READ ME! EzTape for DOS v. 3.1 Thank you for choosing an Archive tape backup product. We believe that you have chosen the best data backup and storage solution for your computer system. We suggest that you print this file and save it for future reference. ====================================================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 - Features of EzTape for DOS v. 3.1 2 - EzTape Performance 3 - EzTape and DOS 4 - Hardware Compatibility 5 - EzTape Error Messages ====================================================================== 1 - FEATURES OF EZTAPE FOR DOS v. 3.1 ====================================================================== EzTape for DOS v. 3.1 includes the following features: 1. A newly designed GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE with pull-down menus, command buttons, and window displays. The "point and click" interface lets you choose files and commands with ease. 2. DATA COMPRESSION capability, allowing you to store more data on tape. You can select the level of data compression you wish to use, or select no compression at all. 3. An integrated TAPE LIBRARIAN, which allows you to store and manage directory information from tapes that you use with EzTape. This allows you to search for and retrieve specific information easily. 4. DATA ENCRYPTION for maximum security of data stored on tape. 5. "SHORT-CUTS" -- a simple five-button menu -- for performing basic backups and restores with the press of a button. 6. Complete backup and restore for NOVELL NETWARE 286/386. This includes: * NetWare 286, version 2.2 and earlier * NetWare 386, version 3.11 and earlier ====================================================================== 2 - EZTAPE PERFORMANCE ====================================================================== *Use Preformatted Tapes such as AccuTrak Mini-Cartridge Tapes* For drives using mini-cartridge tapes, we recommend that you use preformatted tapes. They should never require any kind of initialization. You can obtain preformatted tapes, such as AccuTrak Mini-cartridge tapes, from your dealer or by calling 1-800-524-7946. ========== *Removing a Tape from Your Drive* Never remove a tape from your drive while an operation is in progress. Wait until the LED on the tape drive's front panel turns off. Depending on the operation in progress, you could lose data or cause unexpected operation. ========== *Backup and Restore Options with Multiple Volumes* When you back up files from multiple hard disks, you may specify different backup parameters for each disk -- using the Backup Set Parameters window. However, Backup Options (available when you select the Options... button in the Backup Set Parameters window) apply to the entire backup session. If you enter a set of options for more than one volume, the operation will use the last set of options entered. The same is true for restoring multiple backup sets or when using parameter files. ========== *Restoring Encrypted Backup Sets* You must restore encrypted backup sets one at a time using normal file selection so EzTape can prompt you for the encryption key before restoring data. If you attempt to restore an encrypted backup set from the Short-Cuts menu or as part of a parameter file, you will not receive the prompt for the encryption key, EzTape will display an error message, and the restore will not be performed. ========== *Parameter Files in EzTape* In general, creating backup and restore parameter files from within EzTape is easier and more efficient than creating them from the command line. For this reason, we suggest that you create these parameter files from within the EzTape program. When using the batch files BACKALL and CHANGED, you need to designate a drive letter or letters to backup. For example: BACKALL C D ========== *Performance Drop* If you experience a drop in performance due to low memory, try closing some of the open file windows in EzTape for DOS. Closing even one or two windows can free up a considerable amount of memory. We suggest you have at least 540K of conventional memory free when executing EzTape. ========== *Hardware Compression Option Not Saved to Disk* The Hardware Compression option (Option Menu -- Backup Defaults) does not get saved when "Save defaults to disk" is checked. If you use hardware compression, reselect this option whenever you restart an EzTape session. All other options in this dialog box function normally. ========== *Overwriting Newer Files (Novell NetWare Users Take Note)* The default setting for restoring files is "Do not overwrite newer files." This is an EzTape safety feature to prevent a file on your disk from being replaced by an older copy of the file on tape. NetWare Bindery files, for example, can change frequently and will not be restored when "Do not overwrite newer files" is selected. If you wish to restore a bindery file or other files that have changed since backup, we recommend: 1. Restore files normally with "Do not overwrite newer files" selected. 