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From: janl@ifi.uio.no (Nicolai Langfeldt)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.system
Subject: Re: Copying files in the backround of sys 7
Summary: You can do it in earlier systems too
Keywords: Resedit, multifinder, copying
Message-ID: <1991Apr10.141322.25903@ifi.uio.no>
Date: 10 Apr 91 14:13:22 GMT
Sender: Nicolai Langfeldt <janl@ifi.uio.no>
Organization: Crazed Python Quoters unlimited
Lines: 22
Nntp-Posting-Host: slembe.ifi.uio.no
Originator: janl@slembe.ifi.uio.no

You can do something else while finder copies your files now! Enter
resedit open finder and locate the DLOG resource with the copy status
dialog/window. Change the window type to a ordinary window with no
close box. Change the window header text while you're at it.  Remember
to make a backup copy of finder before you alter it...

This is why it works: Multifinder will not do 'major' task swiches
while a 'dialog' (I forget the window type numbers) window is in
front. When you change the window type multifinder will allow major
task switch enabeling you to do something else while finder copies.

This technique can be used on other programs that holds up your Mac by
using a dialog window while doing something timeconsuming...  Like
Apple Fileexchange.

Remember to launch the program you want to use before starting the
copying, finder will be tied up copying, disabeling any application
launching. And lay of the files and directories you copy to/from...

I've been using this for some time now and have noticed no ill efects.

Nicolai