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Serial File Copy Version 3.5 Feb 1994 This software is provided as-is. There are no warranties, expressed or implied. Copyright (C) 1989,1990,1991,1992 By MarshallSoft Computing, Inc. All rights are reserved. MarshallSoft Computing, Inc. Post Office Box 4543 Huntsville, AL. 35815 (205) 881-4630 5-9M CST M-F _______ ____|__ | (R) --| | |------------------- | ____|__ | Association of | | |_| Shareware |__| o | Professionals -----| | |--------------------- |___|___| MEMBER Users Manual page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page 1.0 Introduction............................. 3 1.1 User Support......................... 3 1.2 ASP Ombudsman........................ 3 2.0 Summary of SFC Features.................. 4 3.0 Distribution Files....................... 4 4.0 Null Modem Cables........................ 5 4.1 Purchasing a Null Modem Cable........ 5 4.2 Building a Null Modem Cable.......... 5 5.0 Serial COM Ports......................... 7 6.0 Running SFC.............................. 8 6.1 Startup Menu........................ 9 6.2 Startup Problems.................... 10 6.3 Status Window....................... 11 6.4 Command Menu........................ 12 6.5 Terminating SFC..................... 13 6.6 CRC Calculations.................... 13 7.0 Support Programs......................... 14 7.1 CLONE, GETSFC, and PUTSFC........... 14 7.2 LOOPBACK............................ 14 7.3 TERM................................ 14 7.4 MODEM............................... 14 7.5 PORTEXAM............................ 14 7.6 CHECKCRC............................ 15 7.7 GETFILE and PUTFILE................. 15 7.8 DRIVES.............................. 16 7.9 SETCOM3 and SETCOM4................. 16 7.10 FLAGS............................... 16 8.0 Performance.............................. 17 8.1 Test Results........................ 17 8.2 Other Tests......................... 17 9.0 Using SFC to back up HARD DISKS.......... 18 10.0 User Registration........................ 19 11.0 Revision History......................... 20 12.0 Other MarshallSoft Products.............. 22 12.1 Personal Comm Library for C........ 22 12.2 Personal Comm Library for Pascal... 22 13.0 License.................................. 23 14.0 Warranty................................. 23 Users Manual page 2 1.0 Introduction The Serial File Copy program SFC is designed to allow the transfer of disk files ( including entire directories which may themselves contain directories ) between any two IBM PC compatible computers using standard RS232 serial ports. The SFC program is particularly useful in copying files between IBM PC compatibles with 5.25" disks and those with 3.5" disks such as the IBM PS/2 and the various IBM PC compatible laptops. The computers must both be IBM PC compatible ( this includes the TANDY 1000 ) with 256 KB or more of RAM. SFC is also an easy way to backup a hard disk onto the hard disk of another computer. Both computers ( between which you want to transfer files ) must have RS232 serial ports configured for use with a modem. COM1, COM2, COM3 or COM4 may be used. Baud rate of 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, or 115200 may be selected. 1.1 User Support If you are having a problem using SFC, call us at 205-881-4630 between 5 PM and 9 PM CST Monday through Saturday, or FAX us at the same telephone number at any time (24 hours). You can also call at other times and leave a message, and call back later for a reply. However, we can only answer questions with respect to using the PCL4C library. You may also call our User Support BBS (2400 to 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit) at 205-880-9748 and leave a message (address it to the SYSOP). We will usually have a reply ready for you within 24 hours. The BBS is available 24 hours per day except at 2 PM Sundays for maintenanace. All files are in standard ZIP format. The BBS will contain the latest shareware version of all MarshallSoft products as well as related files such as: BUGS.ZIP -- Bug report. NEWS.ZIP -- Latest news regarding our products. Of course, you can always write to us. You should receive a reply within a week or so. 1.2 ASP Ombudsman MarshallSoft Computing, Inc. is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545 Grover Road, Muskegon, MI USA 49442-9427, Fax 616-788-2765, or send a CompuServe message via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536. Users Manual page 3 2.0 Summary of SFC Features o Supports COM1, COM2, COM3 and COM4. o Supports baud rates from 1200 to 115200. o Select groups of files with DOS wildcards ( eg: *.DOC ) o Select entire directories ( recursively ). o Complete disk & transfer status on screen. o On line help provided for all SFC commands. o Option to send only files with a later timestamp. o Option to send only files with ARCHIVE attribute set. o Option to send files with READ ONLY attribute set. o Load DOS Shell from within SFC. o Full 16 bit CRC checksum is used. o Bad file packets are automatically retransmitted. o Change logged drive and path from within SFC. o Display directories from within SFC. o File date & time preserved after copying. o Supports batch file lists ( lists of files to send ). o Option to send or skip any file from selected group. o Can print files on remote computer. o Choice of B&W or color displays. o Can save choices in configuration file. 3.0 Distribution Files If a previous version of SFC is used to copy the distribution files be sure to rename the older version so that there is no attempt to run the older version with the newer version. The following