Mega Top 1/os2_top1.zip/os2_top1/INFO/DIVSINFO/FORUM/OS2DOS.INF

OS/2 Help File | 1994-05-10 | 120KB | 2,609 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. About this forum ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

     TALKLINK

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ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. Introduction ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

===== OS2DOS CFORUM created at 01:46:11 on 92/04/08 GMT (by HOPKINS at AUSVM8)
              IBM UNCLASSIFIED
              ------------
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Forum: OS2DOS CFORUM

Forum subject: OS/2 Virtual DOS Machine Support

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      discussion of issues, questions, and problems pertaining
      to DOS Virtual Machine Support for OS/2.

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Contributions violating these rules will be deleted by the CFORUM
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The OS2BBS CFORUM is where anyone may raise concerns regarding rules
violations found in this and other CFORUMS.

The IBM Administrator of this forum is:
  Name:       Paul Cheatham
  Mailing Address: Boca Electronic Support Team ( BEST )
          1000 N.W. 51st Street
          Internal Zip 1426-012/W2030
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  IBM Node/Userid: BCRVM1/CHEATHAM
  TalkLink Userid: LNK9/LNK9030

See OS2DOS  931CFORU on OS2BBS  for appends to 92/11/24 (4456 lines)
 See OS2DOS  932CFORU on OS2BBS  for appends to 93/03/30 (4496 lines)
 See OS2DOS  933CFORU on OS2BBS  for appends to 93/08/25 (4469 lines)
..... 4469 lines pruned at 15:48:00 on 93/08/25 GMT (by OS2 at YKTVMV) .....

..... 6386 lines pruned at 08:54:49 on 04/26/94 by MLKSERV0 for LNK9032
 See OS2DOS AR942490 file for appends from 93/08/25 to 94/02/23

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Defining Extended Memory for DOS Under OS/2 2.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

The closest is the XMS_MEMORY_LIMIT setting. This allocates XMS memory
that may be usable by application expecting (unmanaged) extended memory.

Wing (WFY316 at PKMFGVM1)  IBM Microelectronics, Poughkeepsie, NY. USA
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Load DOS device drivers from CMD file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Vincente,
There are ways thru REXX to start a DOS object with the settings that
you want, including device drivers I believe.  There is also a shareware
or EWS not sure which called STARTD that will allow the same thing.

Jack Hiatt
The International Phoenix Alliance
<Team OS/2>
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Unerase command         DALVMIC1(RHERRIN) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

OS/2 itself has an UNDELETE package that allows you to set aside a given
amount of disk space to buffer recently-deleted files.  Its advantage is that
it (within its limits) _always_ works.

If you're quick enough, you can use a DOS unerase program, but you must run it
under true DOS, not OS/2.  These programs work by fiddling about with the
innards of directories and the FAT, and OS/2 intentionally prohibits that.  (I
don't understand why it would have hung your system.)

John W. Kennedy -- Hoechst Celanese -- The OS/2 Hobbit\Team-OS/2
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Unable to Use DOS ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I have installed OS/2 2.1 on a ValuePoint with 20M memory.  When I
open a DOS window or Fullscreen I get the message:

  " new COMMAND.COM is not valid."

If I attempt to load BASICA.COM I get the message:

  " Out Of Memory"

How should I correct this.

T.D. Magee
Lexington
TMAGEE at LEXVM2
tie 545-4849
**********************************************************************

Is this an emulated DOS (VDM) or specific version DOS (VMB)? When you
open the Settings notebook, Session page/DOS settings, what is listed
under the DOS_SHELL setting? DOS_STARTUP_DRIVE setting? Sounds like
you were trying to run real DOS utilities in an emulated DOS session.

Wing (WFY316 at PKMFGVM1)  IBM Microelectronics, Poughkeepsie, NY. USA
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Spaceman III from Nielsen Software in a DOS VDM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Trying to run a DOS application SPACEMAN III from Nielsen Marketing Research
Inc. (no its not a game... its used to lay out counter space in retail stores).

The program runs in a DOS Fullscreen for about 15 seconds, and then locks up.

I then do a Ctrl-Esc to go back to the OS/2 desktop and immediately jump back
to the DOS VDM and it unlocks, runs for a few more seconds, then locks up
again.

Can repeat this sequence any number of times.

I've tried manipulating several DOS settings to no avail... is anyone
familiar with the application and running it successfully?

Henry Jaroszewski
**********************************************************************

The program Spaceman III may require a Dongle attached to LPT1.  Is the
DongleKey required for your particular version and is it attached?
Officially OS/2 Operating System does not support the use of Dongles,
but we have had some limitedsuccess in running this type of
hardware/software configuration.

Tom Haug  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. DOS to OS/2 via named pipe ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Hi!
My name is Joao Lopes (Joca) and I'm the technical coordinator
for OS/2 DAP in Brazil. One of our DAP members is facing
a problem trying to communicate a DOS program to an OS/2 PM
program via named pipe. The DOS program is actually a TSR.
Looking through the OS2DOS FORUM I saw an append from Laszlo where
he says he has done this communication successfully.

Can anyone help me with this custumer? I really would appreciate
to have the source code and make files.

Tks for the help.
Joao Lopes.
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. Write DOS screen console to a file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

If I'm running in a dos shell, is there a way to route the console
output, say from a c program, into a file?  I'm looking to capture
the input/output dialog.  Is there something like the ctl-prtscreen
feature that routes to a file vs a printer?  Thanks!

Lou Rivas
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. DOS program speed on OS2 VDM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I continue to read tributes by OS2 disciples (?) in the media
to the effect that DOS programs run faster under OS2 than they
do under native DOS.  I can't do that.  My machine typically
executes the same functions in OS2 in 1.3 to 2.5 times their
speed in native DOS.

That has not surprised me as OS2 (a.) emulates real DOS,
(b.)sustains its own housekeeping and supervisory activities,
and (c.) allocates cycles to other opened programs.

Should I be looking for more in tuning my installation, or just
ignore the hype?

Ken Hammer, St. Johnsbury, VT
**********************************************************************

My experience has been that it varies greatly from machine to machine.
Given enough RAM. OS/2 will run just about everything at about the
same speed.  If a DOS app has heavy file I/O and your system uses
the HPFS, the program will usually run faster under OS/2.

The things that improve performance the most for me:  16MB RAM (vs 8);
exclusive use of the HPFS on HD partitions (and REM-out DISKCACHE in
config.sys); pre-allocate the swapper.dat file to the largest size that
you will need (3rd parameter on SWAPAPTH line).  By pre-allocating, the
swap file won't have to be grown and shrunk during processing, a very
time-consuming process.

Kenn Martin   internet: [e-mail]   <tipa>
AiC Lexington
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 03:52 on 94/02/25 by WZ00887 at HONE83 ]

>I continue to read tributes by OS2 disciples (?) in the media
>to the effect that DOS programs run faster under OS2 than they
>do under native DOS.  I can't do that.  My machine typically
>executes the same functions in OS2 in 1.3 to 2.5 times their
>speed in native DOS.

The traditional way to analyze performance is to look at CPU and IO usage.

CPU:
 If the program is not using significant CPU time then the factors here
don't matter. But if it is, then it might be for two different reasons.
1. It is doing number crunching in it's own code...in which case there
should be no difference between the OS2 and DOS environment, other than
as you say, sharing the CPU with other tasks. It's still the same CPU
and isn't any faster just because of the OS.
2. It is using a large amount of OS services which are CPU intensive...in
which case OS2 might be faster if it is passing through code which has
been recompiled in 32bit mode. This is especially true for video and
cache code which can use up a large chunk of CPU time these days.

IO:
 Comparison here is difficult because of the widely different assumptions
about caching. On most desktops, no caching has been installed. Thus OS2
(and windows) immediately has an advantage since caching is configured
automatically. But since this isn't a fair comparison, we must compare
the available DOS and OS2 caching, as well as IO outside of caching.
1. Caching on DOS comes in many flavors. OS2 caching is presupplied.
The supplied DOS caching is in 3 forms:
BUFFERS=m,n             (helps diskettes and sequential reads)
DEVICE=SMARTDRV           (HD general caching)
FASTOPEN              (HD directory entry caching)
But there are also a lot of shareware & vendor products, some outstanding.
All of these have a limitation that (if they are not to take too much
memory below 640k) they have to use EMS or XMS services. This can be
expensive (xms especially since it involves switching CPU modes.)
 The OS2 cache doesn't handle diskettes, and doesn't seem to do
sequential readahead as well as most. The magazine articles have pointed
out that the NT caching is way ahead of OS/2, which may drive IBM to
improve OS/2, hopefully soon. However, when compared to just plain old
DOS SMARTDRV, then OS2 doesn't seem to be any worse. In theory OS2
caching could be MUCH better since it could multitask intelligent
algorithms. The answer to your question here is: your milage may vary.
(You should check out how you have tuned your DOS and OS2 here.)
2. The rest of the file systems are very different. DOS of course is
just a simple FIFO request handler. OS2 has a prioritized interrupt
driven queued packet file system. If your VDM is not low priority, then it
should be no worse than running on DOS, even with other tasks running.
In theory, it can sort disk reads to optimize arm movement. The file
system (either HPFS or superFAT) is better written to reduce number of
IOs, especially for things like creating/extending files.
Max and Mary could probably better explain exactly how IO is improved
under OS/2, but again it depends on what your program is doing.

 Like you, I know of programs which are slower under OS/2. And the
obvious problem of programs interfering with each other is made
abominable by the poor handling of DOS programs idling. However,
unlike the figures you gave, I have also seen programs run faster,
even in background (the best use of a multitasking system for batch
type programs.)

->Rich Corbett; Mgr. Sys.; ABC Liquors, Inc., Orlando, FL   (NASPA:CORBRIC7)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 03:52 on 94/02/25 by WZ00887 at HONE83 ]

Speed results can vary based on what you are doing in your program.
Retrace_Emulation is one item that can change speed rather dramatically.
I had a programmer friend who does GUI in DOS stuff.  His code need it
because he wasn't seeing his exploding thingies and couldn't debug his own
code without it--things happened to quickly.

If you have lazy writes turned off, that slows many applications to the
numbers you quote.  Lazy writes work just fine with OS/2.

