
WELCOME TO POWERDESK 4 PRO

CONTENTS:
1. Introduction to PowerDesk 4 Pro
2. Getting help
3. What's new with this version?
4. About the viewers
5. Known issues, bugs, problems
6. System Requirements
7. Installing PowerDesk 4 Pro
8. Uninstalling PowerDesk 4 Pro
9. Technical Support
10. Frequently asked questions

This is the Readme File for PowerDesk 4 Pro

1. INTRODUCTION TO POWERDESK 4 PRO

PowerDesk 4 Pro incorporates an award-winning Windows file manager, integrated zip/unzip 
capabilities, file viewers that recognize over 200 different file formats, and more, to give you the 
World's Best File Manager.  PowerDesk 4 and PowerDesk 4 Pro (the Professional version) are 
the latest iteration in PowerDesk's long and award-winning history.  

**Easier and faster file management with PowerDesk 4 Pro
At the heart of the PowerDesk 4 Pro is the File Manager, which can replace or supplement the 
Windows Explorer and is the central access point for PowerDesk's various functions. As it uses 
the standard Windows Explorer look, it should be already familiar and easy to use for most PC 
users. 

**Easy FTP
A brand new feature is PowerDesk FTP, an intuitive approach to downloading and uploading 
files via FTP.  This displays FTP sites as though they were ordinary Windows directories and 
allows you to drag-and-drop files from one location to the other.  NOTE:  As of the first 
release, the drag-and-drop feature was not yet implemented.  This feature will be available 
with the next update, however.

**Multiple views for fast drag-and-drop
PowerDesk has the unique ability to allow users to see multiple drive or directory views (panes) 
to easily move and copy files from one location to another. Only PowerDesk offers this feature.

**Powerful and integrated zip/unzip capabilities
With the power of a stand-alone zip utility, PowerDesk's fully integrated zip file manager supports 
every major compression format, including PK-ZIP, ARJ, ARC, LZH, Z, GZ, ZOO, TAR, CAB 
and RAR. It provides automatic spanning of large compressed files over multiple disks, zip file 
repair, password protection for zip files and multiple compression rates.  

By adding Ontrack's ZipMagic, users get the added capability of using zip files without having to 
unzip them first.  

**Views many types of files
Integrated into PowerDesk are robust file viewers with support for over 200 file formats. 
Uniquely, files can be viewed in a separate preview window as users browse through files, 
without needing to launch a viewer program or load a separate application.  This viewer pane is 
now "detachable" as a separate window as well.

**Easier file finding
Fully integrated into Windows, the PowerDesk File Finder adds several key features that are not 
in the standard File Finder: Search on multiple drives, print or view search results, and use 
advanced "Boolean" functions to exactly narrow a search.

**Fast email attachment decoding
PowerDesk's integrated email attachment decoder quickly de-scrambles unreadable email 
attachments, including UUencode, MIME/Base64, multi-part MIME files (this is new) and BinHex, 
without requiring a separate decoder. It will even create UUencoded files, commonly used in 
Internet newsgroups.

**Robust file security features
The product features several file security features, including "permanent delete", to completely 
wipe all traces of a file, and file encryption/decryption (DES or a proprietary PowerDesk 
encryption algorithm.).

**Hard drive space management
The Size Manager gives users a graphical, birds-eye view of where space is being wasted on a 
hard drive.  Providing detailed information in a simple format, the Size Manager gives users the 
upper hand in dealing with space-hogging files.

**Enhanced open and save dialogs for faster file operations
FullView allows users with larger monitors to resize their open/save as dialogs, and Tracker 
"remembers" up to 20 files or locations (drives, folders, URLs) that were most recently opened or 
visited for each application. Both features greatly speed common open/save file operations

2. GETTING HELP

Technical Support

Free technical support is available for one year from the date you purchase PowerDesk 4 
Pro. We would also be pleased to hear from you if you have suggestions or special requests 
regarding any of our products.You can e-mail our support staff at support@mijenix.com. Or, 
if you are not on the Internet, our support staff is available by telephone Monday-Friday 
from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time at (303) 245-8000. Our fax number is 
(303) 245-8111.

You can find out more about both the free and pro versions of PowerDesk at 
http://www.ontrack.com/powerdesk.  

Online Help

You can access the online help from the Help?Help Topics menu item.  This opens up the 
help index, where you can search for any topic.  You can also obtain help where ever there 
is a Help button in the software.

