WinTools.net Extra Edition      *    README FILE    *        April 27, 2005

http://www.armortools.com/                               support@wintools.net

"Extra Edition" contains software: "Armor Tools" and "WinTools.net"


CONTENTS:

1. What is WinTools.net?
2. Features of WinTools.net
3. What is Armor Tools?
4. Features of Armor Tools
5. Version history
6. License and distribution
7. Contacts



1. What is WinTools.net?

WinTools.net Extra Edition is a suite of tools for increasing
operating system performance. WinTools.net cleanly removes 
unwanted software from disk drives and dead references from 
the Windows registry. It ensures your privacy and keeps your 
sensitive information secure, puts you in control of the Windows 
start up process and gives you the power to customize desktop 
and system settings to fit your needs.

System requirements. 
OS Windows 2000/XP 
Minimum screen resolution 800x600 
Pentium processor and above 
5 Mb free disk space 

Attention! To use this program you need the administrator`s rights. 
Before working with the WinTools.net we recommend that you close 
all other applications and create registry backup. 



2. Features of WinTools.net

Wintools features the following tools:

Clean Uninstaller - This tool is used for both correctly removing 
software and for monitoring changes made to the hard drive, 
MS Windows registry and system files during program installations.

 When you uninstall different software, temporary files and files 
not deleted in the process of uninstallation often remain on the 
hard disk. These files are no longer used, they take up disk space 
and increase disk access times. With the help of the tool "Clean 
Uninstaller" you can solve that problem. You can also control the 
installation process of program, monitor installed files and changes 
made to the Windows registry system files during installation. 


Scan Files - This tool is used for periodic cleaning of your hard 
drive from dead references, junk and obsolete files produced by 
different software. These files and references remain on the hard 
disk and increase drive access time.

 When different programs are running, temporary files necessary for 
the proper functioning those programs are created on hard disk. 
Quite often these temporary files are not deleted. The temporary 
files remain on hard disk, occupy the space and sometimes slowing 
the work of your computer. The tool "Scan Files" is used for periodic 
cleaning of the computer from temporary and unused files. 


Scan Registry - This tool is used for periodic cleaning of the 
MS Windows registry from unused applications remained after 
uninstallation and from invalid references which decrease system 
speed and system loading time.

 Many programs store information about themselves in the Windows 
registry; these programs add new file extension associations and 
install components of their own. Far too often, the unistallation 
methods used by these programs fail to remove their information from 
the registry adding unnecessary bloat. After several series of 
installation/uninstallation, the Windows registry becomes bigger 
and bigger; computer power declines and program access times increase. 
The "Scan Registry" tool serves for periodic cleaning of the registry 
and for correcting incorrect registry records.


Start Up - This is a startup manager. This tool allows you to monitor, 
add, remove, enable and/or disable individual startup items. You can 
also adjust applications  initialized during the loading process of 
the operating system.

 Many programs "consider" themselves the most important programs in 
a system: they place themselves in startup and in a System Tray of 
a system. This leads to unreasonable using of system resources, of 
random access memory; and finally, to reducing processor power. As 
a rule, such programs write information about themselves not in the 
Start section of the "Startup" menu, but in the Windows registry without 
leaving the option to the user and complicating the process of checking 
the autothread process. The "Start Up" tool monitors all records about 
autothread and allows to delete/add and temporarily disable records. 


Tweak UI - This is a set of additional adjustments related to safety, 
system capacity and user preferences and which are not included into 
basic components of MS Windows.

 Adjustments are divided into six groups: 

Global - adjustments which allow for changing system files and 
registration information. 
Desktop  a set of adjustments that can be made to the desktop. 
System  system settings, ways of the loading of a system and devices. 
StartMenu  a change of the interface of a Start menu. 
Security  an adjustment of security of a system. 
Ctrl Panel  a manager of the bars used for the administration of 
a system. 



3. What is "Armor Tools"?

Armor Tools - a suite of tools to ensure your privacy and keep your 
sensitive information secure. Armor Tools makes it easy for you to 
remove traces of your activities from the computer - deleting documents, 
programs and other files so that they can not be recovered. Armor Tools
 also features tools for making additional safety related adjustments 
including Encrypted Disk, The Eraser, Invisible Man, and File Shredder.

The program includes tools: Encrypted Disk, The Eraser, Invisible 
Man, File Shredder, Adjustments...

