Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
P L E A S E R E G I S T E R T O G E T A L I C E N S E D
C O P Y
2
THE ENHANCED EDITION: CKREG.EXE VERSION 9.20 - EVALUATION COPY
3
THE PRODUCT PRINTED/FORMATTED MANUAL IS: $ 5.00 ( " " ) EXTRA
4
Important Disclaimers, Warranty and Operational Liability Information:
The program author assumes NO liability for any loss of user data,
damage to, or other unfortunate consequences arising from the use of
CKREG.EXE and its companion utility programs. CKREG.EXE is supplied
as is without any other guarantees or warranties, except where explicitly
noted in this manual. The author retains sole and exclusive ownership of
and reserves all electronic and non-electronic reproduction rights for
the CKREG.EXE program, companion utilities, and User manual document.
CKREG.EXE cannot be sold, distributed, promoted or offered for sale to
the public by any other entity other than the program author, unless a
specific and legally binding agreement has been previously arranged with
program author. No copies may be made without expressed and direct
program author consent, except for the purposes of supplying program
user with ONE non-transferable copy for individual Back-up purposes
only. A single individual copy of CKREG.EXE cannot be used for a
multiple Networked site installation, i.e., multiple copies of CKREG.EXE
must be purchased or licensed from author for this purpose. By
purchasing a copy of the CKREG.EXE Retail version, purchaser agrees to
the above conditions and further agrees to destroy all original and
personal back-up copies of CKREG.EXE, companion utility programs, and
manual, in the event that a refund of the original purchase price is made
to purchaser.
---
Trademarked names or copyrighted products or services cited in this
manual: Windows(tm) is property of Microsoft Corporation. America
Online(r) is property of America Online, Inc. DOS refers to either MS-DOS
(Microsoft Corp.), or PC-DOS (IBM Corp.). HP(tm) is property of Hewlett-
Packard Co. Epson(tm) is property of Epson America, Incorporated.
Quicken(tm) is property of Intuit, Inc.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPENDIX E: Using the Set VGA 50-Line Text Mode Utility ............. 63
6
SECTION 1: System Requirements/Mouse/What's New?/Installing CKREG
* Fixed: Rare bug: blank numeric field invalid after edit focus record
change.
* Fixed: Harmless bug: display garbage at end register after <ALT><F1>
Found Text.
* Fixed: Removed the can only clear Numeric fields with Zero entry
constraint.
* Fixed: Added Date field in existing records may not be set to Blank
constraint.
* Fixed: Reserved color attributes for Record Edit Close and Min/Max
Controls.
7
* Fixed: <ALT><F1> Found Text pop-up window repositioned if found text
hidden.
* Added: Mouse support is now enabled (ON) by default for new accounts.
* Bug fix to enable Mouse activation for a New account creation session.
* Bug fix for rare program crash after <SHFT><PRTSC> and then using the
Record mode <ALT><A-Z>|<0-9> reusable record entry method.
* Record mode Help system navigation control menu's text and mouse
hotspots changed to "Previous" control on left, followed by "Next"
control on right.
* Record mode <SHFT><DEL> (delete field) now behaves like <F10> (delete
record) by posting a warning first before allowing the deletion when the
user Editing option "Edit Existing Record Warning" is enabled.
* The VGA display adapter higher resolution text modes (80x43 and 80x50
lines) are now supported and allow the check register template window
to display up to 12 or 14 account record transactions at one time as
opposed to the older limit of only 6. CKREG print screen functions
utilize these higher resolution VGA text modes where applicable.
CKREG also saves and restores the current established DOS prompt
screen resolution mode when run.
* CKREG utilities: CPCONFIG and RWQIF can be run in the higher VGA
text resolutions provided that the DOS prompt screen is already in one
of these modes. The SET50L.EXE utility has been added to enable you
8
to set the DOS prompt screen into VGA 50-line text display mode
without having to install ANSI.SYS in your Config.sys file and using the
DOS Mode command: MODE 80, 50. Both CPCONFIG and RWQIF save
and restore the current established DOS prompt screen resolution
mode when run.
* New Record Edit mode edit and navigational function key assignment
changes include: <HOME> and <END> now go to start or end of an edit
field respectively, use the <CTRL><HOME> and <CTRL><END>
keystroke combinations instead to go to the start or end screen of
records for the current register. <PAGE><UP> or <PAGE><DOWN> will
switch to the previous or next sequential register of your account.
9
<CTRL><P> (print register screen) key assignment has been changed to
<CTRL><T>, and <CTRL><R> (print register screens) functionality has been
extended to allow the selection of a range of records to print instead of
the entire register. <F1> will display the previously viewed Edit mode
key Help topic. <CTRL><UP> or <CTRL><DOWN> arrows have been added to
allow minimizing or maximizing screen window size usage for VGA
equipped systems. Lastly, Record Edit mode Auto-Fee feature screen
indicator has been changed from letters "FE" to "AF".
* An improved and textually expanded Record Edit Mode on-line Key Help
system has been added with hot-key direct topic jumps and an
automatic single key (<F1>) bookmarking feature.
10
have a lost or forgotten password cleared by sending the account's .INF
file directly to program author.
Installing/Upgrading CKREG.EXE
If installing CKREG.EXE for the first time, simply COPY (or un-
archive) the program CKREG.EXE and its companion utilities to a new
subdirectory of your choice (example: \CKREG) on your fixed disk or
diskette drive. You can create this new directory by executing the DOS
prompt command: MD C:\CKREG <ENTER>. Change to this directory by
typing: CD C:\CKREG <ENTER>, and then COPY the program files there.
Optionally, can also put the program installation directory on your DOS
Path statement in your Autoexec.bat so that you can run CKREG from
anywhere on your drive.
