Problem with DSK files

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Par NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6016)

Portrait de NYYRIKKI

13-02-2017, 11:57

Yes, part of the problem is that Windows does not natively support 360KB disks properly... I think DiskManager gets around this problem by writing 9 sectors, skipping 9 and then repeating until all done. Practically this creates 360KB disk out of 720KB disk.

I could imagine now the problem is that when the disk is formatted on MSX it really should not skip 9 sectors as that will cause that only 180KB of data (50%) is written to disk and only to every second track. When it hits the end of disks due to wrong skipping it will fail. If this theory is correct then I think that the writing should fail also if you try to write same disk two times without formatting on PC (to 720KB) in between.

This is anyway just a theory... I suggest that you use some disk editing software (or ie, "Debug"-command that is delivered with WinXP if you are familiar with it) to see if my theory is correct. If it is, I think you should contact Lex Lechz (Developer of DiskManager) to get it fixed. I think the problem is that the program does not check "head count" from sector 0 offset 26-27 before writing.

Par Sonus

Supporter (10)

Portrait de Sonus

13-02-2017, 12:48

It's no problem to format/read/write a 360K disk with disk-manager on Windows 7.
Just open the disk (image) in a hex editor and compare the Bios Parameter Block.
If formatted correctly, a 360K disk has media descriptor 0xF8, a 720K disk 0xF9.

Par Wolverine_nl

Paragon (1160)

Portrait de Wolverine_nl

13-02-2017, 13:01

it's about a real physical disk right?

Par NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6016)

Portrait de NYYRIKKI

13-02-2017, 13:01

Hmm... There might be minor differences between Win XP / Win7 disk handling.

Par Manuel

Ascended (19273)

Portrait de Manuel

13-02-2017, 16:46

LS120 wrote:

whats the faq to do it in linux?? or the link.. thanks Manuel..

http://faq.msxnet.org/suffix.html#DSK

Par Sonus

Supporter (10)

Portrait de Sonus

13-02-2017, 17:33

Wolverine_nl wrote:

it's about a real physical disk right?

Par LS120

Expert (106)

Portrait de LS120

13-02-2017, 20:43

ok thanks guys..

i tried again this morning as it did work before on 5 disk's fine.

i swapped the 1.44 for another and guess what it's working again..

i do get the odd write error on making the disks but if i abort and re-format with copy it works fine..

so the only thing i could see is a faulty Floppy Drive..

for those whom wanted to know, i'm using a Lenovo A55, dual core with xp-pro and a Panasonic 1.44fdd JU-257A607P.

if i start to get problems i will look at linux..

thanks again.. Big smile

Par LS120

Expert (106)

Portrait de LS120

13-02-2017, 22:10

one note i have noticed is that some times when i format the fdd on pc i get an error at 50/51% and abort.

then re-format and write and goes through..

also at a very few times it's 90/99% it does it but this maybe the disk's

Par LS120

Expert (106)

Portrait de LS120

15-02-2017, 02:05

one question what floppy drives are best to replace the single head in the 738??? i have herd Amiga 500's work?? but nopt sure..

any help.
Smile

Par Manuel

Ascended (19273)

Portrait de Manuel

15-02-2017, 08:45

I'd always format on the MSX and test on the MSX by saving and loading stuff on the MSX first. If that works you can try other things (using it on your PC).

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