Micro Solutions PD/CD Drive User's Guide Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1.1 PD Drives and CD-ROM Drives 1.2 System Requirements 2. Installation 2.1 Drive Installation 2.2 Software Installation 3. Using Backpack 3.1 Front Panel Indicators 3.2 Backpack's Drive Letters 3.3 The NONSTOP Option 3.4 Changing the Internal Drive ID 3.5 Backpack Device Driver Parameters 4. Backpack CD-ROM 4.1 Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions 4.2 Playing Audio CDs 5. Backpack PD Drive 5.1 Formatting PD Cartridges Appendix A CD-ROM Tutorial A.1 Handling CD-ROM Discs A.2 Program/Data CDs A.3 Audio CDs Appendix B PD Drives B.1 About PD B.2 PD Care and Handling Appendix C Troubleshooting Appendix D Hardware Warranty Appendix E Software License Agreement 1. Introduction Congratulations on your decision to purchase backpack, the easy-to-install PD/CD drive for PCs, XTs, ATs, PS/1s, PS/2s, laptops, notebooks and compatibles. This manual provides information regarding the installation and use of backpack. 1.1 PD Drives and CD-ROM Drives The backpack PD/CD drive is really three kinds of drives in one unit: * backpack PD drive reads and writes 650 MB optical phase-change cartridges and * backpack CD-ROM drive reads CD-ROM discs and plays CD-Audio music discs. * With optional backup software backpack PD drive can act as a backup device to store data on PD cartridges. From time to time this manual will refer to backpack as the "PD drive" or the "CD drive" to distinguish between backpack's functions. 1.2 System Requirements Check the system requirements listed here to make sure you have everything needed for proper operation of backpack * IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, laptop, notebook, or compatible computer with: 100% IBM compatible parallel printer port. 512K memory or above. DOS version 4.0 or above. Note: backpack is Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) Aware. If the parallel port is equipped with EPP, backpack will detect and use the feature to improve its performance. 2. Installation The backpack drive and software must be installed before you can use the backpack drive. The step-by-step instructions in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 will help you perform the installation. 2.1 Drive Installation Installing the backpack drive is a straightforward process. It consists of plugging the drive into your computer's parallel printer port. The instructions in this section will guide you step by step through the installation procedure. Perform the following steps to install the backpack drive: 1) Locate the parallel printer port connector on your computer. If you have more than one parallel printer port, it doesn't matter which one you use for backpack. 2) If you have a printer connected to the parallel printer port, disconnect it and attach that printer cable to the connector labeled "Printer" on the backpack drive. 3) Connect the cable supplied with the backpack to the connector labeled "Computer" on the back of the backpack drive. 4) Connect the backpack cable to the printer port on the computer. 5) Plug the backpack power unit into a wall outlet and attach the power cable to the power connector on the backpack drive. 6) Set the backpack power switch to the ON position. Once you have completed the installation successfully, your computer should work exactly as it did before. If it does not, review the installation procedure and check for mistakes. 2.2 Software Installation The INSTALL program on your backpack master diskette will install the software for you automatically. This procedure assumes your diskette drive letter is "A". If you use a different drive letter, substitute it in the procedure. Use the following procedure to run INSTALL: DOS Installation Procedure: 1) Start your computer as you normally would. 2) Place your backpack master diskette into drive A:. Make sure you have your DOS system prompt "A:\>" before you proceed to the next step. 3) Run the INSTALL program with the following command at the DOS prompt (A:\>): install means that you should press the RETURN, or ENTER, key. Answer the questions about your disk drive letters Windows Installation Procedure: 1) Turn on the computer and start Windows as you normally would. 2) Place your backpack master diskette in A: 3) From Windows PROGRAM MANAGER choose: File-Run and type in A:\install 4) Click OK. Answer the questions about your disk drive letters Windows 95 Installation Procedure: 1) Turn on the computer and start Windows 95 as you normally would. 