diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/collapseEdges/collapseEdges.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/collapseEdges/collapseEdges.C
index 3f1f29b298..8dd31f8b81 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/collapseEdges/collapseEdges.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/collapseEdges/collapseEdges.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -453,8 +453,8 @@ label simplifyFaces
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::noParallel();
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
     argList::validArgs.append("edge length [m]");
     argList::validArgs.append("merge angle (degrees)");
 
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
     scalar minLen(readScalar(IStringStream(args.additionalArgs()[0])()));
     scalar angle(readScalar(IStringStream(args.additionalArgs()[1])()));
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     scalar maxCos = Foam::cos(degToRad(angle));
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/combinePatchFaces/combinePatchFaces.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/combinePatchFaces/combinePatchFaces.C
index fa055e2758..8b68edd097 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/combinePatchFaces/combinePatchFaces.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/combinePatchFaces/combinePatchFaces.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -428,10 +428,17 @@ label mergeEdges(const scalar minCos, polyMesh& mesh)
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
+
     argList::validArgs.append("feature angle [0..180]");
-    argList::addOption("concaveAngle", "[0..180]");
+    argList::addOption
+    (
+        "concaveAngle",
+        "[0..180]",
+        "specify concave angle [0..180] degrees (default: 30.0 degrees)"
+    );
+
     argList::addBoolOption("snapMesh");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -449,8 +456,8 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
     scalar concaveSin = Foam::sin(degToRad(concaveAngle));
 
-    bool snapMeshDict = args.optionFound("snapMesh");
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool snapMeshDict = args.optionFound("snapMesh");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     Info<< "Merging all faces of a cell" << nl
         << "    - which are on the same patch" << nl
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/modifyMesh/modifyMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/modifyMesh/modifyMesh.C
index b46a421eb3..c57820803e 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/modifyMesh/modifyMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/modifyMesh/modifyMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -328,7 +328,7 @@ label findCell(const primitiveMesh& mesh, const point& nearPoint)
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -336,7 +336,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 #   include "createPolyMesh.H"
     const word oldInstance = mesh.pointsInstance();
 
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     Info<< "Reading modifyMeshDict\n" << endl;
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineHexMesh/refineHexMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineHexMesh/refineHexMesh.C
index 6175bd4e16..cb87a9f568 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineHexMesh/refineHexMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineHexMesh/refineHexMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -52,8 +52,9 @@ using namespace Foam;
 // Main program:
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::validArgs.append("cellSet");
+
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
     runTime.functionObjects().off();
@@ -63,7 +64,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     pointMesh pMesh(mesh);
 
     word cellSetName(args.args()[1]);
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     Info<< "Reading cells to refine from cellSet " << cellSetName
         << nl << endl;
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineWallLayer/refineWallLayer.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineWallLayer/refineWallLayer.C
index 731eac7855..91f049ff21 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineWallLayer/refineWallLayer.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/refineWallLayer/refineWallLayer.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -47,12 +47,12 @@ using namespace Foam;
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::noParallel();
     argList::validArgs.append("patchName");
     argList::validArgs.append("edgeWeight");
 
     argList::addOption("useSet", "cellSet");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     word patchName(args.additionalArgs()[0]);
 
     scalar weight(readScalar(IStringStream(args.additionalArgs()[1])()));
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
 
     label patchID = mesh.boundaryMesh().findPatchID(patchName);
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/removeFaces/removeFaces.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/removeFaces/removeFaces.C
index a7d13ba2c3..0f876ce656 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/removeFaces/removeFaces.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/removeFaces/removeFaces.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -48,7 +48,7 @@ using namespace Foam;
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::validArgs.append("faceSet");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 #   include "createMesh.H"
     const word oldInstance = mesh.pointsInstance();
 
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     word setName(args.additionalArgs()[0]);
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/splitCells/splitCells.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/splitCells/splitCells.C
index 1e1548f517..5255d6efeb 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/splitCells/splitCells.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/advanced/splitCells/splitCells.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -524,11 +524,11 @@ void collectCuts
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::noParallel();
     argList::addOption("set", "cellSet name");
     argList::addBoolOption("geometry");
     argList::addOption("tol", "edge snap tolerance");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
     argList::validArgs.append("edge angle [0..360]");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
@@ -542,9 +542,9 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     scalar minCos = Foam::cos(degToRad(featureAngle));
     scalar minSin = Foam::sin(degToRad(featureAngle));
 