Take a look at the whole Video_??? section and see if tweaking helps a
particular app you are having problems with.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. OS/2 2.1 with AUTODESK ANIMATOR PRO 1.0 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

   I'm an user of OS/2 2.1 .I'm trying to execute the Autodesk
application ANIMATOR PRO 1.0 and unfortunatelly with no success.
   Below, I indicate all things that I've done to execute it:

1) Executed it in a DOS window (with defined settings);
2) Executed it in a DOS Full screen (with defined settings);
3) Boot DOS with drive a:, using two Boot DOS disquettes. One with PC
  DOS 5.0 and other with PC DOS 6.1;
4) Boot with DOS Image in Hard Disk;
5) Created an icon on the workplace shell, defining all the necessaries
  settings. I made adjusts for EMS, XMS, DPMI, 8514, idle sensitivity
  and other idles settings.
6) I fixed the ANI.EXE (Main file of Animator PRO) using "OS2ACAD",
  this is a package to fix AutoCad 12 and 3D Studio 2 under OS/2.
  After that, I received a msg saying that an abnormal error
  in alocation memory occured. This msg  was different from the other
  that occured when I executed the SWs (3DS2,ACAD) without the fix.
7) After the last topic, I created an icon and adjusted all necessaries
  settings, but with no success.

  If there's another fix, I'd like to receive it.
  I will appreciate any help.

Thanks, Oliveira.

Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil.
IBM Brazil.
**********************************************************************

   I need a help about the problem described in the last append,
   about ANIMATOR PRO 1.0 under OS/2 2.1. Could someone help me ???

   See my last append.

   Thanks, Oliveira.
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 21:52 on 94/03/02 by OLIVEIRA at RIOSYS1 ]

Unfortunately, the AutoDESK Animator Pro program is not supported in the
VDM environment of OS/2 due to memory management conflicts.

Tom Haug  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. Starting Windows programs from OS/2 command line or file ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Ref:   None
I need to be able to start a windows application (WIN-OS2) from an OS/2
command line or CMD file.  Can this be done?  Is it possible, from
within a program, to tell OS/2 to double-click on a Windows
application icon?  What about passing parameters to the windows
application?

Glen Rudelis, Fayetteville AR, TL 734-1078
**********************************************************************

You may want to take a look at STARTD. This is an OS2EWS program to
start DOS/Windows applications under program control.

Wing (WFY316 at PKMFGVM1)  IBM Microelectronics, Poughkeepsie, NY. USA
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:49 on 94/03/08 by GRUDELI at DALVMIC1 ]

>Glen Rudelis, Fayetteville AR, TL 734-1078

Now that's a familiar location to me...  Pig soooooie!!!!  Go Hogs!!!
Number #1 is college basketball - I might add.

>>> NO CLAIMS TO SLICK WILLIE - It wasn't me - honest <<<

Tracy K. Pipkin - Amoco Production Company - Houston TX [phone]
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:49 on 94/03/08 by GRUDELI at DALVMIC1 ]

The solution to your problem may be to use the REXX program language.
This will allow you to establish the environment for your session prior
to starting it.  You can secure the REXX publications by calling IBM
Technical Directory at 1-800-426-7282.

Tom Haug  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:49 on 94/03/08 by GRUDELI at DALVMIC1 ]

Glen, starting a Winapp seamlessly from the command line is easy.
On my machine, for instance, the following command will start the
Win-Os2 Write program with the file memo.txt loaded:

start /win d:\os2\mdos\winos2\write memo.txt

( Note if you see a '-' in the filenames, it's supposed to be
a backslash )

Regards,

Mike Kelly IBM : Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:49 on 94/03/08 by GRUDELI at DALVMIC1 ]

>I need to be able to start a windows application (WIN-OS2) from an OS/2
>command line or CMD file.  Can this be done?

Glen,
There are a number of ways of accomplishing this.  One is by using a REXX
cmd file and passing all the arguements for the various setting that have
to differ from the defaults.  Also there are a number of shareware/freeware
programs available on BBSes that will allow this kind of startup.  There is
also a program that I have made limited use of call "QVDM"  which will
build a file for you of the setting used in an application,  I've used this
to setup an object, and play with the settings until I get it right, run
QVDM against it, and then use the output from this to either go into a REXX
program to start an application or into one of the shareware/freeware
programs to do it.  Very helpful when trying to set objects up for a number
of systems.

Jack Hiatt    MARC-Life  Atlanta Ga.
T.I.P.A.      Team OS/2
Append created using Forum Manager/PM(beta2)
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 13. DOS Emulation Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Hi -
 Where can I find documentation on EXACTLY what DOS emulation support
is provided under OS/2.  Specifically, what INT 21 calls are supported.
I have recently been looking at a book entitled "Undocumented DOS", and
I have to wonder how much of it is applicable to OS/2's DOS emulation.

John P Baker
Policy Management Systems Corporation
IBMMAIL(USRG7DJN)
**********************************************************************

>is provided under OS/2.  Specifically, what INT 21 calls are supported.

Int 21 is so basic to DOS, I'd be surprised if there were any unsupported
ones.  If they aren't there then, you don't have a DOS.  They are safer
by far than doing things on your own to speed something up or whatever.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 20:12 on 94/03/08 by SAASEL1 at HONE82 ]

>  Where can I find documentation on EXACTLY what DOS emulation support
>is provided under OS/2.  Specifically, what INT 21 calls are supported.
>I have recently been looking at a book entitled "Undocumented DOS", and
>I have to wonder how much of it is applicable to OS/2's DOS emulation.
>
>John P Baker

 That's funny. I've been spending my evenings lately reading it too.
Do you have the latest version that covers DOS6? It covers OS/2
support in some areas also.
 I would recommend that a LOT of IBMers read the first couple of
chapters of this book. The author has apparently waffled a lot over
the years about how he feels about MS and documentation. However,
his general philosophy is pretty clear, and is pretty condemning of
the way things have been. Since IBM is now free of the ties to MS,
they should re-think any carry-over decisions that they have brought
from MS, and maybe bite the bullet and document more of DOS.

->Rich Corbett; Mgr. Sys.; ABC Liquors, Inc., Orlando, FL   (NASPA:CORBRIC7)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 00:44 on 94/03/09 by WZ01343 at HONE83 ]

Hi -
 I don't think that you understand the issues involved.  There are,
according to the "Undocumented DOS" book, numerous DOS calls that may
be specific to a particular implementation of DOS.  If a user has a
program that utilizes one of these calls, the program will not
operate correctly under OS/2.  We need to know exactly what DOS calls
are supported by OS/2's DOS emulation.

John P Baker
Policy Management Systems Corporation
IBMMAIL(USRG7DJN)
**********************************************************************

>  I don't think that you understand the issues involved.  There are,
>according to the "Undocumented DOS" book, numerous DOS calls that may
>be specific to a particular implementation of DOS.  If a user has a

Maybe, but most of the "enhancments" come aboard via drivers for hardware,
networks, and the like.  These attach via drivers.  Int-21 services have
become a polyglot spot--if an undocumented call is made that isn't
present, the worst thing that should happen is that it fails.  Some of
these issues may be addressed by an OS/2 driver--others not.

I think the only way you are going to get an answer is to as about
specific services.  A shotgun approach would just require to many answers;
most of which would be worthless to you, anyway.

Or, I may just be missing your "real" question...

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 02:10 on 94/03/12 by SAASEL1 at HONE83 ]

I remember seeing a publication from IBM that states which "undocumented"
API's where supported under a VDM; but (sigh) I can't remember where I saw
it -- It might have been in the red books, or maybe in personal systems.
But I do remember that it was published back when OS/2 first came out.

BTW: why do you *NEED* to know which of the API's are operative?  I would
assume that the usage of the API's are for use with a TSR program -- is
this what your making?

Paul Kurr -- Stockholder Systems, Norcross GA
**********************************************************************

Hi -
 The issue is that many programs have been written that are specific
to a particular implementation of DOS, due to the use of undocumented
or vendor-specific INT 21 calls, or other non-standard INT ?? calls.
 I think that it is reasonable to expect that IBM will not continue
the "Implement it, but don't tell 'em" methodology practiced by other
software manufacturers (no names given ...).
 Just tell us EXACTLY what you support.  Its that simple.

John P Baker
Policy Management Systems Corporation
IBMMAIL(USRG7DJN)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 02:10 on 94/03/12 by SAASEL1 at HONE83 ]

I believe the offical line goes something like... we support all
documented DOS calls.  If you have an application that fails because
of an API failure, then that is an APAR'able issue.  On the other
hand, if you are using books such as "Undocumented DOS" as your
programmer's guide then you are asking for trouble.  Note, Schulman
warns you not to use undocumented calls unless there is no other way
to solve your problem.  Undocumented system features tend to be very
version specific.  Furthermore, when someone who doesn't have source
code access documents a feature there is the risk that something isn't
quite right.  If you have a specific question about a specific API, I
can answer your question.

George L. Fulk, IBM Workplace/OS Development, DOS Emulation
**********************************************************************

Hi -
 I understand the restrictions on "Undocumented APIs".  However, there
are documented DOS APIs that are specific to a vendor.  Take for
example, "DR DOS 6", which implements a number of INT 21 functions not
available elsewhere.  I guess what we need to clarify is what are the
"Documented APIs" supported by OS/2's DOS emulation ?  Is it those that
IBM documented for PC DOS 5.0 ?  PC DOS 5.0 + (whatever) ?

John P Baker
Policy Management Systems Corporation
IBMMAIL(USRG7DJN)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 18:24 on 94/03/14 by SAASEL1 at HONE82 ]

>  The issue is that many programs have been written that are specific
>to a particular implementation of DOS, due to the use of undocumented
>or vendor-specific INT 21 calls, or other non-standard INT ?? calls.

I'm missing just what is getting you exercised.  Is it a particular
application that is causing you problems?  My understanding is that a VDM
supports all standard calls.  If one has a driver or such that attaches
to the interrupts then the only likely place those will work is in a DOS
Image for a particular DOS.

Reading Rolf Brown's interrupt listing (electronic) or the Schulman book
it parallels, the "non-standard" bits are typically hardware related or
part of network software.  That's not going to be provided by ANY
operating system on its own--OS/2 isn't any different in that regard.

Just what is causing you the problem you keep talking about?  I can tell
it is something important or you would be riding this so hard.  Isn't it
something you can talk about?

The last thing I saw that tried to document INT 21 in OS/2 was an old MS
publication that's now out of date.  But, even that one seemed to support
everything that is "normal"--2.1 has only made things more compatible.
So, if it is in a DOS programmer's guide--it should be supported.
Frankly, I am amazed they could make it as compatible as it is and have
found it 100% compatible--weird iron/drivers excluded unless one loads a
true DOS image; and there I find it about as compatible as DOS itself.
I'd say that if you used those interrupts that are in a DOS manual I don't
think there is a problem with any other than the direct access to the HD
via BIOS calls etc.

