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1992-07-28
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511 lines
3_Drives v1.10 Shareware Release July 1992
Rob Dimick & Billy Rudock, authors.
PC+ Company
9606 N.E. 4th Street
Midwest City, OK 73130
(405) 741-4705 messages
(408) 335-4595 Mountain Retreat BBS, FidoNet 1:216/506
╒════════╡ 3_Drives v1.1 │
│ ┌────────────────┐ ┌────────────────┐
│ PC+ Company │ 426 MB │ │░░░░0 MB░░░░░░│
│ (C)opyright 1992 │ ≡■≡≡≡≡≡≡≡≡≡≡≡≡ │ │░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░│
│ └────────────────┘ └────────────────┘
│ "Dedicated to enhancing the E: Installed 4_Drives v1.1 only
│ world's personal computers."
├───────────────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 9606 N.E. 4th Street │ Authors: Rob Dimick & Billy Rudock │
│ Midwest City, Oklahoma USA 73130 │ Registered to: *** Not Registered *** │
│ (405) 741-4705 │ Please, register this Shareware product. │
╘═══════════════════════════════════╧══════════════════════════════════════════╛
=====Intro====================================
3_Drives.HDD is a shareware release of a CONFIG.SYS block device
driver that allows the utilization of a third (and fourth with
4_Drives.HDD) disc drive in a single host computer system using the
DOS operating system.
* With 3_Drives.HDD you can combine MFM, RLL, ESDI and SCSI
hard disc drives with the new low-cost IDE AT interface
drives.
* This means you DO NOT have to remove your older MFM drives
if you purchase a new IDE hard disc drive!!!
(In the following sections, all references to a 4th drive relate to
the registered program 4_Drives.HDD.)
In the past, two major factors have stood in the way of achieving this
elusive goal. First, DOS versions prior to the new v5.0 would support
a maximum of two physical hard disc drives. The new v5.0 DOS FDISK
supports up to eight physical hard disc drives if the Host Adapter is
designed to follow the FDISK conventions of DOS v5.0. (Some SCSI
interface Host Adapters are now out in the marketplace which have this
support.)
Second, standard hard disc drive interfaces (except for SCSI) are
limited to two physical drives. In the case of MFM, RLL and ESDI, the
drives usually have a Drive Select 3 and 4 jumper (DS3 & DS4), but the
controllers for these interfaces use the industry standard
"Daisychain" configuration which allows only two drives to be
connected. The rare "Radial" configuration uses the DS3 and DS4. Also,
controllers for these interfaces generally require a drive type number
to be set in CMOS and only two slots are ever given by the system
BIOS. In the case of the new AT interface for hard disc drives, also
known as IDE, the controller is built onto the drive itself and is
limited by design to two physical drives per Host Adapter - Master and
Slave.
=====System Requirements======================
A few simple conditions must be met to use the 3_Drives device driver.
They are:
1. System must be 286 CPU or higher.
2. DOS level must be v5.0.
3. A second Controller or Host Adapter which must have the
option to set a Secondary Port Address to 170h and to
disable IRQ14 monitoring. (Seagate ST-07A and ST-08A AT IDE
Host Adapters can do this.)
=====Preparing the 3rd and 4th Disc Drives====
The 3rd/4th drive(s) need to be partitioned and formatted prior to
using the 3_Drives device driver. This might require temporarily
removing your existing hard disc drives or preparing the 3rd/4th
drive(s) in a different system.
BEFORE removing the 1st and 2nd drives, BE SURE to write down the CMOS
drive type. If 'User Defined' or 'Custom' drive types are being used,
write down the associated cylinder, head, write procomp, lzone and
sector per track values.
The installation steps to take are roughly as follows:
1. Install the drive(s) you intend to use as the 3rd/4th and
set appropriate drive type number(s) in the system CMOS
setup.
2. With DOS 5.0, use FDISK to define single Primary
Partition(s).
3. FORMAT C: /S (and then, if used, D: without the /s).
4. Confirm the drive boots, and is able to perform reads and
writes.
5. Restore the CMOS drive types to the ones used on the
original 1st and 2nd drives. Power down the system and
reinstate the original 1st and 2nd drives.
6. Set the Host Adapter for the 3rd/4th drive(s) to Secondary
Port Address 170h and disable IRQ14 monitoring. (see below
for Seagate ST-07A/ST-08A Host Adapter jumper settings).