Attention! To use this program you need the administrator rights.

System requirements. 
OS Windows 2000/XP 
Minimum screen resolution 800x600 
Pentium processor and above 
5 Mb free disk space 



4. Features of Armor Tools
 
"Armor Tools" contains tools:

Encrypted Disk  tool is used for creating Encrypted disks on your 
computer. On this disk you can store confidential information which
you`d like to keep secret from other users. The disk is encrypted by
256-bit (32 symbols) password using "AES256" algorithm in real-time 
mode (this ensures steady protection of your data against hacking). 
On creating of Encrypted disk on your computer the extra disk 
encrypted by your password will appear in Explorer. At the same 
time the container-file with your encrypted information will be 
created on your hard drive. 

The Eraser  tool is used for cleaning the private information kept
on your computer. For this in the window of objects you need to 
choose objects which you like to clean and then press button "Erase"
to begin cleaning. After finishing of cleaning your computer you 
need to reboot the computer or if you do not have time to reboot you
can update Explorer by button "Update Explorer" to erase private 
information which Explorer keeps in RAM. 

Invisible Man  is for keeping private information and its later 
restoring. This is necessary in that case when you wish to do some 
work on the computer which must not be fixed anywhere, but you need 
to save the information which you had in computer before your work.

File Shredder  is for deleting documents, programs, and other files 
without possibility to restore them. While deleting files on the 
computer the file itself is not deleted - only a part of its header 
is deleted. All information from the file is still kept on a hard drive
but at first sight it seems to be deleted. There are special programs 
which can restore erased files. If you delete some of your secret files 
by ordinary method or by using "Recycle Bin" procedure then the files 
still can be restored without any problems by "unwanted person" or by 
Special Agencies. While deleting files the "File Shredder" tool erases 
information in file itself and then renames it to even prevent access 
to name of the file and deletes it in an ordinary way. After that sort 
of deleting it is not possible to define the name of the file. And if 
this file is restored it will contain not the original information but 
trash data.

Adjustments  a set of additional adjustments related to safety, system
capacity and user preferences. It contain parts: Start Menu, Explorer, 
Network, Printers, Display, IE Favorites... 



5. Version history

The history of the development (+ - added feature, * - bug fix):


Version 5.5 (April 15, 2005)
   * problem with "Delete Item" (Startup Manager) was fixed
   * problem with CS products of Adobe was fixed
   + compatibility with McAfee products was added
   + lng-files was updated


Version 5.3 (February 23, 2005)
   * some problems in Scan Registry was fixed
   + status for lists: Software, Installed, Services, Startup was added
   + possibility of remove several items was added to Startup Manager
   + services Tab was modernized
   + processes Tab was modernized
   + additional options for services was added
   + some minor changes of interface
   + points: Software Entries and Installed Software was added to System Report


Version 5.1 (December 12, 2004)
   + program interface was updated and refreshed
   + "Services" tab in StartUp tool was added
   + "Loaded Services" in System Report
   * "Apply" button was enabled (Tweak UI - Ctrl Panel)
   * some mistakes in lng-files was fixed


Version 5.0 (November 10, 2004)
   * floppy drive not rattle in program loading
   * little quicker removing of files (Scan Files)
   * some mistakes in lng-files was fixed (thanks to Gordan Djukic)
   + "Processes"-tab was modernised (Start Up)
   + "Search and remove MS Windows log-files" option was added (Scan Files)
   + "WinTools System Report" was added ("Action" point menu)
   + "Command Prompt" was added ("Action" point menu)
   + "MS System Restore" point menu was adeed in "MS Tools" menu
   + some icons was changed


Version 4.8 (September 30, 2004)
   * problem with tooltips for "Clean Shortcuts" tool was fixed
   + algorithm of checking hard drives was changed
   + buttons in Scan Files tab was changed
   + some icons was changed


Version 4.7 (August 23, 2004)
   * fixed problem with icons under Windows 2000 
   * fixed problem in "Software Entries" list with deleting items
   * fixed bug in ScanFiles when disk is empty
   + list "Software Entries" modernized 
   + button "Search" for "Software Entries" list was added
   + optimized some algorithms of program
   + added progress bar when restore one undo file
   + point menu "Action->Reboot Computer" was added
   + Windows XP Service Pack 2 compatible


