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SPARSE.EXE - a utility to scan NetWare servers for sparse files.
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Sparse files are a build-in feature of NetWare. Normally this feature is a 
blessing, but sometimes this can work against you.

The Novell definition:

   Sparse file

         Any file that has at least one empty block.  NetWare will not write
         any block that is completely empty.   Databases often create sparse
         files.

   Example:

         Suppose that the disk allocation block size for volume VOL1 is 4KB.
         Also suppose that a database opens a new file, seeks out the
         1,048,576th byte, writes 5 bytes, and closes the file.  An
         inefficient operating system would save the entire file to disk. The
         file would be composed of 256 zero-filled disk allocation blocks
         (the first 1MB) and one more disk allocation block with 5 bytes of
         data and 4,091 zeroes.  This method would waste 1MB of disk space.
         NetWare will write only the last block to disk, thus saving time and
         disk space.

         Sparse files are not limited to large files. If a 2-block file is
         created and the first block is empty, the operating system treats
         the file as a sparse file.  If a program tries to read from a file's
         empty blocks, the operating system generates and returns zeroes.


Sparse files may take up more space on your server than is physically 
possible. 
If they do, and your backup medium does not allow for the extra space, the 
automatic backup may be stopped midway. 
Also if you try to copy them by normal means (not NCOPY /F) you could fill
your volumes completely because their sparse-nature will be lost.

The only way to detect these files is through NDIR, comparing the logical
space and the amount of blocks occupied. SPARSE.EXE was written to scan your 
servers for any sparse files. 
These files are no problem by themselves, but it's good practice to be aware
of them.

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How to use SPARSE.EXE
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Syntax:

SPARSE <file-specifier> [options]

The <file-specifier> is used to specify the scope of the search. SPARSE can
search multiple servers/volumes/directories/files.

The layout of <file-specifier> is as follows:

[[<server>/]<volume>:][\<directory>][<file-spec>]

Any of the items between '[]' can be ommited, but at least one must be given.

<server> can be any NetWare file-server that the users is attached to. It
defaults to the current file-server. To scan all attached file-servers, enter a
'*'. 
If a file-server is specified, a volume specifier must also be supplied.
<volume> can be any valid NetWare volume, or '*' for all volumes.
<directory> can be any valid directory name. No wildcards are allowed. It
defaults to the current directory.
<file-spec> can be any valid DOS file specifier. Normal DOS wildcards are
supported.

Options:
/S          - Search sub-directories
/H          - (Too) small helpscreen
/SYS        - Include files and directories with the hidden and system
              attributes set in the search.
/V=<level>  - Verbose (level of output generated)
              0 = Normal   (Show only sparse files)
              1 = Filesize (Show the logical & physical file-size)
              2 = Debug    (Show all files scanned)
              (default = 0)

To scan all the files on all the servers you are connected to, use:

SPARSE */*:\*.* /s/sys

SPARSE.EXE set an error level of 1 if a sparse file is found. Otherwise (also
if an error is found on the command line) an error level of 0 is returned.


Scanning of non-NetWare drives is not possible.


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The idea of this program was born at a discussion between members of the 
Novell Gebruikersgroep Nederland (NGN, Novell Usergroup Holland)
For more information on the NGN please contact:

Novell Gebruikersgroep Nederland
Voice: +31-(0)344-661323 
Fax:   +31-(0)344-661546
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                               TECHNICAL SUPPORT
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To obtain technical support, you must first send in your Product 
Registration Form.  Then, whenever you have questions, you may contact 
us in any of the following ways.


Email:

   Internet:   wvw@isolution.nl



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                                    LICENSE
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SPARSE.EXE is considered priceless. Therefore you don't have to pay a 
registration fee. Registration of this program is required.
If you have the SPARSE.EXE program for evaluation, you may use it free for a 
maximum of 30 days.  Then you must register it without paying for it (see
REGISTER.TXT. 

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                                  COPYRIGHT 
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SPARSE.EXE and this documentation file are considered ShareWare software. 
You may distribute this software as long as no license fee is paid for it 
and the files are kept together without any modification.

This software is copyrighted (c) 1995 by:

   Wouter van Wageningen
   Internet:  wvw@isolution.nl
   
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                                  DISCLAIMER    
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Wouter van Wageningen is not responsible for lost profits or revenue, loss of 
use of the software, loss of data, costs of re-creating lost data, the cost 
of any substitute equipment or program, or claims by any party other than 
you. Wouter van Wageningen strongly recommends a backup be made before any 
software is installed.  Technical support for this software may be provided 
at the discretion of Wouter van Wageningen.

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