bbloom%brl@sri-unix.UUCP (01/21/84)
From: Bob Bloom (TECOM) <bbloom@brl>
>From my dBase II version 2.4 user manual:
RESET [<drive>]
The RESET command is used to reset the CP/M bit map after a
diskette has been swapped. Normally, if a diskette is swapped,
CP/M will not allow writes to take place util after a warm or
soft boot has taken place.
If <drive> is not specified, then the entire system will be
reset. Unfortunately, neithr dBase nor the operating system can
detemine which diskettes you may have swapped and I/O errors may
result if a disk that has open files is replaced. If <drive> is
specified, dBase checks to see whether any of its files are open
on that drive and will prevent I/O errors. THE <DRIVE>-LESS FORM
SHOULD THEREFORE NOT BE USED AND IS MAINTAINED FOR COMPATIBILITY
REASONS ONLY. [Emphasis mine.] Do not swap and RESET the drive
which contains the dBase system command files.
So, have you tried the RESET <drive> form vs. the vanilla RESET?
I'm interested because I'm currently involved in writting a
hopefully saleable package that will require a disk reset. Also
note that one cannot reset a disk containing a .CMD file that you
are running even if no actual swap is made.
I may also note that Ashton-Tate has been very helpfull when I
call their service number. (Have your REGISTERED serial number
handy - they ask for it.) Ask about the "Technical Reference
Notes" and the "Technical Support Notes" - these give some hacker
type information on some of the bugs that have been found and
what to do about them. No notes on the reset command though.
I've not had problems using the reset d: form - should I expect any?
I am carefull to close all files first, never reset disks with either
dbase or a running command file on it. The usual routine is to reset
a floppy drive on a HD system in order to read/write back-up files
while within dbase command file.
bob bloomded@aplvax.UUCP (01/23/84)
All this talk about function 37 has me somewhat confused. My CPM book makes no reference to a BDOS call beyond 20 or so. Are you guys discussing some version of CPM beyond 2.2, or CPM86, or have I stumbled into some sort of alternate reality? With Pournelle involved, I wouldn't be surprised. If this is an alternate reality, does your Byte arrive on time? Does the number 42 have any special significance over there? Is the president of your country a retired actor named Gary Coleman, too? -- Don Davis JHU/APL ...decvax!harpo!seismo!umcp-cs!aplvax!ded ...rlgvax!cvl!umcp-cs!aplvax!ded