Note that CKREG.EXE does not support a leading Path name for the
eight character maximum optional command line Account Name argument,
so your account(s) and CKREG.EXE and its utility programs must be kept
together in one subdirectory. Differently named multiple CKREG.EXE
accounts can co-exist within the same master \CKREG working directory,
however, CKREG.EXE does not support file-sharing (or record locking) for
any one commonly named account for networked multiple users.
11
SECTION 2: Running and Interfacing with CKREG.EXE
Please note that RECORD mode has hot-key direct HELP Topic
jumps listed at the bottom of the screen. Use the <CTRL> Key plus the
first letter of the Help Topic to display that Help Topic, or optionally
Left or Right Mouse click on the topic hot-key description text. The
last Help Topic viewed is remembered by CKREG and can be re-invoked via
the <F1> function key during editing by the automatic bookmarking
feature. The Record mode Help system has its own operational hot keys
that enable you to select the next available or previous help topic
window, or to close the Help Topic and system via the <ESC> key, or
optionally a Mouse click.
12
CKREG.EXE supports user-definable Password protection for your
account, and you can also configure CKREG.EXE for the type of printer
outputting to (if you wish to print Checks or print screen dumps of your
account records or the final work sheet of the reconciliation process).
Printer Set-up and Account Password protection are accessed from the
SETUP menu of CKREG.EXE's Main Menu, and discussed in further detail
in Section 3 of this manual.
(Note: the first letters in the menu item names above are hot-keys
that select an active menu's program functions directly when typed.)
When you are done editing record entries in your electronic check
register, and wish to make your updates permanent to your account, use
<F3> to SAVE them before exiting Record Mode or the program, or if you
have setup the Auto-Save account edits update feature via the Setup menu,
the account updates will happen concurrently as you work.
However, even in the event that you forget to save your new edits
13
explicitly, the EXIT to DOS selection of the Main Menu will detect this
un-saved condition and will prompt you to Save or Abandon any updates you
have made to your account before exiting the program. Choose Save to
make your account updates permanent, or Abandon to loose any changes
you have made during this record editing session, or since last account
file update was performed.
As a side note, I find that the receipt method works best for me
since I don't yet own or carry around a PC notebook. I typically open
and update my electronic register account once a week in batch mode
directly from saved expenditure or deposit receipts. At that time I may
also create new account transactions and print laser style checks to pay
bills, or print a series of personalized un-issued checks to carry in my
wallet ready to be used for shopping. Then at the end of each month, I
spend an additional 20 minutes on the average to reconcile my electronic
account after receiving my monthly bank account statement.
14
CKREG.EXE account that has over 500 record transactions will consist of
multiple electronic register files. These files use your account name as
the primary part of the filename and a sequential number (000-999) as the
filename extension part, example: my_accnt.000. As your electronic
account grows and you fill up your first register (each register can hold
500 record entries), a new register (ledger) file with the next available
filename extension number will be created for your account. To store
information that is unique to your account, CKREG creates another account
file with the reserved DOS filename extension of ".INF".
Optionally, CKREG also creates two other special account files for
your account. The first is for account Payee Name Addresses that can be
created for deduction type records while in RECORD Edit mode via the
<ALT><F11> keys. A plain non-encrypted (to allow the editing of this
file outside of CKREG as well) ASCII text file with reserved DOS filename
extension ".ADR" is created for your account if it doesn't exist yet.
The second one is created and given the reserved DOS filename extension
of ".PAL" when and if you create your own custom screen color palette set
to use with CKREG via the VIDEO options selection of the SETUP Menu.
One reason why you might want to edit a full register is when you
need to access it to Check-off cleared record transactions as a normal
part of the account reconciliation process. Another reason might be to
correct a record's numerical value that was not entered correctly when
first entered into that register. Alternately, you can also always make
a running balance tally correction or adjustment to your account as
needed by inserting or adding a new record with a corrective amount to
your most current account register. Lastly, should you decide to delete
a record from a full register and then add one back in later, you will
need to position the record editing cursor before the last defined record
15
of that register and then use the Insert Record function <F9> to insert
the new record.
Related to, but not the same as the Credit Card purchase method, is
the newer Debit Card purchase method. This new method is actually a
"real-time" electronic link to your bank and checking account. Since
these type of purchase transactions are recorded by your bank as
deductions to your checking account (they are summarized on your monthly
bank account statement later), you should also record them as deductions
in your checking account as you would do for checks, ATMs, or bank
service-fees.
16
SECTION 3: CKREG.EXE Menu Selections/*Program Functions
Record mode is the live record editing mode where all transaction
record updating is done, i.e., edit, add, or delete debit or credit
account transaction records. Select a transaction record entry by moving
to it with an Arrow key or simply Left or Right Mouse click on the
editable field and then fill in each of the record's fields as required.
Move through pages (screens) of your electronic register by using the
<PGUP> or <PGDN> keys, or equivalently Left or Right Mouse click the
check register Vertical Scroll-bar control (located on the right hand
side of the template) above or below the scrollbar's elevator symbol
which marks your current relative position in the current register. You
may also drag the elevator symbol by clicking on it and then holding the
Mouse button down as you move in either the up or down directions.
Dragging the elevator symbol in this manner permits you to fine scroll
through register records. You can also scroll line-by-line using the
Arrow keys, or equivalently by clicking the scroll bar's arrow symbols
located at the top or bottom of the scroll bar. The scroll bar supports
auto-repeat mode, i.e., hold it down for more than 1 second and the
action will repeat itself just like the keyboard does when you hold down
a key.
