The Complete Idiot's Guide to using the PcW16 Rescue Disc.

Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

***

***

***

***

***

***

***

***

***

***

THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO USING THE PcW16 RESCUE DISC.

IS YOUR PcW16 DRIVING YOU'S, READ ON IT SHOULD HELP.

It would seem from the number of requests I have received for help with reinstalling the Rosanne Operating System from the supplied Rescue Disc, that the PcW16 manual is useless in this area (and, of course, in many others). So I hope the following plain English Step by Step instructions will assist those in need.

Firstly though a word of WARNING -- back up all those files saved in the cabinet to disc (see page 141 of the user manual for help in doing this) something you should do automatically with important work anyway, otherwise all will be lost! If your machine has crashed then you probably will not be able to do this, so hard luck and remember to back up those files in the future.

Switch your PcW16 on, if you have not already done so. You will then see in the top left hand corner two words 'TASKS' and 'SETUP' click on 'SETUP' and from the drop down menu click on 'SET SYSTEM OPTIONS'. From here you will be able to tell which version of the operating system you are using -- minimum requirement is v1.12 or perhaps it would be best to obtain from 'THE PCW CLUB' (see the Club's page for details) version 1.13 which contains the Spreadsheet bug fix).

Insert the Rescue Disc into the disc drive and then click on 'UPDATE OPERATING SYSTEM'. A box will appear detailing the operating system on your disc and the operating system installed on your machine plus a request:

'Do you really want to want to install the Operating system from disc?' click on 'YES'. Then up comes another box stating 'If you proceed, the entire contents of your Filing Cabinet will be lost. You should not proceed without first using the 'Backup Cabinet to Disc' command, in the file manager'.

If you backed up (copied) all your files as I suggested at the start then click 'OK'. Another box will now pop up asking 'Are you sure you want to do this' click 'OK'. No turning back now, have a cup of tea and watch your machine firstly erasing all files and then installing all the new Operating System Files.

Eventually a box will appear requesting 'SET TODAY'S DATE', set date and click 'OK', the next box asks 'SET CURRENT TIME', set time and click 'OK'. Then comes a number of boxes, one at a time, entitled 'ENTER USER INFORMATION' asking for various personal details, either enter the required information and click 'OK', or if you have nothing to enter just click 'OK' to move on to the next box. Do not worry all these sections can be changed at a later date.

After a small delay a further box surfaces requesting 'SELECT PRINTER', click on the printer you use (do not forget you can scroll down for further printer options) or the nearest recommended option to it, then click 'OK'. There will be some delay, depending on the type of printer, whilst the Fonts relating to your particular printer load -- be patient. As with the last sections this can also be changed later.

The next and last box to show is titled 'SET STARTUP OPTIONS' select the 'START UP AT THE DESKTOP' option and click 'OK' and that is that!

You will now need to reinstall in the cabinet, any software that you use on a regular basis such as 'CP/M FOR THE PcW16' and to test out your machine.

I feel it is worth reinstalling the operating system once every, say, six months even if no faults are apparent. Should you suspect a problem reinstall your Rosanne Operating System Files using the latest available Rescue Disc and be sure to Back Up your Cabinet files first.

I have found it difficult to relate the above information over the Telephone or via Electronic Mail so now I can hopefully enjoy my evenings in peace, but please contact me should you feel any of the above sections need to be expanded upon.

Please remember that the PcW16 is the most unreliable, temperamental last in the line machine (using unique software) from a range of excellent, reliable forerunners many still in service since 1985. When it dies it is terminal and to the best of my knowledge there is no one around willing to attempt repairs, therefore if the Rescue Disc does not get the machine up and running nothing will.