It you have a specific situation, maybe somebody here has encountered it
and can help.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************

Hi -
 The reason that I am pushing this issue is that I have a large (1Gb+)
collection of DOS shareware (primarily games).  About 1 out of every 10
fails under OS/2.  Not necessarily at initialization, but I am unable to
run them to completion.
 I have spent considerable time debugging these programs, so that I
could then report the problems to IBM.  What I am finding is that many,
but not all, of the programs use what appear to be vendor-specific INT
21 calls.
 Before I spend the time to prepare a list of INT 21 calls that need to
be supported in OS/2's DOS emulation, I need to know what INT 21 calls
are officially supported by IBM.  This should be something that is
already documented.  However, it seems that it is easier to get a
straight answer about WhiteWater than an accurate list of supported INT
21 calls.

John P Baker
Policy Management Systems Corporation
IBMMAIL(USRG7DJN)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 20:26 on 94/03/14 by FULKGL at BCRVM1 ]

The simple answer should be: "it's in manual xxxx." Any other answer
is just following in the footsteps of MS.

->Rich Corbett; Mgr. Sys.; ABC Liquors, Inc., Orlando, FL   (NASPA:CORBRIC7)
**********************************************************************

I agree.  Unfortunately, MVDM interrupts are not documented anywhere.
There's a few words in a couple of the red-books, but not very much.
Marketting's position is that we are DOS Emulation, therefore you
should use the DOS books.  If it appears in the IBM DOS 5.02 Tech Ref,
we should support the feature.

George L. Fulk, IBM Workplace/OS Development, DOS Emulation
**********************************************************************

Hi George -
 Please give me a call at [phone].

John P Baker
Policy Management Systems Corporation
IBMMAIL(USRG7DJN)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 15:48 on 94/03/15 by SAASEL1 at HONE81 ]

>  The reason that I am pushing this issue is that I have a large (1Gb+)
>collection of DOS shareware (primarily games).  About 1 out of every 10
>fails under OS/2.  Not necessarily at initialization, but I am unable to
>run them to completion.

My experience under DOS has been about the same...  Running shareware
games is a form of Russian roulette.  And,  I too have more than a few.
Although, they are on the BBS rather than my personal system.
Dir#  Topic                          Files Bytes
20   Fun/Games A - L                329   31,713,224
21   Fun/Games M - Z                145   15,343,540
These are the "current ones" the others are spread across 7 CDs and
listed elsewhere on the board.  I'd bet a third of them can be easily
crashed even under DOS--kids don't like to debug.  Hell, I don't like to
either...<g>

>already documented.  However, it seems that it is easier to get a
>straight answer about WhiteWater than an accurate list of supported INT
>21 calls.
Probably true; maybe too true.  What do you expect from people who still
wear button underwear and wingtips? <vbg>

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 19:19 on 94/03/15 by FULKGL at BCRVM1 ]

>I agree.  Unfortunately, MVDM interrupts are not documented anywhere.
>There's a few words in a couple of the red-books, but not very much.

Plus the features that you have mentioned here, and ones mentioned
in "undocumented DOS".

>Marketting's position is that we are DOS Emulation, therefore you
>should use the DOS books.  If it appears in the IBM DOS 5.02 Tech Ref,
>we should support the feature.
>
>George L. Fulk, IBM Workplace/OS Development, DOS Emulation

This is exactly what the author was talking about. There are features
that are not documented in MS manuals (or the tech ref that you mention,
which seems to be from MS originally.) The items really relied on are
suggested by MS support to developers, or appear on MS journal
articles, but by not documenting "internals" which are still suggested
MS creates a dependency on the internals of their operating system.

BTW, the recent STAC decision, which found that STAC owed MS damages
for trade secret violations by using an undocumented interface
(even though MS denies that any undocumented interfaces are
important trade secrets)
will cause a lot of developers to think twice about using
undocumented interfaces for commercial products.
 If someone (IBM?) were to go public with documented interfaces and
make a marketing issue of this court decision, then they might
gain a competitive advantage. Can you imagine:

WRITE YOUR DOS OR OS/2 PROGRAMS USING OUR OPEN INTEFACES AND
NEVER FACE A TRADE SECRET SUIT!

hint, hint 8-)

->Rich Corbett; Mgr. Sys.; ABC Liquors, Inc., Orlando, FL   (NASPA:CORBRIC7)
**********************************************************************

Precisely! That's why IBM is working on "Workplace/OS" (my current job).
Workplace/OS is an OSF (Open Systems Foundation) architecture operating
system.  No undocumented APIs permitted.  Granted this isn't going to
help DOS who has existed with undocumented features since it's start.
But this open-ness will hopefully help sell the product when it's
finished.

As far as undocumented features of OS/2's DOS Emulation is concerned,
I don't have a document available for distribution.  I will however try
to answer any specific questions you might have.

George L. Fulk, IBM Workplace/OS Development, DOS Emulation
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 14. Making LANtastic work in a VDM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

When you say doesn't work very well in a window, are you referring
to the sloooow scrolling speed inside a window? I run Lantastic AI
5.1 in a DOS5.02 VDM and it runs great, windowed or not. The slow
scrolling was cured by an "accelerator card". The problem I have
is getting the Lantastic VDM not to suck up all the system resources
since going to a 486DX-50 machine. PULSE shows the CPU utilization
pegged anytime the VDM is open, network loaded or not. I'm going to
try bringing the net up under a DOS 3.3 VDM and see how that behaves.
Lantastic sent out a paper detailing how to set it up and it has
worked great for me.

Irve Towers
Fairview Park
**********************************************************************

Irve,
I also run Lantastic.  The only way I got the "pegged" problem resolved
was to set sensitivity to 20 and idle to 0.  This works fine for me.  I
have adequate speed to get everything done on my 386-40.  If a program is
releasing the processor, I can "diddle" the Alt key or such to return
focus to the application.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************

I don't have Lantastic, but I have had experience with the PULSE getting
pegged at 100%.  Don't worry about it!  PULSE is measuring the
availability of idle class threads.  All DOS boxes and their programs
run at normal class (higher priority).  Only those who have idle class
threads (practically nobody) has to worry about this problem.  The
recently released OS/2 2.11 has a fix so that PULSE doesn't get pegged
by certain DOS applications.

George L. Fulk, IBM Workplace/OS Development, DOS Emulation
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 15. SYS0008 with a COPY in a DOS batch file. ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I have simple batch file and I get SYS0008 when running it in a DOS session.
Here is the command file:
  ECHO OFF
  COPY X:HOSTDATA.DAT C:\DATA\WORKFILE.DAT
PAUSE

The copy would fail with the SYS0008 message. I tried the suggestion with the
message.  The same copy does work in an OS/2 command file (.CMD).

Drive X: is a network drive.

Any clues?

Thanks

Greg Delamore
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 16. SB16 & DOS programs in OS/2 2.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

  I just can't get my SB16 to work properly with any DOS program, but
it works just fine inside the Win-OS/2. With DOS programs the
window hangs up or the sound doesn't work as it should do.
  I added to my autoexec.bat all the statements that I was using in the
DOS autoexec.bat and it still didn't work.

  What should I do ???????

Thanks to all

  Bernardo Borges
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 17. Nonswapped memory for a DOS session ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I'm running a DOS bbs system, and I want to have PEER Services to that PC.  The
solution was to run the BBS in a DOS session on OS/2.  Now the BBS crashes when
OS/2 swaps the memory out.  I tried to set MEMMAN=NOSWAP, but the system will
not boot.  I only have 8 Mb on the PC now, but before I invest into more memory
I need to know if this is the right road to go down.  Is a better solution for
the original problem avaliable?

Does anyone have any good ideas?

Greg Delamore
**********************************************************************

Greg:
 What do you mean by crashes? I know that there are a lot of people on
these forums doing communications, but it might take more details to
smoke out some of their accumulated knowledge.
 BTW, have you tried the Ray Gwinn's SIO package? It has virtual X00
support.

->Rich Corbett; Mgr. Sys.; ABC Liquors, Inc., Orlando, FL   (NASPA:CORBRIC7)
**********************************************************************

The error I get is from OS/2 as follows:

Program executed an illegal instruction at 00000000
 EAX=00000000  EBX=00004fae  ECX=00000000  EDX=0000012f
 ESI=000000ff  EDI=00000b49
 DS=9ce1
0000*********
0000  *********
0000*********
0000*********
 SS:ESP=32a0:00004faa
 EBP=00005fae  FLG=00023002

Then when the code is returned to the program the session quits.
The help say that an invalid op code is executing.

The product running is "The Major BBS" v6.11 from Galacticomm.
The PC is a IBM ValuePoint 486SX with 8Mb.
OS/2 v2.2 at service level XR02110.

The reason I think that it might be a memmory swapping problem is because
of support at Galacticomm. They say the BBS wants control of memmory and will
drop when it has a memory manager running.  However I made the machine page by
opening several windows and I can not get it to crash at will. But it does
crash if I let the BBS run over night with no other sessions running on the PC.

Hope this information has enough detail for some suggestions.

Greg Delamore
**********************************************************************

Greg:
>OS/2 v2.2 at service level XR02110.
 If you are running the rumoured beta, then you may need help elsewhere 8-)

>The reason I think that it might be a memmory swapping problem is because
>of support at Galacticomm. They say the BBS wants control of memmory and will
>drop when it has a memory manager running.  However I made the machine page by
>opening several windows and I can not get it to crash at will. But it does
>crash if I let the BBS run over night with no other sessions running on the PC
 I have had, or heard of, slightly similar problems related to:
1. DOS=HIGH  ...some programs look for control blocks which aren't there on os2
       and so I leave this off (since it doesn't gain much under os2.)
2. UMB    ...ditto about control blocks, but I usually leave this ON;
       so far I haven't needed any of the programs that have problems.
       It's worth an experiment in your case.
3. VCOM.SYS  ...causes lots of weird things when overruns happen;
       try SIO, and be sure things like RTS/CTS are setup like
       it documents (don't forget to check the modem settings.)
 Since os2 supplies a virtual DOS environment, which means that you are not
using "real" memory addresses, I doubt it has anything to do with turning
swapping on or off.
 Otherwise, I am out of my depth and hopefully someone familiar with
Galacticom will see this thread soon.

->Rich Corbett; Mgr. Sys.; ABC Liquors, Inc., Orlando, FL   (NASPA:CORBRIC7)
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 18. VCPI ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Is there ANY way to run a DOS application that uses VCPI memory??
**********************************************************************

Yes ... use real DOS ... in laymans terms (the only way I'm qualified
to post this) VCPI requires an application be able to assume control
of the hardware which is a no no for a multitasking OS ... I believe
thats why DPMI came along (to provide the features of VCPI without
the need to assume control of the hardware).

