High Voltage Shareware/high1.zip/high1/DIR14/DISKSAV2.ZIP/BOOTSAVE.DOC

Text File | 1993-10-19 | 15KB | 312 lines

  BOOTSAVE V2.0 is Copy(c)right 1989,1993 by Gary M. Raymond, New Orleans, La.

              BACK up your BOOT Sector and RESTORE if necessary!
             Another powerful utility from the DiskSave Series by

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                           New Orleans, La.  70182
                               [phone]
                            Compuserve 70613,3165

   ====================================================================

   Files Provided:
   BOOTSAVE.COM        Boot Sector Save utility
   BOOTSAVE.DOC        This document.

   System requirements: PC/XT/AT, DOS 3.0 up, 128k ram up, floppy or
   hard drive, mono or color, any type graphic adapter.

   For technical information about this utility see end of doc.
   ====================================================================

Q  What is BOOTSAVE?
A  BOOTSAVE is a very powerful utility, written in assembler, whose
   purpose is to preserve a copy of your hard drive's critical boot
   sector. Do not be misled by the small size of the utility. It was
   written in assembler for speed and accuracy. BOOTSAVE will copy the
   boot sector from any disk media to a file called BOOTFILE.OF? on any
   destination disk you specify. From there it can be restored back to
   the original drive later, if the need arrises. The "?" in the
   extension of BOOTFILE is dynamically created to reflect the letter of
   the drive that the boot sector copy was made FROM. This will assist
   later in identification.

Q  Does BOOTSAVE work on all type drives?
A  Yes, BOOTSAVE will work on most all size or types of dos drives from
   floppies to hard media. These is no formatted capacity restrictions.
   In other words, BOOTSAVE will read the boot sector on a 10 meg hard
   drive or a 1200 meg drive, a 5.25 360k or a 1.44 meg disk. The reason
   BOOTSAVE can do this is based on the (512 byte) absolute size of most
   all modern dos drive boot sectors (sometimes called the master record
   sector). The master record or boot sector is also always located at
   logical offset zero. (the first area on the media that normal data
   can occupy).

Q  Suppose the data saved was not accurately written to my backup disk?
A  You run this risk anytime you use any dos copy functions. However,
   dos does provide for some minimal crc read/write error checking by
   setting the dos copy verify flag on. This still does not guarantee
   an intrinsic copy but does offer a little more protection. You can
   turn Verify ON by including the "V" switch on the command line.

   Example BOOTSAVE a: b: V           or            BOOTBACK b: a: V

   Using the dos verify option slows things down a bit, but because
   you are dealing in fractions of a minute, it should not matter.

Q  Why use BOOTSAVE?
A  The majority of times, when a drive fails to boot the host computer,
   and the problem is not the hardware itself, it is usually due to a
   corrupted boot sector. Remember, if the magnetic media has completely
   failed, (a hardware problem) BOOTSAVE wont help. But, if the boot
   code is corrupted or over written by a virus, BOOTSAVE will save you
   from a mental breakdown or worse.


Q  Is BOOTSAVE safe to use?
A  Absolutely! BOOTSAVE does a passive read of logical sector zero on
   the drive you are backing up. In this mode, it is impossible for
   BOOTSAVE to change anything in your original boot sector area.


Q  What does BOOTSAVE do next?
A  BOOTSAVE copies 512 bytes (the entire boot sector - including dos
   tables etc.) to a safe buffer area of memory. Then is does a file
   write to the destination disk where the boot sector code is saved.


Q  How is the data saved or stored on the backup disk?
A  BOOTSAVE write the boot sector data to a standard dos file called
   BOOTFILE.OF?. From there it can be restored to the original drive if
   the need arrises with the BOOTBACK utility.


Q  Can I use a regular floppy to save my hard drive boot sector data?
A  Yes, in fact, this is suggested. First, take a blank floppy and
   format it in the conventional manner with the operating system
   installed. Next, copy BOOTSAVE.COM to the floppy disk. Then, assuming
   the formatted floppy is in the a: drive, type the following:

   BOOTSAVE C: A:

   That's all there is too it! REMEMBER: Save this floppy disk in a safe
   place and do NOT attempt to use it in the conventional manner. you
   should never chance the data it contains being accidentally erased.