Version 4.4 (June 27, 2004)
   * Fixed mistake with minimal size
   * Fixed mistake in message loop
   * Changed resizing algorithm of main window
   + Added possibility to scan only Windows folders in "Scan Shortcuts"
   + Updated code of "Uninstall Menu" list
   + Mouse double-click action for "Software Entries" list
   + Mouse double-click action for "Uninstall Menu" list
   + Mouse double-click action for "Undo Files" list
   + Mouse double-click action for "Back Up" list
   + "RegEdit" button for opening selected key in "Software Entries" list
   + "RegEdit" button for opening selected key in "Uninstall Menu" list
   + One "Undo" for one removing process
   + Analytical info for uninstall Menu (Status column)


Version 4.2 (May 25, 2004)
   * fixed problem with program menu
   + delete empty "Startup-" folders
   + minor changes of ScanReg algorithms
   + minor changes of interface


Version 4.1 (April 12, 2004)
   + window maximized size saved correctly
   + Save Window Size by default
   + added new points in SysInfo list
   + added "Delete all undo" button
   + minor changes of interface
   * fixed problem with window moving
   * fixed bug in option "Move to folder"


Version 4.0 (February 27, 2004)
   + "window-resize" possibility was added
   + updated program interface
   + compatibility with big fonts for menu was added
   + added possibility to save size and position of WinTools.net window
   + added menu point "Save Window Pozition"
   + added menu point "Save Window Size"
   * incorrect work of "Supress Screen Saver" was fixed
   * problems with languages in dialog boxes was fixed


Version 3.8 (February 09, 2004)
   + WinTools.net Password Protection Mode
   + open RegEdit with selected key in CleanUN and ScanReg
   + Interactive lists:
	- CleanUn: Files
	- CleanUn: Registry Keys
        - ScanReg: Invalid keys
   * save data in Status Bar
   * fixed bug with "Scan"-button in ScanReg
   * fixed bug with Progress Bar in ScanReg (in process of removing keys)
 

Version 3.7 (January 17, 2004)
   * fixed problems with interface
   + autoclosing of programs in process of Uninstallation
   + optimization of ScanReg algorithms (added scan speed)
   + updated ScanReg algorithms: 
     - "Broken Volume References"
     - "Broken Data References"
   + added new algorithm in ScanReg:
     - "Scan HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT"
 

Version 3.6 (December 23, 2003)
   * fixed serious problem in ScanFiles


Version 3.5 (December 15, 2003)
   * fixed bug with fonts in Lists and in Status bar
   * fixed bug with "~*.*" mask
   + Import/Export points added in "File" menu 
   + added "MS Tools" point of menu
   + "Run..." dialog for point of menu "Execute"
   + in "ScanFiles -> Clean Folders" list added autodefines of temp folders:
     - Internet Cookies Folder
     - Internet History Folder
     - Temporary Internet Files
     - User Temporary Files
     - Windows Temporary Files
     - Prefetch Folder
     (* - marked)


Version 3.4 (November 15, 2003)
   * fixed bug in CD-ROM excludes of Scan Reg
   * fixed bug with result lists
   + minor changes


Version 3.3 (November 09, 2003)
   * fixed problem in list of junk files and registry broken links
   * fixed bug in check boxes of options
   + visualisation of 'Apply' in StartUp and TweakUI
   + check box for option "Set notices by default"
   + added romanian.lng
   + minor changes in help files


version 3.1 (October 17, 2003)
   + minor changes
   + added german.lng


version 3.0 (October 12, 2003)
   * bug in ScanFiles exclusions was fixed
   + additionals to Tweak UI:
     + Screen Savers TAB
     + Commands Tab
     + Hardware Tab
     + more options in "Desktop", "System", "StartMenu", "Security"
   + minor changes


version 2.73 (September 24, 2003)
   * bug in registry excludes was fixed
   + added list of excludes
   + added ukrainian.lng


version 2.7 (September 15, 2003)
   * memory leakage was fixed
   * bug in processes Tab was fixed
   * bug with "Always on top" was fixed
   + added notices for tools
   + RAM monitoring
   + refresh drive size after delete files
   + backups is changed
   + MemoryBooster was removed for RAM monitoring use RAMSaverPro
   + elapsed time since Windows was started
   + german.lng was added
   + 21-days trial period


