[net.micro.pc] FIX FOR AT DISK PROBLEMS

turek@brl-tgr.ARPA (C. A. Turek <turek>) (01/31/85)

 In the 7 Jan 85 issue of EE Times there is an article describing a
software "fix" for the IBM AT's fixed disk problem. The product is
called "DFixer" and claims to cure the bad sector problem with a 
"simple one-time running of the program".

 The program is a product of Interactive Data Corp. division of Chase
Manhatten Bank. { Looks like everyone is getting into the act! (:-)} It
is available from:

		MicroWay Distributors
		Kingston, Mass
		(617) 746-7341

		Price: $149 US

			TUREK@BRL

** Ref:7 Jan 85 EE Times, Pg. 44  "Software Solution Is Claimed For "Serious"
IBM PC AT Errors" by Richard Doherty

jmsellens@watmath.UUCP (John M Sellens) (02/11/85)

The way I heard it:

For a few versions, DOS has not marked bad sectors properly.  It marked a
couple of sectors in the area of the bad sectors as bad, when they were
actually good, and left the bad sectors unmarked.  (Now remember, this is
just "what I heard", though I did hear it from a quite reliable source.)

The $149 fixer program (according to the article I read) marks the bad
sectors properly.

Perhaps this problem is only arising now due to the new style/brand of
hard disk and the possibility (fact?) that these disks have more
bad sectors, and hence, more chance to get hit.

Personally, I think $149 is a lot of money, but why not charge what the
market will bear???

John