2) Place your backpack master diskette in A: 3) From the Windows 95 desktop choose: Start-Run and type in A:\install 4) Click OK. Answer the questions about your disk drive letters. The backpack diskette includes a file called README.TXT that contains information gathered since this guide was written. You can view or print this text file using NOTEPAD under Windows. Under DOS, you can use the DOS EDIT utility to view or print this file. The software should now be installed on your boot drive. Remove the backpack master diskette and put it in a safe place. Restart the computer before using the backpack drive. Either power the computer off and then back on or hold down CTRL, ALT, and DEL on the keyboard. Under Windows 95, make sure to "Shut Down" the system before rebooting. You have now completed the installation, and the backpack drive is ready to use. The remaining chapters in this guide can be referred to when needed. 3. Using Backpack Backpack is used just like any other disk drive. The PD drive and the CD-ROM drive each has its own drive letter. You can access either from your programs by referring to the drive letter. If you have never used a PD or CD-ROM drive before, brief tutorials are included in Appendix A and B of this User's Guide. 3.1 Front Panel Indicators On the front of backpack are two indicator lights. One marked "PD/CD" glows amber when a PD cartridge is in the drive, green for a CD-ROM, and will be dark when backpack is empty. The other indicator glows when the drive is busy reading or writing. 3.2 Backpack's Drive Letters Just as your existing disk drives are referred to by letters (A:, B:, etc.), backpack has two drive letters associated with it. The letter to be used is assigned by DOS and is determined by which letters are already in use on your system. Backpack will get the next 2 available letters in alphabetical order. The first of these will refer to the PD drive. For example, if you have two floppy drives, using letters A: and B:, the backpack PD will be drive C: and the CD-ROM drive D:. In a typical hard disk system where the floppy drives are A: and B: and the hard disk is C:, the backpack PD will be drive D: and the CD-ROM drive E:. When your computer is powered up, the backpack PD software driver will display a message on the screen to tell you the PD drive letter. The message will look like this: The following BACKPACK PD drive is available Drive D: In this case, you will refer to the backpack PD drive as drive D: when you are accessing it through any software packages. Also while your computer is starting, the Microsoft CD-ROM extensions program (MSCDEX.EXE) will display a message to tell you the CD-ROM drive letter. The message will be similar to: Drive E: = Driver BPCDDRV$ unit 0 You can check the backpack drive letters at any time by one of three methods: A) Insert master diskette in drive A and type: a:\bpdrives B) From the hard drive in DOS, or in a DOS window in Windows, type: c:\bppd\bpdrives (This example assumes that the backpack software was installed in the default subdirectory C:\BPPD.) C) Under Windows File Manager or Windows 95 My Computer and Explorer the CD-ROM and PD drive will each have an icon and drive letter. Windows 95 icons show a drive labeled "Removable Disk" and a CD-ROM. Windows File Manager shows a disk drive and a CD-ROM. The BPDRIVES command will cause the drive letter message to be printed on the screen. Additional backpack statistics, including the parallel port mode that has been detected and used by backpack, can be obtained by using the /x switch: C:\bppd\bpdrives /x 3.3 The NONSTOP Option When the computer loads the software drivers for the backpack PD drive and CD-ROM drive, each driver will scan the parallel printer ports looking for backpack drives. If the drivers do not find a backpack each will issue an error message and wait for you to press the ESC key to acknowledge the message or press R to retry the operation. This could become annoying if the backpack drive isn't always connected to the computer. The NONSTOP software option can be used to suppress the error message that is displayed if no backpack drive is found when the system starts. Perform the following steps to specify the NONSTOP option: 1) Using a suitable text editor or word processor (such as DOS EDIT or Windows NOTEPAD), bring up the CONFIG.SYS file from your hard drive for editing. Typically CONFIG.SYS will be found in the C:\ directory. 2) Locate the line that references BPCDDRV.SYS and add NONSTOP to the end of it as shown below: device=\bppd\bppddrv.sys /d:bpcddrv$ nonstop 3) Similarly locate the line that references BPPDDRV.SYS and add NONSTOP to the end of it. device=\bppd\bppddrv.sys nonstop Be sure to type a space before NONSTOP. 4) Save the modified CONFIG.SYS file. 5) Restart the computer by exiting or shutting down Windows and holding down CTRL, ALT, and DEL. NOTE: If backpack is connected and powered on, but still reports the error "A backpack . drive was not found..." during boot, refer to the Troubleshooting section (Appendix C) of this User's Guide. Do not install this NONSTOP option, since it will only suppress the error message and will not correct the problem. 