kaires@hubcap.UUCP (Robert G Kaires) (11/27/88)
I have recently have had (apparently) some "compatibility" problems with my AT clone machine when using the (new) programs SIDEKICK+ and PCWRITE version 3.0. My hardware is as follows: -older model 6/8 Mhz. Dell AT compatible with 1 Mbyte ram and Dell bios (note: Dell used to be called PC's Limited) -Maxi Switch keyboard model no.2186002xx I ususlly have two memory resident programs loaded. These are QUICKFIX and CED (command line editor), in that order. When I load SKPLUS as a memory resident program everything is OK until I try to activate it. I get a bunch of control characters typed to the screen and the machine "locks up". Borland helps me out in their README file (last minute fix?) by saying, and I quote: "If you activate SideKick Plus with Ctrl-Alt and your screen fills with control characters (e.g., ^L, ^B, and/or ^C), please reboot your computer and load SKPLUS with the /K option (SKPLUS /K). Sidekick Plus should then become active. However, depending on your keyboard, you may lose the use of Ctrl-Ins and Ctrl-Del. If this occurs, you can redefine the hot keys for these functions by following the directions in Chapter 14 of the Owner's Handbook." This works! but WHY, what is going here? Now when I load PCWRITE (doesn't matter is SKP is loaded or not) version 3.0, again I get "funny" control stuff AND a steady beeping! Interestingly, the method of activation (eg. specify a file or not) affects (or is it effects?) the frequency of the beeping! I got around these problems by following the PCWRITE manual when it says and I quote: ...use %O in the ED.DEF file to make... "PC-WRITE more "compatible". Ignores BIOS shift byte at #17:40; cancels Ins key repeat and sticky shifts. Also stops hardware beep generation, scroll Lock light setting, and video status mode setting. Good for Ottrona, ProKey; maybe for Keytronics 5151. Worth trying if your "almost compatible" computer has keyboard or system problems." This works! but again WHY. I will probably call Quicksoft (and Boreland) to ask about these problems but maybe someone out these can shead some light. I HAVE NEVER HAS ANY COMPATIBLEITY PROBLEMS WITH MY MACHINE UNTIL NOW (apparently). I have have this machine for almost 2 years. Anyone else have these problems? Thanking you in advance for your help and thoughtful insight. Bob Kaires