Keith Blake (The OS/2 Mole) V: [phone] (IBMMAIL/USPGC9GC)
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 19. How (or can) DOS TCP/IP products run in a VDM? ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Has anyone been able to get DOS TCP/IP products, such as:

  IBM TCP/IP for DOS
  Reflection/2 (Windows)
  Novell LAN Workplace for DOS

to run in a vdm.  We run many protocols/products on our network and I've been
able to get Comm Mgr/2, Novell IPX, and DOS 802.2 apps to coexist using NTS/2.
But, I can't find any info on a possible Vxxxx.SYS driver that will pass TCP.

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax VA, OS/2 Accredited CIS 73173,1732
**********************************************************************

>
>Has anyone been able to get DOS TCP/IP products, such as:
>
>   IBM TCP/IP for DOS
>   Reflection/2 (Windows)
>   Novell LAN Workplace for DOS
>
>to run in a vdm.  We run many protocols/products on our network and I've
>been able to get Comm Mgr/2, Novell IPX, and DOS 802.2 apps to coexist
>using NTS/2.  But, I can't find any info on a possible Vxxxx.SYS driver
>that will pass TCP.
>
>Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax VA, OS/2 Accredited CIS 73173,1
>732
>

You can get these products to work by dedicating a LAN adapter to the DOS
session that they run in.  To do this, you don't load an OS/2 driver for
the card that you are using for your DOS TCP/IP access, but load the driver
in the DOS session via the DOS settings or in an otherwise normal fashion
as a TSR.

If you want virtualized TCP/IP access, this can be done via most of the
OS/2 TCP/IP products out there.  LAN Workplace for OS/2 v 3.1 has DOS VDDs
(but no WINSOCK API support), IBM's TCP/IP for OS/2 has a DOS support kit
that does give you WINSOCK support (be sure to get the CSD).  I believe
Essex also has a TCP/IP product that contains VDDs and support's WINSOCK.

The key here is if the product supports the DOS interrupts and APIs you
need.  Usually, the company that sells an OS/2 product, also sells a DOS
product and the OS/2 VDDs provide support equivalent to the DOS product.
But the LAN Workplace for OS/2 is a version or so behind and provides only
a subset of the support that the LAN Workplace for DOS does.

Another possibility is running a TCP/IP product that sits on top of the
802.2 interface.  This method allows you to use NTS/2's 802.2 virtual
device drivers.

My preference is to buy an OS/2 TCP/IP with the DOS support I need.

Matt Hickman    Chevron Information Technologies Company
internet: [e-mail]   ph: [phone]
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 00:06 on 94/03/19 by INOV004 at OS2CUST ]

I have CUTCP/CUTE, or as it says in the header at startup:

"Clarkson University TCP Communicatons Package;
Clarkson University Terminal Emulator ЫCUTE:2.2TN/TC-D|"

and it runs just fine in a Full Screen Dos Session.

I am using a SLIP Connecton with a package driver called
CSLIPPER.EXE, and a Hayes modem to connect to a machine at the University.

Dave Martin  (Honolulu, Hi.) [e-mail]
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 00:40 on 94/03/20 by TBHIC at HONE80 ]

Thanks Matt.  Have you run DOS TCP/IP apps through 802.2?  If so, how?
I'm basically trying to cram all these apps through a single network adapter.
TCP/IP and DEC/LAT are the last two I need to tackle.  Any thoughts on DEC?

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax VA, OS/2 Accredited CIS 73173,1732
**********************************************************************

>
>Thanks Matt.  Have you run DOS TCP/IP apps through 802.2?  If so, how?
>I'm basically trying to cram all these apps through a single network
>adapter.  TCP/IP and DEC/LAT are the last two I need to tackle.  Any
>thoughts on DEC?
>

I have had a native OS/2 version of TCP/IP since before OS/2 2.0 and VDDs
came out, so I have no experience with DOS TCP/IP over 802.2.  But another
frequesnt visitor to the OS2BBS, Mike Long, reported doing this with an old
version of IBM's TCP/IP for DOS.  He mentioned that there were some public
domain implementations of TCP/IP that run over 802.2.

As far as DEC goes, I try to avoid that animal <G>.

Matt Hickman    Chevron Information Technologies Company
internet: [e-mail]   ph: [phone]
**********************************************************************

Chris,
You can use the V802.2 to do DOS TCP/IP if:
1) You have IBM Token Ring Adapter.
2) You get the IBM Token Ring packet driver IBMTOKEN (free at FTP sites)
  (Not needed with IBM TCP/IP 1.0 and optional with IBM DOS TCP/IP 2.0)
3) You have NTS/2 WR07020.
4) You do not start up your OS/2 TCP/IP while doing this.
5) You execute \IBMCOM\LTSVCFG D=1 before loading IBMTOKEN
I have run the old IBM DOS TCP/IP 1.0, CUTCP, and WinQVT/NET this way.
IBM DOS TCP/IP 2.0 _should_ work as it can talk 802.2 or packet driver.
IBM TCP/IP 2.1 _should not_ work as it is totally NDIS based. Only one session
can be run at a time.
When the IBM TCP/IP 2.0 came out, it was too good and won out over the DOS/Win
alternatives on my own machine.  Some of our people run CUTCP and WinQVT/NET
to this day using this V802.2 interface under OS/2.

I have heard of one person who said he had DOS FTP running in a DOS box
alongside OS/2 TCP/IP by using two different IP adresses - other people
have said this will not work.  I have never gotten that type of setup to work,
nor do I really have a need to now, with DOS box & WINSOCK support in
OS/2 TCP/IP 2.0.

Mike Long - ISU/CARD - [e-mail] - TEAMOS2 - OS/2 Accredited
**********************************************************************

>IBM TCP/IP 2.1 _should not_ work as it is totally NDIS based. Only one session
>can be run at a time.

Mike,
What does NDIS stand for?

>When the IBM TCP/IP 2.0 came out, it was too good and won out over the DOS/Win
>alternatives on my own machine.  Some of our people run CUTCP and WinQVT/NET
>to this day using this V802.2 interface under OS/2.

Since you seem to be familiar with CUTCP, could you tell me about what
"Splay Compression" is?  Some of the machines I use have "CUTCP 2.2TN
Rev -D plus the  Rutgers-Interim-1.0 updates", which when started always
gives a message similar to "WARNING This version does not use Splay
Compression".  A Warning would seem to indicate something negative -- could
you tell me the significance of using or not using Splay compression, and
what it is?  Also, is that the latest version of CUTCP?

Dave Martin  (Honolulu, Hi.) [e-mail]
**********************************************************************

What is NDIS - Network Driver Interface Specification.  It is
specicification that allows us to load up protocol drivers on
different types and brands of network adapters.The reason we
cannot run the IBM DOS TCP/IP 2.1 is because it uses a DOS NDIS
driver to function only, no packet driver, no 802.2.  There is not a
virtual DOS NDIS interface in OS/2 at this time for us to be able to bind
this in to.
Sorry, I do not know what Splay compression is.

MIKE LONG IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY - CARD [e-mail]
**********************************************************************

PMJI ... Assuming you are using IBM TCP/IP for OS/2 all you need
is the DOS Box access kit and you should be able to run the DOS
TCP/IP applications ... this kit virtualizes access to the OS/2
TCP/IP stack for the DOS apps (make sure you get the latest CSDs,
especially for the DBox access kit).  I've used it primarily for
the Winsock interface but I think I remember seeing msgs/docs indicating
the DOS tcp/ip applications should function just fine with it as well.

Keith Blake (The OS/2 Mole) V: [phone] (IBMMAIL/USPGC9GC)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 21:59 on 94/04/02 by IL19543 at HONE82 ]

Thanks Mike, for the info.

Dave Martin  (Honolulu, Hi.) [e-mail]
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 20. Using COM3 and COM4 ports under DOS and OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I would like to use more than two COM ports in one or more DOS sessions under
OS/2.  Is this possible?  Also, when I use COM3 under OS/2, the DOS sessions
are not able to use any ports at all.  Is there a way to correct this, so that
they will at least recognize COM1 and COM2  when I am using COM3 and/or COM4
under OS/2 ?

Thanks,
Bob Snead
TXDOT
[phone]

Bob Snead
**********************************************************************

Try downloading Ray Gwinn's Comm drivers look for a file called
SIO126.ZIP. If it is not on that BBS then call the IBM BBS at
[phone]. It is on there, it allows support for up to 15 Comm
ports.

Ray LaTulippe (Boca Electronics Support Team).
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 21. DOS Printing not working in v2.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

A user of mine was using an IBM Valuepoint pre-loaded with
OS/2 v2.0.  They had some DOS program that we just set up a program
object to call the bat file and everything printed fine.  I upgraded
that machine to v2.1, added Lan Requester and now if they logon to
the Lan their printing gets redirected to the Lan printer (as designed)
but if they don't logon to the Lan, then the printing from their app
no longer goes to the printer attached to LPT1.  Nothing goes to the
spooler.

 Is this a know problem?  Any fixes?  My user *really* wants to
print locally without tying up the Lan printer.

Thanks,

Bob Mahoney - [e-mail]
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 22. QEMM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Is there any way to run QEMM in a VDM?  If so, any restrictions?
**********************************************************************

I am not sure why you would want to, OS/2 sees all of the memory as one
large flat model, QEMM under OS/2 is useless. What you would want to do
is look into the session settings for that particular Object.

If you R-M-B click on the object you will get a menu, then click on the
arrow next to open, then click on settings. Next click on session then
click on DOS settins. Here you will find all the settings for that DOS
session and you can make changes, including memory settings, setting DOS
high, specifying another Auotexec.bat, specifying Device Drivers and so
on.

Ray Latulippe (Boca Electronics Support Team).
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 23. Lotus Symphony 2.2 and OS/2 2.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Ref:   Symphony 2.2

I know that this is a longshot but I will try and append here anyway.
I have a customer who is very very happy with OS/2 2.1. In fact there
is only one problem. He is running Symphony 2.2 under OS/2 2.1. He has
a macro which he runs and this takes an eternity under OS/2 but is
faster by a factor of 8 under Windows/DOS. Has anyone had any
experience of this? Can anyone help me out?