-    bool readSet   = args.optionFound("set");
-    bool geometry  = args.optionFound("geometry");
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool readSet   = args.optionFound("set");
+    const bool geometry  = args.optionFound("geometry");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     scalar edgeTol = args.optionLookupOrDefault("tol", 0.2);
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/conversion/polyDualMesh/polyDualMeshApp.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/conversion/polyDualMesh/polyDualMeshApp.C
index df229e4bf0..083b826010 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/conversion/polyDualMesh/polyDualMeshApp.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/conversion/polyDualMesh/polyDualMeshApp.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -353,6 +353,7 @@ void dumpFeatures
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::noParallel();
     timeSelector::addOptions(true, false);
 
@@ -360,7 +361,6 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     argList::addBoolOption("splitAllFaces");
     argList::addBoolOption("concaveMultiCells");
     argList::addBoolOption("doNotPreserveFaceZones");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/Make/files b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/Make/files
index 9153e6dc34..8cc4bd86cd 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/Make/files
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/Make/files
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
 extrude2DMesh.C
-doExtrude2DMesh.C
+extrude2DMeshApp.C
 
 EXE = $(FOAM_APPBIN)/extrude2DMesh
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/doExtrude2DMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/extrude2DMeshApp.C
similarity index 96%
rename from applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/doExtrude2DMesh.C
rename to applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/extrude2DMeshApp.C
index 0299cade00..a94d70c0a2 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/doExtrude2DMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/extrude2DMesh/extrude2DMeshApp.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -38,7 +38,6 @@ Usage
 
 Note
     Not sure about the walking of the faces to create the front and back faces.
-    Tested on one .ccm file.
 
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
@@ -57,8 +56,9 @@ using namespace Foam;
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::validArgs.append("thickness");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
+
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
     runTime.functionObjects().off();
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     const word oldInstance = mesh.pointsInstance();
 
     scalar thickness(readScalar(IStringStream(args.additionalArgs()[0])()));
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
 
     // Check that mesh is 2D
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/snappyHexMesh/snappyHexMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/snappyHexMesh/snappyHexMesh.C
index 528551eb51..4ab7a771be 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/snappyHexMesh/snappyHexMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/generation/snappyHexMesh/snappyHexMesh.C
@@ -120,11 +120,8 @@ void writeMesh
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
-    argList::addBoolOption
-    (
-        "overwrite",
-        "overwrite existing mesh files"
-    );
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
+
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
     runTime.functionObjects().off();
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/attachMesh/attachMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/attachMesh/attachMesh.C
index 35247413e1..066a800ab9 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/attachMesh/attachMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/attachMesh/attachMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -41,8 +41,8 @@ using namespace Foam;
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::noParallel();
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 #   include "createPolyMesh.H"
     const word oldInstance = mesh.pointsInstance();
 
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     if (!overwrite)
     {
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/autoPatch/autoPatch.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/autoPatch/autoPatch.C
index abad711392..3067f90eef 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/autoPatch/autoPatch.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/autoPatch/autoPatch.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -69,9 +69,9 @@ void collectFeatureEdges(const boundaryMesh& bMesh, labelList& markedEdges)
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::noParallel();
     argList::validArgs.append("feature angle[0-180]");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     boundaryMesh bMesh;
 
     scalar featureAngle(readScalar(IStringStream(args.additionalArgs()[0])()));
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     scalar minCos = Foam::cos(degToRad(featureAngle));
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/createBaffles.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/createBaffles.C
index dc94786222..dca4303582 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/createBaffles.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createBaffles/createBaffles.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -125,12 +125,13 @@ label findPatchID(const polyMesh& mesh, const word& name)
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 #   include "addRegionOption.H"
+
     argList::validArgs.append("faceZone");
     argList::validArgs.append("patch");
     argList::addOption("additionalPatches", "(patch2 .. patchN)");
     argList::addBoolOption("internalFacesOnly");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -191,9 +192,8 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     }
 