2. Mark bindery (or other new) files and restore with either "Prompt if newer file exists" or "Restore all selected files" selected. ========== *Novell NetWare 386 Users* EzTape sets NetWare's "rename inhibit" and "delete inhibit" attributes to match the DOS "read-only" flag. If a file is flagged "read-only" before backup, the file will be flagged "read-only," "rename inhibit," and "delete inhibit" after backup. If a file is not flagged "read- only" before backup, none of these three attributes will be flagged after backup. ========== *Printing in EzTape* The EzTape print facility is not available at this time. This means you will not be able to print windows or the message log from within EzTape. When you choose the "Print window" from the File menu, the printer option will appear grayed out. You can still save to disk, then print the file from the DOS prompt. The same occurs when you go to print the message log. The "Printer setup" option also appears grayed out in the File menu. There is no "Print" option for help screens as stated in the User's Manual. ========== *Using the Alt Key to Select Menus* We have discovered that on some machines pressing the Ins key inadvertently toggles the Alt key off and on. If the Alt key is disabled when you press it, you will not be able to access the menu bar. Press Ins to enable the Alt key, or use F10 to select menus. ========== *EzStart Command Prompt* When entering a command in the EzStart command box, be sure to use the extension of the file being used so that the operation will work properly. For example: EZTAPE.EXE BACKIT.TPF ========== *Setting the IROPT Environment Variable on Mini-Cartridge Drives* If you experience problems executing EzTape on a Micro Channel machine with DOS 5.0 when using an Irwin AccuTrak tape drive connected to either a floppy interface or the 4100MC controller, try setting the IROPT environment variable. To set IROPT, enter the following command at the DOS prompt: SET IROPT=i Note that the "i" must be lower case, as shown above. This changes the timing of how the tape drive sends information to the hard disk drive. If you want, you may include this command as part of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. That way, the command will execute automatically each time you restart. ========== *Setting the Tape Controller Speed on Mini-Cartridge Drives* EzTape for DOS is pre-set to a tape controller speed of 500 Kilobits per second. This default value is correct for single speed tape drives and the majority of computers whose parallel ports and floppy disk controllers do not support higher transfer rates. You may wish to try running at a higher speed of 1 Megabit per second if you are using a: * dual speed tape drive with an Irwin 4100A high speed controller * Irwin Parallel Port tape drive (250 MB) with a fast 386 or 486 computer To increase the transfer speed, set the IROPT environment variable before starting EzTape. Enter the following command at the DOS prompt: SET IROPT=X Note that the "X" must be in upper case; a lower case x selects the low speed. If you are using a 1 Mbps tape drive with Level 2 data compression, and you find that backups take longer than usual, you may be able to reduce backup time by changing the transfer speed back to the lower rate. This allows the drive to keep the tape streaming, rather than stopping and starting. To change back to the lower rate use the SET command above with a lower case x. If you already used the command SET IROPT=i (based on the previous section), use the command: SET IROPT=iX (or ix) You may include this command as part of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. ====================================================================== 3 - EZTAPE AND DOS ====================================================================== *Changing Your System Clock When Using EzStart* If you change the date or time of your computer's system clock after EzStart has been loaded into memory, any events already scheduled will be executed according to the original time setting. To update EzStart's internal clock, go to the EzTape program directory and type: EZTIMER ========== *EzTape in the Windows and OS/2 Presentation Manager Environments* Do not attempt to run EzTape from the DOS box of the Windows or Presentation Manager desktop. If you do so, the program will either halt or run very slowly. You can purchase an EzTape product that is specifically designed for your operating environment. Consult your dealer for information about EzTape for Windows or EzTape PM for OS/2. (Note: the Irwin Parallel Port drive is only supported by EzTape for DOS.) ========== *Disk Caching and EzTape* You will find that EzTape will run more quickly and smoothly when there is a disk caching program installed on your system. Disk caching improves performance by storing parts of the program in the computer's memory rather than only on disk. Most users now load a disk cache when their computer starts up. Microsoft includes a disk cache program called SmartDrive with DOS, and there are a number of third party programs as well. If you have more than 640K memory