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

Text File | 1993-10-19 | 20KB | 392 lines

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

                SAVE your FAT Sectors 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:
   FATSAVE.COM        Dos Disk FAT Save Utility
   FATSAVE.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 FATSAVE?
A  This is a very powerful com utility, written in assembler, whose
   purpose is to preserve a copy of your hard drive's critical FAT
   sector or File Allocation Tables. Do not be misled by the small size
   of the utility. It was written in assembler for speed and accuracy.
   FATSAVE copies the FAT sectors from your hard disk media to a file
   called FATFILE.OF? on any formatted floppy from where it can be
   restored back to the hard drive later, if required. The "?" contains
   the letter designator of the drive that had its FAT saved in this
   file.

Q  Why is the FAT important?
   Without an accurate file allocation table, dos cannot locate your
   data correctly on the disk storage media. The FAT is a potential
   target of viruses as well as being vulnerable to errors in poorly
   written database software. The FAT can also be corrupted by users who
   enjoy experimenting with their pc systems.

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 FATSAVE a: b: V           or               FATBACK 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  What is more preferable, using FATSAVE or doing a FULL system data
   backup?
A  Unquestionably, nothing give more peace of mind than a current backup
   of all your data. This is what you definitely SHOULD do! However, the
   practicality of life frequently interferes with things we know we
   should do but somehow never seem to manage. Suppose you have a 200meg
   hard drive. If you are fortunate to have a backup system that will
   scan for files changed after a particular date at the end of the day,
   and save them to a separate device, you are most fortunate. If you do
   not have such a backup system, and you seldom do manual backups of
   your dynamic data, you are basically a sitting duck waiting and
   testing fate. Although FATSAVE cannot guarantee 100% restoration of
   your data in the event of FAT corruption, it does come close and is
   very FAST and EASY to use. FATSAVE will use less than 30 seconds to
   save the FAT of a 200 meg hard drive. See suggestion on the best
   method to put FATSAVE to work at the end of these Q&A's.

Q  Does FATSAVE work on any type drives?
A  Yes, FATSAVE will work on most all size or types of dos drives from
   floppies to high density hard media. Before FATSAVE attempts to read
   the file allocation tables, it first reads the Drive Parameter Block
   (DPB) saved by Bios in memory at bootup. From the DPB it determines
   the beginning sector location as well as the total number of FAT
   sectors on the disk to be FATSAVED. In this way, FATSAVE knows
   exactly what type of disk it has been asked to examine. This is
   followed by a passive read of the FAT and then a write all of the FAT
   data collected to a standard dos file.

Q  Why use FATSAVE?
A  The majority of times, when a drive fails to read or locate the
   content of files properly, and the problem is not the hardware
   itself, it is usually due to corrupted FAT data. Remember however, if
   the magnetic media has completely failed, (as in a hardware problem)
   FATSAVE wont help. But, if the FAT code is corrupted or over written
   by a virus, FATSAVE along with FATBACK can save you from a mental
   breakdown or worse. FATSAVE can be automatically run from your
   autoexec file at boot up, with the FAT data saved to either an
   alternate fixed disk or a floppy.

Q  Is FATSAVE safe to use?
A  Absolutely! FATSAVE does a passive read of the file allocation table
   on the drive you are backing up. In this mode, it is impossible for
   FATSAVE to change anything in your original FAT area.


Q  After reading the FAT data what does FATSAVE do next?
A  FATSAVE copies the FAT to a safe buffer area of memory. Then is does
   an active write to the destination disk where the FAT code is saved.

   NOTES:
   There are generally two copies of your FAT saved by dos on your disk.
   DOS reads only the first one for finding your file data. But,
   whenever changes are made to your data structure, dos writes the
   changes to the second copy as well. Because of this, FAT SWAP
   utilities seldom work. This is because the second copy is generally
   corrupted at the same time as the first copy. The only hope is to
   have a RECENT virgin copy of the first FAT preserved at all times.


Q  How is the data saved or stored on the backup disk?
A  FATSAVE write the data to a standard dos file called FATFILE.OF?,
   where the "?" is dynamically stamped at creation time with the drive
   letter designator of the disk that a copy of the FAT was made FROM.
   Therefore, FATFILE.OF? is a file containing the FAT of your drive C:.

Q  Can I use any size or type of floppy to save my FAT?
A  Yes, take any type or size blank floppy and format it in the
   conventional manner with the operating system installed. Copy
   FATSAVE.COM to the formatted floppy disk. If you wish to copy the FAT
   of C: drive to a file on A: drive type FATSAVE C: A: at the dos
   command prompt. FATSAVE will create a file called FATFILE.OF? with
   the FAT data in it, located on the A: drive floppy disk.

   That's all there is too it! REMEMBER: Save this floppy disk in a safe
   place. It could possibly save you later from a nervous breakdown!