 
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
-
-    bool internalFacesOnly = args.optionFound("internalFacesOnly");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool internalFacesOnly = args.optionFound("internalFacesOnly");
 
     if (internalFacesOnly)
     {
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createPatch/createPatch.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createPatch/createPatch.C
index d59f7317b9..90f6377b6d 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createPatch/createPatch.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/createPatch/createPatch.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -516,8 +516,8 @@ void syncPoints
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 #   include "addRegionOption.H"
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/mergeOrSplitBaffles/mergeOrSplitBaffles.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/mergeOrSplitBaffles/mergeOrSplitBaffles.C
index 5053c95071..c950eb8a92 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/mergeOrSplitBaffles/mergeOrSplitBaffles.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/mergeOrSplitBaffles/mergeOrSplitBaffles.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -222,19 +222,20 @@ labelList findBaffles(const polyMesh& mesh, const labelList& boundaryFaces)
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 #   include "addRegionOption.H"
     argList::addBoolOption("split");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
     argList::addBoolOption("detectOnly");
+
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
     runTime.functionObjects().off();
 #   include "createNamedMesh.H"
     const word oldInstance = mesh.pointsInstance();
 
-    bool split      = args.optionFound("split");
-    bool overwrite  = args.optionFound("overwrite");
-    bool detectOnly = args.optionFound("detectOnly");
+    const bool split      = args.optionFound("split");
+    const bool overwrite  = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool detectOnly = args.optionFound("detectOnly");
 
     // Collect all boundary faces
     labelList boundaryFaces(mesh.nFaces() - mesh.nInternalFaces());
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/refineMesh/refineMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/refineMesh/refineMesh.C
index a33afdf711..85da9ce113 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/refineMesh/refineMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/refineMesh/refineMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -291,8 +291,8 @@ label twoDNess(const polyMesh& mesh)
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::addBoolOption("dict");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -307,8 +307,8 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     // Read/construct control dictionary
     //
 
-    bool readDict = args.optionFound("dict");
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool readDict = args.optionFound("dict");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     // List of cells to refine
     labelList refCells;
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/renumberMesh/renumberMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/renumberMesh/renumberMesh.C
index 099cdcdead..ab310515cc 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/renumberMesh/renumberMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/renumberMesh/renumberMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anispulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -367,8 +367,8 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     argList::addBoolOption("blockOrder");
     argList::addBoolOption("orderPoints");
     argList::addBoolOption("writeMaps");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 #   include "addTimeOptions.H"
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
@@ -409,7 +409,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
             << endl;
     }
 
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     label band = getBand(mesh.faceOwner(), mesh.faceNeighbour());
 
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/singleCellMesh/singleCellMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/singleCellMesh/singleCellMesh.C
index 927d8ca854..44238b51b6 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/singleCellMesh/singleCellMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/singleCellMesh/singleCellMesh.C
@@ -66,9 +66,9 @@ void interpolateFields
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
-
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 #   include "addTimeOptions.H"
+
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
     // Get times list
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 #   include "createMesh.H"
     const word oldInstance = mesh.pointsInstance();
 
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
 
     // Read objects in time directory
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMesh/splitMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMesh/splitMesh.C
index 0d8fe6490d..bb171818da 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMesh/splitMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMesh/splitMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -111,11 +111,11 @@ void checkPatch(const polyBoundaryMesh& bMesh, const word& name)
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
     argList::noParallel();
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 
     argList::validArgs.append("faceSet");
     argList::validArgs.append("masterPatch");
     argList::validArgs.append("slavePatch");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -126,7 +126,8 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     word setName(args.additionalArgs()[0]);
     word masterPatch(args.additionalArgs()[1]);
     word slavePatch(args.additionalArgs()[2]);
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     // List of faces to split
     faceSet facesSet(mesh, setName);
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMeshRegions/splitMeshRegions.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMeshRegions/splitMeshRegions.C
index a584789167..c03db84d75 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMeshRegions/splitMeshRegions.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/splitMeshRegions/splitMeshRegions.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -1309,13 +1309,13 @@ label findCorrespondingRegion
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::addBoolOption("cellZones");
     argList::addBoolOption("cellZonesOnly");
     argList::addOption("blockedFaces", "faceSet");
     argList::addBoolOption("makeCellZones");
     argList::addBoolOption("largestOnly");
     argList::addOption("insidePoint", "point");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
     argList::addBoolOption("detectOnly");
     argList::addBoolOption("sloppyCellZones");
 
