These S64 Self Dissolving Files can be identified by the ".S64" suffix in the filename. These files will self dissolve when RUN but have an added feature, a new .S64 file can be created by pressing the F8 key (Shifted-F7).
DISSOLVING .S64 FILES
To dissolve an .S64 File you simply RUN it. You can change the drive number so it will save the files to a different disk drive. Do this by pressing the F3 key to raise the device number or use the F4 key to lower the device number. The device number can range from 8-30.
You can also set the drive number (for use with dual drives, pretty much obsolete) to use with various harddrives like the CMD or Lt. Kernal drives, by using the F5 key to raise or the F6 key to lower. The default, of course, is drive 0.
WARNING: When the program is dissolving files it will attempt to scratch any file with the same name. This makes it useful when using .KING files to update your disks.
CREATING .S64 FILES
To create .S64 files LOAD the S64 maker or any .S64 file and RUN it. Set the drive number as desired. After you have done this press F8 to enter the CREATE mode. You will be prompted for a filename. What you need to enter is the filename followed by a comma and that should be followed by the filetype.
Example:
Filename > S64 MAKER,P
Filename > S64 MAKER.DOC,S
(Note the comma + filetypes)
The program will then read the file into memory (provided there is enough room) and will store it there. If you made an error in the filename format, the program will give an error message and will go back to the filename prompt again. If the file is not found or an error is encountered that will be displayed, too.
When you have entered the last file that you want, at the next filename prompt just press RETURN. You will be asked for the filename that you want it Saved under. Enter a filename up to 12 characters but DO NOT add the comma + filetype. All .S64 files are saved as program files with the ".S64" suffix automatically appended to them by the program. The .S64 file will be saved to the device and drive number that you previously selected.
If you want to create another .S64 file just type RUN to re-run the program and go back to create mode with the F8 command. Follow the prompts.
This program will combine up to 255 files or 185 disk blocks ,whichever comes first. The program will tell you if you exceed the maximum file size.
This version will automatically detect the type of Commodore machine, that it is being RUN on. If it is not either a C64 or a C128 in C64 mode, you'll be notified and the program will stop.