When you are ready to end the Record mode editing session or wish
to access the Program's Menu system, use the <ESC> key, or Left or Right
Mouse click the check register close control symbol (the three horizontal
lines character) that is located at the upper right hand corner of the
template. If your system is equipped with a VGA adapter and you have
selected one of the supported higher text resolution display (43 or 50-
line) modes, you can also Minimize (i.e., display the default 25-line
mode) or Maximize the check register display usage area by single Mouse
clicking the minimize/maximize control symbol (the double arrow
character) that is also located at the upper right hand corner of the
template.
17
<F1> Display next Help Key topic.
<UP> arrow Scroll backward through register records one line at a time.
<DOWN> arrow Scroll forward through register records one line at a time.
18
<CTRL><UP> Minimize register window view size (VGA only).
Mouse Buttons:
19
however. The "INS" indicator appears at the top of the
screen when this mode is active.
20
<ALT><F11> View/Add/Edit Payee Name Address for record at
current edit position. To be used in conjunction with
printing your checks. CKREG.EXE looks for an ASCII
text file named after your account's base-name with an
".ADR" filename extension, and if not found within the
\CKREG directory, creates this account file for you
automatically. Can be edited from within CKREG.EXE or
with any text file editor as well. If you already have a
ASCII text file with Payee names and associated
addresses, you can copy it to the \CKREG directory and
rename it with your account's base-name plus the
".ADR" filename extension and CKREG.EXE will use it
instead of creating a new address file. The size limit for
any one CKREG .ADR file is 16KB.
21
Marking Records and Usage Key Topic:
22
Printing Records and Checks Key Topic:
<CTRL><R> Print all or specified range (N1 thru N2) of records for
current check register. Filter for unprintable graphics
characters applied for Dot-Matrix type printers. Prints
additional info identifying account and register screen
number. Press <ESC> to interrupt printing.
23
CKREG.EXE RECORD Mode Data-Entry Fields:
The CHECK NUMBER field must contain numeric characters only and
be in the range of 1 to 99,999, and will accept blank as well for non-
check entries, i.e., deposit or other electronic transaction. Type or
select the check number via <CTRL><ENTER> or Right Mouse click for next
available highest check number in your account, or <CTRL><F2> for the
next available check number based on the previous record entry's check
number. Also note that CKREG.EXE does not enforce the numerical order
of check numbers since it is possible to enter duplicate numbers (or even
omit numbers) without adversely affecting the reconciliation process.
One exception to the numeric data type requirement for this field is that
it can alternately contain the string constant "CA/CR" to indicate that
the record is a special non-bank Cash or Credit Card type of transaction.
The DATE field must contain numeric characters, but will accept any
non-numeric character for the separator part of the date. The DATE field
24
can be left blank when a record is first created, but cannot be edited to
be blank once the new record is committed, i.e., the DATE field for
existing records cannot be set to all blank since there are several CKREG
operations that depend on a record's DATE field value. The numbers
entered into this field can be made with or without leading zeroes, i.e.,
1/1/94 is the same as 01/01/94, however the year part can only be two
characters. CKREG uses the system's current CMOS century value (either 19
or 20) to set the record's century information, i.e., a '00' year entry
is considered to be 1900 based if that is the current system century
value, otherwise, '00' means 2000+. To enter a DATE, either Type or
select the date via <CTRL><ENTER> or Right Mouse click for the current
date, or <CTRL><F2> for the same date as used for the previous record
entry. Also note that CKREG.EXE does not enforce the sequential order of
dates being entered, i.e., you can mix the order of dates as you make
record entries. Lastly, a point worth noting is that all DATE related
operations in CKREG.EXE will continue to operate correctly at the
upcoming turn-of-the-century, i.e., year greater or equal to the year
2000.
CKREG.EXE uses the first letter or number of the Payee Name field
to locate marked records for re-use in a new or old record template when
you use the special <ALT><A-Z,0-9> method or Right Mouse click
(equivalent to <F5>) to re-enter a previously used and marked record.
Also, when a record is marked as a re-usable entry with the reserved
asterisk symbol ("*"), the first letter or number of the Payee Name
description field is displayed with a different screen color than is used
for the rest of the Payee name field (by default) to help you remember or
quickly identify this special first letter or number.
There are two additional special features which apply only to the
second field or transaction description. The first is the ability to
allow special notations like a merchant account number, or other memo
information, to appear on the record's check in check preview/print mode.
Simply precede any such text with the reserved tilde symbol ("~") and all
text following this character will appear in the Memo field on your check
in preview/print mode.
The second is the ability to extend the Payee name field beyond the
normal 26 character limit imposed by this field in order for it to appear
on your checks in this longer form. To use this feature, wrap the long
Payee name to the second description field and prefix this portion with
25
the reserved caret symbol ("^") and all text following this character
will appear in the Payee field on your check in preview/print mode in
addition to the Payee field text. Note that you can use both of these
reserved description field tokens at the same time in the description
field in either order, although using the caret ("^") symbol first is
more readable since it is after all just an extension of the Payee field
name directly above it on the screen. It is also well to note that that
any text in the description field which precedes the appearance of either
or both of these special symbols will not appear on your check, i.e., you
can exclude part of the text in this field from appearing on the check
Memo line.
The SPECIAL SYMBOL field separating the Payment and the Fee
fields is three-fold. The reserved Check-off character ("X") is used to
indicate that a payment or fee amount has been cleared by your Bank as
part of the reconciliation process. Position the Record mode cursor on
this field for the operand record and press <CTRL><ENTER> or Right
Mouse click to enter the Check-off symbol. You'll notice that the cursor
will advance to the check-off field of the next record in order to help
speed the reconciliation process. Next, the reserved asterisk character
("*") is used to signify a "marked" or un-marked record available for re-
entry into a new record template using the <ALT>+<A-Z,0-9> (the first
letter or number key of the record's Description field) method. To mark
or un-mark a record use the <F4> key when you are positioned in any field
of that record.