Kevin Kelly
**********************************************************************

Kevin,

By default OS/2 allows each session a certain amount of memory!
Has your friend attempted to increase the expanded memory for that
session? Also I believe that Lotus allows you to define upper memory
use! And if they go into the session settings they can also specify
DOS_HIGH on allow to more of lower memory to be available.
Also run it in fullscreen mode, when set to background it will no
longer have top priority!

Ray LaTulippe (Boca Electronics Support Team)
**********************************************************************

I have tried incresing the amount of conventional memory to as
large as possible. Since Symphony uses Expanded memory of up to
4 MB I have set this. I have disabled the DPMI_API and zeroed all
the settings for memort that the app doesn't use. It still runs
very slow. I wonder if I am missing something that a Synphony
Expert can help with.

I have gone into the Settings inside the app and set the expanded
memory option to ON also.

Kevin Kelly
**********************************************************************

I'm not a symphony expert but I've seen some awful wierd stuff running
some of the older Lotus products.  One problem involved the touching
of all LIM memory after every operation due to the way undo was
implemented.  You might TRY turning off undo in symphony and seeing
if that boost performance.

Mark Fiechtner
**********************************************************************

From: Tim Snape
To:  Fiechtne At Bcrvm1╨╢

Hi Mark

Good to hear from you again, and thanks for all that help you gave me last year
with my VDM questions. I have another question <g> as always.

Some queries have been raised as to EXACTLY which DOS & BIOS interrupts are
supported in the DOS boxes. I have been using Ralf Browns list of interrupts
to try & answer some of the queries on the EMEA DAP program, but there is
still some uncertainty as to exactly which of the semi -documented
(undocumented) ints are supported.

An IBMer called George Faulkner (If I remember right) said that it was the
same as DOS 5.

As a suggestion, if someone within IBM was to contact Ralf Brown, supply him
with the info on OS/2's DOS interrupt support. Then everyone not just OS/2
programmers, would have access to that info.

Anyway I hope lifes treating you well & they are not working you too
hard !

Best Regards
Tim

___
MR/2 1.95x NR  Tim Snape, Abbotsbury Software Ltd, EMEA DAP

* EMEA OS/2 Developer Assistance Program BBS
* gHostNet(0057002C01000000 2d91a33c) reply to (0008037800580000 B4AE6116)
**********************************************************************

I've already contact Ralf Brown, and have started to supply him with
information.  Furthermore, I've written a utility to convert Brown's
list into a VIEWable .INF document.  It's much easier to use than
Ralf's INTERVUE utility.  I'm trying to negotiate the release of this
utility to be included with INTLIST in the future.  Note, this is not
very high on my priority list, since I no longer work in OS/2.

As I stated before, the official line is that we support all documented
DOS 5 APIs (with certain restrictions, ie. no absolute hard disk write).

George L. Fulk, IBM Workplace/OS Development, DOS Emulation
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 24. DOS DEVICE DRIVERS? ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I have written a DOS Device Driver which does Disk Sector Reads and
Writes (INT 13h , Functions AH=2 and AH=3). When running in a native
VDM or MS-DOS 6.0 VDM only the read function AH=2, INT 13H will
work, not the write function (AH=3, int 13H). Is there any way
to enable a DOS Device Driver to write sectors to a disk(INT 13H, AH=3)?
I thought DOS Device Drivers could/should run at ring 0 without
limitations. Thanks for your advice or comments in advance.

Gary S. Weiss
**********************************************************************

DOS device drivers run at ring 3, in the intel binary dos box.  They
run no different than any other DOS TSR or application.  When a VDM is
started, the list of devices in the DOS_DEVICE setting is passed to the
DOSKRNL, which in turn loads the DOS DDs via a int 21h, 4B01h call
(same as real-DOS).

As far as absolute disk writes, we only support them on removeable
media.  So the int 13, ah=3 should work on diskettes, but not hard
disks.  The only way in which an absolute disk write can be permitted
in a multi-tasking operating system is if you lock down the drive.
In essence, make the system single-tasking for a period of time.  An
example of this is the CHKDSK/F command.

George L. Fulk, IBM Workplace/OS Development, DOS Emulation
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:26 on 94/03/24 by DEV2591 at OS2CUST ]

They run at ring 3.  I hope that no DOS app/driver is allowed to do
what you are proposing.  The OS is doing its job, IMHO.

Kenn Martin   internet: [e-mail]   <tipa>
AiC Lexington
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 25. Microsoft Programmers Workbench ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Is anyone successfully running MS PWB in a VDM? We are having some
difficulties with it entering a loop within ten seconds afterr loading.

We are checking DOS settings currently.

Dave Hancock, Advisory Systems Engineer, Publix Super Markets, Inc.
**********************************************************************

Dave,

You should just migrate PWB to the desktop! Try the following DOS
settings.

ASSOC_FILE PWB>ICO, PWBC.MXT
DEF_DIR \C700\BIN
IDLE_SECONDS 30
IDLE_SENSITIVITY 100
DPMI_DOS_API ENABLED
DPMI_MEMORY_LIMIT 132

Ray Latulippe (Boca Electronics Support Team)
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 26. Keyboard remapping ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Hello, I have a problem with a DOS application in OS/2 1.1.
I have a program that remap the keyboard and when I push a F10 it
puts in keyboard buffer esc + F10 ( 27-0-68).
Its goes OK,but when other program is going to read the keyboard buffer
it only reads Esc (27) and the other Scan codes (0-68) are not there.

Anybody can help me? Thanks in advance.
**********************************************************************

>Hello, I have a problem with a DOS application in OS/2 1.1.
>I have a program that remap the keyboard and when I push a F10 it
>puts in keyboard buffer esc + F10 ( 27-0-68).
>Its goes OK,but when other program is going to read the keyboard buffer
>it only reads Esc (27) and the other Scan codes (0-68) are not there.

 What DOS application are you using?
I used FAKEY successfully in the DOS box of both 1.2 and 1.3, so I
know it isn't a case of not possible to do in the old OS/2 1.x.

->Rich Corbett; Mgr. Sys.; ABC Liquors, Inc., Orlando, FL   (NASPA:CORBRIC7)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 09:05 on 94/03/28 by 83815179 at SPAVM1 ]

>I have a program that remap the keyboard and when I push a F10 it
>puts in keyboard buffer esc + F10 ( 27-0-68).
>Its goes OK,but when other program is going to read the keyboard buffer
>it only reads Esc (27) and the other Scan codes (0-68) are not there.

I imagine it is depending on the full ANSI service in the DOS ANSI driver
for the remapping.  I don't know just how much of that is in the
distribution driver that comes with OS/2.  You might try some of the
alternative, shareware ANSI/DOS drivers and see if you can get one to load
and function for you.

Just what one ANSI driver does or doesn't support has always been a
problem point under DOS--why should OS/2 be different?  <g>

Another possiblity would be to switch from COMMAND.COM to 4DOS(shareware
COMMAND.COM enhancement which can also be used for that in a VDM), which
has it's own internal remapping facility.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 27. FILES= ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Does someone can tell how many KB the FILES= parameter will use?
Do I have to expect performance implications when the CONFIG.SYS
statement has a value of FILES=100? Would it be better to use the
DOS settings parameter for tha specific DOS session?

Thanks for any answers.

Daniel Stoessel
**********************************************************************

>statement has a value of FILES=100? Would it be better to use the
>DOS settings parameter for tha specific DOS session?
Even though your DOS files= is greater, I don't believe it will exceed the
count in your original boot minus ones in use in other sessions.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:41 on 94/03/28 by 84884194 at EHONE ]

Daniel,

The amount is minimal!  It should not effect performance at all!
You can increase the amount of conventional memory per DOS session
by setting DOS_HIGH = on, VIDEO_MODE_RESTRICTION = CGA if the session
does not need higher. You can get over 720K instead of the normal 640k.

Ray Latulippe (Boca Electronics Support Team)
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 28. SYS3175 Running WP5.1/DOS & WP Office 3.1/DOS ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I have a user that is running WordPerfect 5.1 for DOS in a global VDM.
When she tries to check her E-mail by switching to the Desktop and opening
the program reference object for the WP office 3.1 mail program (ML.EXE),
she gets a SYS3175 error.  Or, vice-versa, if she has E-mail running and
tries to run WP 5.1 without exiting E-mail first, the SYS3175 shows up.

I know that one of the missions of OS/2 is to protect programs from each
other.  But in this case, that doesn't seems to be happening.

She's running OS/2 2.1, Novell requester 2.01 on a PS/2 57, 8MB, 215MB SCSI,
3Com Etherlink III 3C529, frame type ETHERNET_II, XGA-2.

WP 5.1 for DOS is running from the local disk.
WP Office 3.1 (ML.EXE) is running from a Netware 3.12 server.

I'm running ML.EXE from the same server, except on a PS/2 77, token-ring.
Same versions of WP 5.1, in fact I run multiple copies of WP 5.1 concurrently.

Has anyone else experienced this conflict?

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax VA, OS/2 Accredited CIS 73173,1732
**********************************************************************

Are the XGA-2 drivers installed or is she running in standard VGA?

Gabe Jones -- PCC Tech Support
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 20:11 on 94/03/28 by INOV004 at OS2CUST ]

Chris,

Has the fix for the Novell 2.01 requestor been applied as well?
Also are the DOS settings for WP 5.1 set according to page 316 "Using
the Operating System".  WP 5.1 is a resource hog and has caused problems.

Ray Latulippe (Boca Electronics Support Team)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 23:50 on 94/03/28 by GABRIEL at RALVM8 ]

Gabe, the XGA-2 drivers are installed. In addition, the DOS/Windows
XGA utilties are installed to provide XGA resolution in full-screen
VDMs. This allows the XGA graphics resolution to used in WP 5.1 for
DOS's Print Preview function, for instance.

Ray, both PCs are running requester 2.01 with fixes applied. The most
current module in the requester is NWIFS.IFS dated 11-23-93. The DOS
settings for WP 5.1 are as documented in the manual.

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA, OS/2 Accredited
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 29. Removing SHARE... ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

A user brought in a DOS program in that fails to run under OS/2.
It seems that the program is incompatable with SHARE. I was
able to give him the quick workaround of booting from DOS in
the A drive but I'd rather run it in a DOS session.

How can I remove the SHARE stuff from the VDM ?

The vendor is going to send a new version that does work but
this is a couple of weeks off by the time it's tested and
installed.

I was also annoyed that in WINDOWED DOS, the first line is
obscured by the CTRL-ESC stuff so the error message got hidden.
Any way to disable that ? PROMPT $p$g works on Full-screen but
not windowed.