3.4 Changing the Internal Drive ID This section is relevant only if you are connecting more than one backpack to your computer. Each backpack drive is assigned an internal drive ID when it is manufactured. The ID is a number between 0 and 99 and initially is the last two digits of the backpack's serial number. When more than one backpack is connected to a computer, the backpack driver software assigns DOS drive letters in ascending drive ID order. The lower the drive ID number, the lower the DOS drive letter. The backpack PD/CD has only one ID assigned to it. For example, assume that you have a computer with two floppy drives (A: and B:) and a hard drive (C:). Assume also that you are connecting the following two backpack drives: Serial number xxxxxx35 Serial number xxxxxx17 Drive letter D: will be assigned to the drive with serial number 17 and drive letter E: will be assigned to the drive with serial number 35. There are two situations in which you may need to alter a backpack drive ID number: 1) If you are connecting two backpack drives to one computer and they happen to have the same last two digits in the serial number. In this case the backpack software will locate only one of the drives and assign it a drive letter. The other drive will not be recognized. Assigning a new drive ID to one of the drives will allow both drives to be recognized. 2) If you are connecting two backpack drives to one computer and you would like to reverse the drive letters. Since drive letters are assigned according to drive ID numbers, the order of the drives can be reversed by assigning new drive ID numbers. Since backpack PD/CD has one ID this will not reverse the two drive letters assigned to it. Drive ID numbers are used only for establishing the order of drive letters; they serve no other purpose. Perform the following steps to alter a drive ID number: 1) Connect the backpack drive whose ID number you will be altering to a parallel printer port. Disconnect all other backpack drives from the computer. 2) Place your backpack master diskette into drive A:. Make sure that you have your DOS system prompt A:\> before you proceed to the next step. 3) Run the SETID program with the following command: A:\>setid The program will ask you to select a new drive ID. 4) After you exit the program, remove the backpack master diskette from drive A:. 5) Move the backpack power switch to the OFF position for a few seconds, then move it back to the ON position. 6) Attach all the backpack units to the computer. Restart the computer by holding down CTRL, ALT, and DEL 3.5 Backpack Device Driver Parameters The following options can be used at the very end of the backpack device driver line in the CONFIG.SYS file. By default, the backpack device driver will test the computer's parallel port upon boot-up and automatically determine which configuration adjustments to make. In the event that the backpack device driver does not allow the backpack to function properly on a computer's parallel port, you can add these options, as described below. Keep in mind that there are two separate software drivers for backpack: one for the CD-ROM drive and another for the PD drive. The default syntax for the backpack CD-ROM software driver CONFIG.SYS line is: device=\bppd\bpcddrv.sys /d:bpcddrv$ This should allow backpack to operate properly on almost all computers. The /d:bpcddrv$ parameter specifies the name of the backpack CD- ROM device driver in memory and must not be altered. This parameter does not assign the D: drive designation to backpack. See section 4.1 of this User's Guide for modification of the backpack CD-ROM drive letter. The default syntax for the backpack PD Drive software driver CONFIG.SYS line is: device=\bppd\bppddrv.sys The default syntax for the backpack CD Drive software AUTOEXEC.BAT command is: If exist bpcddrv$ \bppd\mscdex /d:bpcddrv$ The statement "if exist bpcddrv$" prevents the command from executing if the backpack CD device driver is not present. For parameters that might be added to AUTOEXEC.BAT see the next Section 4.1 NOTE: When adding any of the parameters listed below add the same parameter to both the backpack CD-ROM (BPCDDRV.SYS) and backpack PD Drive (BPPDDRV.SYS) lines in CONFIG.SYS. NONSTOP This option is detailed in Section 3.2 of this User's Guide. NOEPP This option turns off backpack's testing and usage of Enhanced Parallel Ports (EPP). If the parallel port chip in your computer exhibits EPP properties, but is not fully EPP compatible, then this parameter may be necessary to allow backpack to function on that computer's parallel port. Be sure to turn the computer's power and the backpack drive's power switch OFF after saving this particular modification to the CONFIG.SYS. This will allow the backpack I/O chips and the computer's parallel port chipset to be reset to a non-EPP mode. UNIDIR This option turns off backpack testing and usage of bi-directional parallel ports. If the parallel port chip in your computer cannot properly transfer data in bi-directional mode, it may be necessary to force the backpack into unidirectional operation