@@ -1333,14 +1333,14 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
             << blockedFacesName << nl << endl;
     }
 
-    bool makeCellZones    = args.optionFound("makeCellZones");
-    bool largestOnly      = args.optionFound("largestOnly");
-    bool insidePoint      = args.optionFound("insidePoint");
-    bool useCellZones     = args.optionFound("cellZones");
-    bool useCellZonesOnly = args.optionFound("cellZonesOnly");
-    bool overwrite        = args.optionFound("overwrite");
-    bool detectOnly       = args.optionFound("detectOnly");
-    bool sloppyCellZones  = args.optionFound("sloppyCellZones");
+    const bool makeCellZones    = args.optionFound("makeCellZones");
+    const bool largestOnly      = args.optionFound("largestOnly");
+    const bool insidePoint      = args.optionFound("insidePoint");
+    const bool useCellZones     = args.optionFound("cellZones");
+    const bool useCellZonesOnly = args.optionFound("cellZonesOnly");
+    const bool overwrite        = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool detectOnly       = args.optionFound("detectOnly");
+    const bool sloppyCellZones  = args.optionFound("sloppyCellZones");
 
     if (insidePoint && largestOnly)
     {
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/stitchMesh/stitchMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/stitchMesh/stitchMesh.C
index 553ea07138..cff1111297 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/stitchMesh/stitchMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/stitchMesh/stitchMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -96,6 +96,7 @@ void checkPatch(const polyBoundaryMesh& bMesh, const word& name)
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
     argList::noParallel();
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
 #   include "addRegionOption.H"
 
     argList::validArgs.append("masterPatch");
@@ -103,7 +104,6 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
     argList::addBoolOption("partial");
     argList::addBoolOption("perfect");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
     argList::addOption("toleranceDict", "file with tolerances");
 
@@ -117,9 +117,9 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     word masterPatchName(args.additionalArgs()[0]);
     word slavePatchName(args.additionalArgs()[1]);
 
-    bool partialCover = args.optionFound("partial");
-    bool perfectCover = args.optionFound("perfect");
-    bool overwrite    = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool partialCover = args.optionFound("partial");
+    const bool perfectCover = args.optionFound("perfect");
+    const bool overwrite    = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
     if (partialCover && perfectCover)
     {
diff --git a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/subsetMesh/subsetMesh.C b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/subsetMesh/subsetMesh.C
index fac26e6815..1e9d5c92dc 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/subsetMesh/subsetMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/mesh/manipulation/subsetMesh/subsetMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -151,9 +151,9 @@ void subsetPointFields
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
+#   include "addOverwriteOption.H"
     argList::validArgs.append("set");
     argList::addOption("patch", "patch name");
-    argList::addBoolOption("overwrite");
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     const word oldInstance = mesh.pointsInstance();
 
     word setName(args.additionalArgs()[0]);
-    bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
+    const bool overwrite = args.optionFound("overwrite");
 
 
     Info<< "Reading cell set from " << setName << endl << endl;
diff --git a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/decomposePar/decomposePar.C b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/decomposePar/decomposePar.C
index ea8ffe9469..51631f1305 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/decomposePar/decomposePar.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/decomposePar/decomposePar.C
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@ Usage
     - decomposePar [OPTION]
 
     @param -cellDist \n
-    Write the cell distribution as a labelList for use with 'manual'
-    decomposition method and as a volScalarField for post-processing.
+    Write the cell distribution as a labelList, for use with 'manual'
+    decomposition method or as a volScalarField for post-processing.
 
     @param -region regionName \n
     Decompose named region. Does not check for existence of processor*.
@@ -84,7 +84,12 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
     argList::noParallel();
 #   include "addRegionOption.H"
-    argList::addBoolOption("cellDist");
+    argList::addBoolOption
+    (
+        "cellDist",
+        "write cell distribution as a labelList - for use with 'manual' "
+        "decomposition method or as a volScalarField for post-processing."
+    );
     argList::addBoolOption
     (
         "copyUniform",
@@ -106,6 +111,11 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
         "only decompose geometry if the number of domains has changed"
     );
 