Bill Dickenson
**********************************************************************

Bill,

I am not sure there is a way to disable the share command! You can
disable that top line by removing the $I from the prompt command in
AUTOEXEC.BAT!

Ray Latulippe (Boca Technical Interface Group)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 12:54 on 94/04/05 by IL81656 at HONE82 ]

>I was also annoyed that in WINDOWED DOS, the first line is
>obscured by the CTRL-ESC stuff so the error message got hidden.
>Any way to disable that ? PROMPT $p$g works on Full-screen but
>not windowed.

HELP OFF

John W. Kennedy - Hoechst Celanese - TIPA - Team OS/2 - The OS/2 Hobbit
**********************************************************************

>>I was also annoyed that in WINDOWED DOS, the first line is
>>obscured by the CTRL-ESC stuff so the error message got hidden.
>>Any way to disable that ? PROMPT $p$g works on Full-screen but
>>not windowed.
The prompt is assigned in the AutoExec.BAT file.  You can have as many of
those as you want.  To make the windowed sessions use a different one,
you would change the filename in the DOS SESSION to the different
filename--something like WinExec.BAT seems appropriate.

However, the current prompt can also be disabled by using 'SET PROMPT='
This will eliminate current setting for the prompt.

Concerning, the Help title.  HELP OFF turns off that line.  You could
place it at the start of the autoexec to make sure it is always left out.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 30. Baler products from Baler Corp ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

The Baler Tech Dept here in the UK says that Baler products (spreadsheet
compilers) does not run under OS/2. Does anyone out there have
any experience that would indicate the opposite? I only have OS/2, and
I desperately need to create some compiled spreadsheets. Alternatively,
I would like to know of a spreadsheet compiler that does run under OS/2.

Thanks
Mike Bredenkamp
**********************************************************************

>The Baler Tech Dept here in the UK says that Baler products (spreadsheet
>compilers) does not run under OS/2. Does anyone out there have
>any experience that would indicate the opposite? I only have OS/2, and
>I desperately need to create some compiled spreadsheets. Alternatively,
>I would like to know of a spreadsheet compiler that does run under OS/2.

Mike,

That is definately not true. It will run under OS/2.  There was a problem
before.  But they fixed it.  I bought Baler XE for a consulting project
that I had, and I remember it didn't work right, and I escalated it through
their tech support department until I talked to the Mike Allen, who said he
was the program's developer. They weren't aware of the problems at the
time, since they didn't have OS/2 there.

I was also talking to IBM in Boca Raton to a Jim Gallece, a tech
support person who was atypically interested in solving the problem, and
who was willing to test it if he could get a copy.  So I called back Mike
Allen and he sent a copy of Baler to to Jim at IBM to test.  Eventually it
seems that IBM assigned everyone with a Baler problem to Jim Gallece.  He
called me a couple of times, and compared what was happening with me and
with others who had problems with this program. Eventually the last time I
talked to Mike Allen he said they had revised the program to cure the
problems, and he sent me a free update to the latest version, which I is
Level "G".  Unfortunately I haven't installed it yet, since I have no need
to use it right now, so I can't guarantee that it works, but he said it
did.

I still have the unopened package here, mailed on August 11, 1993, and it
says that it is "Update: XE2.00G".

Maybe you have an earlier version?  If so, then just get the latest one and
that should fix it.  If not they are interested in fixing it, as I learned,
even if they have to modify the product. I also have Jim Gallece's contact
information at  IBM if you end up needing it, and he at least was the
resident Baler Expert at Boca Raton.

Just some tips in the meantime if you need to use it right away, that
helped me to sort of get it to work.

From my notes of the problems with version "C".
In your Autoexec.bat

  SET BALEWORK=F:\BALEROUT\
to cause it to save output files in other than the program directory, and
where your desired destination is in this case F:\BALEROUT.  I don't know
if you really need the trailing "\" after the directory name -- they said
you did, different people have conflicting information on that.

  SET VMPATH=F:\SWAPFILE\
to cause it to save temporary files there ("Virtual memeory space" in
Baler terminology) when RAM and EMS are full, instead of to the program
directory.

DO NOT put an entry in the "Working Directory" field of the Icon Settings.
If you do, it won't find the program and either won't start, or it will
start and close down real fast when it can't find some other files it needs
to access in the named "Working Directory".

If you tried to run it in a DOS window, you got two cursors.  To cure this,
they said to set the DOS Session settings to:

MOUSE CURSOR_EXCLUSIVE_ACCESS   ON
DOS_BREAK             ON

Then, when you start the DOS session, you must click the mouse button to
get rid of the "OS/2 pointer" and you will be left with only one, the DOS
mouse cursor.  Unfortunately, that will probably be very jiggly and
unstable.

When you move the mouse around, the upper menu area and the box below it
which says "Create of Edit a Source File" jiggles around and looks like it
is scrolling.  To get it to stop, choose "Create" then "Escape" back out of
the "Create Box" (which you will have to do to get out since the "Cancel"
button will not work.  This was happening at IBM for Jim Gallece too.

It works better in a DOS Full Screen session.  If it crashes, just use the
Window List to get back to the desktop.

The "Cancel" button did not work when click on with the mouse.  I had to
"Escape" out of the Create box.  This did not happen with Jim Gallece's
testing, so he might have had a later version than "C", which I had, in
which this item was already fixed.

They say all this stuff was fixed by Level "G". I hope so!

Were these the same problems you are having, or something else?

Dave Martin  (Honolulu, Hi.) [e-mail]
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 31. Pathwork for DOS, Rumba, in a VDM OS/2 session ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I am installing Pathwork for DOS, Rumba ( a Windows 3270 emulator )
in a OS/2 2.1 VDM session.
Rumba runs on Decnet and I need the Decnet support of Pathwork.
I have installed and configured pathwork, but I have problems when
it starts.

Adpter and protocol are initialized and the bind process is succesful,
I am not able to start the redirector component redir5.exe.
The error message is incorrect DOS version.
In the DOS_VERSION settings of my VDM session I specify :

redir5.exe,5,00,255

But with no result.
Has anyone tried to install pathwork for dos in a VDM session ?
regards Marco Raimondo
**********************************************************************

Marco,

You may want to try this in a booted DOS image instead! Please type
HELP VMDISK in an OS/2 Window!

This should take care of the problem for you, what this does is boots
an actual image of the DOS version you wish to use! Please ensure
that any normal DOS config statements (Emm386, Ansi, ect point to the
C:\OS2\MDOS directory) also make sure FSFILTER is the first file loaded
in the DOS image config.sys.

Ray Latulippe (Boca Electronic Support Team)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 13:26 on 94/04/07 by 75823651 at EHONE ]

Welcome to the club friend....

You just hit the brick wall...  If you check back in the OS2MISC
and OS2LAN cfora you will find bodies strewn all over cyberspace
on this topic, myself included.

I even tried hacking the redir but opted not to, less I anger the
MIS gods here, and went with Pathworks for OS/2.  Bad news is
it isn't much better (only sethost connection to VAX for me).
Good news is, rumor has it, that DEC is aware of the problem, and
is supposedly working on a fix.

Paul J. Feeney - Pfizer Central Research
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 18:55 on 94/04/07 by V$IRLATU at BCRVM1 ]

Booted DOS is not working either.
When I opened a PMR regarding Redir5.exe, Someone from the IBM
Support called me and he said that 'It is Not supported' and closed the
problem.

Geza Szivos <TEAM-OS2> IBMMail(CANOVXVV) The Phoenix Alliance
******  NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBERS  ******
(403)-750-3673   Fax:[phone]
**********************************************************************

Would you give more specific information on this problem?  Maybe I can
help you.

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

Thanks for the kelp upfront.
We are using the DEC PathWorks V4.1 (A backlevel Lan Manager clone
around the Lan Server 1.2 level)
The transport Layer is TCPIP (No DecNet packets).
In the (DOS)config.sys We have to upload four drivers:

DEVICE=\TCPIP\NEMM.DOS
DEVICE=\tcpip\PROTMAN.SYS /I:C:\TCPIP
DEVICE=\TCPIP\ELNK3.DOS
DEVICE=\TCPIP\TCPDRV.DOS /I:C:\TCPIP

In MDOS Marking them DOS 5,00,255 in DOS settings is working fine.
IN the Autoexec.Bat We have to upload a bunch of TSR-s:

netbind
tcplite
tinyrfc
inetname
Redir5.EXE
setname
socktsr
m3open

All of them can be fooled but the Redir5.Exe. (and without the redi-
rector  I can not connect to the PathWorks Host.)

Geza Szivos <TEAM-OS2> IBMMail(CANOVXVV) The Phoenix Alliance
******  NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBERS  ******
(403)-750-3673   Fax:[phone]
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 32. Copy text or graphics into the clipboard from DOS full screen ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

The clip board copies Text information as well as some graphical , but
does not include Color for Background and forground information. You can
how ever set the Color for the Clipboard itself if that is of any help.

Martial Forget  Boca Technical Interface Group
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 33. printing suspends ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I am unable to print from a OS2DOS session whenever there is a WINOS2
session in progress.

The output goes to the OS2 print spooler but will not start to print
until the WINOS2 session is closed.

Any ideas on why this is occuring?

Thx,

George
**********************************************************************

Is the print manager disabled in the WINOS2 session?

Keith Blake (The OS/2 Mole) V: [phone] (IBMMAIL/USPGC9GC)
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 20:33 on 94/04/18 by SAMBATAR at ATLVM10 ]

Make sure of two things, First check the Control Panel settings for the
printer from Win-OS2 and make sure that the Print Manager is disabled,
next check that the port setting you are printing to is selected as
LPT1.OS2 not LPT1.

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 34. How To Get Error Message ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

    Deleted by appender !

Martial Forget  Boca Technical Interface Group
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 35. PC Tools v6 PCBACKUP Creates Corrupted Diskette ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I have a user who runs PCBACKUP in a VDM to backup her DOS user files
(WordPerfect/DOS docs, Freelance/DOS graphic files, etc.).  We discovered
this after a disk failure, of course.  The program indicates that the
backup is successful. But when you try to do a DIR or CHKDSK on the 1.44M
backup diskette, the message "The specified disk/diskette cannot be
accessed" is displayed.  The data that she's been backing up this
way for 4 years cannot be restored.

Anyone have any ideas?

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA
OS/2 Accredited, CIS: 73173,1732
**********************************************************************

If this version of PCTools backup program is the same as the earlier
versions that I have used, it creates backup disks that are formated
differently than standard FAT disks, so that more data can be fitted onto
them.  You can only read them with the PCRestore appliation that is part
of PC Tools.  Try using that facility to view the disk information, you
will also need to have the "log" file that the backup program created
which should be in a directory on your HD or saved to a standard FAT
floppy if you took that option when the backup was completed.