on that computer's parallel port. T1=xx Values of 5 to 35 are valid for this parameter. This option will place additional signal speed delays on the backpack when sending data into the computer's parallel port. If the computer's parallel port is not capable of transferring data at the speed calculated by the backpack device driver during boot, this addition of timing delays may be necessary. The higher the value, the more timing delays are added. T8=x Values of 1, 2, or 3 are valid for this parameter. This option adds additional EPP signal speed delays on the backpack when sending data on an Enhanced Parallel Port. If the computer has an EPP port, but the port is not capable of transferring data at the optimum EPP speed, additional signal delays may be necessary. These options can be combined on the same line, if necessary. For example: device=\bppd\bppddrv.sys NOEPP T1=10 device=\bppd\bpcddrv.sys /d:bpcddrv$ NOEPP T1=10 would cause the backpack's device drivers to bypass the backpack Enhanced Parallel Port usage and add 10 more timing delays to the data transfer signals from the backpack to the computer's parallel port. Always re-boot the computer after saving these changes to the CONFIG.SYS file. 4. Backpack CD-ROM 4.1 Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions Microsoft CD-ROM extensions (MSCDEX.EXE) is an executable program for MS-DOS (version 3.1 or higher) that works in conjunction with the backpack device driver (BPCDDRV.SYS) to allow your computer to access CD-ROM discs as if they were DOS formatted disks. This program is written by Microsoft and is specifically designed to work with Microsoft MS-DOS or Windows. Computers with anything other than MS-DOS or Windows operating systems may experience unpredictable results unless the operating system manufacturer provides an alternative to the MSCDEX program. The INSTALL program automatically modifies the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to run the MSCDEX program so your computer can access the backpack CD- ROM drive. However, some parameters can be changed, so this section explains the function of each parameter. Use a text editor such as NOTEPAD or EDIT to modify the appropriate line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Syntax IF EXIST BPCDDRV$ MSCDEX /D:BPCDDRV$ [/M:] [/E] [/V] [/S] [/L:] IF EXIST BPCDDRV$ This statement prevents the line from executing if the backpack drive is not connected during boot. /D:BPCDDRV$ The /D option specifies the name of the backpack CD-ROM device driver and must not be altered. /M The /M option determines how many sector buffers MSCDEX will allocate when it installs itself. The larger this value is, the more sector cache entries are available and the less MSCDEX will have to read directly from the CD-ROM drive. The larger this value is, the better the performance will be. If the /M option is not specified, the default value is 6. /E The /E option instructs MSCDEX to use expanded memory for some of its buffers. Note that you must have expanded memory available for this option to work. If no expanded memory is available, the following error message will appear: Expanded memory not present or not usable. /V The /V option instructs MSCDEX to display a summary of memory usage. /S The /S option tells MSCDEX to patch MS-DOS to allow the sharing of CD-ROM drives on MS-NET based servers. /L: The /L option can be used for software that requires that the CD-ROM drive be identified by a particular drive letter. The following would cause the CD-ROM drive to be assigned drive letter M: IF EXIST BPCDDRV$ \BPPDDRV\MSCDEX /D:BPCDDRV$ /L:M NOTE: There is no corresponding command to change the backpack PD drive letter. 4.2 Playing Audio CDs To play audio CDs on the backpack CD-ROM drive, you can use Microsoft Windows 3.1 or above, Windows 95 or any suitable DOS audio player software. Playing Audio CDs Under Windows 3.1 or Above: Before using audio CDs with Windows, you must inform Windows that you have a CD-ROM drive with audio capability attached. Perform the following steps from the Windows main screen: 1) Insert an audio CD in the backpack drive. 2) Open the Program Manager window. 3) Double click on the MAIN icon in the Program Manager window. 4) Double click on the CONTROL PANEL icon in the MAIN window. 5) Double click on the DRIVERS icon in the CONTROL PANEL window. A list of installed drivers will appear. If the list contains [MCI] CD Audio, the driver has already been installed and you should click on the CANCEL button and skip the next steps. If the driver is not installed already, proceed with the following steps. 6) Click on the ADD button. A list of drivers will then appear. 7) Click on [MCI] CD Audio and then click on the OK button. Windows may prompt you to insert one of your Windows installation diskettes at this point. If it does, insert the diskette and follow the instructions on the screen. Otherwise choose Current to keep the driver currently on disk. 8) Exit Windows; then restart Windows to load the new driver. To play an audio CD under Windows, perform the following steps: 1) Double click on the MEDIA PLAYER icon in the ACCESSORIES window. A window similar to an audio CD front panel will appear. 