files should be on the SFC distribution disk: SFC.EXE -- The executable Serial File Copy ( SFC ) program. SFC.DOC -- The SFC Users Manual. SFC.HLP -- File required for on-line help ( Type F1 for help ). SFC.QRC -- Quick reference card. SFC.CFG -- SFC configuration file. SFC.INV -- Invoice ready to print (shareware only). SFCSW.EXE - Displays shareware screen for SFC (shareware only). Registered users are also provided with the following support programs. None are necessary in order to run SFC, but are provided as a "Thank You" for registering. For a description of these programs see the section on "Support Programs". CLONE.COM -- 'Clones' SFC on the target computer. CLONE.DOC -- CLONE documentation file. GETSFC.COM -- Created by CLONE on the target computer. PUTSFC.COM -- Sends SFC to GETSFC on the target computer. LOOPBACK.COM -- Performs loopback testing on specified port. TERM.EXE -- Simple communications program. MODEM.EXE -- Controls and displays modem control status. PORTEXAM.EXE -- Displays all information about specified port. CHECKCRC.EXE -- Computes the CRC for any file. DRIVES.EXE -- Displays disk drive usage for range of drives. SETCOM3.COM -- Installs COM3 address ( 3E8 ) in BIOS table. SETCOM4.COM -- Installs COM4 address ( 2E8 ) in BIOS table. FLAGS.EXE -- Examine, sets, or clears file attributes. GETFILE.COM -- Copies files from PUTFILE using BIOS calls only. PUTFILE.COM -- Copies files to GETFILE using BIOS call only. Users Manual page 4 4.0 Null Modem Cables A 'null modem cable' is necessary to connect two computers together using the RS232 modem ports. They are widely available or can be home built for less than $10. 4.1 Purchasing a Null Modem Cable A null modem cable can be purchased ready for use or can be assembled by connecting a 'null modem adapter' to a normal RS232 modem cable. Null modem adapters and cables can be purchased from several sources such as Radio Shack and most electronics parts houses. "Computer Shopper" regularly carries advertisements for null modem adapters and cables. Be advised that not all null modem adapters and cables connect all the lines that may be necessary. Although all should work for SFC some may not work for the MSDOS CTTY command which is used by the CLONE program. 4.2 Building a Null Modem Cable Building the null modem cable is easy. The only tricky part is being absolutely positive that you have identified the correct pins. Refer to the diagrams below as necessary. The pin numbering is shown for the front of each connector, where the pins ( male ) or holes ( female ) are located. When viewed from the back side ( where the wires are soldered ) the pins and holes run in the opposite direction. Soldering is recommended, although solderless connectors which use crimp pins can be used instead. You can also solder each wire to a crimp pin as its much easier than soldering the wire directly onto the connector. Male DB 25 Male DB 9 ***************************************** ***************** * 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 * * 1 2 3 4 5 * * 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 * * 6 7 8 9 * *************************************** *************** Female DB 25 Female DB 9 ***************************************** ***************** * 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 * * 5 4 3 2 1 * * 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 * * 9 8 7 6 * *************************************** *************** DB 25 DB 9 Pin Definition 7 5 Signal Ground ( SG ) 2 3 Transmit Data ( TX ) 3 2 Receive Data ( RX ) 20 4 Data Terminal Ready ( DTR ) 6 6 Data Set Ready ( DSR ) 4 7 Request to Send ( RTS ) 5 8 Clear to Send ( CTS ) 8 1 Carrier Detect ( CD ) Users Manual page 5 SFC itself requires only signal ground (SG), transmit (TX), and receive (RX) lines in order to operate. The first step is to determine the type of connectors required. Examine the RS232 connectors on your computers. You will need to purchase connectors that mate with the computers connectors. For example, lets say that you have a laptop with a male DB 9 connector and a desktop with a female DB 25 connector. Then you need a female DB 9 and a male DB 25 connector for your cable. IBM ATs and laptops require a female DB 9 to mate while most XT class machines require a female DB 25 to mate. The DB 25 and DB 9 connectors can be purchased at most electronics parts houses. Radio Shack also stocks both solder type and solderless DB connectors. Next you will need about 6 feet of ordinary 4-wire solid phone cable, although any 3-wire cable of 24 to 20 gauge can be substituted. If the CLONE program is to be used then 5 wires are required. Up to 50 feet of cable can be used. Shielded cable is even better but not necessary. Cable can be purchased by the foot at most stores that sell it. Once the connectors and cable have been purchased you are ready to assemble your null modem cable. First connect the signal ground ( SG ) line straight between connectors. Then connect Transmit Data ( TX ) from one connector to Receive Data ( RX ) on the other. If you wish to use the SFC cloning program CLONE you must also connect Data Terminal Ready ( DTR ) from the end connected to the computer running CLONE to Data Set Ready ( DSR ) on the other end. Some computers ( like my TANDY 3000 ) also require you to connect Request To Send ( RTS ) from the end connected to the computer running CLONE to Clear To Send ( CTS ) on the other end. You then should have either 3 ( or 5 in order to use CLONE ) lines connected between connectors. Once completed, test the TX and RX connections by running the TERM ( or any terminal emulator ) program