available, we recommend that you use part of this memory for a disk cache. Please note that EzTape does not require the use of a disk cache. However, if you do not use disk caching, you may notice that EzTape takes longer to load than expected. ====================================================================== 4 - HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY ====================================================================== *Supported Drives and Controllers* EzTape for DOS 3.1 will work with all of the following drives: Irwin AccuTrak Series Irwin Parallel Port Series Irwin 9000 Series Archive 2525 SCSI Viper Archive 2750 SCSI Anaconda Archive DAT SCSI Python Exabyte 8200 8mm SCSI Exabyte 8200SX 8mm SCSI Exabyte 8500 8mm SCSI (with Exabyte Firmware Rev. 1.41 only) Cipher ST150S SCSI EzTape for DOS 3.1 will work with all of the following controller cards: Irwin 4251 Irwin 4100A (1 MB Floppy) Irwin 4100MC (1 MB Micro Channel Floppy) Adaptec 152x, 154x, 164x, and 174x SCSI cards (ASPI for DOS must be loaded) Parallel Port interface (when used with Irwin Parallel Port drives) At release, EzTape did not work with the hardware listed below. If you have one of these configurations, contact technical support for up-to- date compatibility information. The number to call is listed in the front of your EzTape manual. Exabyte 8500 with Adaptec 1520 controller IBM SCSI Host Adapter ========== *Note: Irwin Parallel Port Tape Drive Users* EzTape for DOS 3.1 has undergone comprehensive testing for compatibility with a wide range of personal computers. However, since parallel port standards vary widely, it is not possible for us to check every system. If upon starting EzTape, the software does not recognize the tape drive, (you get a message "Tape drive not found"), first try the following: 1. Make sure the tape drive is turned on, with the tape cartridge inserted, before starting EzTape. 2. Check the cable connections. The cables should attach securely to the connectors and should not be tangled. 3. Remove all memory resident programs, shut off your computer, and turn it back on. Then try to run EzTape again. If these steps do not resolve the problem, please contact technical support. The number to call is listed in the front of your EzTape manual. ========== *Tips for Parallel Port Tape Drive Users* Here are some additional steps you can take to improve the performance of EzTape with your Parallel Port drive: 1. If your computer's microprocessor can run at different speeds, make sure it is set for the highest speed. 2. If your computer's parallel port supports bidirectional mode (sometimes called "enhanced mode"), enable it. Bidirectional mode on PS/2 computers will automatically be enabled by EzTape. 3. Remove any expanded memory managers (such as EMM386, 386MAX, or QEMM) before running EzTape. These devices can slow down data transfer rates by 5-25 percent. Consult the memory manager manual for details on removing the device from your CONFIG.SYS file. ========== *IBM PS/2 with a Parallel Port Drive* If you are using EzTape on an IBM PS/2 Model 80 with a parallel port tape drive, enter the following command at the DOS prompt: SET IRPPC=b Note that the b must be lower case. We recommend that you include this command as part of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. If you are using a newer model IBM PS/2 (such as the Model 56, 90, or 95), "Parallel Port Arbitration" will need to be changed. Boot your computer with the Reference Diskette that came with your PS/2. Select "3. Set Configuration" and then select "2. Change Configuration." Change the "Parallel Port Arbitration Level" to "Disabled." ========== *Zenith 386/33 Computers with a Parallel Port Drive* If you are using EzTape on a Zenith 386/33 computer with a parallel port tape drive, enter the following command at the DOS prompt: SET IRPPC=f Note that the f must be lower case. We recommend that you include this command as part of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. ========== *LCD Laptop Displays* The VGA controllers installed in laptop computers are sometimes not completely compatible with those of desktop computers. On certain laptops, EzTape may not display properly in "graphic" mode and/or with the default color scheme. To address this issue, we have included some alternate initialization files (LCD1.INI, LCD2.INI, LCD3.INI, LCD4.INI). If you experience display problems on your laptop, you may wish to try using these files. To do so, go to the EzTape program directory and copy over the existing EZTAPE.INI file. (Make a backup copy before you do this.) For example, CD \EZTAPE COPY LCD1.INI EZTAPE.INI ====================================================================== 5 - EZTAPE ERROR MESSAGES ====================================================================== *DMA Error Message* If you receive the following error message: "Load Failure - DMA overrun" -- there is a problem with Direct Memory Access. Please contact technical support. The number to call is listed in the front of your EzTape manual.