Q  How can a floppy be used to store the boot record from my big hard
   drive?
A  This is because ALL disk media use 512 byte boot sectors, no matter
   what other characteristics they may have that are different. This
   creates a very tiny file compared to the capacity of any kind of
   disk.

Q  Ok, now I have a copy saved of my boot record. How do I use BOOTBACK
   to restore It?
A  Don't attempt to restore your boot sector unless you have no other
   options. The reverse process WILL write to your logical boot sector
   and it is only necessary to do so if one or more of the following
   conditions exist:

   1) Your computer no longer boots up from the hard drive and it
      is determined that the problem is NOT a hardware problem.

   2) You suspect that you may have a virus that has taken over the boot
      sector.

   3) You absolutely know you corrupted your boot sector by experimenting
      with your system. (not too uncommon either)

   BOOTBACK is NOT a toy. Although BOOTBACK is engineered to be as safe
   as possible, BOOTBACK is a lifeboat, and nothing more. You only use
   it when you have no options. Would you take a life boat fishing?


Q  Alright, you sold me. But, if I need to recover my boot sector,
   how is that done?
A  It is as easy to recover with BOOTBACK as it was to copy or back up
   your hard drive boot sector in the first place. Assuming you have re
   booted your system with the uninfected original backup floppy
   containing the BOOTFILE.OF? copy on it along with BOOTSAVE.COM and
   BOOTBACK.COM, and that your hard drive is still operating, type the
   following at the A: prompt:

   BOOTSAVE a: c:

   That's all there is too it. If the FAT's were not damaged and your
   system files were unaffected, your PC should begin booting from
   your hard drive again.


Q  Gary, isn't it possible to use Norton Disk Doctor to do exactly the
   same thing?
A  Yes, but NDD cost over a hundred bucks; BOOTSAVE and BOOTBACK are
   yours for only five dollars apiece!


Q  What if I have FAT (file allocation table) problems too?
A  If you already have problems with the FAT there is not much that can
   be done other than a complete data backup if you are fortunate enough
   to have one. Otherwise, for prevention purposes, start using FATSAVE
   supplied in this same archive along with FATBACK if required.


   NOTICE: Do not treat BOOTBACK like a game, that is, DO NOT PLAY with
   it! This is a serious dos tool that will write to critical areas of
   your bootable hard drive. Doing a BOOTSAVE backup only causes a
   relatively harmless read operation to be performed on your hard drive
   and a write operation only to an inexpensive floppy disk. However,
   doing the REVERSE procedure (i.e. restoring the boot sector with
   BOOTBACK) is critical. I will not be responsible for any damage done
   to your drives if this utility is used improperly. The assumption is
   that if you are attempting a restoration, you have already lost the
   ability to boot from your default drive and can only gain from an
   attempt at restoration. If the restoration fails, it is entirely
   possible that additional procedures must be followed to completely
   return your system to normal such as replacing corrupted dos system
   files. Consult your pc manual or store bought data recovery manuals
   for additional details.

   ====================================================================
   V2.0  10/15/93 First public release
   ====================================================================

                           ┌─────────┐
                           │ MEMBER  │   Society of
                           │  ┌──────┴──┐ Independent
                           │  │         │   Shareware
                           └──┤    ■    │     Authors
                              │    ║    │
                              └────╨────┘
    This program is produced by a member of the Society of Independent
    Shareware Authors (SISA). The Society wants to ensure that all valid
    shareware principle actually work for you and SISA members. The
    principle behind shareware distribution is simple; try before you
    buy. Society members agree to license all shareware for a minimum of
    10 days, free of charge, to first time users as an evaluation
    period. After 10 days, buyers are then obligated to license their
    copy with the Society member. Society members are obligated to
    provide high quality, useful shareware, but, are free to choose
    whatever marketing methods suit their specific needs. SISA
    sanctioned marketing methods include: demonstration versions;
    providing printed documentation after purchase; registration keys
    that unlock additional features not necessary to determine basic
    usefulness; and, providing bug fixes free of charge. Any Shareware
    author may become a member of SISA without cost by simply agreeing
    to the above conditions and displaying, at their option, this logo
    in their documentation.
    ====================================================================

    WARRANTY:
    Software:
    Gary Raymond warrants that the software contained herein will
    perform in substantial compliance with the documentation
    accompanying the software. If you report, in writing, a significant
    defect to us, and we are unable to correct it within 90 days of the
    date you report the defect, you may return the software and
    accompanying materials, and we will refund the purchase price.