Alan Newman IBM / Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

v6 by default will create diskettes in a DOS-readable format.  Although
there is an option to use the non-standard diskette format that v5 used.

I've done some more testing using both standard and non-standard formats.
After the backup, a message displays that indicates it cannot write the
directory, followed by a prompt to insert diskette 2, even though disk 1
would not have been filled by the amount of data being backed up.

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA
OS/2 Accredited, CIS: 73173,1732
**********************************************************************

The OS/2 2.1 User's Manual on page 299 discusses the Central Point PC
Tools Backup program, the manual seems to indicate that this backup
program may not backup to diskette properly, when it is run under OS/2.
I do not have any other info that may help you read these disks.  You
might try looking at them using the Norton Disk Doctor, under real DOS
and see if this program can give you any indication as to what the
problem with the disk might be.

Alan Newman IBM / Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:19 on 94/04/20 by INOV004 at HONE82 ]

I have an other similar case in which a customer using PCTOOLS,
Pcbackup could not restore there backup diskettes . If they formatted
the diskettes on the machine they performed the backup on, they were
able to backup and restore with no problems. What I suggest is setting
up a regular DOS machine and running pcbackup on it and attempt to
restore the diskettes . If this works then format the diskettes on the
OS2 machine and backup the DOS machine and attempt restoring to the OS2
machine . Let me know if this is successful .

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 36. FSACCESS Questions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Within a VMB, once a FSACCESS has been executed to "disconnect" the
image file from the "A:" drive, is there anyway to reestablish the
connection of A: to the image file?

Is there a way to "unVMDISK" an image file to a diskette?  ie Make
a "DOS BOOTABLE" diskette from the VMDISK'd image?

Paul Kurr
Servantis Systems, Inc.
Norcross, GA
**********************************************************************

Paul
  Couldn't you just put a copy of FORMAT.COM on the diskette image
and use that format to do a format a: /s and then copy the rest of
the image files to the diskette?

e ilsley
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:02 on 94/04/21 by SSIA013 at HONE82 ]

I have tried to find a program that is built into OS2 that will
perform this function , but have not found such a command . I will
continue to look and let you know if I find what you are looking for .

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 16:23 on 94/04/21 by PER518 at HONE83 ]

e,
 That might work fine (although I don't think that an image can do a
format -- but my problem is that a user corrupted the config.sys and/or
the autoexec.bat so that the image doesn't boot any more.  So rather
than rebuild the diskette over (which I have already done), it would be
nice to "place" the image back on diskette and fix it under OS/2 -- then
re image it back to the hard disk.

Paul Kurr
Servantis Systems, Inc.
Norcross, GA
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 13:54 on 94/04/22 by V$IMPFOR at BCRVM1 ]

Thanks,

please see my other reply to an explaination as to why.... if you like

Paul Kurr
Servantis Systems, Inc.
Norcross, GA
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 15:03 on 94/04/25 by SSIA013 at HONE81 ]

Paul
  I have only built .IMGs twice and then it was "Oh how cute." Are
you sure specific versions of format don't work? If so that is one I
should file away. The standard response is probably "You didn't back up
the .IMG?" If it was just the Autoexec.bat messed up can't that be
changed from the settings notebook to something else? I suppose it
wouldn't be a big deal to wrap a SAVEDSKF along with the VMDISK. Wasteful
but not a big deal. Your right though it sure would be neat to see
SAVEDSKF and LOADDSKF and VMDISK merged into one WPS object. Maybe V 2.9
e ilsley
**********************************************************************

e,

>> Are you sure specific versions of format don't work?
>> If so that is one I should file away.

Well start filing.  The FORMAT command does not work from a VMB.
Think about it...  You boot off an image (or diskette) -
The image boot points the "A:" drive to the image so that the boot
sector etc on the image.  Now you change COMSPEC to point to the
local C:\DOS\COMMAND.COM and then you issue an FSACCESS command <poof!>
the boot sector is no longer accessable!  So you can't do a format /s...

Now say we boot from diskette.  Again you have the problem with the
boot sector being on the same drive being formatted -- but lets assume
that there is only one diskette drive on this machine so a FORMAT B: /s
should work -- NOT!  Remember OS/2 is virtualizing the diskette drives;
so when the FORMAT command is issued, the FORMAT command returns the
error "Can not format an ASSIGNed or SUBSTuted drive".

>> The standard response is probably "You didn't back up the .IMG?"

Yes it is backed up on tape, but so are about 10 other server machines
so getting to it would take the better part of a day (8mm tape backup).
It's even easier (quicker) for me to rebuild it from stratch than to
wait for the restore to be done.

>> If it was just the Autoexec.bat messed up can't that be
>> changed from the settings notebook to something else?

Nope.  In a VMB the AUTOEXEC and CONFIG files are those that are found
on the diskette (or image) -- and as far as I know there is no way to
change these actions from the VMB to something else.

>> I suppose it wouldn't be a big deal to wrap a SAVEDSKF along with
>> the VMDISK.

I would be nice for the VMDISK to use the same format as SAVEDSKF/
LOADDSKF  -- IBM are you watching?

>> Maybe V 2.9

Maybe -- we can always hope.

Paul Kurr
Servantis Systems, Inc.
Norcross, GA
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 15:03 on 94/04/25 by SSIA013 at HONE81 ]

Paul, the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files in the IMG file is readable
under a binary editor. Since they are typically smaller than 2KB, you
should be able to REM out the offending commands to make the IMG file
boot up far enough for you to modify them. I have used DEBUG to fix a
crippled IMG file once or twice. (Do a search on FSFILTER.SYS to locate
the CONFIG.SYS FAT cluster in the IMG file.)

Note that each line in a text file is terminated with the 0x0D and 0x0A
combination.

Wing ([e-mail])  IBM Microelectronics, Poughkeepsie, NY. USA
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:42 on 94/04/26 by SSIA013 at HONE82 ]

When you have an image booted from an A: file that is on the HD. You can
access the A: driver normally by issuing the command:
 FSACCESS A:
This cannot be done while you are on A:, so it would fail when you try to
do it in the AUTOEXEC that is running from A:. You could probably remove
the reference with something along the lines of:
C:
RESETA  ; where reseta is a batch file that ends AUTOEXEC's control.

Ken Prevo
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:42 on 94/04/26 by SSIA013 at HONE82 ]

Paul
  Thank you for the time to bring me up to speed on VMBOOT limitations.
You are right. It would be nice if they used the same format. The next
time I have to attempt to build a VMBOOT box I'll be more careful when
adjusting the configuration files. One silly thought, if VMBOOT
used the SAVEDSKF format would the SAVEDSKF compression eliminate the
need for the 'FORMAT the system disk 360k trick'?
Thanks

e ilsley
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:07 on 94/04/26 by WFY316 at PKMFGVM1 ]

Wow!  Should have thought of that (binary edit).  Thanks!

Paul Kurr
Servantis Systems, Inc.
Norcross, GA
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 37. WordPerfect 6.0 in XGA Mode ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I'm running OS/2 2.11 on a PS/2 Model 77 with 16MB of RAM, with and XGA
display. The XGA works fine for OS/2 graphical and Windows applications.

I'm also running WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS in a VDM with 4MB of extended
memory. When I switch the WordPerfect display setting to XGA, I get the
message that it's not supported with the current hardware configuration.

Is there something else I need to do to let the VDM know that XGA is
available? Thanks.

Wil Davies
California Legislature
**********************************************************************

Yes, to allow DOS programs access to the XGA drivers
you need to install the XGA Device Drivers, DOS, Windows, and
AutoCAD Support diskette that came with your adapter.

This will create two directories: XGAPCDOS & XGA$DMQS

You will already have an XGA$DMQS directory on your OS/2 boot partition.
I did not know whether to install the DOS XGA$DMQS into OS/2's, so I was
cautious and installed it on another partition.  This seems to work.

To have XGA available in all DOS sessions, I added this to my CONFIG.SYS:

   DEVICEHigh=D:\XGAPCDOS\XGAAIDOS.SYS d:\xga$dmqs

I also got the most recent version of the DOS diskette from this BBS.
I think it's called XGA211.

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA
OS/2 Accredited, CIS: 73173,1732
**********************************************************************

>I also got the most recent version of the DOS diskette from this BBS.
>I think it's called XGA211.
>
>Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA
>OS/2 Accredited, CIS: 73173,1732
>

Hmmmm, Chris you seem knowledgeable about WP60 under OS/2.  Is there a
way to run it in a Window with graphics mode turned on in WordPerfect
without WordPerfect suspending?  If I want a window I have to use text
mode.  If I want graphics I have to use a full screen.  Is it possible
in any configuration for the graphics to work in a window?

Gary Pool  MO Dept. Social Services
* EPM *  Press <CTRL>-<ALT>-<DEL> to continue ...
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 00:38 on 94/04/23 by INOV004 at HONE81 ]

Thanks Chris. XGA is working well (albeit a little slowly) now.

Wil Davies
California Legislature
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 13:02 on 94/04/25 by POOLMWV at HONE81 ]

Gary, I don't actually have WP60 yet.  I was extrapolating from my
previous experience using the XGA.VRS driver for WP51 in a VDM.  My
response was for general XGA access in VDM, which I was sure would work
for 6.0.

And, no.  XGA connot be windowed.  To window WP51 graphics, I had to
lower the graphics resolution in WP setup to VGA 320x200.  This was
ok for windowed mode, but was useless in full-screen mode.  I'd use
XGA graphics resolution, VGA text, then just switch to full-screen
when you want to view graphics.

Chris Makris, INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA
OS/2 Accredited, CIS: 73173,1732
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 38. BIOS Int13h in Os2 2.x dos boxes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

Ref:   None

From: Mark Chater
To:  All

I have written a dos program which reads floppy disks which have
8K sectors instead of the usual 512 bytes.  It does not work under
OS2 2.0 or 2.1, as I get error 04 back from the INT13h (sector not
found) if any disk access have been done previously.
If I do this on a newly inserted disk I get error 06 (floppy disk
removed), then success, then repeated error 04's.  Unfortunately
I have to do a number of other disk reads before I can read the
8K sector so this is not a viable solution.
Does anyone have any idea how I can work around this (the same code
works fine on any version of MS/PC/DR DOS and with just about any
BIOS you care to name), as I don't understand how OS/2 2.x handles
its floppy disks.