2) Select DEVICE, then CD AUDIO, to inform the media player to use the CD-ROM drive. Use the control buttons in the MEDIA PLAYER to start playing the audio CD. Playing audio CDs under DOS: To play an audio CD under DOS, invoke any DOS audio player software capable of playing CD-Audio discs. You can also use the TRKPLAY.EXE utility under DOS. TRKPLAY.EXE is supplied on your backpack master diskette in the \UTILITY directory. Playing Audio CDs under Windows 95: Make sure that you have already installed "Multimedia" support for Windows 95 (open Control Panel, choose Add/Remove Programs, Windows Setup). Choose Start, select Programs, Accessories, Multimedia, CD Player. 5. Backpack PD Drive 5.1 Formatting PD Cartridges backpack uses 650 MB rewritable cartridges that must be formatted before use. Although some brands of cartridges are pre-formatted for MS-DOS and Windows from the factory, others must be formatted before use. Formatting a PD cartridge is similar to formatting a floppy diskette or hard disk: you use the same DOS or Windows commands in each case. Formatting erases all the data and programs on the cartridge. Formatting a PD cartridge only takes a minute or so. The PD cartridge has a write-protect slide that must be in the non-protected position before formatting. Make sure that there is a PD cartridge inserted in the drive and that the drive door is closed. When selecting the drive letter to format be sure to use the drive letter that refers to the PD drive and not the CD-ROM drive (see Section 3.1 regarding backpack's drive letters). WARNING: TAKE CARE TO SPECIFY THE DRIVE LETTER OF THE PD DRIVE AND NOT YOUR HARD DISK. IF YOU FORMAT YOUR HARD DISK YOU WILL ERASE ALL YOUR PROGRAMS AND DATA. WARNING: DO NOT USE WINDOWS 3.X FILE MANAGER TO FORMAT A PD CARTRIDGE. WINDOWS WILL NOT PROPERLY FORMAT THE DISK AND YOU COULD LOSE DATA. EXIT WINDOWS AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS "FORMATTING UNDER MS-DOS" BELOW. Formatting under MS-DOS: 1) Insert a PD cartridge in backpack. 2) At a DOS prompt type the command FORMAT followed by the drive letter for the backpack PD: FORMAT D: NOTE: If your PD drive letter is different, substitute that drive letter for the letter D: in the example. Formatting Under Windows 95: 1) Insert a PD cartridge in backpack. 2) Double-click on My Computer or open Windows Explorer. 3) Right-click on the backpack PD drive icon. 4) Select Format . and select any desired options. 5) Press OK. Appendix A CD-ROM Tutorial A.1 Handling CD-ROM Discs CD-ROM discs require careful handling: * Always store discs in the case or envelope provided. * Avoid touching the shiny side of the disc. * Load discs by placing them printed side up, shiny side down and centered in the tray. A.2 Program/Data CDs A CD-ROM drive works much like a floppy diskette drive or hard drive, except that you can't write (save data) to it. Your CD-ROM drive is a "Read Only" device. Some discs contain programs or information, others contain recorded music. Your computer uses these two kinds of disks in a different manner. Once you have placed a CD-ROM disc into the CD-ROM drive, follow the "installation" or "setup" procedure that is detailed in the instructions supplied with each CD-ROM disc. Some CD-ROM discs contain an installation program that must be run before the actual programs on that CD-ROM disc will execute. Your CD-ROM drive will appear under Windows File Manager program or under Windows 95's Explorer and My Computer. There is no need for your CD-ROM drive to automatically set up any additional program icons under Windows, since the CD-ROM drive cannot perform any program functions until a CD-ROM disc has been placed in it. A.3 Audio CDs Music CDs that you can play on a home stereo CD player or on a portable CD player are called CD-AUDIO discs. The type of music on these discs is different from the audio found on most "Multimedia" CDs. You need a CD-AUDIO program on your computer, such as Media Player in Windows, to play CD- AUDIO Music CDs. You may also need to attach speakers or headphones to the front of your CD-ROM drive to hear that CD-AUDIO sound. Most "Multimedia" CDs require a computer Sound Board that can convert the multimedia data into sound. Check the requirements listed on the Multimedia CD-ROM disc package to find out if a Sound Board is required for audio. Appendix B PD Drives B.1 About PD PD is an industry trademark designating 650 megabyte optical phase-change rewritable disks. PD mechanisms also incorporate the ability to read CD-ROM discs. Any disks carrying this logo will work with backpack. You can think of the PD as a removable hard drive giving your computer unlimited amounts of