Supplier: Twaddle Software
Web Page: http://www.twaddle.demon.co.uk/
General Email: info@twaddle.demon.co.uk
Support Email: support@twaddle.demon.co.uk
Latest Version URL: http://www.twaddle.demon.co.uk/download/UtilityX86W32.exe
File: UtilityX86W32.exe
Platform: Windows 32-bit (Windows NT, Windows 95/98 and Windows 3.1x with
             Win32s 1.30 and later)
Version: 1.02 Build 7
License: Freeware

TradUtil is an editor and repair tool for the CompuTrac and MetaStock version
3.01 security pricing data formats. Both end-of-day and intraday file formats
are supported. Manipulation of DOP files is supported for compatiblility with
the CompuTrac data format although many programs no longer require these to be
able to read and write the data. The front end has a file manager/explorer
style front end which facilitates copying and moving of data files between
directories. The utility uses a standard Windows MDI interface to allow
multiple editor and/or directory Windows to be open at one time.

TradUtil is suitable for use with live data feeds. 

Installation Method
===================

The file UtilityX86W32.exe is a self-extracting installation program.  If you
received a ZIP file  instead of UtilityX86W32.exe then you will need to unzip
this file first.  There are many utilties that can do this for you namely
WinZip and PKZip amongst others.

Once you have the above file then jusr run it and it will install TradUtil into a
directory of your choice.

For your convenience the install program installs an uninstall wizard should
you wish to remove it at a later date.  The uninstall wizard will remove any
files that were created during instalation.  It will not remove any files that
you create with TradUtil.

Un-Installation Method
======================

TradUtil installs a shortcut to its uninstall routine into the TradUtil start menu
folder (all windows versions) and also into the Windows Add/Remove Programs
list inside control Panel (Windows 9x and NT4 and later).

To uninstall TradUtil simply select either of these and follow the on screen
instructions.

Important Notes
===============

* TradUtil is no-longer being tested on Windows 3.1x and Win32s so there may be
  more problems running in this environment.


Editing
=======

TradUtil has comprehensive editing facilities including:

 * File truncation from any record in the file.
       Files can be truncated in two ways.  Firstly all the records up to the
       current one can be removed from the file.  Alternatively all records
       after the file can be removed from the file.
 * File splitting 
 * Creation, duplication, movement and deletion of files in and between
   directories. 
 * Insert and deletion of records. 

Testing and repair
==================

TradUtil has basic testing and repair facilities for both master and data files.
Only one Master file or directory can be tested at a time.  Testing does not
work on systems running Windows 3.1x with Win32s.  If you need these facilities
you MUST use a true 32-bit operating system namely Windows 9X or Windows NT.

Any errors except where data needs to be modified can be repaired
automatically.  However if you are doing this then you need to be sure that
newer versions of the MetaStock format are not being used.  TradUtil works with
version 3.01 of the MetaStock format and does not know about any other
versions.  If you are not sure what version of the files you are using then DO
NOT use the auto repair facility.

Likewise where files are an inconsistent size TradUtil does its best to select
the correct format of the file.  It is entirely possible that it gets the
format wrong.  If prompted about inconsistent file sizes then be sure to have
an up-to-date backup of both the data file and the master file before
proceding.

Master Files
============

Tests and repairs can be perfomerd on the following errors: 

 * Bad Master File Types 
 * Date Synchronisation problems (inconsistent start and end dates) 
 * Missing DAT files 
 * Missing DOP files 
 * Inconsistent record lengths (Master file version of record length is not
   same as DAT file record length) 
 * Invalid DAT record lengths 
 * Invalid Data Formats 
 * Invalid Intraday Time-Base Specified 
 * Too Few Files reported in master file 
 * Too Many Files reported in master file 
 * Unknown File Format i.e. its not a master file

Data Files
==========

The following errors can be reported and fixed (some manually) 

 * Close < Low 
 * Close > High 
 * Corrupt Numbers 
 * Dates and Time out of order 
 * Dates out of order 
 * High < Low 
 * Invalid Dates 
 * Invalid Times 
 * Open < Low 
 * Open > High 


Revision History
================

Version Build Date        Comments/Changes
0.99    0     29-SEP-1996 Internal Release.
1.00    1     15-JAN-1998 First Public Release.
1.01    2     12-JUN-1998 Remove requirement for CTL3D32.DLL on Windows 95/98
                            and NT4/NT5
                          Correct check for leap years.
1.02    3     25-JUN-1998 Add build information visibly to aid suport.
                          Improve splash screen to display version information.
                          Improve About dialog to display version information.
1.02    4     10-JUL-1998 Prevent Access Violation when instrument or symbol
                            name reaches the maximum limit.
1.02    5     26-OCT-1998 Change 2d record selector buttons to 3D ones.
                          Add suport for Microsoft WheelMouse and IntelliMouse
                            with wheel.
1.02    6     10-MAY-1999 Change Name to Twaddle TradUtil to prevent name clash.
                          Change Compiler to Microsoft Visual C++.
                          Prevent Access violation when aborting load or a
                            corrupted file.
1.02    7     03-JUL-1999 Prevent file corruption.
                          Speed up Date/Time functions.
                          Allow records to be deleted from an instrument.
                          Improve Error messages.

Support
=======

Twaddle Software provide free support via email only.  To report a problem or
ask a question about TradUtil feel free to email support personnel at:

support@twaddle.demon.co.uk

To aid solving your problems as fast as possible please give as much detail as
possible in your email.  For example if TradUtil crashes when performing a
specific action then detail how to reproduce the problem.  If TradUtil refuses
to load a specific file or displays that file incorrectly when other programs
have no problems please send a copy of that file and its associated master file
as well.

Disclaimer
==========

Whilst support is given for TradUtil, Twaddle Software provides no warranty
implied or otherwise for any problems caused after TradUtil is installed on your
computer.

Improvements
============

Twaddle Software have a policy of continually improving all of their products.
If you have any suggestions of features that you would like to see in a future
version of TradUtil feel free to send them to:

suggestions@twaddle.demon.co.uk

Trademarks used in this document
================================

MetaStock is a trademark of EQUIS International Inc. 
Microsoft, Visual C++ and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