7. Reboot; the system should start in the same way it always
has.
8. Unzip and copy the 3_Drives.HDD program into the root
directory of the C: drive and Edit the CONFIG.SYS file to
include the line: DEVICE=C:\3_Drives.HDD This line should
precede any other block device drivers (such a
RAMDRIVE.SYS).
9. Reboot. A 3_Drives installation screen (shown above) will
indicate the loading status of the device driver. The
drive letters assigned to the 3rd/4th drive(s) will depend
on the way your C: and D: drives are partitioned.
=====Outline==================================
An brief outline of how 3_Drives works is as follows:
After partitioning and formatting in the DOS environment, every hard
disc drive, regardless of interface, controller, or CPU has a very
special sector of information called the Master Boot Record (MBR). The
MBR is always the very first physical sector on the disc (cyl 0, hd 0,
sector 1), the contents of which 1) preserve the defined partition
structure, 2) contain the first executable instruction to begin
loading the active operating system, and 3) a final word signature in
the sector, AA55h, indicating a valid Master Boot Record.
Once a valid MBR is identified, the values stored in the partition
record of the MBR indicate the location of the DOS boot sector which
is generally located at logical cyl 0, hd 1, sector 1. This DOS boot
sector contains two vital components - the BIOS Parameter Block (BPB)
structure and loader routine for the operating system . The BPB
provides a logical description of the hard disc drive's geometry
(logical blocks, heads, sectors per track, bytes per sector, etc.),
while the operating system loader establishes the names of the system
files IO.SYS and MSDOS.SYS, their root directory location and then
loads them into memory .
Next, the IO.SYS file is read into memory, followed by the MSDOS.SYS.
These files begin an initialization routine which establishes the
resident character and block devices found during the Power On Self
Test (POST) and motherboard ROM BIOS initialization. Once the basic
hardware has been identified and the DOS kernal has been positioned
into low memory, the next stage is to run a system module within
IO.SYS called SYSINIT. It is at this time that the first of the drive
letter designations are established (A:, B:, C:, etc.). These block
devices are given special handling at this point. For each, a pointer
to a BPB array is established in memory.
Next, begins the process we are most interested in, namely the
processing of the CONFIG.SYS file. The entire file is read into
memory and analyzed for block and character type device drivers. When
block device drivers are identified, like 3_Drives.HDD, their entries
are added to the drive translation table and given the next available
drive letter designation.
Device drivers, like regular programs (but not quite like regular
programs), have initialization code and resident code. The
initialization code in our case is the display banner, while the
resident portion is a collection of routines handling very specific AT
register set commands. The AT register commands "talk" directly to the
secondary port address 170h, and therefore to the drive itself, and
cover drive specific operations like Read, Write, Recal, and Reset. It
should be noted that the Format command operation is not supported by
3_Drives.HDD, which is the reason why the drive must be partitioned
and prepared in a normal C:/D: environment.
After all components of the CONFIG.SYS file are processed, SYSINIT's
final function is to load and execute the MS-DOS shell program,
COMMAND.COM. How DOS manipulates the resident (critical error
handling, for example) and transient portions (batch file processes,
COPY, and RENAME, etc.) of the shell are beyond the scope of this
overview.
Thereafter, during the normal course of operation of the computer
system, DOS commands which are directed towards the drive letter(s)
assigned to the 3_Drives/4_Drives block device(s) are executed through
the memory resident portion of 3_Drives.HDD. 3_Drives/4_Drives will
occupy 3,936 bytes of memory.
=====Error Messages===========================
The device drive may display a small assortment of error messages
during the loading process of the CONFIG.SYS file.
=====App Notes================================
Some Application Notes:
1. The effect of the program on the performance of the system is
negligible.
2. The use of 3_Drives on XT's is disallowed, since it relies
exclusively on AT register set commands.
3. If power supply leads are in short supply, a simple "Y" adapter
that splits two leads off of a single, are available at most computer
supply stores.
4. If both controllers have support for floppy drives, disable the
floppy support on the second.
5. 3_Drives/4_Drives.HDD can be moved into upper memory with
DEVICEHIGH=C:\your...path\3_Drives.HDD
6. 3_Drives/4_Drives shows all signs of complete stability with
Microsoft Windows (tm). In fact, our entire Windows subdirectory
structure is located on the 3rd drive! We have thrown in everything
we can think of to test Windows compatibility, and all tests have
proven successful. If you intend to use one of the drives supported by
the 3_Drives/4_Drives for the Swap File, then in must be of the
Temporary Swap File Type. (A Permanent Swap Files require Int13
support.)
