

Irwin EzTape for Windows "Read Me" Information


We suggest that you print out this file and save it for future reference.

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Features of EzTape for Windows

EzTape for Windows includes the following features:

1.  Allows you to back up entire hard drives or selected directories and files.
    Because you can back up files from multiple partitions, network backups
    are made easier.

2.  Provides data compression capability, which allows 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.  Includes an integrated tape librarian, which allows you to store and manage 
    directory information from tapes that you use with EzTape.  This allows you 
    to more easily search for and retrieve specific information.  You access the 
    librarian from within EzTape.

4.  Includes data encryption for maximum security of data stored on tape.

5.  Includes Short Cuts options for performing basic backups and restores.

6.  Allows you to perform unattended operations at any time of day or night 
    by using the EzStart program.

7.  Supports complete backup and restore, including bindery files, for Novell 
    NetWare 286/386.  This includes: 

    *    NetWare 286, version 2.2 and earlier
    *    NetWare 386, version 3.11 and earlier

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Real Mode Not Supported

EzTape for Windows is not designed for use in Real Mode.  

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Floppy Drive Access

If you want to access a floppy drive while EzTape is running, you should do so
from within Windows.  This will allow you to access the floppy drive 
normally, but may result in short access delays.

If you attempt to access a floppy drive from the DOS prompt while EzTape is
running in the background under Windows, the operation will not succeed.

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Irwin 4100 Controller Support

EzTape for Windows supports the factory-preset switch settings for the Irwin 
4100 Controller Board.  If your system includes a 4100, we do not recommend 
that you use alternate switch settings.  If you do not use the factory-preset 
settings, EzTape for Windows may not execute properly.

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Setting the IROPT Environment Variable

To execute EzTape for Windows in standard mode on a Micro Channel 
machine with DOS 5.0, you must set the IROPT environment variable before
you start up Windows.  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.

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.

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Continuing after an Operation that Includes Messages

If you perform a backup or restore operation and receive messages during the 
operation, you will not be able to close the status window by pressing the 
[Enter] key.  Instead, you must either:

o   use the mouse to click on the OK button

o   press the [Alt] [Tab] key until the status window is the active window and 
    the OK button is highlighted.  Then, press the [Enter] key.  In some cases,
    you may need to use the [Tab] key alone instead of [Alt] [Tab].

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Keyboard Commands in EzStart

When using keyboard commands instead of a mouse while running EzStart, 
you should select the Edit, Add, Delete, and Suspend buttons by pressing [Alt] 
and the first letter of the name of the button simultaneously.  For example, 
to select the Add key, you would press [Alt] [A].

Do not use the [Tab] key to select between the Edit, Add, Delete, and Suspend 
buttons.  If you do, you will receive the Edit window, regardless of which 
button you select.

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Accessing Windows Setup

If you are running EzTape and want to access Windows Setup, you must first 
exit EzTape.  If you do not exit EzTape, your system may hang when you access
Windows setup.

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Incompatibility with Central Point Launcher 7.0

If you are running Central Point's Launcher 7.0, you must remove it before 
running EzTape.  Otherwise, EzTape will not execute properly.

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DMA Setting

If you receive an error message that indicates you have a DMA problem, check
your SYSTEM.INI file and make sure it contains the following statement:

device=*vdmad

If this line is missing, or if device= is set to a different value, make the 
changes necessary so that it appears as shown above.  Then, restart your
computer and EzTape should execute normally.

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Restoring Encrypted Backup Sets

You must restore encrypted backup sets one at a time using normal file 
selection, so that EzTape can prompt you for the encryption key before 
restoring data.  

If you attempt to restore an encrypted backup 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.

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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 drive's front panel goes out.  Depending on the operation 
in progress, you could lose data or cause unexpected operation.

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Creating Parameter Files in EzTape

In general, creating 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 parameter files from within the EzTape program.

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Parameter Files for more than one Disk

When you create a parameter file that backs up files from multiple hard disks,
you can specify backup set parameters for each disk, but must specify 
one set of backup options for all the drives.  For example, suppose you create
a parameter file that will back up disks C and D.  When you select the 
Options... button from the Backup Set Parameters window, any changes you
make to those options for drive C will also apply to drive D.

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Saving Settings for Parameter Files

When you save a parameter file that includes changes to backup options,
those changes may not be saved with the file.  This is because any options
you turn off will be overridden if you have set EzTape's default for that 
option to on.  For example, suppose you save a parameter file and indicate 
that you do not want message logging enabled.  If your default setting is for 
logging to be enabled, EzTape will save the parameter file with logging 
enabled.