+    argList::addNote
+    (
+        "decompose a mesh and fields of a case for parallel execution"
+    );
+
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 
     word regionName = fvMesh::defaultRegion;
diff --git a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructPar/reconstructPar.C b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructPar/reconstructPar.C
index c412010cbd..d105a8492a 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructPar/reconstructPar.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructPar/reconstructPar.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -50,8 +50,18 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     timeSelector::addOptions(true, true);
     argList::noParallel();
 #   include "addRegionOption.H"
-    argList::addOption("fields", "\"(list of fields)\"");
-    argList::addBoolOption("noLagrangian");
+    argList::addOption
+    (
+        "fields",
+        "list",
+        "specify a list of fields to be reconstructed. Eg, '(U T p)' - "
+        "regular expressions not currently supported"
+    );
+    argList::addBoolOption
+    (
+        "noLagrangian",
+        "skip reconstructing lagrangian positions and fields"
+    );
 
 #   include "setRootCase.H"
 #   include "createTime.H"
@@ -62,7 +72,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
         args.optionLookup("fields")() >> selectedFields;
     }
 
-    bool noLagrangian = args.optionFound("noLagrangian");
+    const bool noLagrangian = args.optionFound("noLagrangian");
 
     // determine the processor count directly
     label nProcs = 0;
@@ -111,10 +121,10 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     }
 
 #   include "createNamedMesh.H"
-    fileName regionPrefix = "";
+    word regionDir = word::null;
     if (regionName != fvMesh::defaultRegion)
     {
-        regionPrefix = regionName;
+        regionDir = regionName;
     }
 
     // Set all times on processor meshes equal to reconstructed mesh
@@ -289,7 +299,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
                 (
                     readDir
                     (
-                        databases[procI].timePath()/regionPrefix/cloud::prefix,
+                        databases[procI].timePath() / regionDir / cloud::prefix,
                         fileName::DIRECTORY
                     )
                 );
diff --git a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C
index a143356450..2bc95be4e7 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/parallelProcessing/reconstructParMesh/reconstructParMesh.C
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   =========                 |
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
-    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2009 OpenCFD Ltd.
+    \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 1991-2010 OpenCFD Ltd.
      \\/     M anipulation  |
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
@@ -281,8 +281,23 @@ autoPtr<mapPolyMesh> mergeSharedPoints
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 {
     argList::noParallel();
-    argList::addOption("mergeTol", "relative merge distance");
-    argList::addBoolOption("fullMatch");
+    argList::addOption
+    (
+        "mergeTol",
+        "scalar",
+        "specify the merge distance relative to the bounding box size "
+        "(default 1E-7)"
+    );
+    argList::addBoolOption
+    (
+        "fullMatch",
+        "do (slower) geometric matching on all boundary faces"
+    );
+
+    argList::addNote
+    (
+        "reconstruct a mesh using geometric information only"
+    );
 
 #   include "addTimeOptions.H"
 #   include "addRegionOption.H"
@@ -306,11 +321,11 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 
 
     word regionName = polyMesh::defaultRegion;
-    fileName regionPrefix = "";
-    if (args.optionFound("region"))
+    word regionDir = word::null;
+
+    if (args.optionReadIfPresent("region", regionName))
     {
-        regionName = args.option("region");
-        regionPrefix = regionName;
+        regionDir = regionName;
         Info<< "Operating on region " << regionName << nl << endl;
     }
 
@@ -425,7 +440,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
         (
             databases[procI].findInstance
             (
-                regionPrefix/polyMesh::meshSubDir,
+                regionDir / polyMesh::meshSubDir,
                 "points"
             )
         );
@@ -454,10 +469,10 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
                 "points",
                 databases[procI].findInstance
                 (
-                    regionPrefix/polyMesh::meshSubDir,
+                    regionDir / polyMesh::meshSubDir,
                     "points"
                 ),
-                regionPrefix/polyMesh::meshSubDir,
+                regionDir / polyMesh::meshSubDir,
                 databases[procI],
                 IOobject::MUST_READ,
                 IOobject::NO_WRITE,
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/include/addOverwriteOption.H b/src/OpenFOAM/include/addOverwriteOption.H
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c61548f06b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/include/addOverwriteOption.H
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+//
+// addOverwriteOption.H
+// ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
+
+    Foam::argList::addOption
+    (
+        "overwrite",
+        "overwrite existing mesh/results files"
+    );
+