The Manual

The manual is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, and is included on the CD.  If you chose only 
to download PowerDesk, you can also get the manual as a separate download from the 
same location.

3. WHAT'S NEW WITH POWERDESK 

With the new release, PowerDesk comes in two flavors:  

PowerDesk 4 is free software, downloadable from many different download sites.  It also is 
provided on some software CDs and may even have come pre-installed on your computer.

PowerDesk 4 Pro, available at competitive retail price, includes features such as the Size 
Manager, Folder Synchronizer, integrated FTP, customizable "Coolbar", and more.  It also 
includes a year of technical support by telephone or email, and enhanced file viewing (over 
200 file formats).

This list describes only the new features provided with PowerDesk 4, the free version.  If you are 
interested in exploring the features of the Pro version, go to www.ontrack.com/powerdesk. 

The following is a list of new features included in PowerDesk 4 Pro.

FTP capabilities. This includes the ability to set up "favorite" FTP sites, to upload and 
download files, and to treat the FTP sites as though they were standard Windows 
folders.  

(With this release, drag and drop upload/download is not available, but it will be 
available within the next couple of program updates.  Stay tuned to the 
www.ontrack.com web site, or just run EasyUpdate occasionally to make sure you have 
the latest release).

Enhanced viewers:  Now the file viewer recognizes over 200 different file formats.  
Since the viewers come with PowerDesk 4 Pro, you don't have to worry about installing 
separate viewers, as you would with the free version.

Support for all of today's Windows platforms. 
Windows 95 
Windows 98 
Windows NT 
Windows 2000 (new!)

Even better file viewing. 
Detached or "Floating" viewer pane 
"Show all files on drive" feature 
View over 200 file formats (Pro version only) 

Easier and more intuitive. 
Sort Indicator 
Run Dialog 
Even better command line 
Resizable Copy/Move dialog 
Improved file finder 
Many other usability improvements 

Added email support. 
Multi-part MIME decoding 

Speed enhancement. 
Display of generic folder icons for faster display
Many other performance improvements 


4. ABOUT THE VIEWERS
PowerDesk 4 Pro viewers recognize over 200 different formats, and can perform graphics 
conversions on over 30 of the most common graphics file types.

5. KNOWN ISSUES, BUGS, PROBLEMS
If you are not able to display the right-click menu from the Viewer icon or the Favorites icon, 
then you probably need to update your Windows Common Controls.  PowerDesk 4 and 
PowerDesk 4 Pro both use the updated Windows Common Controls, which are not part of 
the Windows 95 operating system, and are also not included with early versions of 
Windows 98.  

You can download the Common Controls installation program from 
http://www.ontrack.com/freesoftware 

Internet Explorer 5.0, also comes with the updated common controls, so you could update 
your browser and your common controls at the same time.

FTP:  The drag-and-drop feature for uploading and downloading files is not yet working with 
this release.  However, we plan to rectify this with the next update (which you can get via 
the EasyUpdate program).

If your viewer button doesn't work properly, just click on the down-arrow next to it, select 
Detached.  Then click on the down-arrow again and select Bottom.  It should work now.  
This is a minor bug that will be fixed with the next update of PowerDesk.

6. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

PowerDesk Utilities requires the following hardware and software:

* Hardware:
Any personal computer capable of running Microsoft Windows.
8MB of RAM (Windows 98)
16MB of RAM (Windows NT 4.0, 95 and 2000)
21MB of free disk space.

* Software:
Microsoft Windows 95, 4 or Windows NT 4.0.  
PowerDesk will NOT run under DOS, Windows 3.1x or Windows NT 3.x.


7. INSTALLATION

If you have a previous version of PowerDesk running on your system, you may want to transport 
your custom settings to the new version.  To do this, don't uninstall the previous version until you 
have finished installing this version.  The PowerDesk setup program will automatically migrate 
the settings over to PowerDesk 4 Pro.  Do not install the new PowerDesk into the same 
installation directory as the old PowerDesk.

The PowerDesk Setup program also automatically recognizes which version of Windows you are 
running and installs the appropriate settings and components (Windows 95, 98, NT or 2000). 

If you downloaded the installation file:

1. Double-click on the file
2. Follow the instructions to install it.

Installing from CD-ROM.

