Checksum V1.01
==============

Description
-----------

   Checksum is a program for F1GP/WC data files (specifically track files, although other data files probably have a similar requirement) which contain a checksum.
   The checksum has two purposes for the game: First, to detect corrupt files, and second, to make it harder to edit files and change the characteristics of the game or it's data.
   Editing files successfully for use within the game is therefore difficult without a program such as this, which recalculates and writes the checksum so that the file is considered valid.

   There are a number of similar and compatible programs around for GP2, I just found that the simplest and cleanest one has problems, so this is a quick replacement.


Usage
------

The program can be run from any directory, although it is marginally easier to use if the target file is in the same directory.

General usage is very simple:

   Checksum.exe <target>

     - <target> is the file to create the checksum for. The program will give no indication of what is happening, it simply calculates and writes the checksum.

NOTE: Because of the number of file formats that may require a checksum, it isn't feasible to check for a valid target file... it is therefore VERY IMPORTANT to make sure the target file is a F1GP/WC file that contains checksum information.
   Targetting a file of some other type WILL lead to a change in that file, and could render the file useless.

Example usage:

   c:\> checksum f1ct01.dat

   This will calculate and write the checksum to f1ct01.dat, so that F1GP/WC will accept the file.


Support
-------

   Any questions or suggestions should be sent to:

   lazwatson@yahoo.com


Contributions
-------------

   The checksum format information used in writing this program was taken from "The Grand Prix 2 Track File Format" by Maxime Labelle, with recognition for the discovery of the algorithm attributed to Robert Kimber.
   This program is really just an extension of (corrected) sample code from Maxime's site.


Version History
---------------

V 1.00  1st May 2001

    Only intended for personal use while trying different values to explore the F1GP/WC trackfile layout, until Barrie Millar uploaded it to www.grandprix1.com, making it publicly available.

    It does only what it needs to do, no output or anything. It assumes the target filename is given, and aborts if the file can't be found.

V 1.01  9th May 2001

    - Added a simple check for the parameter being given, and included usage information.
    - Used more efficient build options, reducing the executable's size to 12kB.


Disclaimer
----------

The usual thing... I make no guarantees regarding the reliability or safety of this program, I cannot be held responsible for any problems arising directly or indirectly from the execution of this program.

I can, however, guarantee that this program is designed to do exactly what it says, and contains no deliberately-malicious code.

(May I add, long-term software or hardware problems caused by the use of this program are EXTREMELY unlikely - otherwise I wouldn't use it myself... :))


========================================================
Program and documentation by Larry Watson (9th May 2001)