on both sides. Whatever is typed on one side is displayed on the other. Finally, test the remaining connections by cloning SFC from one computer to the other. Refer to the Pin Definition Table above in order to identify the correct pins for your connector. When viewing the connector side of both the DB 9 and DB 25 with the wide part at the top, the pins are numbered left to right, top to bottom. Most connectors have the pin numbers on the connector itself but are often difficult to read because they are very small. If you have never soldered before, you should use either solderless connectors ( you crimp the wires on ) or find a friend who has some experience soldering. Remember that soldering doesn't have to be pretty in order to work. Practice a little first with some spare wire if you are out of practice. When you have completed construction of your null modem cable, verify that the correct pins have been connected. If you cannot get SFC to operate, then most likely you made a mistake in constructing your cable. Users Manual page 6 5.0 Serial COM Ports IBM PC compatible computers can have up to four or more serial ports. The BIOS table located at address 40:0000 has room for four communication port addresses -- COM1 to COM4. During boot up, the COM1 and COM2 addresses are placed in the BIOS table providing that the hardware is present. Unfortunately, the COM3 and COM4 addresses are not placed in the table in DOS versions before 3.3. This oversight can be corrected by using DEBUG to assemble the following program SETCOM3 which should be added to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. When executed, this program will place the standard COM3 port address 03E8 in the BIOS table. For COM4, change 03E8 to 02E8 and [0004] to [0006]. PUSH DS MOV AX,0040 MOV DS,AX MOV AX,03E8 MOV [0004],AX POP DS MOV AX,4C00 INT 21 If you have never used DEBUG, refer to your MSDOS manual for detailed instructions. SETCOM3.COM and SETCOM4.COM are provided with the registered version of SFC. For example, if your computer is configured with COM1, COM2, and COM3 but not COM4, put SETCOM3.COM ( but not SETCOM4.COM ) into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that it is run when your computer boots up. Users Manual page 7 6.0 Running SFC To begin, you will need SFC loaded onto both computers between which you want to copy files. If one computer has a 5.25" drive and the other has a 3.5" drive but you have SFC on only one disk , then you have 2 options: (1) You can use a general purpose communications program such as PROCOMM, QMODEM, or TELIX to copy the SFC files from one machine to the other, or (2) registered users can use the SFC CLONE.COM program ( See Appendix A ). Connect your PC compatible computers together with a null modem cable between the RS232 ports ( the port used to talk to a modem ). Be sure that you are using a proper null modem cable rather than a standard cable. Normally, SFC can be started on both computers by typing 'SFC' on each. This is referred to as the AUTOSYNC startup. On some computers, AUTOSYNC will not work well. In this case, choose one computer to be the MASTER and the other the SLAVE. It makes no difference which is which. Start SFC on the MASTER by typing "SFC M" followed by the ENTER key. Start SFC on the SLAVE by typing "SFC S" followed by the ENTER key. If AUTOSYNC is specified on one side, it must also be specified on the other. When SFC starts up, it looks for the SFC configuration file SFC.CFG in the current directory. If it is not there, it looks for the SFC environment variable "SFC=". If the environment variable exists, SFC will use it to find the configuration file. For example, suppose that SFC.EXE, SFC.HLP, and SFC.CFG are in the C:\DOS directory. If you have previously typed SET SFC=C:\DOS then SFC will be able to find the SFC.CFG & SFC.HLP files. The best approach is to put the SET environment statement in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The use of the SFC environment variable is optional, but recommended. Users Manual page 8 6.1 Startup Menu After startup, a menu will be displayed at the bottom of the screen with 8 options. Use up and down arrow keys to move the menu bar -- use ENTER to make selection. Note that on-line help is available by typing function key 1 ( F1 ). CONNECT: Attempts to connect to the other computer. The baud rate must be the same on both computers. If you mistakenly start SFC with the wrong baud rate or port, type "CTRL" and "BREAK" simultaneously to kill SFC so that you can start over. SET BAUD: Allows the user to select the baud rate. Choose 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200 baud. SET COM PORT: Allows the user to select the communications port, COM1 to COM4. SFC uses the port addresses in the BIOS table. If you have hardware installed for COM3 or COM4 you may need to install the port addresses in this table. See section 5.0. Of course, hardware must exist for the port selected. SET LPT PORT: Allows the user to select the printer port, LPT1 to LPT3 for printing by the remote system. B&W or COLOR: The toggles between black and white and color mode. Use "Save Config." ( see below ). When SFC is restarted, the selected mode will be in effect. TOGGLE FLAGS: Allows the user to toggle each of the five runtime options ( ARC, ASK, CHK, DIR, and R/O ). The current setting is always displayed in the status area. For a definition of the runtime options, see section 6.3. SAVE CONFIG: After selected the baud rate, COM port, LPT port, and B&W or color, use this selection to save the configuration. The next time that SFC is run, it will be initialized as