7. We've run three of the most popular file defragmenters without
problems. In any case, always follow the software manufacturer's
instructions and backup you data first.
=====Rev Hist=================================
Revision History:
06/92 v0.9 In-house release.
06/92 v1.0 In-house release.
07/92 v1.1 Public release.
=====Seagate ST-07A and ST-08A================
===== AT IDE Host Adapters====================
J2 ┌─ Drive-on-a-Card Mounting Point
Diskette │
Connector J3 LED │ J1 AT Interface
(ST08A only) │ ┌───┘ Hard Disc Connector
│ ┌──────────┼─────┼─────────────┼───────────────────────┐ ▌▀▀▀▀
│ │ 1 1 ° │ ┌──┼─▌
│ │ :: °°°° :::::::::::::::::::: └°─┼─▌
│ │ :: 1 │ ▌
└──┼── :: ┌─────────────────────┼─── JP2
│ :: 1 │ ▌ Disc/Diskette
│ :: °° │ ▌ Address
│ :: (ST08A only) │ ▌ Select
│ :: ┌1──── JP4 Diskette Controller Enable │ ▌
│ : ┌──────────┼─── JP6 I/O
│ ≡≡▌≡}── J4 Aux DC Power to 1 ┌──┼─▌ Channel
│ 1┐ Hard Disc °° └°─┼─▌ Ready
│ °°°└───┐ │ ▌
└┐ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄┌─┼──┐ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄ ▄┌────┘ ▌
└─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀┘ │ └─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀─▀┘ ▌
└─ JP5 Disable Interrupt ▌
If 2nd Host Adapter:
1. Add jumper to JP2 Disc/Diskette Address Select (sets port to
secondary address at 170h).
2. Remove jumper from JP5 Interrupt While Busy, IRQ14.
3. If ST-08A then remove jumper from JP4 (to disable the Floppy
Controller).
=====Legal Disclaimer=========================
LICENSE AGREEMENT
PC+ Company provides the accompanying object code software
("Software") and nonexclusively licenses its use on the following
terms and conditions. The Software is copyrighted by PC+ Company.
YOU ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SELECTION OF THE SOFTWARE TO
ACHIEVE YOUR INTENDED PURPOSES, FOR THE PROPER INSTALLATION AND USE.
PC+ Company DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SOFTWARE WILL MEET YOUR
REQUIREMENTS, THAT THE SOFTWARE IS FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
THAT THE USE OF THE SOFTWARE WILL BE ERROR FREE. PC+ Company
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT WILL PC+ Company BE
LIABLE TO YOU, YOUR CUSTOMERS OR OTHER USERS FOR ANY INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE.
End of License agreement.
3_Drives v1.10 Shareware Release July 1992
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
PC+ Registration Procedure:
PC+ Company 3_Drives.HDD device driver is a complete and fully
functional Shareware program. You are invited to try and test the
device driver for a time period of 14 days (2 weeks) in its
unregistered status. After this 14 day trail period, the device
driver must be registered with PC+ Company or disengaged.
Unlike the flexibility provided in Shareware Applications for
registration reminders, a Shareware Device Driver is often out of
sight and out of mind. So, please take care to remember that you are
still obliged to follow the rules of the 14 day trail period.
DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it beyond the trial period, you are expected to register.
Copyright laws apply to Shareware software products,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. The author specifically grants the
right to copy and distribute the software, either to all or to a
specific group. For example, some authors require written
permission before a commercial disk vendor may copy their
Shareware products.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you do not use the
product, you do not pay for it.
3_Drives is a "shareware program" and is provided at no charge
to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with your
friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of
another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to
provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
continue to develop new products.
If you continue to use 3_Drives after 14 days, you must make a
registration payment of $20.00 to PC+ Company. Payment of the
registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at
any one time.
You must treat this software just like a book. An example is that
this software may be used by any number of people and may be freely
moved from one computer location to another, so long as there is no
possibility of it being used at one location while it is being used at
another.
Commercial users of 3_Drives must register and pay for their copies of
3_Drives within 14 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.