1. If you have an autostart CD-ROM an 'Install PowerDesk' dialog box will automatically open. 
Enter "yes" and go to step 5 below.
2. For non-autostart CD-ROMs select the Start button in your Taskbar and choose Run from 
the displayed Start menu.
3. In the displayed Run dialog type d:\Setup.exe or e:\Setup.exe(or whatever your CD-ROM 
drive is) and click on "OK".
4. Follow the instructions of the installation program.
5. During the installation process PowerDesk's files will be copied to the destination directory 
and a "PowerDesk 4 Pro" group will be created displaying the icons of the various 
PowerDesk files and programs.


8. UNINSTALLING POWERDESK 4 PRO

1. Use the Uninstall PowerDesk menu option in the PowerDesk 4 Pro program group.
2. Use the appropriate Add/Remove Programs icon in your Control Panel.
 

9. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

If you encounter any difficulties with PowerDesk, during or after its installation, please contact 
Mijenix through one of the following channels:

  ONTRACK Data International, Inc.
  3030 Sterling Circle
  Boulder, CO 80301  USA

  Tel     :    (303) 245-8000
  Fax     :    (303) 245-8111
  Email   :    support@mijenix.com
  Web     :    www.ontrack.com



10. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What's new with PowerDesk 4?
A: Please see our "What's New" page!
Q: What's the difference between PowerDesk 4 and PowerDesk 4 Pro?
PowerDesk 4 is the new, completely free version of PowerDesk. PowerDesk 4 Pro is an enhanced version 
with additional features including integrated FTP support, a complete set of file viewers supporting over 
200 different file types, a fully-customizable "Coolbar", a folder synchronizer, and much more. PowerDesk 
4 Pro is available for $19.95 on our website at http://www.ontrack.com/powerdesk/upgradepro.asp. For a 
comprehensive comparison chart, please click here.
Q: Can I get technical support for PowerDesk 4?
A: Since PowerDesk 4.0 is distributed at no cost, technical support is not provided. However, if you 
purchase PowerDesk 4 Pro, you will get one year of unlimited free technical support.
Q: Does PowerDesk 4 include the fully customizable "Coolbar" (formerly called the Toolbar)?
A: No, this feature is only available in PowerDesk 4 Pro.
Q: Why should I upgrade to the Pro version?
A: Upgrading to PowerDesk 4 Pro gives you access to the full range of powerful tools available in 
PowerDesk. For example, the "Coolbar" lets you set up a mini "command center" that's perfect for the way 
you work in windows. We've had customers tell us they can't live without it! The Folder Synchronizer helps 
you keep two separate folders synchronized with the exact same contents-if you want a backup of the 
"My Documents" folder on your Zip drive, for instance. And integrated FTP support means you can now 
drag & drop files between your local system and a remote server, without ever leaving PowerDesk! Plus, 
don't forget the full year of free tech support, just in case you have a technical question or two. If you are 
online to the Internet, for a quick tour of PowerDesk's features, click here.
Q: I heard that the U.S. government recently relaxed its export restrictions on encryption products. 
Do I still need to live in the U.S. or Canada and send in the encryption form to activate the DES 
encryption feature in PowerDesk?
A: Yes, but hopefully you won't have to do this much longer. We are currently wading through the required 
bureaucracy to re-classify PowerDesk's encryption feature for unrestricted export.
Q: I would like to open PowerDesk from a command line with specific settings that I configure 
myself. Is there a way to do this?
A: Yes, please see our "Tips & Tricks" page for a list of previously undocumented command line 
parameters for PowerDesk.
Q: Can I open files in PowerDesk with a single-click?
A: Yes, just check the box that says, "Single-click to open an item", in Options | Preferences | Lists.
Q: I'm getting a dialog box saying I need a newer version of the "Windows common control 
library". What does this mean?
A: PowerDesk 4 and PowerDesk 4 Pro both use the updated Windows common control 
library. If you don't have this update, certain features in PowerDesk may not work properly. 
The updated common control library is not included with Windows 95 or with early versions 
of Windows 98. The best thing to do is simply to download and install the update if you are 
prompted to do so.
Q: I already have PowerDesk, why do I need ZipMagic?
A: PowerDesk does include basic zipping and unzipping capabilities, but ZipMagic offers a whole lot more 
in this area. First of all, ZipMagic lets you use your zip files without unzipping them. This is possible 
because of ZipMagic's patented Dynamic File System Enhancement technology, which makes zip files 
look and act just like regular Windows folders. ZipMagic also includes other useful features not found in 