configured. QUIT: Quits and returns to MSDOS. Set the port and/or baud rate on both computers if the default ( COM1 at 115200 is not acceptable. Then select the CONNECT option. SFC will now attempt connection to the other computer. Users Manual page 9 6.2 Startup Problems If the message "Connection completed" is not displayed then the computers are not talking to each other. The problem may be one of the following: (1) You must start SFC on both computers! SFC should be started on both computers within one minute of each other. (2) The wrong port is selected. For example, if SFC is told to use COM1 but COM2 is actually connected to the cable. (3) You may have selected different baud rates. They must match ! Recall that the default baud rate is 115200. (4) You do not have a null modem cable connecting the two. A normal cable ( without a null modem adapter ) will not work. Test the null modem cable by running TERM or any terminal emulation program. Whatever is typed on one side is displayed on the other. If this does not happen then you have a problem with your null modem cable. (5) One of the computers may be configured as DCE ( in order to talk to a serial printer ) instead of DTE ( in order to talk to a modem ). In this case, a normal cable ( instead of a null modem cable ) will work. (6) Your serial port is defective. This is unlikely. Registered users can run LOOPBACK to test the port. (7) Your COM ports are not defined sequentially. Your first port must be COM1, the second COM2, etc. This means that you shouldn't have COM2 defined but not COM1. (8) Your PC is not IBM hardware compatible! For example, the TANDY 2000 is not hardware compatible with respect to the serial ports. Occasionally, SFC will run correctly for a while and then lock up. This is almost always due to a marginal homemade null modem cable. If you use SFC on a regular basis, then you should either buy or make a SHIELDED cable. Remember that typing "CTRL" and "BREAK" simultaneously will kill SFC if you get hung up and the menus don't work. If SFC will not connect, then use the manual mode on COM1 at 9600 baud: Type "SFC M" on one computer and "SFC S" on the other. If you still cannot get communication between computers, registered users can call the technical support telephone number (205) 881-4630 after 5:00 PM CST Monday through Friday or Saturday after 2:00 PM CST for assistance. Users Manual page 10 6.3 Status Window The "Status" window contains information having to do with the status of SFC. The definition of each field follows: PORT: The Communications port ( COM1 to COM4 ) is displayed. BAUD: The baud rate ( 1200 to 115200 ) is displayed. UNIT: # bytes per allocation unit is displayed. Space for disk files is always allocated as a multiple of this value. DISK: The currently logged disk drive is displayed. PATH: The current directory path is displayed. MODE: Runtime mode is displayed. "ready" -- Displayed when ready to accept keyboard input. "MENU" -- Displayed after having selected a menu command. "send" -- Displayed while sending files. "receive" -- Displayed while receiving files. FREE: Free disk space in bytes is displayed. Five runtime options ( ARC, ASK, CHK, DIR, R/O ) are also displayed as either "On" or "Off". All options can be toggled between "On" and "Off" by use of the "Toggle Flags" selection of the command menu ( See section 6.4 ). All flags are normally off. ASK: Asks the user for permission before sending each file. Typically selected when using wildcards in specifying a range of files for which you wish to exclude some files. DIR: Enables sending of files in subdirectories ( recursively ). For example, to send all "*.ASM" files on the C drive, select the C drive and the root path, turn on the DIR flag, and then send "*.ASM" with "Send File(s)". CHK: Send only files with a later date & time if file already exists. Normally off, toggle this on if you want to do a backup of more recently modified files. "...skipped(CHK)" is displayed if the file is not copied because of the CHK option. ARC: Send only files where the ARCHIVE attribute is set, then turn off the ARCHIVE attribute. An ARCHIVE attribute is maintained by MSDOS for each file on your disk. It is automatically set each time the file is written to and closed. Please refer to your MSDOS manual. R/O: Allows the sending of read only (R/O) files. Many users mark their executable programs as read only using the MSDOS ATTRIB program. Since one normally doesn't need to back up applications and systems programs, the R/O flag provides a convenient method for excluding read only files from copies. Note: All options need only be set on the sending computer. Users Manual page 11 6.4 Command Menu The Command Menu contains the choices the user has once SFC has connected. Use the up and down arrow keys to move the menu bar and ENTER to make your selection. Once one of the choices is selected, the user can return without SFC performing the selected function by typing the ESC key. Type the F1 function key for help. QUIT: Quits SFC and returns to MSDOS. SET CURRENT DRIVE: Changes the currently selected drive. The user can "log onto" any legal DOS drive ( A, B, etc. ). If you change diskettes then you must always select the SET DRIVE option before continuing. SET CURRENT PATH: Changes the currently selected path. When this option is selected, a "Enter Path:" prompt is displayed. The user then edits the current path which is displayed. All paths must start with a backslash ( full path name ). When the user is satisfied, typing ENTER will save the path. Then MSDOS will attempt to change the "current" path. If successful, the new path will be