XYWrite for DOS under Windows XP--2 notes

[Robert Grigg rjgrigg@xxxxxxxx]

Dec. 10, 2004
I have two observations that might be of interest to those who use XYWrite
4.018 for DOS in a command or DOS windows mode (not full-screen mode).
1. There are some limitations to XY4 that cannot be overcome by XPL
programming without degrading its performance or making it cumbersome to
use. I have found a program that helps it handle long file names, which I
find essential in maintaining a text database, for which I need highly
descriptive file names. The program is named Salamander. It is a two-paned
file manager, similar to Norton's Commander. Salamander allows one to
define XY4 as it "external" editor. The key virtue of the program, however,
is the way it operates behind the scenes: it provides XY4 with a DOS
alias--a file name that it can use to open and edit the file, even when the
Windows operating system sees a long file name. It retains the long file
name when the file is saved. Only the name of the backup file is
constrained by the conventions of DOS.
The program is a useful file manager in its own right and is easily
customized. I am familiar with 3 versions--1.3, 1.52, and 2. I would
recommend the first two, since they lack nag screens and they are easier to
set up initially (I actually prefer 1.52 as the more stable of the two).
Setup: simply define the external editor as "c:\xy4\editor.exe"--if that
reflects the location of your executable file. One further step is
essential. Create a desktop link. Right click on it. Go to "Shortcut" tab
and to the line titled "Start in." There enter "c:\Xy4." That should do it.
If you need long file names, give it a try. Put the cursor on the file name
and press F4.
2. Some months ago I raised the topic of the eratic behavior of the mouse
in command windows under Windows XP. I have since noted that opening files
in a different viewing mode changes the behavior of the mouse slightly. If
you open in the "Page-Line" mode, unintended selections become visible that
are invisible in the "Draft" mode.

Robert Grigg
rjgrigg@xxxxxxxx