leo@uf-csv.UUCP (Leo Wilson [staff]) (11/03/84)
This line is intentionally less than witty.
I am posting this summary of responses to my inquiry about write protecting
individual files because of the number of requests I got to forward the
information. Jay at unm-la gave the useful information, which bit to flip.
It works like a charm!
I have a friend with a copy of the Norton Utilities and used it just a few
minutes ago to change the appropriate bit. I imagine there's a few hackers
out there who'll actually use the DOS call, but I'm really a hardware type
who prefers a UNIX environment (DOS means Disk Operating System, I think,
but other than that I'm blissful...) to any other I've seen. You go ahead
and hack, I'll just whittle a little for now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bit 0 of byte 11 of a disk directory entry marks (when set) a file as read
only. You can find the directory entry and diddle this bit directly, or
you can use DOS function call 0x43 (CHMOD), specifying the drive:path/file
as an ascii string.
Or, if you want to buy a utility to do it for you, try "AKA Alias", available
from The Programmer's Shop (800)421-8006. It includes "xdir" which gives you
a directory listing showing the attributes of the files, and "chmod" which
sets/resets any of the attributes. (Caveat: don't use AKA Alias for its
advertised purpose -- it knows how to hang your system at the most precious
moments).
From: akgua!mcnc!decvax!ucbvax!unmvax!unm-la!jay
__________
There is a utility to do that. Fortunately,
DOS 1.1 and above allow files to be marked as 'read-only'.
- Lester Waters -
WATERS%viking.DEC@DECWRL (CSNET)
...decvax!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-viking!WATERS
(UUCP)
__________
1. To deal with write-protect/unprotect and other related things,
you might like FilePaq, about $30 + S & H and tax, from
SDA Associates
PO Box 36152
San Jose, CA 95158
(408)281-7747
2. The above disk also includes erase/delete utilities and an
improved directory function. If in addition, you patch
out the names `del' and `era(se)' from command.com and create
batch files, you may solve your erasure problems.
Gene E. Bloch (...!nsc!voder!gino)
__________
The new IBM DOS 3.0 includes a program labeled ATTRIBUTE that can set
and reset a file's attribute to read only.
DOS 3.0 is now available for list $ 65.-.
There are similar utilities on RBBS systems that are in public domain
and accessible if you have a modem and downloading capability.
John Gulbenkian Varian Walnut Creek CA
zehntel!varian!vaxwaller!jvg
__________
There are several public domain programs floating around to do this, but
I would recommend buying the Norton utilities. They are very useful.
You could also get DOS 3.0.
David DiGiacomo, BRAG Systems Inc., San Mateo CA (415) 342-3963
(...decvax!ucbvax!hplabs!bragvax!david)
--
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.
Leo Wilson USPS: University of Florida
akgua!uf-csv(!uf-csg)!leo 512 Weil Hall
CSNET: leo@ufl Gainesville, FL 32611
AT&T: (904)392-2371
"There are two types of aircraft: Fighters and Targets."scott@opus.UUCP (Scott Wiesner) (11/06/84)
Fair warning about file protection: It doesn't always work. I seem to
remember using the write protect bit PC DOS 2.0, and thought everything
would be fine until someone walked up to the machine, edited the file
and wrote it out just fine. Since this was part of a source control system,
I wasn't very happy. I think it had something to do with programs that
used DOS 1.1 style i/o. For some kind of compatibility reasons or something,
they didn't look at the write protect bit.
Can anyone help clarify this stuff? I haven't used a pc in over a year,
so sometimes it all seems a little fuzzy.
--
Scott Wiesner
{allegra, ucbvax, cornell}!nbires!scott