When making new transaction record entries, you can rotate through
your marked records using the alphanumeric <ALT>+<A-Z,0-9> method, or
the <F5> (or Right Mouse click) or <F6> methods to serially rotate
through re-usable marked records. Re-using marked records is a
convenient feature of CKREG.EXE, i.e., you won't have to type in the same
Payee Name or description ever again, and you'll notice that CKREG.EXE
pre-fills the new record with the next higher check number (if
applicable), the current date, and a category label if the re-used record
was categorized. Typically all you need to do is edit the payment or
deposit amount if it differs from your last payment or deposit used for
this marked record entry. Once you use a marked record entry, the old
marked record is unmarked and the current new record is marked
automatically by CKREG. The scope of available marked records for re-
entry as a new record transaction is limited to the last two registers of
any account.
26
Lastly, this field also can be marked with the reserved exclamation
symbol ("!") which indicates that the record's Auto-Scheduling interval
is set and will occur automatically when it's defined interval has
expired. To set a scheduling interval for a record transaction of less
than one month's duration (example: every two weeks), first select the
single MONTH interval for each record transaction copy using the
<ALT><F4> keystroke combination, and then ensure that the actual DATE
fields of these scheduled records reflect the interval you desire. The
automated scheduled entry MONTH interval can be set from One to Twelve
months (once yearly). To disable and clear automated record entry
Scheduling for a record, select the reserved blank interval value found
at the end of the interval selection list of settings. A final caveat
related to this topic to be mentioned here is that Scheduled record auto-
posts to your account may not occur as you would expect them to if your
computer system's CMOS or DOS System Date/Time values are no longer set
properly, i.e., not in-sync with everyone else.
27
The BALANCE field represents your account's cumulative net worth
and is a non-editable field, i.e., CKREG.EXE maintains this field for you
as you commit record transaction entries and move to the next available
blank record transaction template. Note that the Balance amount can be
indicated as positive with the color Green (default for color monitors),
or it can be the color Red (default for color monitors) and preceded with
a minus sign ("-") sign to show a negative balance amount.
28
Note that CKREG remembers your initial entries made in the Balance
worksheet #2 window input fields and re-seeds these values for you if you
leave the Balance worksheet #2 window temporarily to update or correct a
transaction record within RECORD Edit mode and then return to this
worksheet to attempt another reconciliation.
Once you have found and corrected the account item causing the
outstanding reconciliation difference in RECORD Edit mode, save your new
record changes via <F3>, exit Record Edit Mode to the program's Main
menu and select the Balance function again to re-attempt reconciling your
account. When you have reconciled your account, you can take a snapshot
of this window's information for hard-copy record purposes by performing
a screen dump to your printer via the <SHFT><PRTSC> key combination.
29
ACCOUNT: Display, edit account personal and bank information
The Account selection of the Main Menu drops down a window that
displays information about your account and allows you to enter personal
account information. Your account's name, number of registers, and dates
of account creation and last transaction editing activity are displayed
at the top of this window. You can supply the rest of the optional
fields by selecting a field with the cursor and typing in your
information. Use the arrow keys to move the window's edit cursor to an
information line, enter your text, and then press <ENTER>.
The Category selection of the Main Menu drops down a window that
displays and allows you to define and edit transaction Categories and
descriptions for your account. Use this window to create or edit a
Category name/label (5 characters maximum) and to provide a description
that is linked to the Category's name/label which will be useful for
identifying a Category name/label from within the program's Record mode
as you enter new transactions in your account. Use the arrow keys to
move the window's edit cursor to a previously defined Category or an
empty line to create a new one, enter your text, and then press <ENTER>.
You can insert or delete Category records by using the <F9> or <F10> keys
respectively. Scroll through defined Category records one at a time with
the <UP> or <DOWN> arrow keys, or page up or down through them with
the <PGUP> or <PGDN> keys. The window's vertical scrollbar control also
allows you to page up or down through records with a Left or Right Mouse
click above or below the scrollbar's elevator symbol. The scrollbar's
elevator symbol can also be dragged (click and hold while moving mouse)
up or down to fine scroll through the defined Category records one-by-
one.
Once you have defined a list of Category Labels and have optionally
entered descriptions for them, you can categorize any account
30
transaction record of your account when you are in RECORD Edit mode by
either using the <F2> key, typing it into the field in upper or lower
case, or with a right Mouse click, when the edit cursor is positioned in
the category field. CKREG will enter one of the Category Labels that you
have defined in the Category definition window. Also, when you enter a
new record into your account using the <ALT><A-Z,0-9>, <F5> or <F6>
methods, the new record will be automatically categorized for you.
Selecting the Exit selection of the Main Menu closes your currently
open account, updates program data and information files, and exits
CKREG.EXE to the DOS operating system command prompt. You cannot
31
Exit from the program when you are viewing any account register other
than the most current one, i.e., if your account consists of two or more
registers, you can only Exit when the second or highest numbered one is
visible on the screen. The Exit function will also detect if you have
made edit changes to your account but have not saved them yet explicitly
via <F3> while in Record mode or implicitly by switching current register
view context. You will be prompted to Save or Abandon your current
record editing session changes. If you Abandon changes, your account's
data and information files will be left unchanged by your most recent
edit session.
The PRINTER selection of the SETUP Menu allows you to select the
type of printer and the LPT: Port for use with CKREG.EXE. Select PRINTER
from the program's SETUP sub-menu and a window will drop down to
allow you to specify either a Laser or Dot-Matrix type printer, and
whether to use Parallel Port LPT1: or LPT2: on your PC. A Laser type
printer is the default selection for all newly created CKREG.EXE
accounts. Once you make these selections, CKREG remembers your settings
for the next time you open your account.