Site-License arrangements may be made by con- tacting PC+ Company.
Anyone distributing 3_Drives for any kind of remuneration must first
contact PC+ Company at the address below for authorization. This
authorization will be automatically granted to distributors recognized
by the (ASP) as adhering to its guidelines for shareware distributors,
and such distributors may begin offering 3_Drives immediately (However
PC+ Company must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept
up-to-date with the latest version of 3_Drives).
You are encouraged to pass a copy of 3_Drives distribution ZIP file
along to your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to
register their copy if they find that they can use it.
We have studied hundreds of shareware products in order to determine a
mutually acceptable registration fee. This wonderful device driver
does provide a true enhancement to your system and likely allows you
to derive benefit and system uses otherwise impossible. Therefore, we
have established the following registration fees:
3_Drives.HDD $20.00 (US $) we send a registration key code by
return mail.
4_Drives.HDD $30.00 (US $) we send a diskette by return mail.
3 to 4 upgrade $10.00 (US $) we send a diskette by return mail.
Corporate Site licenses and custom OEM versions available.
Oklahoma residents must also add state tax at 6.5%.
You can send a check or money order, or use Visa/MasterCard. If you
are mailing in a credit card order be sure to give us the information
on your credit card, including name, type of card (Visa), your card
number INCLUDING expiration date. Also, please sign the order.
Thanks for your support!
Rob Dimick & Billy Rudock, authors.
PC+ Company
9606 N.E. 4th Street
Midwest City, OK 73130
(405) 741-4705 messages
(408) 335-4595 Mountain Retreat BBS, FidoNet 1:216/506
*****************************************************************
The registration process (REGISTER.EXE) will replace the flashing
*** Not Registered *** with your name, it will replace the "Please,
register this Shareware" with "Thanks for supporting Shareware" and,
finally, remove a 2 second initialization delay that has helped to
remind you to register the device driver.
All material in this software release is Copyright 1992 by PC+ Company.
The contents of this release are listed in the section entitled
"Contents of Distribution Set" below.
3_Drives is a trademark of PC+ Company.
*****************************************************************
Contents of Distribution Set.
3_DRIVES.HDD Device driver file
3_DRIVES.DOC Documentation file with installation instructions.
ORDER3.FRM Mail-in registration form
README3.TXT This file.
REGISTER.EXE After registration is processed, this will remove all
shareware reminders by using the registration key code.
VENDOR.DOC Intructions for shareware distribution
*****************************************************************
(make checks payable to PC+ Company)
============================================
= =
= PC+ Company =
= 9606 N.E. 4th Street =
= Midwest City, OK 73130 =
= =
============================================
phone: (405) 741-4705 messages
** COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME **
NAME : _____________________________________________________________
Enter your name EXACTLY the way you want on the
registration screen.
ADDRESS : _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
___________________________________________ ZIP :____________
COMMENTS : _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Qty
[ ] 3_Drives.HHD x $20.00
[ ] 4_Drives.HDD x $30.00
Payment: [ ] Visa (see below) [ ] Check
[ ] Cash [ ] Money Order
Total amount enclosed or authorized: $___________
_______________________________________________________________________
Payment by Visa card:
We can only accept Visa cards (no American Express or MasterCards, please.)
We will need the following information:
Credit card number: ______________________________________________________
Expiration date: _________________________________________________________
Bank the card's drawn on: ________________________________________________
The name as it appears on the card: ______________________________________
The signature of its owner authorizing us
to debit it for the amount indicated above: ______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS NOT REQUIRED,
BUT WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
Please Check The Appropriate Answer.
HOW DID YOU ACQUIRE THIS PROGRAM: _____________________________________
COMPUTER 286 ( ) 386 ( ) 486 ( ) OTHER ( ) ______________________
VIDEO CARD Standard VGA ( ) Super VGA ( ) Coproccessed S3 ( )
MOUSE YES ( ) NO ( )
JOYSTICK YES ( ) NO ( )
MEMORY 640 ( ) 1 meg ( ) 2 meg ( ) 3 meg ( ) more ( ) ______
HARD DISK MAKE ______________________________________________________
MODEL______________________________________________________
SIZE ______________________________________________________
CONTROLLER ________________________________________________
** Please list all drives.
MODEM YES ( ) NO ( ) .... BAUD RATE ___________________________
-=EOF: 3_Drives.DOC=-