version 2.4 (August 10, 2003)
   * ScanReg - bug with "-=[NAME]=-" folders was fixed
   * size of "Uninstall" window was fixed
   * ScanReg - exclusions` bug was fixed
   * bug in MemoryBooster`s timer was fixed
   + multilanguage support for MemoryBooster was added
   + "Memory Booster" in "Tools" menu
   + Shortcuts Scan - message box "disk not found" was supressed
   + MemoryBooster, speed of optimization was increased
   + progress bar in MemoryBooster`s tray
   + added "Options" menu:
        - Always on top
        - Magnet Window
        - Suppress "Screen Saver"
        - Autostart Memory Booster 


version 2.2 (August 03, 2003)
   * the program lost dependence on shortcut
   * the problem of compatibility with MS Office was solved
   + new tool - "Memory Booster" was added
   + single registration for all systems of the computer
   + buttons for deleting of entries from change-lists were added
   + changes in "CleanUn" algorithms


version 2.0 Final (July 27, 2003)
   + the program lost "Beta" status
   + minor interface changes


Version 1.91 Beta (July 21, 2003)
   + algorithm for scanning registry is completely updated, the speed 
     of scanning is added
   + warning messages if analysing files are absent
   + autofilling of report field


Version 1.9 Beta (July 19, 2003)

   * the possibility for optional removal of keys and files in 
     uninstallations
   * fixed bug in lng-files
   * fixed bug which leads to damages of installations of MS 
     applications
   * fixed bug with fillings of templates` names
   + algorithms for registry scanning in Scanreg and CleanUn 
     are changed
   + new possibility to remove old entries about installed drivers 
     TweakUI->System->OEM drivers is added
   + smooth scrolling occur while removing files
   + smooth scrolling occur while removing registry keys
   + additional information about free RAM is added
   + algorithm for scanning files is completely updated, the speed 
     of scanning is added
   + algorithm for scanning shortcuts is completely updated, the speed 
     of scanning is added


Version 1.8 Beta (July 12, 2003)

   * a mistake in documents templates is fixed
   * program mistake while changing colourful icons is fixed
   * mistake in the algorithm of searching removed fonts is fixed
   * a mistake leading to removal swap-file is fixed
   * while pressing button of control panels the list is updated
   + the algorithm for registry scanning is changed
   + english help-file is added
   + additional possibilities in the "Control Panels" tab are added
   + the button remove control point is added


Version 1.75 Beta (July 08, 2003)

   * while finding cpl-files which do not belong to control panels mistake 
     does not pop up
   + added possibility turn off problem tools in the start up process
   + added tasks manager in the StartUp tool


Version 1.7 Beta (July 05, 2003)

   * mistake with descriptions for menu points is fixed
   * changing adjustemets of Windows bootup mistake is fixed
   * mistake with filling startup entries from win.ini is fixed
   + possibility to hide control panels under Win9x is added
   + work with panels registered in MMCPL
   + documents template editor in TweakUI -> Desctop -> 
     Templates is added
   + sorting for lists with scanning results is added
   + possibility to save disks adjustmets for uninstall is added
   + message about changes made is added
   + turning off of screen saving while scanning
   + possibility to make exceptions while registry scanning
   + insignificant changes of program interface


Version 1.5 Beta (June 28, 2003)
   
   * mistake with F1 help is fixed
   * mistake with help from Language Panel is fixed
   * uninstall entries scanning algorithm is rewritten
   * fixed problem with uninstallation of WinTools.net
   + possibility to scan registry without administrator`s rights
   + button App Wizard for quick loading of Add/Remove programs 
     panel is added
   + entries support with QuietUninstallString in uninstallation 
     menuβ is added
   + descriptions for menu points are added


Version 1.31 Beta (June 24, 2003)

   * a number of mistakes in ScanReg leading to WinXP system crash is fixed


Version 1.3 Beta (June 20, 2003)

   + added help file
   + added multilanguages support


Feel free to send suggestions for features you want to be implemented in WinTools.net.


6. License and distribution

See license.txt.



7. Contacts

WinTools Software Engineering, Ltd.
 
Please don't hesitate to send your questions and suggestions 
regarding WinTools.net to e-mail: support@wintools.net

Phone: + 375 29 7 231 337

Official web site: 
http://www.armortools.com/
http://www.WinTools.net/