displayed in the "Status" window. DIRECTORY: Displays a directory of files requested. When this option is selected, a "Enter files" prompt is displayed. The user then types the file or files ( using the MSDOS wildcards * and ? ). Filenames can be edited similarly to paths. SEND FILE(S): Sends files to the other computer. No special action is required on the receiving side except that both sides must have previously selected CONNECT. The user will be prompted for the filename in the same way as when "Directory" was selected including the use of the MSDOS wildcards * and ?. If you specify that a directory is to be sent and the DIR option is set to "On", then all files in that directory ( including other directories ) will be sent. In this way entire directory structures can be copied. The date and time for normal files ( but not directories ) will be preserved. An indirect file can also be specified by prefixing the filename by the '@' character. An indirect file is a standard ASCII text file containing the list of files to be sent. The indirect file must have been previously prepared and contain one filename ( wildcards accepted ) per line. Indirect files are typically used to specify a list of files that are transferred on a regular basis. Users Manual page 12 REMOTE PRINT: Sends the specified file to the remote ( other ) computer for printing. No wildcards are allowed. The printing can be canceled at any time by typing any key before the normal end of the print job. TOGGLE FLAGS: Allows the user to toggle each of the five runtime options ( ARC, ASK, CHK, DIR, and R/O ). The current setting is always displayed in the status area. For a definition of the runtime options, see section 6.3. DOS SHELL: Loads the DOS shell, allowing the user to execute DOS commands. The user must be very careful not to execute any command that changes the serial ports or modifies the screen environment. Please note that many application programs do change the screen environment. It is safer to stay with the standard DOS commands unless a particular executable has been previously tested. Use the MSDOS EXIT command to return to SFC. When entering text in response to any of the above commands, type ESC to return back to the main menu without selecting. The editor starts in "Overstrike" mode ( each typed character overlays the previous character ), but can be switched to "Insert" mode ( each typed character is inserted at the cursor, shifting all characters to the right over one space) by typing the INSERT key ( which toggles between Overstrike and Insert mode ). The DELETE key deletes the character underneath the cursor. The END key moves the cursor to the end of the string, while the HOME key moves the cursor to the start of the string. 6.5 Terminating SFC A series of files being transmitted can be terminated ( without aborting the system ) by typing ESC on the sending side during transmission. The user will be returned to the SFC menu after the completion of the current file transmission. The user may break out of SFC at any time and return to MSDOS by typing "CTRL" and "BREAK" simultaneously. This should only be used when the program hangs for some reason and SFC does not respond to the keyboard. Always try to use the menu selection QUIT to quit SFC and return to MSDOS rather than Control Break. 6.6 CRC Calculations A full 16 bit Cyclic Redundancy Check ( CRC ) using the CCITT ( The Consultative Committee in International Telegraphy and Telephony ) polynomial is used by SFC. The CRC of each file is computed before transmission by the sender and sent along with the file being transmitted. The receiver then computes the CRC of the received file and compares it to the CRC sent. If the CRCs match, then the file is considered to be correct and a "OK" is displayed. CRC calculations are considered to be the best available method for verifing data integrity. They are much superior to checksums and detect 99.99 percent of data errors. If an error is detected, the offending packet ( part of the file ) will be re-transmitted Users Manual page 13 7.0 Support Programs The following support programs are not necessary in order to run SFC but are provided as a "Thank You" for registered users. 7.1 CLONE, PUTSFC, and PUTSFC. Don't have SFC on the target computer ? The CLONE program provides a way to 'clone' SFC onto another computer. The program PUTSFC is used to send a copy of SFC to GETSFC which is created by CLONE on the target computer. With CLONE you only need your null modem cable to connect to computers with a different disk format. Cloning is fully described in CLONE.DOC. 7.2 LOOPBACK If you suspect that your serial port may be defective, then use LOOPBACK to test the internal circuitry. The serial ports have a built in 'loop back' test capability which is used by the LOOPBACK program. For example, to test the COM1 port, type 'LOOPBACK 1' 7.3 TERM Need a simple communications program to test your null modem cable ? TERM is a terminal emulator program in which everything typed on one machine is displayed on the other, and vice versa. Connect your two computers together with a null modem cable and then run TERM on each side. Usage is "TERM port baud" where port = 1,2,3,4 and baud = 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200. For example, type "TERM 1 1200" for COM1 at 1200 baud. 7.4 MODEM The MODEM program is used to turn the modem control lines DTR and RTS on and off, and to display DTR, DSR, RTS, and CTS. MODEM can help you test out your null modem cable. For example, to work with COM3, type 'MODEM 3'. A menu will be displayed providing all options. 