Use the <TAB> or Arrow Keys to move to the option you want and
then type the <ENTER> key to set that option. Notice that you can
directly select and set options in this window using a Mouse Left or
Right button click as well. Type <ESC>, or Left or Right Mouse click on
the <ESC> prompt text area, to close this window and return to the SETUP
menu when you are done making your selection(s).
The EDIT selection of the SETUP Menu allows you to specify Editing
Preferences to be used when editing anywhere within CKREG. Select EDIT
from the program's SETUP sub-menu and a window will drop down to
allow you to change the Edit settings from their initial default
behavior. The user preference Editing options are: Register Statistics
display on/off, Edit Existing Record Warning, Delete Existing Record
Warning, Deduction Not Cleared (after 2 months) Notice, Verify Account
File Writes, Write-Protect Account Files, Mouse Cursor State on/off, Edit
Cursor Style, and Auto-Save Account Update Edits with a selectable time
interval in minutes.
To select "ON" or "OFF" state for any one user preference, <TAB>,
<SHFT><TAB>, or use the Arrow Keys, to move to the desired preference
and state within this window, and then type the <ENTER> key to make your
selection. Alternately, you can directly select and set options in this
window using a Left or Right Mouse button click. Type <ESC>, or Left or
Right Mouse click on the <ESC> prompt text area, to close this window and
return to the SETUP menu when you are done making your selection(s).
32
Register Statistics Display:
When set "ON", Record Edit mode displays account and current
register statistics at the top of the register template. Can be toggled
On/Off temporarily while in Record Edit mode using <ALT><F2> as well,
although the setting in the Edit preferences window will remain
unaffected, i.e., you must turn this preference On/Off from this window
if you wish CKREG to remember your preference for this option next time
you open your account.
Note: you can still recover an accidentally deleted record in two ways.
Either immediately use the <CTRL><F1> (Undo record edit function) before
changing the editing focus to another record, or exit CKREG selecting the
ABANDON changes option of the EXIT menu and then open your account
again. The downside of the second method (exiting the program) is that
you might loose other changes to your account you have made since you
last saved <F3> changes to your account while in Record Edit mode.
33
When set "ON", the Main Menu BALANCE function window will
display a pop-up message window in the center of the screen during the
automatic reconciliation process for each deduction type record in your
account that is older than two months and has not been checked-off
(cleared) yet. The message box lists the Register and Record number of
the deduction item that has not been checked-off. These reference
numbers can then be used to find the deduction type record in question
since they are the same as the ones tracked and displayed for records by
the Register and Record Statistics Line located at the top of the RECORD
Edit mode screen.
When set "ON", CKREG applies the DOS File write Verification
operation when account files are updated as an added safeguard against
the possibility of incorrectly written File updates through DOS. DOS
verifies that the updated file can be read back and contains the new
information as was written. It is the same as turning the DOS Verify
File writes flag "On" via the "Set Verify=On" command at the system
prompt or in your Config.sys file. The cost of turning this feature On
is that all file writes (and hence all CKREG account updating) take a bit
longer than when Verification is Off. In practice, DOS rarely makes a
mistake writing your files even with verification Off, but turning this
feature On is extra insurance against file writing corruption.
Note: If you set this option to "ON", the extra step of DOS File Write
Verification is done only for your CKREG maintenance session, i.e., the
original DOS system prompt Verification setting (on or off) is restored
when you exit CKREG.
When set "ON", CKREG marks all your account files with the DOS
Read-Only file attribute. Using this option prevents accidental erasure
or alteration of your valuable account files at the DOS system prompt.
Note: Turn this option "OFF" before attempting to modify the optional
Payee Name Address account file (.ADR) from DOS or your editor which is
34
capable of modifying plain ASCII text files.
Mouse Cursor State:
When set "ON" and your system has a Mouse device, CKREG will be
able to use the Mouse input device as an alternative method of accepting
most program navigational and user option selection input. The Mouse
cursor within CKREG is shaped like a block. Once the Mouse cursor state
option is set to "OFF", the Mouse is de-activated and you will not be
able to see the mouse cursor anymore. To set the mouse cursor "ON"
initially (it's off by default) or back on again after you have set it
off, you will have to use keyboard input to select the "ON" option
setting.
When set to "LINE", the CKREG Edit position cursor turns into a
Line shaped cursor. When you select "BLOCK" (default style), the Edit
position cursor turns into a Block shaped cursor. You'll notice that
when you make either selection for this option, the cursor shape is
immediately updated to reflect the selected style.
Note: Empirical testing for the optimal setting for the number of
Minutes to elapse before the Auto-Save occurs may be necessary to suit
your own needs.
35
VIDEO: Set Video Options
The VIDEO selection of the SETUP Menu allows you to specify Video
Preferences to be used globally within CKREG. Select VIDEO from the
program's SETUP sub-menu and a window will pop-up to allow you to
change the Video settings from their initial default behavior. The user
preference Video options are: Check Register and main screen component
Default or Custom Color (or Monochromatic) palette sets, VGA screen text
lines resolution, VGA minimize/maximize used screen area, and two Digital
clock formats.
To select "ON" or "OFF" state for any one user preference, <TAB>,
<SHFT><TAB> or use the Arrow Keys, to move to the desired preference
and state within this window, and then type the <ENTER> key to make your
selection. Alternately, you can directly select and set options in this
window using a Left or Right Mouse button click. Type <ESC>, or Left or
Right Mouse click on the <ESC> prompt text area, to close this window and
return to the SETUP menu when you are done making your selection(s).
Once you begin designing your own color palette set, CKREG will
create an additional special file for your account which will use your
account name for the base part of the filename and ".PAL" for the
extension part. It is important to note that since CKREG always looks
for and uses the ".PAL" file in the current directory (if it exists) when
it starts, this allows you to substitute your initial custom palette set
with another set of your choosing. Simply create one custom palette and
copy it to another directory and rename it with the base name of your
account plus a sequential number for example. Then create another custom
palette based on your custom set, etc. When you want to use another
particular custom palette, copy it to the \CKREG directory and rename the
36
base part of the filename to your account name and the filename extension
to ".PAL". The ".PAL" file is not directly user alterable with a text
editor since all it contains are the binary values that represent your
custom color selections.