PowerDesk, such as the ability to make a self-extracting (EXE) file, plug-ins for Internet browsers and 
email programs, and wizards to simplify common zip-related tasks. You can learn more about ZipMagic by 
clicking here.
Q: I can't see any files or folders in the file list! What happened?
A: The PowerDesk filter settings are probably hiding your files. Go to the View menu and select "Filters." 
(or press Ctrl-F). Make sure the following conditions are true:
1) You have nothing in the "Show only the Following Files" section.
2) All of the check boxes in the "Attributes" section are GRAY checked. Checked means to show only the 
files with that attribute, and not checked means do not show any files with that attribute. Gray checked 
means show in any case.
3) "Files and Folders" is checked in the "Display in File List" section.
Q: The PowerDesk Command Line seems to have moved. It used to be in the status bar at the 
bottom of the PowerDesk window; now it is with the other toolbars at the top. How do I put it back 
where it was?
A: Go to the "Options" menu, then choose "Preferences.". Un-check "Resizable toolbars", and the 
Command Line will go back to the bottom of the PowerDesk window.
Q: Why can't I change the file extension when renaming a file?
A: By default, PowerDesk will keep the original file extension no matter what the filename is-for file 
extensions which are normally hidden in Explorer (associated file types). You can turn this behavior off in 
PowerDesk by un-checking `Keep the file extension when renaming a file whose type is hidden' in Options | 
Preferences | General Settings.
Q: I have a lot of buttons on my toolbar. How can I get the toolbar to wrap to the next line?
A: If you go to the "Options" menu, choose "Preferences.", and un-check "Resizable toolbars", you will 
now be able to check "Wrap Toolbar" and "Wrap Drivebar."
Q: I heard that PowerDesk could export the file or tree list to a text file. Where is this option?
A: This feature is available in the Size Manager. To open Size Manager, click on the button for it in the 
PowerDesk Launchbar, or go to Start | Programs | PowerDesk Utilities 98| Size Manager. Once in Size 
Manager, you should go to "Export to file" on the File menu.
Q: Does PowerDesk have a "Print Screen" feature?
A: Yes. Print Screen is one of the options that can be added to any PowerDesk "Coolbar". If you haven't 
already created a PowerDesk Coolbar, go to Start | Programs | PowerDesk Pro | Coolbar Wizard. Make 
sure to add "System Access" to your Coolbar. Print Screen is one of the options available under System 
Access properties.
Q: I can't seem to add any new separators to my toolbar.
A: You probably need to update your Windows components. Download and run this file (about half a 
megabyte), then reboot your machine.
Q: Is there a list of command line parameters that I can use when opening PowerDesk?
A: Yes. These are listed under "PowerDesk Tips & Tricks" on our website 
(www.ontrack.com/powerdesk/tipstricks.asp).
Q: I can't get the Viewer Pane to work.
A: In PowerDesk 4 (the free version), the Viewer Pane will only work if you have Quick View or Quick View 
Plus installed. Quick View normally comes free with Windows 95, 98, or NT (but not Windows 2000). 
Note: PowerDesk 4 Pro comes with a full compliment of viewers that will allow you to see the contents of 
over 200 different file formats, so Quick View is not necessary if you have the Pro version. To install Quick 
View, open the Control Panel, go to "Add/Remove Programs", and then click on the Windows Setup tab. 
Highlight "Accessories" and then click the Details button. Check the box for Quick View and click OK. You 
will either be prompted to insert the Windows installation CD or it will find the necessary files on your 
system. Please note: use the CD that came with your operating system -- in other words, don't try to install 
Quick View from the Windows 95 CD if you're using Windows 98.
Q: I don't want all of the columns to appear in Details View. Is there a way to hide them?
A: Yes, to hide a column in Details View, just drag the divider between two of the columns to the left as far 
as it will go. For example, to hide the "Size" column, drag the divider that's between the Size and Type 
columns all the way to the left. To make the Size column appear again, simply drag it back.
Q: What DOS commands are supported by the PowerDesk command line?
A: The following DOS commands can be used in PowerDesk's command line (which you can access from 
the Options menu):
cd/chdir
change directory
copy
copy files or directories
del/delete/erase
send to Recycle Bin
dir
show contents of a 
directory
dos
open a dos box
md/mkdir
make a new directory
move
move files or directories
rename/ren
rename files or directories
rd/rmdir
remove directory
Q: What is the latest version of PowerDesk?
A: As of March 13, 2000, the latest version is 4. You can run EasyUpdate in PowerDesk any time to make 
sure you have the current version.



