[net.micro.cbm] 1541 reliability revisited

joemu@tekecs.UUCP (08/15/84)

I mentioned earlier that I saw an article in RUN magizine that claimed the
save and replace function has been fixed. The following is the relevent
portion of the Commodore Clinic section of the July 1984 issue of RUN pp. 120:

Q:	According to Personal Computing, Commodore says the save and replace
	function on the 1541 doesn't work. I have been using a 1541 for about
	six months and have had no problems using this function. Can you clear
	up this apparent conflict?

A:	Five years ago, on the first PET 2040 disk drives with DOS 1, save
	with replace didn't work properly. It subtly corrupted disk files
	other than the one in use, usually after the user had scratched
	improperly-closed files instead of gitting rid of them with the disk
	Validate command. DOS 2 corrected that, and save with replace has
	worked on all Commodore products since, so far as I know. Old rumors
	die hard.

	Before using save with replace, be sure your disk has enough remaining
	space to hold a spare copy of your program, since that is part of its
	way of working. Your current copy is not replaced until the new copy
	has been successfully saved, ensuring no loss of data in case of a
	disaster midway through the save.

	To use save with replace, simply precede ... (drivel)


If this is incorrect I would appreciate knowing, also if it is incorrect,
I suggest that whom-ever knows contact the author of this column and
set him straight. His address is:

Jim Strasma
Commodore Clinic
1238 Richland Ave.
Lincoln, IL 62656

He asks that if you'ld like a personal reply that you include a stamped
self-addressed envelope.


					Joe

UUCP:	...!{ucbvax or decvax}!tektronix!tekecs!joemu
ARPA:	tekecs!joemu.tektronix @ udel-relay

slb@bnl.UUCP (Sanford Barr) (08/18/84)

   Unfortunatley Commodore may want to say the the inherent problem
of the 'save and replace' is only a rumor..but I must differ with them.

   When I first recieved my C-64 and 1541 about 2 years ago I can speak from
experiance of having problems with the option.  During a school science
fair I demonstarted a learning program that I had writen.  The program
used the 'save and replace' option to save a high score file...

  During a mishap (In which someone tripped over the power cord) I went to
reload the program and lowe and behold I GOT THE SEQUENTIAL SCORE FILE?!?!?
(interesting) I then examined the header again and tried to relaod but
no luck.

   From this I would advise users to avoid that function whenever possible..


slb@BNL