There are two dozen total screen components that you can modify to
suit your tastes, and each component has a selectable Foreground color
attribute and a selectable Background color attribute. There are 16
possible colors each for either the Foreground or the Background
selections (Monochrome display equipped users are limited to 4 possible
display attributes each for either the Foreground or the Background
selections). The Foreground setting of an alterable screen component is
the displayed color for any character and the Background setting of that
same alterable screen component is the displayed background color for
that character.
Note: CKREG does not prevent you from selecting the same Foreground
and Background color combination for a screen component, and that doing
so will make that screen component invisible, i.e., if you'd like to make
the displayed on-screen Digital Clock or Date invisible for example,
then you can do so in this manner.
37
transaction records are visible at one time in the check register
template. When the screen area in use is Maximized, the number of visible
transaction records visible at one time in the check register template
increases to 12 for the 80x43 lines Text mode resolution, or to 14 for
the 80x50 lines Text mode resolution (over twice as many records visible
at one time compared to previous CKREG version 8.60).
Clock Format:
38
CKREG.EXE. Furthermore, any unauthorized re-setting of your password
can also be detected simply by the fact that your current known password
will no longer permit access to your account.
Setup Menu selection that will return you to program's Main Menu.
39
SECTION 4: Check Printing and Form Configuration
Overview
Next, you may need to configure CKREG for use with your Laser or
Dot-Matrix type check forms via the companion utility CPCONFIG.EXE.
CKREG is already setup to use Quicken(tm) compatible 6.0" Wallet sized
checks with detachable stub for Laser/Inkjet three-per-page check forms.
Reasonable settings for the vertical placement for the spacing between
check lines, and for the horizontal placement of text fields on each
printable check line have already been set. If you are using these type
of popular personal size checks, then there's nothing else to change,
i.e., CKREG.EXE is ready to print your checks.
To obtain check forms suitable for printing with your printer type
and CKREG, you will need to order check forms from a third-party check
form maker or supplier. Not only are they less expensive when ordered in
sufficient quantity than the pre-cut and bound check booklets obtainable
through your bank, but you can also have them custom printed to some
extent. The MICR information line (and a sequential check number)
appearing at the bottom of the check must be pre-printed there to conform
to the banking industry MICR specification in order to be an acceptable
check (the third-party check form suppliers will take care of this for
you).
40
Modifying the Check Form Configuration
Note that you can test print all your changes on plain paper stock
first to eliminate wasting actual check forms. Place the real check form
behind the printed output test sheet, align both sheets at the top by
tapping them lightly on a hard surface, and then hold both sheets up to a
light bulb or other light source. You should be able to see the pre-
printed form's check lines through the first plain test sheet, and then
be able to easily determine whether or not the printed test sheet's
output text is correctly aligned to match your check forms.
41
the more popular standard sizes. For Dot-Matrix type printers, CKREG
supports any form size from 1"- 21" in length (rounded to nearest 0.5"
increment) and will allow up to 6 checks per form to be specified via
CPCONFIG and printed. For Laser type printers, CKREG will program the
printer to use one of four possible form length sizes depending on the
value you specify for the Form Size setting at top of the CPCONFIG
screen. The default Laser form size is the popular U.S. Letter size, but
you can over-ride this by specifying other form size values from the
following table below. Note that CKREG will default to US Letter size if
you do not exactly match any one of the form length size values listed in
this table for CPCONFIG form length setting values.
* Any form length value used that is not listed here defaults to US
LETTER.
A ruler with 1/12th" (for vertical line placement) and 1/10th" (for
horizontal text field placement) increments will prove to be invaluable
in assisting you to quickly match and specify the exact measurements on
your check forms. Quicken(tm) compatible check forms for Dot-Matrix
printers have measurement lines and numbers preprinted on the form's
sprocket guide strip that can be used to set the correct vertical spacing
of check lines by specifying one less than the closest line number
printed there.
Vertical Alignment:
Place your ruler vertically with the Zero guide mark aligned
exactly with the top of the Laser check form (or Dot-Matrix Top of Form
perforation line) to obtain the number of 1/12" increments (distance) to
the DATE line of your first check on the form and use this value in the
CPCONFIG setting matrix for either type printer. To set values in the
matrix, use the <UP> or <DOWN> Arrow Keys to decrease or increase the
1/12" increments for each printable check line. The matrix Left column
is for Laser type printer specifications and the matrix Right column is
for Dot-Matrix printer specifications. Next, measure the distance in
1/12" from the DATE line to the next line down on the check form (Payee
Name), etc., until you have filled in the entire CPCONFIG setting matrix.
42
Horizontal Alignment:
Hold your ruler horizontally now with the Zero guide mark aligned
exactly with the Left side of the check form. Start your measurement
from the start of the first printable character position of the PAYEE
line on the check and count up the number of characters you wish to
indent into this line before printing will begin. To set the beginning
Column number values, use the <LEFT> or <RIGHT> Arrow Keys to decrease or
increase the column number and starting position for each field on a
printable check line. Standard-sized Business check form users need
not worry about the horizontal placement of the check's DATE or AMOUNT
line fields since these will automatically be moved over to the right
margin relative to the same positioning used for the narrower 6.0" size
checks (8.5" wide forms minus the left and right 0.25" print margins
means that there are only 80 Pica size characters maximum possible per
print line).
