Mutilate ReadMe.txt for Version 2.11


Version 2.11 is a free upgrade for registered users of prior Mutilate 
versions.




Introduction

Mutilate is a Windows 95/Windows NT file wiper utility with three predefined 
security levels to accommodate varying needs. A customized security level 
is also included. 

To use Mutilate, simply highlight the file(s) you wish to destroy & click 
the mutilate button.

Mutilate destroys the target file making recovery of its data impossible.
Using DOS delete or the Windows 95 Recycle Bin to delete files merely 
removes the file system's pointer to the file, ALL THE DATA REMAINS ON YOUR 
HARD DRIVE OR FLOPPY DISK until the space is reclaimed and overwritten by 
another file. The remaining data can be easily recovered with the use of a 
software recovery utility. Sensitive files may also be vulnerable to 
advanced recovery techniques, EVEN WHEN OVERWRITTEN. Mutilate is designed 
to destroy files beyond recovery.





Installation

To install mutilate, run setup.exe (in the distribution diskette or 
directory) & follow the instructions. If you like, you can drag a shortcut 
to the file 'mutilate.exe' onto your desktop from the setup destination 
directory in Windows Explorer.

On some systems, you may need to download the file Vb40032.dll
If the file is needed on your system, Mutilate's setup program will 
notify you with a "missing dll" message. 

The file Vb40032.dll is widely available on the Internet and local BBS's.

Here is one site where you can find the file:
http://www.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/win95/dll/vb40032.zip

Move the vb40032.dll file into your windows/system directory and run 
setup.exe again.




How Mutilate's Internal Wiper Works

Mutilate is designed to totally destroy the target file, so use with caution!
Depending upon the security level selected, all bits in the target file,
including cluster slack space, are overwritten with 0's, 1's, and/or random 
bit patterns. For multiple wipe options such as the High, Intense, and Custom 
levels, overwrite order is always random, 1's, 0's, random, 1's, 0's, etc. 
To destroy any identifying remnant of the target file, Mutilate then changes 
the file date to a randomly selected date between the present system date 
and a date up to two years ago. The file size is then set to zero and the 
file name is changed to a name consisting of random numbers and characters. 
The file is then deleted.





Security Levels

In the Normal security level setting (on the menu bar see 
Options|Security Level), Mutilate sets all target file bits to 0. 

The High security level setting first writes over the target file with 
pseudo-random characters, the bits are then set to 1, finally all bits are 
set to zero. 

The Intense level repeats the High security level 3 times.

For special needs or for the truly paranoid, the custom level allows any 
combination of up to 99 passes each of 0's 1's or random bit patterns.






Using Pattern Filter and Wildcards

The default pattern in the filter box is "*.* (all files)". Use any 
of the pre-set file extensions to filter the file types of interest. 
If the file type of interest is not in the pre-set list, you may enter 
directly any pattern you wish. For example, for a list of all files 
with the extension "myPattern", enter "*.myPattern". Mutilate also 
supports the "?" wildcard character. For example, entering "*.??" 
displays all files with a 2 character extension.





Special Note to Mutilate 2.00b & Prior Version Users

Mutilate no longer supports the shelling of external DOS wipers. If this
capability is important to you, retain the 2.00b or prior mutilate.exe
file. It will co-exist without conflict with the newer versions. You
should rename the 2.00b or prior mutilate.exe to another name to avoid
any confusion.





Shareware

Mutilate is shareware and may be used free for evaluation purposes
for 30 days. You are required to register if you find it useful and 
continue use after the 30 day evaluation period. Registered users will 
receive a registration code that will eliminate the start up
Register/Evaluate form & all registration reminders.





Registration

Enclose $20.00 US Funds to:
	  
		Craig Christensen
		PO Box 30593
		Spokane, WA 99223-3009
		USA

US orders:
US addresses send check or money order. 

Foreign orders:
Orders from outside of the United States, please send an International Money 
Order payable in US Funds. For your convenience, you may also send $20 
US currency, however, currency is sent at your own risk. Foreign currency
is also acceptable in amounts at least 5% over current dollar exchange rate.

Site Licenses:
Please send $20 for the first site(monitor) and $2.00 for each additional 
site(monitor) within one organization.


Please report bugs or make suggestions to:

Craig Christensen
craigchr@worldnet.att.net




Warning: The user assumes all risk of using this software.
It is supplied strictly "AS IS" without warranty of any kind,
stated or implied. This is a beta version and has not been thoroughly 
tested. No representation is made that it is suitable for any purpose.
If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use this software.


Mutilate is freely distributable providing 1) all original files are 
included without alteration, 2) at no charge other than nominal costs,
and 3) no representation is made that the software is free.


Copyright 1996, 1997 Craig Christensen
All Rights Reserved.

Windows, Windows 95, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft 
Corporation. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

