Date   : Sun, 17 Jul 2005 19:38:49 +0100
From   : "BeebMaster" <beebmaster@...>
Subject: Re: floppy discs

An error message 18 is Sector Not Found, as all errors in DFS are
reported in hexadecimal.

A write-protect error would be reported as 12, which is hex. for 18.

Best wishes,



Ian

----- Original Message -----
From: Greg Cook
To:  bbc-micro@...
Sent: Sun, 17 Jul 2005 17:43:23 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Re: [BBC-Micro] floppy discs

There's not necessarily anything wrong with the program as typed.

The OSWORD call does not trap errors itself (which is what most
programs want) so it writes an error code (a value) after the last
parameter, then exits as normal.  Decimal 18 is the error code for
"Disc write protected", and since the disc operation failed (the code
was not 0) our program determines it should not continue, and stops.

Make sure the rectangular write enable hole on the disc is uncovered. 
Also see that the cables are securely inserted before running the
program.

Try formatting only track 0, and then *CAT the disc; it may be that
changing tracks causes the head to become misaligned.  One other thing
to check is if the disc has no plastic washer on the media, and your
drive is a model that needs the washer for grip.

Greg



       
       
               
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