One special use of this absolute Left Margin Indent setting allows
you to skip printing the leading stub portion of a Wallet sized check
form that has a leading stub thereby saving ink and wear on your printer
if you do not want to print the stub part. To accomplish this, first set
the printer Left Margin Indent value to at least +24 columns via the
CPCONFIG.EXE utility, then select the regular 6.0" non-stub Wallet sized
check View instead of the 6.0" Wallet sized with stub check View using
the <F4> key from the CKREG Preview/Print mode window before you print
your checks.
43
1/12" granularity increment is too coarse to match the vertical
positioning of lines on your check forms, i.e. an initial offset from
Top-of-Form may be necessary to enable you to print exactly where you
want to if the vertical spacing on your forms cannot be matched with
1/12" increments. The fine adjustment offers an initial offset
granularity of 1/24" from Top-of-Form to be applied before printing the
rest of your check lines and is normally 0/24" (none and the default
CPCONFIG value for this setting) if you do not use this feature. All
your vertical line settings will be shifted downward by the value you
specify for this setting, but the distance between lines that you
specified in 1/12" increments will remain the same. Use the <UP> or
<DOWN> Arrow Keys to decrease or increase this setting's value when
positioned in this field.
This setting is used to specify how many checks there are on your
check forms. Most popularly used Wallet sized multiple part check forms
have three checks per form, whereas 7.0" long by 8.5" wide Business sized
check forms for Dot-Matrix printers, have only two checks per form. To
specify the number of checks per form, use the <UP> or <DOWN> Arrow
keys to decrease or increase this setting's value when positioned in this
setting field.
This setting allows you to accommodate check forms that have two
leading pre-printed Century characters (i.e. "19" or "20") for the Date
field on the form. When this setting is set to "Y" or "ON", CKREG will
print the Date field on your check in a split-up format of "MM/DD YY"
instead of the default normal format of "MM/DD/YY". If you use this
feature to "split" the Date field in this manner, then you may need to
reposition the default CPCONFIG Date field starting position so that
CKREG does not print part of the Date on top of the pre-printed Century
characters on your check form. As you will notice, four character
positions are left intentionally blank between the leading "MM/DD" and
trailing "YY" parts of the date parts for this purpose. To set the Split
Date feature "ON" or "OFF", use the <UP> or <DOWN> Arrow keys, or type
<Y> or <N> to make your selection when positioned in this setting field.
Notice that CKREG's Preview/Print Check mode check template displayed
Date field will reflect your selection for this setting.
44
Prefix Dollar Sign("$"):
Load your printer with the forms you intend to use and turn the
printer on. Dot-Matrix type printer users need to carefully set Top-of-
Form (turn printer off, align the top of the printing ribbon with the
form perforation and then turn printer back on) for absolute vertical
accuracy. Note that it is possible to obtain an acceptable +/- 1 or +/-
2-pin vertical misalignment tolerance factor only after several re-
iterations of manually moving the printer roller up or down just
slightly, resetting the top-of-form, and then printing another check to
test the results.
45
Re-run CKREG.EXE for your account, select Main Menu RECORD
Edit Mode, move to the check transaction record you plan on printing, and
type <F7> to invoke the check Preview/Print mode in order to preview your
changes and print your check. Select the View that represents the type
and size of your forms via the <F4> key. Then select other options as
appropriate from the print control window before printing (see section
below on print control functions). You may want to include or reposition
the PAYEE Name address on the displayed check, or Turn Bold printing
"OFF", for example. Finally, type the <F7> key again, or alternately
single Mouse click the [F7=Print CK] option text in the print control
window, to actually print the check(s).
46
CKREG Check Preview/Print Mode Functions
47
<F8> Same as <F5> but for the Bank institution name/address
section as the top of your check. You could
conceivably change Bank branches with your Bank
account number and MICR info remaining the same,
thus no real need to re-order checks just to
accommodate a bank address change.
<ESC> or <CR> Close the Preview/Print mode window. Normally you are
automatically returned to Record Edit Mode after
successfully printing a check.
48
SECTION 5: Importing/Exporting CKREG accounts via RWQIF
Overview
5. PAYEE addresses (up to 3 lines) for both Bank and Memorized trans.
49
When creating a new CKREG account from an exported .QIF file,
always import the Bank transactions AND Categories first so that
subsequent transactions imported will find the defined categories. Next,
import any Cash/Credit type transactions, and then import the Memorized
type transactions so that RWQIF can apply memorization to both the Bank
transaction and Cash/Credit transaction types when you import Memorized
transactions.
50
will have no effect, i.e., all memorized transactions exported from the
other
financial application found in the .QIF will be imported. If you wish to
selectively limit which memorized transactions are imported into CKREG,
then apply a DATE range when you export them from the other application
first. Note that a DATE range can be applied by RWQIF when exporting
memorized transactions, however, like above, the resultant .QIF records
won't have a DATE field per .QIF specification.
When exporting a CKREG account, you will note that you cannot
export BANK and Cash/Credit type transactions into the same .QIF file.
This is to prevent you from accidentally importing both of these type
transactions into the same Quicken account because it normally uses
separate accounts for Cash or Credit type transactions. However, you can
still combine all these transactions types if you wish by exporting them
into separate .QIF files and then import them into the same account from
within Quicken.
RWQIF combines a CKREG record's AMOUNT and FEE field (if FEE
exists in addition to the AMOUNT field) when exporting records since the
.QIF specification has no provision for per-transaction FEE amounts.
51
experiment with importing or exporting records with RWQIF so that you
can easily restore the former status and data of an account should the
final end result of an account conversion (or record import/export
operation) not be what you intended.
52
SECTION 6: Known Problems/Limitations/Work-Arounds
Solution: You are not on the highest possible register number for
your account which contains multiple registers. The Record mode Stats
line at the top of the Record mode screen indicates which register of
your account is the currently viewable and editable one. Switch views
to the next sequential numbered register by using the <CTRL><PGDN>
keystroke combination until you have reached the last or highest numbered
one of your account. If you are in doubt as to how many registers your
account contains, select the Account function from the Main menu and look
at the total number of registers for your account recorded there.