storage and allowing you to exchange huge amounts of data with other PD-equipped systems. Unlike CD-ROMs discs, PD disks are permanently enclosed in a protective case. The drive automatically detects whether a PD or CD-ROM is inserted. The cartridge includes a write-protect switch near the edge. When this is in the position marked "protect" the cartridge cannot be erased, written to or formatted. PD disks cannot be read by conventional CD-ROM drives. PD drives can not write to CD-R (recordable CD-ROM) discs. B.2 PD Care and Handling Although PD cartridges are designed for long life, you should treat them with care: * Never open the shutter or touch the disk surface * Store cartridges away from sources of contamination such as printers and copiers which can create paper dust. * Load the cartridge by placing it squarely and flat in the tray, with the shutter facing the drive. Appendix C Troubleshooting Backpack should not affect the operation of your existing computer software and hardware. If there seems to be a problem using the computer or backpack after installation, read the following problem descriptions to see if they match the problems you are experiencing. Review the README.TXT file included on the software diskette (see Section 2.2) and see if your problem is discussed there. If you can't resolve the problem, review Section C.3 Technical Support. When you are trying to access the drive, an "Invalid drive specification" message appears on the screen. This can occur if you are not using the correct drive letter to access backpack. Be sure the letter you use is the one indicated on the screen when the computer starts. Review Section 3.1 for information on drive letters. This can also occur if you have not run INSTALL to install the backpack software or if you have not restarted the computer after running INSTALL. Review Section 2.2 for information on software installation. This can also occur if there are not enough drive letters available to DOS in your computer's configuration. If drive letters D: and E: are already assigned to other devices in your computer, you will need to allow DOS to use additional drive letters. If your CONFIG.SYS file contains a LASTDRIVE command, change the drive letter specified to a higher letter. If your CONFIG.SYS file does not have a LASTDRIVE command, add the line: LASTDRIVE=M to the beginning of your CONFIG.SYS file on your boot drive. The backpack drive doesn't work. The message "A backpack . drive was not found" appears when the computer starts. This will occur if the power to the backpack drive is not on when DOS is loaded. Make sure the backpack power switch is in the ON position and that the power unit is plugged in securely. This can also occur if a hardware conflict exists. Make sure you don't have two printer ports set to the same address, and make sure you have a completely IBM compatible printer port. This can also occur if the backpack drive's device driver software has difficulty programming an Enhanced Parallel Port into high-speed mode. Review Section 3.4 backpack Device Driver Parameters in this User's Guide. The backpack CD-ROM appears to operate too slowly. Multimedia programs seem to "stutter" or skip frames. This will occur if the backpack is connected to a parallel port that is not Enhanced (EPP compatible). If your computer's parallel port is an original unidirectional or bi-directional parallel port, backpack will not be able to operate at its optimum speed. Use the backpack BPDRIVES /x utility (Referred to in Section 3.1) and refer to the "Port:" listing. After you install the backpack, the printer doesn't work properly. This can occur if the power to the backpack is not on. In some cases, the printer will appear to work even though the power switch is off. For reliable operation, make sure the backpack power switch is in the ON position and the power unit is plugged in securely. After you have connected two backpacks, only one of them is assigned a drive letter. Either drive works properly if connected by itself. This can occur if two or more backpacks are set to the same internal drive ID number. When more than one backpack is installed on the same computer, they must all have distinct internal drive ID numbers. Drive ID numbers are assigned at the time of manufacture but can be changed with the SETID program. Refer to Section 3.3 for information on changing ID numbers. The message "LPT1: not found" appears when you are trying to use the printer. This can occur if the power to the backpack is not on when DOS is loaded. Make sure the backpack power switch is in the ON position and that the power unit is plugged in securely. Restart the computer using CTRL-ALT- DEL. The message "Error: Backpack CD-ROM drive requires DOS version 3.10 or higher" appears when the computer starts. The backpack device driver has determined that the version of DOS is not adequate for adding a CD-ROM drive. Upgrade DOS on your boot drive and