🚀 go-pugleaf

  On April 23 I wrote, in string "F1GP modem version on DR DOS 6.0?" in
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games (not csipg.misc), :

>   The modem update (1.04) of F1GP, which I just received from
> Microprose, gives an "Not enough Memory" error on my DR DOS 6.0 2MB
> 386DX system, while, according to Microprose, the memory requirement is
> still 600,000 bytes, and the non-modem version (1.03) works OK on the
> same system.
[deleted]
> - The modem version does work under MS-DOS 5.0 with HIMEM.SYS.

  With the help of the fine people of Novell and Microprose, the problem
is solved! Please see the attached document "FYI-M-1624" for details on
the problem and its solution (PATCH326.ZIP).

Important note :
----------------

  Novell does not allow their binary patches to be placed at other
non-Novell FTP sites or BBSs.

Alternative (*not* supported by Novell or me) :
===============================================

  I noticed that the PATCH326 version of IBMDOS.COM (IBMDOS.COM
of March 5, 1992 at 3:26a) differs only in one byte from the April'92
update version (of April 7, 1992 at 6:00a, size 39239 bytes):
"comp ibmdos.326 ibmdos.492" gives
"Offset 1e80h Source = ebh Destination = 76h".
If you consider yourself to be a knowledgeable user, then you might
consider to just edit (for example with Norton's NU) (a copy of) the
April'92 IBMDOS.COM and install that.

"Side effects" of patch :
=========================

  After the patch is installed, some, especially old, programs might
behave strangly or crash. For example PCSHELL of PC Tools 6.0 crashed,
ranging from soft ("Divide error" message) to very hard (power off/on
required). So do not count on getting the "Packed file [is] corrupt"
message mentioned in FYI-M-1624.

  Please note that these problems are not Novell's, nor PC Tools' fault.
PC Tools 6.0 was just written before there were any systems which had
free memory below 64KB.

  It is probably best to put a "MEMMAX -L" in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file,
and to edit the F1GP/WC .BAT startup files to do a "MEMMAX +L" before
starting GP.EXE and a "MEMMAX -L" at the end. In this way, your normal
system behaviour with PATCH326 is the same as it was before the patch
was installed, only ""MEMMAX +L/-L" allows you to run your favorite
game.

For further information/support :
=================================

  *IF* you need support from Novell, then you can contact them at
DR...@Novell.com, or (800)NET-WARE.

  See you in Monaco!

Frank Slootweg

----------------------------------- cut here ----------------------------------

          TITLE: F15 STRIKE EAGLE III & WIZARDRY #7
   DOCUMENT ID#: FYI-M-1624
           DATE: 06APR93
        PRODUCT: DR DOS
PRODUCT VERSION: 6.0
     SUPERSEDES:

        SYMPTOM: INSUFFICIENT MEMORY ERRORS OR COMPUTER LOCKS.

  ISSUE/PROBLEM: DR DOS "pads" out the first 64k of conventional
memory for EXEPAKed executables. EXEPAK is a utility used to
compress .EXE files.

The algorithm used by the EXEPAKing code to decompress the
executable image and then perform the .EXE fix-ups uses a concept
known as "segment wrap" to detect the end of decompression. When
you have more than 575K available conventional memory the EXEPAK
decompression code thinks that it is done decompressing before it
has even started. It then proceeds to invoke the "decompressed"
executable image. This results in the error message "Packed File
Corrupt".

The F15 STRIKE EAGLE III and Wizardry #7 executables are treated
as EXEPAKed files by DR DOS 6. However, these programs don't need
to be padded to run correctly.

      SOLUTION: To run these programs install PATCH326.ZIP.  This
is an optional patch which prevents DR DOS from padding  EXEPAKed
utilities automatically. Included in the zip file is a README
file with complete installation instructions. Also included is a
patched version of the DR DOS system file IBMDOS.COM. 

NOTE: After installing this patch other applications may display
"Packed file corrupt" errors. This is because DR DOS is no longer
automatically padding. MEMMAX -L prior to starting the
application will correct this message. The easiest way to do this
is to create a batch file that will turn off lower memory (MEMMAX
-L, start the application and then turn it back on (MEMMAX +L)
after exiting the application. Word Perfect, for example, may
need this adjustment if used with this patch. The solution would
be the following batch file:

MEMMAX -L
WP
MEMMAX +L

(Note: The origin of this information may be internal or external
to Novell.  Novell makes every effort within its means to verify
this information.  However, the information provided in this
document is FOR YOUR INFORMATION only.  Novell makes no explicit
or implied claims to the validity of this information.)
_____        




PATCH326.ZIP is on the Novell BBS, CompuServe and Novell's NetWire
mirror FTP site.

The BBS phone number is 408-649-3443. This number and 6 other
lines that are a connected to it have Supra 2400 bps modems. The
Supra modems automatically adjust to a caller's rate if it is 
lower than 2400.  There is also a 9600 bps U.S. Robotics Courier 
V.32bis modem at 408-649-3696.  Lower speed modems (2400 or
lower) should not be used to call this line as unexpected hangups
can occur.  The 2400 bps modems on 3443 do not support MNP. The 
9600 bps modem on 3696 can support MNP as well as V.42 and the 
U.S. Robotics HST error control.  Word, parity, and stop are 8,N,1.

The anonymous FTP site is ns.novell.com (137.65.4.1).  Login as
anonymous and use your email address as password.  Look in the  
netwire/novlib/12 directory. Remember to set file type to binary. 

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