7.5 PORTEXAM The PORTEXAM program will tell you all you ever wanted to know about the status of any serial port. It reports the serial port address, the interrupt vector, the location of the ISR code, the status of all modem control and modem status lines, and if the serial interrupt is enabled. Very useful as a cable testing program and for advanced users. For example, to examine COM1 type 'PORTEXAM 1'. PORTEXAM does not reset the port so that the "current" status of the port can be examined. 7.6 CHECKCRC The CHECKCRC program is used to compute the Cyclic Redundancy Check ( CRC ) of any file ( sort of a 16-bit file 'fingerprint' ). For example, to compute the CRC of all files ending with the extension .DOC type 'CHECKCRC *.DOC'. Use the CHECKCRC program to verify that two copies of the same file are indeed the same file. Users Manual page 14 7.7 GETFILE/PUTFILE Your computer not IBM compatible ? Then GETFILE and PUTFILE may be your answer. GETFILE and PUTFILE are BIOS driven file transfer programs. They make use of the computer's BIOS so that any MSDOS computer with a serial port configured for a modem will work, even though the computer is not IBM hardware compatible. To begin, you MUST have a null modem cable connecting the two machines. The signal ground must be present, transmit and receive must be reversed, DTR should be connected to both DSR and CTS on the other side. Thus, you will have a 5 wire cable as diagrammed below. SG o----------o SG TX o----------> RX RX <----------o TX DTR o----------> DSR+CTS DSR+CTS <----------o DTR This requirement is dictated by your BIOS software. Unfortunately, some commercial null modem cables are not fully wired because communication programs for IBM compatibles never use the BIOS ! Start GETFILE on the receiving computer first. For example, to use COM3 type: GETFILE 3 If you get any error, then try it again. Next start PUTFILE on the source computer. For example, to use COM1 type: PUTFILE 1 PUTFILE should prompt you for a filename. Wildcards are OK. For example, to send all files ending in ".PAS", type "*.PAS" -- without the quote marks. When no more files are to be sent, just type ENTER on the PUTFILE side to terminate both GETFILE and PUTFILE. Users Manual page 15 7.8 DRIVES Need a quick and easy way to determine how much free disk space is available ? DRIVES is a utility program that will list the volume label, total space and used space in kilobytes or megabytes for a specified range of logical drives. This is particularly helpfull when your system has more than one logical hard drive. DRIVES C -- Displays disk usage for drive C. DRIVES C F -- Displays disk usage for drives C through F. DRIVES A Z -- Displays disk usage for all drives on system. 7.9 SETCOM3 and SETCOM4 Got COM3 and/or COM4 serial port hardware but SFC and other serial programs don't know its there ? The BIOS table is not updated by MSDOS ( through version 3.3 ) as is the case for COM1 and COM2. SETCOM3 updates the BIOS table for COM3 if you have serial port hardware installed at the standard COM3 address 03E8. Similiarly, use SETCOM4 if you have serial port hardware installed at the standard COM4 address 02E8. Place SETCOM3 and/or SETCOM4 in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that the BIOS table can be updated automatically at bootup. 7.10 FLAGS Need an easy way to examine, set, and clear the ARCHIVE, READ ONLY, and HIDDEN attributes of your files? Later versions of MSDOS provide the ATTRIB utility, which does the same thing except for hidden files. But if you don't have ATTRIB or want to change the HIDDEN attribute, use FLAGS. For example, "FLAGS +H *.SAV" sets the hidden attribute of all files ending in "SAV", whereas "FLAGS -H *.SAV" clears the hidden attribute. Use R for READ ONLY, H for HIDDEN, and A for ARCHIVE attributes. Users Manual page 16 8.0 Performance The following benchmark results were obtained using a Tandy 1000 ( 4.77 MHZ), a Tandy 1400LT ( 4.77 & 9.16 MHZ ), a Tandy 3000 ( 10 MHZ ) computer, and a Gateway 2000 Cache computer ( 25 MHZ 80386 DX ). Note that the 'standard' IBM PC runs at 4.77 MHZ. Virtual disks ( ramdisks ) were used in order to measure performance as independent of disk speed as possible. The use of hard disks will result in a little slower times than shown while the use of floppy disks will result in much slower times. The use of faster computers will result in faster times than shown. Three files were used: file A is 10,000 bytes long, file B is 50,000 bytes and file C is 100,000 bytes long. All times are in seconds and are from start to finish including ramdisk access. A baud rate of 115200 is used for all tests. Your results should be very similiar. 8.1 Test Results **************************************************************** * Source * Destination * File A * File B * File C * **************************************************************** * Tandy 3000 * Tandy 1000 * 2.2 * 9.8 * 14.7 * **************************************************************** * Tandy 3000 * Tandy 1400LT * 1.6 * 6.7 * 12.7 * **************************************************************** * Tandy 1400LT * Tandy 3000 * 1.5 * 6.1 * 12.1 * **************************************************************** * Tandy 3000 * Gateway 2000 * 1.25 * 5.2 * 10.1 * **************************************************************** 8.2 Other Tests The author has personally tested SFC on a TANDY 1000, TANDY 3000, TANDY 1400LT, and a 25 MHZ Gateway-2000 386DX Cache Computer. Serial File Copy has been benchmarked against several other shareware programs. All that we have tried ( 3 ) are slower when using the same baud rate. One program took almost twice as long to