try again. The message "BPPDDRV.SYS Error: ." or "BPCDDRV.SYS Error: Bad or missing argument in CONFIG.SYS" appears when the computer starts. In the CONFIG.SYS line where BPCDDRV.SYS or BPPDDRV.SYS is loaded, a parameter was specified but the argument was either missing or invalid. The invalid argument or the position of the missing argument will be displayed, and you will have to press the ESC key to continue. Review Section 3.4 regarding parameters and arguments. The message "BPPDDRV.SYS Error:." or "BPCDDRV.SYS Error: Unrecognized parameter in CONFIG.SYS" appears when the computer starts. In the CONFIG.SYS line where BPCDDRV.SYS or BPPDDRV.SYS is loaded, an invalid parameter was specified. The invalid parameter will be displayed, and you will have to press the ESC key to continue. C.1 Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions Error Messages and Solutions CDR101: Not ready error reading drive x: (under DOS), No Disk in Drive or The device is not ready (under Windows or Windows 95) Make sure that you are using the drive letter assigned to the CD-ROM drive. See section 3.1. This message is displayed by MSCDEX whenever any type of error occurs on the CD-ROM drive. Since the message is generic, there may be many causes for its appearance. Check for the following conditions: Make sure the backpack CD-ROM drive is still connected to the computer's parallel port and still has the original power supply attached. Substituting a power supply of a lower voltage than the one originally packaged with your backpack can produce this error. Make sure there is a CD-ROM loaded in the drive. If you just loaded a CD-ROM in the drive, wait a few seconds before accessing it. The drive automatically reads the CD-ROM table of contents when you insert a disc, and this takes a few seconds. During this time the drive will not respond. Check that the CD-ROM is clean. If necessary, clean it according to the instructions provided with the disc. This error can also occur if a caching utility, such as Microsoft's SMARTDRV.EXE program, fails to provide proper caching for the backpack CD-ROM. If there is a SMARTDRV line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT you can disable the caching of a backpack CD-ROM that is designated as the E: drive by adding the following parameter c:\windows\smartdrv.exe E- This is the backpack drive letter, followed by a hyphen. The example assumes that your backpack CD-ROM is assigned the letter E:. Re-boot the computer after saving the above change to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Not enough drive letters available MSCDEX cannot allocate a drive letter for the CD-ROM drive. Increase the number of available drive letters, using the LASTDRIVE command in your CONFIG.SYS file. If your CONFIG.SYS file contains a LASTDRIVE command, change the drive letter specified to a higher letter. If your CONFIG.SYS file does not have a LASTDRIVE command, add the line LASTDRIVE=M to the beginning of your CONFIG.SYS file on your boot drive. Device driver not found: `BPCDDRV$' This message indicates that the backpack device driver BPCDDRV.SYS was not found. The message will be displayed if you do not have a backpack CD-ROM drive attached to your system with the power turned on. If a BPCDDRV.SYS device driver was loaded and the backpack CD- ROM was recognized during system boot, check the driver name specified with the /D: parameter with both BPCDDRV.SYS and MSCDEX and make sure the exact same name was specified. CD-ROM not High Sierra or ISO 9660 format The CD-ROM currently in the drive is not compatible with the Microsoft CD-ROM extensions. This message could also appear if there is a read error or a CD-ROM hardware failure. Not enough expanded memory, reducing the number of buffers. The /E switch was used and there was not enough expanded memory for the number of buffers requested. Reduce the number of buffers requested and try again. Insufficient memory There is not enough free memory to run MSCDEX EMS memory no longer valid There is an error in the software or hardware providing expanded memory on your system. Check the software/hardware providing EMS services. Expanded memory allocation error There is an error in the software or hardware providing expanded memory on your system. Check the software/hardware providing EMS services. Expanded memory not present or not usable There is no EMS hardware available, the EMS driver is not loaded, or there has been a failure in the EMS system. Check the software/hardware providing EMS services. C.2 DOS and Windows Error Messages Cannot CHKDSK a Network drive (DOS) The DOS commands CHKDSK, DISKCOPY, DISKCOMP, and others will not work with a CD-ROM drive. A CD-ROM drive appears to DOS as a network drive. extended error 65 (DOS) This message indicates that a request was made to delete a file from the CD-ROM drive. A CD-ROM disc is read-only and files cannot be erased. No Disk in Drive or The device is not