Many thanks

Mark Chater

* EMEA OS/2 Developer Assistance Program BBS
* gHostNet(0057002C01000000 2dbc24b4)
**********************************************************************

Mark ,

For what it is worth , your program maybe conflicting with the OS2
floppy device driver. IBM1FLPY.ADD  may not allow for some of the
features you have added to your program . It maybe helpful to look in
this direction .

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 15:16 on 94/04/25 by EMEADAP at WINVMB ]

Are you running from a regular dos box (MVDM) or are you running
from a booted version of real dos (VMB) to try getting direct
access to sectors?

{Rich Corbett, Mgr. Sys. .................. voice:[phone]}
{ABC Liquors, Inc. ...... (NASPA:CORBRIC7) .. fax:[phone]}
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 15:16 on 94/04/25 by EMEADAP at WINVMB ]

Mark, I recently created a tiny com program with dos debug, just
to see if I could write a sector to a floppy disk from a VDM.
I could write the sector, but I noticed some strange behavior
when using the INT 13H calls, so I suspect it may be a timing
problem.  You might try getting one of those "priority booster"
virtual device drivers so that you can boost the priority of the
dos session running your program(if the program hogs the CPU, you
can always insert some calls to INT 2FH AX=1680H(surrender time
slice)to try to balance things out.  I'm not sure this will effect
what's happening in this case, but it may be worth a try.

Mike Kelly IBM : Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 00:52 on 94/04/28 by ABLI001 at HONE81 ]

From: Mark Chater
To:  ABLI001 at HONE81╨╢

Rich

I'm trying to do the disk access from a MVDM, it works fine in Dos from
drive A:, but the next bit of my program needs to read and write the Hard
disk, and I don't seem to be able to access the hard disk in this
mode (I've never tried running a VMB before, so I don't know if I can
read the hard disk from there).

Mark Chater @ Microcosm

* EMEA OS/2 Developer Assistance Program BBS
* gHostNet(0057002C01000000 2dcaa03c) reply to (0008037800580000 B4DCCA14)
**********************************************************************

Mark, Pardon Me for Jumping In but OS/2 should trap any attempt by
a dos application to write a hard disk sector directly, either using
INT 13H or the Dos INT 26H.  It should let you read a sector however.

This is the reason that some of the functions in the PC TOOLS toolkit
and other dos disk tools(such as disk defraggers) do not work in OS/2
Dos Emulation, whether VDM or VMB.  The system is trying to prevent a
dos application from doing things such as writing over the hard disk
boot sector.  I hope this helps.

Regards,
Mike Kelly  IBM : Boca Electronic Support Team
========================================
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 39. DOS Security App (sort of) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I have installed a real estate application on a 486 clone. The app has
software security built in. The app runs fine under when the machine is
boot from dos (Dual Boot). But when trying to run it under a VDM, the
app traps out and fails to run. The software security replaces a hardware
device (a dongle).

Bob Rottinger, Chicago Mercantile Exchnage
**********************************************************************

Is the DOS application using Blk Device Drivers .These are dos drivers
that attempt to take control of H/W directly .These drivers will cause
problems when run under OS2, since OS2 does not allow device driver to
reach RING0 and directly control Hardware.You will have to call the
vendor and find out if this is the case. Also can you be more specific
on the TRAP error you are receiving and possibly include the name and
version of the application.

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 40. XGA Support problem for WP Presentations in DOS-fullscreen ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

I've installed XGA support by running install from the XGA Device
Drivers disk (latest), this line was added to my config.sys:
  DEVICE=C:/XGAPCDOS/XGAAIDOS.SYS C:/XGA$DMQS

XGADEMO.EXE works fine. When I switch from VGA to XGA in WP
Presentations, I get the high resolution and after the first action
an error message
 "SYS3176: A program in this session encountered a problem and
 cannot continue"

 Has anyone seen this before, and is there a solution?

 Frans de Kok
**********************************************************************

Frans, one of the "work-arounds" to avoid SYS3176 errors in wp 5.1
is to set the wp video setting to IBM VGA.  This may be what's
happening in your case, that the way wp uses XGA is just not
compatible with OS/2 Dos Emulation.  ( I would just caution that
something may have been fixed since I last worked with this problem,
so if anyone has been in contact with the folks at Word Perfect and
knows of a resolution to the problems with XGA, please chime in. )

Mike Kelly IBM : Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 14:07 on 94/04/29 by 40948092 at EHONE ]

I have found a similiar problem that was corrected by using the
updated version of IBMXGA32.DLL . The apar number is PJ11716 and should
be referred to when calling the 1-800-3IBM-OS2 for the fix.

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 41. WordPerfect 5.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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

We have several users that are experiencing the same problem
in WP 5.1.  While editing a document, their keyboards "lock up".
That is, the keys cease to function; a keypress merely causes a
beep.  Oddly enough, they can still use the mouse.  Since they
have the menu bar active they can exit gracefully and even save the
document (unless it is un-named because they can't type the name).
This seems to occur randomly; I have not been able to detect any
commonalities.  Any ideas?

Bob Ortbals - Manager, Regulatory Information Center
Missouri Department of Economic Development
Jefferson City, MO 65102  Phone: [phone]
**********************************************************************

Bob, the keyboard lockup sound familiar.  I believe there may be a
workaround in an info fax we have for wp 5.1.  I'm working on getting
a copy of it now.  When I do, I'll post the paragraph that applies
(that is if I remember the contents of this fax correctly).

Mike Kelly IBM : Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:08 on 94/05/02 by CA040 at HONE83 ]

Bob, this may not be a direct hit, but it does concern wp 5.1 locking
up after switching between it and the desktop.  The section of the
fax is pasted below:

o  HANGS WHILE SHIFTING FROM WORDPERFECT IN A
  VDM TO ANOTHER SESSION OR THE DESKTOP

Change the Wordperfect settings by pressing the (SHIFT-F1) key,
or select (FILE) from the Menu Bar.  Proceed with the following
selections:

      SETUP
      DISPLAY
      TEXT SCREEN TYPE
      IBM (VGA AND COMPATIBLES)

Mike Kelly IBM : Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:08 on 94/05/02 by CA040 at HONE83 ]

>This seems to occur randomly; I have not been able to detect any
>commonalities.  Any ideas?

Bob, I shouldn't even be talking to you! <g>  I found out my name
was the first one drawn out of the hat and yours was the last.  *I*
should have that ValuePoint computer instead of OS/2 for Windows!
Wanna trade?

At any rate, this is a known WordPerfect problem.  I heard about it
about a year ago, but the details are no longer fresh in my mind.  It
has something to do with the way WP 5.1 scans for keystrokes.  It
will sometime lock-up under OS/2.  This does not occur under 6.0a and
I *thought* WP had a fix for 5.1, but maybe not.  They should certainly
be aware of it, though, and let you know if there is any kind of fix
other than upgrading.

Gary Pool  MO Dept. Social Services
* EPM *  This bran of humor should be oatlawed.
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:08 on 94/05/02 by CA040 at HONE83 ]

From your append I was not able to tell if you are using OS2 machines
on a   network and what version of OS2 you are using . Also can you
specify what    Network Operating system you are using as well as
what requestor if applicable.

Martial Forget  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:08 on 94/05/02 by CA040 at HONE83 ]

Martial:

We're using OS/2 version 2.1 and
IBM OS/2 LAN Server version 3.0 with OS/2 Requester.

Bob Ortbals - Manager, Regulatory Information Center
Missouri Department of Economic Development
Jefferson City, MO 65102  Phone: [phone]
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:08 on 94/05/02 by CA040 at HONE83 ]

The problem with WordPerfect 5.1 may be the fact that one of the DOS
settings is incorrect.  In the DOS settings for the program icon set
KBD_BUFFER_EXTEND=OFF. If this does not solve your problem please furnish
the following information:

OS/2 version(from SYSLEVEL command).
Is the system executing WP 5.1 from a LAN or locally?
If you are using LAN software, please state Names and version(s).
Type of PC equipment.

Tom Haug  Boca Electronic Support Team
**********************************************************************

Actually this may be a combination of known problems in both OS/2's
DOS keyboard emulation code and the "ill behaved" way WordPerfect (and
many other applications) trapped keyboard interrupts.  I helped WP
solve their problem with their keyboard interrupt handling code and
this change is in their WP 5.x Interim Update and 6.x level code.
                ------- ------
There is also an OS/2 part of the problem that was partly fixed in the
2.1 level (and may be better in the 2.11 level - I have not checked it)
that can not be fixed until some major work can be done on part of the
code.  The MicroSoft WINDOWS 3.x DOS box has the same problems.

The next time the problem occurs, try pressing and then releasing each of
the two "Shift", "Ctrl" and "Alt" keys on the keyboard.  The beeps may be
telling you the DOS session and/or WP code thinks one or more of the
shift state keys are being held down.  Also try the "Esc" and "SysRq".

If this clears the keyboard hang, its the know problems and you should
be able get out of it this way.  There is a way to use DOS's 5.x or 6.x
KEY.COM and KEYBOARD.SYS modules to avoid the problem, by loading them
in the DOS box prior to loading WP.  Or WP Interim Update can solve it.

If the pressing and releasing of all the shift keys and then doing an
"Alt+SysReq" do not clear the hang, then its a different problem and
you need to get all the information back to OS/2 support as suggested.

One more point?  Can you hot key (Alt+ESC or Ctrl+ESC) out of the DOS
session?  Does the Num Lock and Caps Lock toggle the LED?  Does pressing
the "Shift" key cause a beep?
                       Jack  GULLEY at BCRVMPC2
                       BIOS Problem Determination
                       Engineering Software PDT
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 17:08 on 94/05/02 by CA040 at HONE83 ]

Thanks for all the tips.  I will check them out and provide
the results.

Bob Ortbals - Manager, Regulatory Information Center
Missouri Department of Economic Development
Jefferson City, MO 65102  Phone: [phone]
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 02:34 on 94/05/06 by GULLEY at BCRVMPC2 ]

Could you tell us about the .SYS trick?

{Rich Corbett, Mgr. Sys. .................. voice:[phone]}
{ABC Liquors, Inc. ...... (NASPA:CORBRIC7) .. fax:[phone]}
**********************************************************************

[Reference to append at 20:38 on 94/05/02 by LNK9034 at HONE81 ]

Mark,

One of the statements in CONFIG.SYS for the VMB is FSFILTER.  This
statement must preceed all other block device statements in the VMB's
CONFIG.SYS so that the VMB will be able to see all of the partitions.

Please check the VMB CONFIG.SYS to insure that FSFILTER is first.

Thanks.

Tom Haug  Boca Electronic Support Team