    Diskette's and Documentation:
    Gary Raymond, warrants all diskette's and documentation to be free
    of defects in materials for a period of 30 days from the date of
    purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period of
    defects in any materials, Gary Raymond will replace the defective
    diskette or documentation.

    Remedies:
    The remedy for breach of the warranty shall be limited to
    replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but
    not limited to loss of profit, special, incidental, consequential,
    or similar damages, losses, or claims.

    DISCLAIMER:
    Gary Raymond specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed
    or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of
    merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to
    defects in the diskette and documentation, and the program license
    granted herein, in particular, and without limiting operation of the
    program license with respect to any particular application, use, or
    purpose.  In no event shall Gary Raymond be liable for any loss of
    profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to
    special, incidental, consequential or other damages.

    GOVERNING LAW:
    This statement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the
    laws of the State of Louisiana.
    ====================================================================

   Registering your copy will help continue the competitive advantages
   of providing economical shareware. Upon receipt of your payment I
   will provide you with a copy of the latest version and notify you of
   all future upgrades. Your patronage is appreciated.

   My no nonsense license:
   ------------------------
   Your one time registration fee will license you to use BOOTSAVE on any
   number of personal computers owned directly and personally by you.

   Re distribution via electronic transmission, or down loading, is
   allowed without further permission. Re distribution of the Shareware
   version of BOOTSAVE, for a fee, is also allowed without further
   permission as long as that cost is limited to no more than two
   dollars per copy, if supplied on any physical disk media.

   The assembler source code for BOOTSAVE.COM, BOOTBACK.COM, FATSAVE.COM
   and FATBACK.COM is available for sale at $50 per copy. The source is
   based on Eric Isaacson's A86 assembler compiler.

   Yes Gary, I can really make use of your program and would like to
   register and obtain the latest version as well as get on your mailing
   list for future upgrades and new releases!

   Product: BOOTSAVE V2.0  $10.00  (usa only)
   Product: BOOTBACK V2.0  N/C with registration


   SPECIAL OFFER: Register both BOOTSAVE and FATSAVE and get a Twenty
                  Five Percent discount [$20 -$5] = only $15.00 for
                  BOTH and still get BOOTBACK and FATBACK FREE!


   Name_____________________________________________________________

   Mailing Address__________________________________________________

   City & State ___________________________________________________

   ZIP _____________________________ Phone _________________________

   Send registration check or money order to:

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                            New Orleans, La. 70182
                                504-288-6550
                            Compuserve 70613,3165
   ====================================================================

    TECH DATA:
    These utilities use DOS Function 25 and 26 of Interrupt 21 in the
    "extended" mode in conjunction with Function 1F of 21 to get exact
    details of the drive via the dos DPB or Drive Parameter Block. This
    data is in turn passed to the extended parameter status block created
    for Function 26 and 26. To further insure data transfer integrity,
    data is only moved one full sector at a time (512 bytes worth). In
    addition, Function 2E of Int 21 is used to toggle the dos Verify
    flag at the option, via command switch, of the user. These utilities
    were beta tested on over fifty different make and model dos drives
    with complete reliability. No testing was performed on networks or
    operating systems other than dos 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.0, 5.0 and
    6.0. PC DOS, MS DOS and DR DOS were all tested satisfactorily.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
    -----------------
    To my best friend and machine code instructor, the Padre, alias,
    Machine Man, whose many patient hours of coaching and prodding over
    the years helped me learn assembler so that I could create this and
    many other useful dos utility.

                                     EOF