ready (under Windows or Windows 95) Make sure that you are using the correct drive letter to refer to the PD drive or CD-ROM and that a disc or cartridge, as appropriate, is inserted in the drive. This could also indicate that a PD cartridge is not formatted (see Section 5.1). If you are trying to use a CD-ROM disc, see also section C.1. C.3 Technical Support Most questions about backpack and its operation are answered in this guide. To solve most problems: * Check the solutions and procedures in this User's Guide. * Check the README.TXT file on the backpack installation diskette. * Contact Micro Solutions Automated FaxBack service at 815.754.4600. Automated FaxBack is available 24-hours daily. A complete catalog of faxes and information is available. If you are calling from outside the United States prefix the digits 011 when you are asked to enter your country code and FAX number. * Contact Micro Solutions Bulletin Board Service at 815.756.9100 for troubleshooting software, bulletins and driver updates. * Visit Micro Solutions WebSite: http://www.micro-solutions.com If your problem remains unsolved, contact Micro Solutions Technical Support department at 815.754.4500. Technical Support is available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, Central Time. Before calling, be sure to have the following information ready: * The version numbers of your backpack software and your operating system (DOS or Windows). * The name and model of the computer, and the eight-digit serial number found on the bottom of your backpack drive. * The exact wording of any error message(s) from the backpack program, DOS, Windows or any other application producing the error message. If possible, be at your computer when calling. Appendix D Hardware Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty Micro Solutions, Inc. (MSI), warrants backpack to be free from hardware defects in workmanship and material under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser. During this warranty period, MSI will repair or replace, at its option, any component parts that in its opinion prove to be defective. This warranty does not extend and shall not apply to products that have been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, or improper installation. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND REMEDY ARE EXCLUSIVE AND EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICRO SOLUTIONS, INC., BE LIABLE FOR LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, based upon the point of sale. If your drive is defective, you should return it to the point of purchase for service. If you are unable to do so, contact MSI at one of the phone numbers below to receive the address of an authorized distributor in your country who can perform warranty service. If you live in the United States you may return your drive directly to MSI. If you live outside the United States you may return your drive directly to MSI, but freight cost and duties may be excessive on single item shipments. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from MSI prior to the return of defective material. Contact MSI with the serial number of your drive by telephone at USA 815.756.3411, Ext. 325, or FAX 815.756.4986 for an RMA number. MSI is not responsible for material returned without the RMA number clearly printed on the outside of the shipping container. Products to be returned to MSI must be returned, shipping and insurance prepaid, by the original purchaser to the address below. Micro Solutions, Inc. Attn: RMA# ____________________ 300 East Harvestore Drive DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Appendix E Software License Agreement Terms and Conditions Micro Solutions, Inc. (MSI), licenses the enclosed PD/CD software ("the software") for your personal use. You assume all responsibility for the operation and results. MSI may from time to time revise this software. In doing so, it shall incur no obligation to furnish such revisions to you. Furthermore, MSI may elect to charge an update fee for such revisions. Software Warranty Information MSI warrants that the diskette containing the software is free from defects and will replace a defective diskette within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase by the original consumer. MSI makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to this software, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The entire risk as to the performance of this software is with you. IN NO EVENT WILL MICRO SOLUTIONS, INC., BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS SOFTWARE. This agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, USA Micro Solutions, Inc. 132 West Lincoln Highway DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Technical Support BBS: 815.756.9100 Technical Support FAX: 815.756.4986 Automated Fax Reponse: 815.754.4600 FAX: 815.756.2928 Phone: 815.756.3411 WebSite: http://www.micro-solutions.com