Solution: The current register is full, i.e., you have reached the
maximum record count capacity (500) for any one register of an account.
Position the edit cursor in any field of the last record of that register
and press the <CTRL><2> keystroke combination to add a new register to
your account and make it the current editable one.
53
SECTION 7: Summary of CKREG.EXE Features and Specifications
Expected lifetime of one user account with moderate usage: ~100 yrs
54
* Numerous Edit and Video Options to allow customization of
preferences for Editing or the screen display, including user custom
screen colors (or monochromatic) palette and a programmable Auto-
Save account edits updating feature.
* A simple program Menu system and fast and easy one letter hot-key
selection of all program menu items.
* One-level ability to un-do field record edits or errors, plus the one-
level ability to restore entire edited records to their former values,
even if deleted.
* The Record mode Find Text feature enables you to quickly search
55
through your account's transaction records Payee Name and/or
Description fields in order to locate one or multiple instances of a user
defined text string if you need help finding one or more particular
transactions not currently on-screen.
* One program author, with one source for product support in addition to
the detailed User's Operational Guide.
56
* Color or Monochrome monitor operation using any display adapter that
supports the industry standard ROM-BIOS 80x25 Text display mode.
Higher resolution Text display modes are available for VGA systems.
* Record mode editing and special function Key Help is always visible on
screen or requires only one keystroke combination to quickly refer to
Key Help while editing your account records. Plus a single key Help
topic bookmarking feature.
* A DOS Disk Reset system function call (Interrupt 21H, function AH=0DH)
is performed after all program controlled file writes in order to commit
them to the DOS File system and thereby update your account data files
immediately in case there are any software caching applications active
in your system that can delay these write updates and possibly cause
you data-loss if you power-down your system before the cache is
committed.
57
APPENDIX A: Sample set of User Definable Categories
58
ENTE6 pets, supplies
ENTE7 musical instrum., repair/supply
ENTE8 music recordings
ENTE9 misc
FINE1 tickets, fines
FINE2 misc
FOOD1 grocery
FOOD2 restaurant
FOOD3 coffee
FOOD4 alcohol
FOOD5 misc
GIFT1 Xmas
GIFT2 birthdays
GIFT3 misc
HEAL1 physician
HEAL2 dentist
HEAL3 therapist
HEAL4 vision
HEAL5 veterinarian
HEAL6 pharmacy
HEAL7 misc
HOUS1 mortgage, insurance, tax
HOUS2 maintenance, repair
HOUS3 purchases, appliances
HOUS4 assessments, refinancing
HOUS6 yard maintenance
HOUS7 wood, other fuel
HOUS8 other loans
HOUS9 rugs, artwork
HOU10 misc
HOU11 remodel, additions
INCO1 salary income
INCO2 rent
INCO3 gifts, personal loans
INCO4 stock dividends
INCO5 bonus
INCO6 consulting
INCO7 unemployment
INCO8 health/child care reimbursement
INCO9 income tax refund
INCO0 misc
INSU1 insurance other than autos/house
INSU2 misc
MISC1 cash
MISC2 personal loans
MISC3 donations
MISC4 business costs
MISC5 office supplies
MISC6 postage, other
MISC7 misc
PERS1 haircut/style, other
PERS2 health club
PERS3 toiletries, cosmetics, supplies
PERS4 misc
59
SERV1 services, accountant
SERV2 services, lawyer
SERV3 services, photo
SERV4 services, misc
SUBS1 subscriptions, mags/newspaper
SUBS2 misc
TRAV1 travel, airfare, other
TRAV2 hotels
TRAV3 car rental
TRAV4 misc
UTIL1 house, gas
UTIL2 house, electricity
UTIL3 house, water
UTIL4 house, sewage
UTIL5 house, garbage
UTIL6 house, phone
UTIL7 house, misc
UTIL8 condo, electricity
UTIL9 condo, misc
60
APPENDIX B: Using the Category Summation Utility
Purpose:
Program Invocation:
Where:
Special Note:
61
APPENDIX C: Using the Export Records Utility
Purpose:
Program Invocation:
Where:
Special Note:
62
APPENDIX D: Using the Change Account Name Utility
Purpose:
Program Invocation:
Where:
Special Note:
63
APPENDIX E: Using the Set VGA 50-Line Text Mode Utility
Purpose:
The SET50L.EXE utility enables you to set the DOS prompt screen
into VGA 50-line text display mode without having to install ANSI.SYS in
your Config.sys file and using the DOS Mode command: MODE 80, 50. If
you wish to run either of the CKREG utilities: CPCONFIG and RWQIF in one
of the higher VGA text display modes, then the DOS prompt screen must
already be in one of the higher VGA text display modes. To restore the
DOS prompt screen to the standard 80x25-line Text display mode, simply
type: MODE CO80 <ENTER> (color systems) or MODE BW80 <ENTER>
(monochrome systems), or reboot your system. This usage of the DOS
MODE command works even if ANSI.SYS is not installed in your system.
Program Invocation:
SET50L <ENTER>
Note: You can optionally invoke the SET50L utility from your
Autoexec.bat when you boot your system.
64
APPENDIX F: CPCONFIG.EXE Form Settings Reference
Summary:
OTHER SETTINGS:
65
FORM TYPE FORM LENGTH CHECK SIZE #CHKS/FORM
==================================================================
OTHER SETTINGS:
OTHER SETTINGS:
66
FORM TYPE FORM LENGTH CHECK SIZE #CHKS/FORM
==================================================================
OTHER SETTINGS:
67
68