           R E S T O R A T I O N     U S I N G     F A T B A C K

   **********************************************************************

Q  What is FATBACK?
A  FATBACK is a very powerful utility, written in assembler, whose
   purpose is to restore a copy of your hard drive's critical FAT or File
   Allocation Tables. FATBACK reads the FAT sector data from the backup
   file, FATFILE.OF?, (originally saved by FATSAVE on a backup disk) and
   uses that FAT data to restores the original drives file allocation
   tables.

Q  What is more preferable, using FATBACK or doing a FULL system data
   backup?
A  Unquestionable, nothing give more piece of mind than a current backup
   of all of your data. This is what you definitely SHOULD do! However,
   the practicality of life frequently interfere's with thing we know we
   should do. Suppose you have a 200+ meg hard drive. If you are
   fortunate enough to have a backup system that will scan for files
   changed after a particular date, at the end of every day, and then
   save them, you are most fortunate. If you do not have a data backup
   system, and you seldom do manual backups of your dynamic data, you
   are basically a sitting duck waiting and testing fate. If data was
   lost through corruption of the file allocation tables, FATBACK can
   guarantee 100% restoration of your data, plus it is very FAST and
   very EASY to use. FATBACK will use less than 30 seconds in most cases
   to restore your FAT tables! See suggestion on how to use FATBACK at
   the end of these Q&A's.

Q  Does FATBACK work on any type drives?
A  Yes, FATBACK will work on most all size or types of dos drives from
   floppies to hard media. There are no restriction.


Q  When should I use FATBACK?
A  The majority of times, when a drive fails to read properly, and the
   problem is not the hardware itself, it is usually due to a corrupted
   FAT sector. Remember, if the magnetic media has completely failed, (a
   hardware problem) FATBACK wont help. But, in some instances, where
   the magnetic media is weakened by time and has not been refreshed
   (rewritten) recently, FATBACK could possibly still help. The big
   problems occur if the FAT data is unintentionally corrupted by
   experimentation or over written by a virus. Here FATBACK can save you
   from a mental breakdown or worse.


Q  Is FATBACK safe to use?
A  Yes, but FATBACK does WRITE to a critical area of your disk. So, like
   any powerful tool, FATBACK require that you observe lots of CAUTION!
   Example: Always make sure the FAT backup file you are about to use
   for the restore is the SAME one originally saved by FATSAVE for THAT
   drive!  You can still recover from even this kind of mistake as long
   as you have the original, current FAT backup file. FATBACK is NOT a
   toy, so don't treat it as such. It is a very powerful tool. In most
   cases, if you need to use FATBACK, you already have major disk
   trouble and only stand to gain if it restores your drive.


Q  How is the data read from the backup disk?
A  FATBACK reads the data from a standard dos file labeled FATFILE.OF?
   that was originally saved by the companion utility, FATSAVE.COM.


Q  Ok, I have a recent backup copy saved of my FAT and a virus scrambled
   my disk. How do I use FATBACK to restore the original FAT.
A  First, do not attempt to restore your FAT unless you have no other
   options. The reverse process WILL write to your FAT sector and you
   should only do a FATBACK if one or more of the following conditions
   exist:

   1) The data on your disk media appears to be completely scrambled
      and it is determined that the problem is NOT a hardware problem.

   2) You suspect that you may have had a virus that scrambled your
      file allocation tables.

   3) You absolutely know you corrupted your own FAT by experimenting
      with your system. (not too uncommon today)


Q  Alright, you sold me. But, if I need to recover my FAT, exactly how
   is that done?
A  It is as easy to recover with FATBACK as it was to copy or back up
   your FAT sectors with FATSAVE in the first place. Assuming you have
   re booted your system with a known good and un infected floppy in
   drive a: (with a copy of FATBACK and the original FATFILE.OFC on it),
   type the following at the a: prompt

   FATBACK A: C:

   That's all there is too it. If the original FAT was not damaged prior
   to backup and the backup copy was very recent, your HD should be able
   to locate its data once again. Depending on just how recent your
   backup FAT copy is will determine whether or not you will recover
   100% of your data or lose a few files. Even then, cleaver use of an
   absolute disk editor like the shareware ZipZap job will allow you to
   scan for, locate and re save lost chains of your data.

   Remember, FATBACK is NOT a toy. Although FATBACK is engineered to be
   as safe as possible to use, FATBACK is a lifeboat, and nothing more.
   You only use FATBACK when you have no other options. The FATBACK
   utility is provided free with registration of FATSAVE.

   SUGGESTIONS for using FATSAVE:

   Add a few lines to the end of your autoexec.bat that will optionally
   run FATSAVE first thing after bootup and save a FAT copy to your
   alternate hard drive or a floppy.

   ECHO Put a Disk in Drive A for FAT Backup NOW,
   ECHO or, hit Ctrl C to abort this operation, or
   PAUSE
   FATSAVE C: D:

   By hitting Ctrl C you can abort the remainder of the batch operation
   if you desire. If this operation is done at least every time you
   boot up your computer, the likely hood of loosing very much data
   in the event of some misfortune is greatly reduced.

   ====================================================================
   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 FATSAVE 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 FATSAVE, 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: FATSAVE V2.0  $10.00 including shipping (usa only)
   Product: FATBACK 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