transfer files. If anyone finds a faster file transfer utility than SFC please write or call! Users Manual page 17 9.0 Using SFC to back up HARD DISKS SFC is an easy way to back up one hard disk onto another hard disk. Of course, there must be sufficient room on the receiving disk. Normally, you only need to back up your work files that have changed since your last backup. You should have the masters of any application programs backed up to disk separately. To begin, it is usually a good idea to mark your system and application files as "READ ONLY" (R/O) using the MSDOS ATTRIB command. Registered users can use the FLAGS utility for this purpose if ATTRIB is not available. Unless the SFC R/O flag is set, these files will always be skipped by SFC. By the way, making your files "read only" affords you some degree of computer virus protection. The CHK flag can be used which will only allow copying a file with a more recent time and date on the source computer than on the destination computer. If you use this method, be sure that the clocks on your two computers are reasonably close - within a few seconds if you will be backing up immediately after updating a file. Alternately, the SFC ARC flag can be set which will only allow copying a file that has not been written to since the last SFC copy. SFC does this by only copying files with the MSDOS file ARCHIVE attribute set, then clearing this attribute. However, please note that MSDOS commands like BACKUP also clear the ARCHIVE attribute. This means that if you use BACKUP or some commercial backup program to make backups, don't use the ARC flag with SFC unless you know what you are doing. To backup one disk onto another, follow these steps. 1) Start SFC on both machines. 2) Select the proper drive and path on the source machine. To back up the entire disk, select the root path. 3) Select the proper drive and path on the destination machine. All files will be copied to the directory specified on the destination machine. 4) Set the DIR flag to Y using the "Toggle Flags" menu item on the source machine. This enables copying of directories. 5) Select "Send File(s)" and type "*.*" on the source machine. Users Manual page 18 10.0 User Registration The shareware version of SFC is provided so that you may personally determine the usefulness of SFC for yourself. If you can use SFC please register your use with us. Registration entitles the user to install SFC on up to 2 computers. Site licenses are available for situations where SFC will be installed on more than 2 computers. Call for prices. To register SFC, send $30 plus $3 S&H ( $6 outside of USA, Canada, and Mexico ) to: MarshallSoft Computing, Inc. Post Office Box 4543 Huntsville AL 35815 We accept American Express (account number, expiration date, exact name on your card, and AmEx billing address required), checks in US dollars drawn on a US bank, purchase orders (POs) from recognized US schools and companies listed in Dun & Bradstreet, and COD (street address and phone number required) within the USA (plus a $3 COD charge). Print the file SFC.INV if an invoice is needed. The registered package is mailed first class US Mail (packet air mail overseas) and includes: o Latest version of SFC. o No shareware screens. o All 12+ support programs - See 'Support Programs' section. o Notices of new versions. o One year telephone support ( voice ). o Backbone bound printed Users Manual. The registered user will receive the latest version by return mail. A 360 KB 5.25" diskette will be provided unless a 720 KB 3.5" diskette is requested when ordering. For those not yet ready to register SFC, a "Users License" is available for $5. This entitles the purchaser to the use of the shareware version of SFC. The user will also receive notices of new versions of SFC and other MarshallSoft Computing products. The $5 can also be applied to any future registration. The latest shareware version is always available for $7.50 ( which includes a $5 Users License ). A 360 KB 5.25" diskette is provided unless a 720 KB 3.5 diskette is requested when ordering. Order both media for $8.50. You can also order SFC from The Public Software Library (PSL) with your MC, Visa, AmEx, or Discover card by calling 800-242-4PSL (from overseas: 713-524-6394) or by FAX at 713-524-6398 or by CompuServe at [71355,470]. THESE NUMBERS ARE FOR ORDERING ONLY. The product number for SFC is 10907. If you wish to update from an older version of SFC, send $15 plus $3 S&H ($6 outside of North America). Updates must be ordered directly from MarshallSoft Computing. Users Manual page 19 11.0 Revision History Version 1.0 -- 10 April 1989 Original release Version 1.1 -- 30 July 1989 Added ASK and CHK options. Moved DIR option from separate menu item to options menu. Fixed bug in disk file size reporting. Changed units of FREE from kilobytes to bytes. Changed internal parameters for easier synchronization. Increased PATH length from 58 to a full 64 characters. SLAVE side must start SFC with "SFC /S". Could not generate backslash on Tandy 1000. Version 1.2 -- 16 October 1989 ( no shareware version ) Added a new AUTOSYNC mode as well as manual startup mode. Added help file support. Greatly expanded documention file. Version 1.3 -- 1 November 1989 ( no shareware version ) Fixed problem with port COM2. Support the port and baud rate specified on command line. Simplified operation of AUTOSYNC. Added indirect file ( '@' file ) support. Added support for COM3 and COM4. Version 2.0 -- 10 November 1989 Internal change to allow 4.77 MHZ PCs to run at 115200. Allows transfer of read only files. Version 2.1 -- 16 February 1990 Added DOS Shell menu option. Modified AUTOSYNC for increased reliability. Increased buffer size to 2000 bytes for 57600 & 115200 baud. Provide cloning program and other supporting programs. Added ability to do remote printing. 