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1991-07-02
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The Partitioner
by
Cross Bow Software
P.O. Box 23401, Jerusalem 91234, ISRAEL
Installation and User's Manual
1. Scope of this Manual
=======================
This manual explains how to install and use the Partitioner. It
assumes some "standard" computer knowledge; For example, you have to
know what DOS is; you don't have to know what exactly the partition
table is. This manual pertains both to the Partitioner and to the
Partitioner Plus. Sections that apply only to the Partitioner Plus are
denoted with an asterisk (*) next to their heading.
2. Introduction
===============
The Partitioner is a utility designed to manage your hard disk's
partition table, thus allowing you to boot from any partition.
However, the Partitioner does much more than this. It provides hard
disk virus protection, optional passwords, and guards against hard disk
access when the computer is booted from a floppy disk.
3. Disclaimer
=============
Basically, Cross Bow Software doesn't take any responsibility for
the use or misuse of this software. We tried our outmost best to
ensure that it will function correctly with all hardware and software
configurations, but needless to say there are always cases that we
simply can't anticipate. Therefore, we disclaim any and all
responsibility.
4. Installation
===============
VERY IMPORTANT! Please read the following paragraph carefully before
installing the Partitioner on your hard disk!
Although the Partitioner has been designed to be compatible with
every possible hardware/software combination, we cannot absolutely
guarantee that it will not disrupt any partitioning or copy-protection
schemes. The Partitioner resides in the very first track of your hard
disk. This means that if you use any non-standard partitioning
software, the Partitioner may overwrite the disk tables held in the
same place. We have thoroughly tested the Partitioner on systems using
Ontrack Disk Manager and Novell Netware 286, in addition to "standard"
DOS 2.0 through 3.31. However, it is impossible to anticipate every
situation, and because of this we urge you to BACKUP YOUR HARD DISK
before installing the Partitioner.
To install the Partitioner, boot your system from the backup
diskette and execute PARTIT.EXE from the DOS command line. If you
haven't previously installed the Partitioner, a dialog box will appear
on the screen, asking you if you wish to install the Partitioner on
your hard disk. Use the cursor keys to highlight "Yes" and press
Enter. Another dialog box will appear, this time prompting you for the
backup file name of your disk's first track. This is a safety
mechanism in the unlikely case that your system is incompatible with
the Partitioner. Type a file name, such as "1ST-TRK.BAK", which will
contain the backup. You will be able to restore the first track and
regain access to your hard disk should the installation routine fail.
Next, you will see a message informing you that the Partitioner
has been successfully installed. Press any key to continue, and you
will then see the main menu of the Partitioner. Choose "Exit", and
once back at the command line, reboot your system.
If all has gone well (which it most likely has), you will be
shown a menu, and asked to pick the partition you would like to boot
from. If you have, for example, DOS and Xenix on your hard disk, both
will appear on the menu, and you could easily pick which one to boot
from.
5. Day to Day Use
=================
When the Partitioner is installed, you will be presented with the
boot-up menu every time you reboot your system. You can then select
the operating system you wish to boot from. That's all there is to it!
Alternatively, you can choose the "Partitioner Demo." This is
simply a cute logo, which expands on your screen. Don't worry about
the little face bouncing around: it's not the Ping-Pong virus.
6. Repartitioning your Hard Disk
================================
One of the more powerful aspects of the Partitioner, the "Redivide
Hard Disk" option can also be the most dangerous. It should be used
with the same precautions that pertain to the DOS FDISK command. Be
sure you know what you are doing, have your data backed up, and have
saved a copy of the first track on a floppy.
The "Redivide Hard Disk" option makes editing the partition table
very easy, yet gives you the ultimate control in controlling every
option. Unlike DOS's FDISK, it lets you edit information in the
partition table that doesn't pertain to DOS.
Upon selecting the redivision option, you will be presented with a
dialog box explaining the possible damage that can be cause by this
selection, and asked if you wish to proceed. If you choose "Yes", the
partition editor will come up, and allow you to choose by which method
you would like to perform the editing.
There are two ways to partition the hard disk. The first,
intended for novices, allows you to simply specify the size of the four
partitions, and automatically selects the best fitting scheme of heads
and cylinders to match your choices. The second method allows very
flexible editing of the actual partition table data. After selecting
an option, you will be shown the edit screen.
Use the arrow keys to move between fields, the space bar to edit
data items, and the number keys to input values. The first two fields
in every row are data; the rest are value.
If you press the space bar while in the OS ID field, a menu will
be shown, allowing you to choose the ID of the operating system that
you wish to insert into the partition. Note that these are simply
identification numbers. Choosing Xenix, for example, merely writes
hex code 02h into the respective position in the partition table. It
doesn't cause Xenix to appear on your hard disk!
One column to the right, the space bar toggles the boot status of
any one partition in the table. Please be aware that setting several
partitions to "bootable" may cause unpredictable results, and is not
recommended.
Finally, pressing the Enter key will display a dialog box asking
you if you're sure you want to write any changes you have made to disk.
If you select the "Overwrite" option, any editing you have done will be
written to disk. This may cause total data loss, depending on what
fields you changed.
7. Uninstalling the Partitioner
===============================
To remove the Partitioner from your hard disk, use the "Uninstall
the Partitioner" option from the main menu. Your original partition
table will be restored (it has been kept for a backup on the hard disk
when the Partitioner was installed) and you will no longer see the
boot-up menu.
The install/uninstall cycle can be repeated as often as you like.
You don't have to create a new backup file every time you install the
Partitioner. If you have already created the backup file, simply press
ESC when prompted for its name.
8. A Word about Registering
=======================