into their original configuration or encode any other file type into MIME/Base 64. MIME is an acronym for Multi-part Internet Mail Encoding, a specification commonly used for Internet email attachments. Base 64 is a coding standard that allows 8-bit files (graphics, compressed files, word processing documents, etc.) to be transported via Internet email. B64dCode is a 32-bit program developed with Microsoft's Visual C++ Version 2.0/4.0 and thus runs in the Windows 95 environment (it's untested in NT, but should also run in that environment). B64dCode will NOT run under DOS or in a 16-bit Windows 3.1 environment. It has NOT been tested in the WIN32S Windows 3.1 environment. B64dCode does no checksum or hash accumulation or verification. When decoding a Base 64 file, any text or other extraneous data found in it is ignored except for the file name. If more than one encoded document is stacked in one file, only the first will be processed. If you have a multi-part Base 64 file, you can use a text editor to cut and paste the multiple files into one. If you do this, you must be careful at the point where they are joined. Any change in the encoded line size or the presence of an equal sign ("=") within the encoded data will terminate decoding. The converted output file will be directed to the input file's directory by default. Unless you've activated the Auto Save option, you will be given the opportunity to change both the output file name and/or destination after conversion via the standard "Save as" menu option. When converting from Base 64, B64dCode attempts to determine the correct output file name and file type from the input data. If the file name cannot be determined, it defaults to the input file name. If the file type cannot be determined, a psudo extension of "001" is presented. The user is notified when this occurs and given the option of saving or discarding the file because the integrity of the converted file is probably suspect. B64dCode supports command line initiation ("batch" mode) as well as Drag and Drop. Keep in mind, however, that when starting B64dCode from the command line (or via Drag and Drop) the only way it can determine whether to Encode or Decode is by the input file type extension. If you pass it a file with the expected Base 64 file type extension (changeable via the Configuration Options), B64dCode will assume you are DECODING. If you pass it a file with any other file type extension, B64dCode will assume you're ENCODING. CONFIGURATION OPTIONS --------------------- o AUTO SAVE: B64dCode can be configured to automatically save a converted file (the default is OFF). The full path name of the saved file will be shown to the user after processing ("interactive" mode) and the file will be saved in the directory where the input file resides. This is always the default when executing B64dCode in "batch" mode. o AUTO PURGE: B64dCode can be configured to delete the Base 64 input file after a successful conversion (the default is OFF). This will occur with no user notification. o AUTO LAUNCH: B64dCode can be configured to launch the application associated with the converted file (the default is OFF). This is based on the association between the target application and the file type extension of the converted (Decoded) file. (Converted files with .EXE, .COM or .BAT file extensions are excluded for your protection.) The application to be launched must exist in your WIN.INI file under the [Extensions] section with a matching file type extension. B64dCode will search your WIN.INI file, extract the application's path name and "spawn" the application. o LINE SIZE: The default Base 64 line size (when creating a Base 64 file) can be changed to any value between 60 and 80. It must, however, be evenly divisible by four. The initial default is 76. Smaller sizes will result in larger Base 64 files because of the additional lines generated (extra CR/LF pairs). o FILE EXTENSION: You can optionally change the default Base 64 file type extension (the default is "B64") to any unused file type extension you choose. The new extension must be valid and cannot already exist in your WIN.INI file's [Extensions] section. If you change the file type extension in B64dCode, be aware it will NOT change the system file association for the new file type. B64dCode will NOT update your System Registry with the new file type extension. If you wish to start B64dCode by double-clicking a Base 64 file while in Explorer, you must manually change the file type association yourself from ".B64" to the new one via My Computer in the Control Panel/View/Options dialog then choose File Types from the property sheet. o B64dCode will remember it's window size and position from one session to the next. These parameters and the configuration options are maintained in the B64DCODE.INI file residing in your C:\Windows directory. If this file is not present, B64dCode will create one. INSTALLATION ------------ Just unzip the B64DCODE.ZIP into whatever directory you wish (generally C:\Windows) and create any shortcuts you desire on your Desktop or in the Windows 95 "Start Menu" folder. You can even put a shortcut to B64dCode in your "Send To" folder and "send" a file to it from Explorer. B64dCode will also "remember" the last directory used and will display on the File menu the most recent four files you've converted (these are maintained in the B64DCODE.INI file in your C:\Windows directory and in the System Registry). If you wish, you may configure sound effects for B64dCode. It uses the following system sound events: Asterisk, Question, Exclamation. B64dCode requires MFC30D.DLL (this should be standard with Windows 95) in your Windows directory in to order to function. When B64dCode is executed for the first time, it will create it's own B64DCODE.INI file in your C:\Windows directory. The B64DCODE.INI file contains the [Recent File List] entries for display on the File menu along with the window settings and configuration options. REGISTRATION ------------ B64dCode is shareware, not freeware. Unlike many shareware products, however, it contains no ugly reminder screens or devious expiration date schemes. There is nothing to stop you from continuing to use B64dCode for free. You're on your honor. But if you're honest and you find B64dCode useful and you continue to use it, I would certainly appreciate a contribution of $10 (cheap) in cash, check or money order delivered to the following address: Warren A. Smethurst P.O. Box 2146 Antioch, TN 37013-2146 If you have any problems with B64dCode or you would like to offer some suggestions or comments you may reach me via Internet email at warrens@concentric.net or you may visit my Web page at http://www.concentric.net/~warrens/ and send me any comments or suggestions directly from there. LICENSE ------- You may use B64dCode freely on your computer system. You may distribute B64dCode freely on Online Services. You may NOT sell copies of B64dCode (i.e. disk vendors) without express permission from the author. You may NOT decompile, reverse engineer, or modify B64dCode or its resources. You may NOT modify the B64DCODE.ZIP file or its contents. WARRANTY -------- USE OF THIS PROGRAM IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. YOU AGREE BY USING THIS PROGRAM TO HOLD HARMLESS THE AUTHOR, WARREN A. SMETHURST, AGAINST DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PROGRAM. EVEN IF THE AUTHOR WAS NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE THAT SUCH DAMAGES MIGHT OCCUR.