'NO RESPONSE' error does not abort system. Fixed error in sending files > 50KB ( affected version 2.0 only ) Version 2.2 -- 15 May 1990 ( no shareware version ) Changing drives clears file message string back to "*.*". Minor changes and bug fixes. Users Manual page 20 Version 3.0 -- 11 Aug 1990 Supports both B&W and color displays. Supports configuration file (SFC.CFG) Added ARCHIVE & R/O flags to options. Version 3.1 -- 11 March 1991 Added SFC environment variable. Fixed potential problem with color mode when SFC.CFG is missing. Shareware version now runs at 115200 baud. Version 3.2 -- 24 Nov 1991 Removed directory stack limit of 50 sub-directories. Sub-directory ordering is always preserved. Work around for DOS 5.0 bug (when asking for help) implemented. MarshallSoft incorporated on December 23, 1991. Version 3.3 -- 10 February 1992. Fixed bug in 3.2 which occurred when copying directories starting from a subdirectory ( not the root ). Version 3.4 -- 1 July 1992 Fixed bug in reporting number of files transfered. Version 3.5 -- 1 Feb 1994 Fixed bug occuring when run on some very fast 486 machines. Users Manual page 21 12.0 Other MarshallSoft Computing Products A shareware disk containing all MarshallSoft programs ( described below ) is available for US $7.50 drawn on a US bank ($10 outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico). A 360 KB disk is provided unless a 720KB disk is specified. 12.1 Personal Communications Library for C ( PCL4C ) The Personal Communications Library for the C Language ( PCL4C ) is an asynchronous communications library designed for experienced software developers programming in C. Four compilers are supported: Microsoft Optimizing C, Microsoft Quick C, Borland Turbo C, and MIX Power C. An IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible is required. The PCL features SMALL, COMPACT, MEDIUM & LARGE memory models, 32 communication and support functions, support for 16550 UART, hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control, interrupt driven receiver, support for 300 through 115200 baud, support for COM1 through COM4, adjustable receive queues from 8 bytes to 32 KB, control-BREAK error exit, 17 communication error conditions trapped, ability to run 2 ports concurrently, complete modem control & status, and a terminal emulator program ( source ) featuring file transfer using XMODEM, YMODEM, and YMODEM-G. Registration for PCL4C is $65 plus $3 S&H ($6 outside of the USA, Canada, and Mexico), and includes printed documentation, libraries without the shareware screen, and SOURCE code for the library. 12.2 Personal Communications Library for Pascal ( PCL4P ) The Personal Communications Library for Pascal ( PCL4P ) is an asynchronous communications library designed for experienced software developers programming in Turbo Pascal ( version 4.0 and up). An IBM PC/XT/AT or compatible is required. The PCL4P features 28 communications and support functions, support for 16550 UART, hardware (RTS/CTS) flow control, interrupt driven receiver, support for 300 baud to 115200 baud, support for COM1 through COM4, adjustable receive queues from 8 bytes to 32 KB, control-BREAK error exit, 17 comm error conditions trapped, ability to run 2 ports concurrently, complete modem control & status, and a terminal emulator program ( source ) featuring file transfer using XMODEM, YMODEM, and YMODEM-G. Registration for PCL4P is $65 plus $3 S&H ($6 outside of the USA, Canada, an Mexico) and includes printed documentation, a library without the shareware screen, and SOURCE code for the library. Users Manual page 22 13.0 License This software and the disks on which it is contained is licensed to you, for your own use. This is copyrighted software. You are not obtaining title to the software or any copyright rights. You may not sublicense, rent, lease, convey, modify, translate, or convert this software for any purpose. You may make as many copies of this software as you need for backup purposes. You may use this software on no more than two computers at any one time. If you need to use this software on more than two computers simultaneously, please contact use for information about site licenses. 14.0 Warranty MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES RELATING TO THIS SOFTWARE, WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED. NEITHER MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC. NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION, PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH SOFTWARE EVEN IF MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR CLAIMS. IN NO EVENT SHALL MARSHALLSOFT COMPUTING, INC.'S LIABILITY FOR ANY SUCH DAMAGES EVER EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE LICENSE TO USE THE SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE CLAIM. THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. Some states do not allow the exclusion of the limit of liability for consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Alabama and shall inure to the benefit of Marshallsoft Computing, Inc. and any successors, administrators, heirs and assigns. Any action or proceeding brought by either party against the other arising out of or related to this agreement shall be brought only in a STATE or FEDERAL COURT of competent jurisdiction located in Madison County, Alabama. The parties hereby consent to in personam jurisdiction of said courts. Users Manual page 23