PCJRIPS v1.0 INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS #80106 Copyright (c) 1993 PC Enterprises 1-908-280-0025 GENERAL PCJRIPS.COM is a utility that allows a PCjr computer to use PCjr internal commands even after the PCjr is enhanced to use products or operating systems that prevent internal commands from being used. Internal commands are commands provided on ROM devices found in PCjr cartridges and certain other expansion products. Examples of internal commands include the BASICA command available if you have Cartridge Basic, the JRSYNC and JRSYNCNP commands found on the PCE Keyboard Buffer Cartridge, and the JRVINT21 command provided by the PCE jrVideo Cartridge. Internal commands simplify the use of the PCjr because the commands are always available, and therefore never need to be present on any disk or diskettes that you use. When the PCjr is operated with any version of IBM DOS from 2.10 through 4.01 the computer can use internal commands automatically, as long as DOS detects the System Identification Byte of the PCjr when the computer is started. Later versions of IBM DOS, in addition to operating systems provided by other companies (i.e. Digital Research's DR DOS), do not provide support for internal commands. PCJR USERS AFFECTED PCjr users that install Microsoft or IBM DOS 5.00 or later, or any other operating system that does not support PCjr internal commands need to use PCJRIPS in order to use commands built into cartridges and other expansion products that they own. In addition, PCjr users that install any product that changes the computer's identification byte from that of a PCjr to the identification byte of an IBM PC also need PCJRIPS. A partial list of products and operating systems known to require PCJRIPS is indicated below: PRODUCTS THAT REQUIRE USING PCJRIPS PC Enterprises Configuration Cartridge PC Enterprises Configuration Plus Cartridge PC Enterprises Display-Master VGA Cartridge (rev 2) Racore PC I. D. Cartridge OPERATION SYSTEMS THAT REQUIRE USING PCJRIPS IBM or Microsoft DOS versions 5.00 and later Digital Research DR-DOS 6.00 DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM The ability to use internal commands is a feature of the PCjr that is not found on most computers. As a result, many operating systems do not support this feature. IBM DOS versions 2.10 through 4.01 support internal commands when used on a PCjr. Each time a computer is started with one of these DOS versions, DOS checks to determine whether it is running on a PCjr. If the identification byte of a PCjr is found, DOS automatically provides support for internal commands; however, if the identification byte of any other computer is detected, internal commands are not supported. PCjr users that install operating systems that do not support internal commands soon find that they can no longer access commands found built into their cartridges and other expansion products. In addition, PCjr users that install a product that changes the computer's identification byte from that of a PCjr to that of a genuine PC also lose the ability to use internal commands. SOLUTION PCJRIPS is a program that allows you to access internal commands regardless of the circumstances that otherwise prevent you from using these commands. To use PCJRIPS simply type PCJRIPS followed by the internal command that you would like to execute. Example: A-> PCJRIPS BASICA PCJRIPS [/? or /L] [internal_command [command_parameters]] /? displays a help screen for the PCJRIPS program /L lists all the internal ROM commands currently installed in your computer internal_command is the command you wish to execute from ROM command_parameters are the parameters or options you wish to pass along to the internal command. When using the /L parameter of PCJRIPS, nonsence will be displayed on the screen when certain products are installed. Please ignore any nonsense displayed, as it will not cause any problems (Nonsence is displayed when a product uses ROM code designed to be compatible with other computers. Examples include the Cirrus VGA BIOS used with the PC Enterprises' Display-Master Cartridge and the Seagate or Future Domain BIOS provided with the PCE SCSI Host Adapter). The PCJRIPS program does not change or influence the way the internal ROM command works. If you need help using the internal ROM command or its parameters, refer to the documentation that accompanied the product that provides the internal command. PCJRIPS is an external DOS command. This means that the PCJRIPS.COM file must be on your disk to use the utility. PROCEDURE The PCJRIPS program will allow internal commands to run exactly as they were designed to. Normally you would enter the command at the DOS prompt with its parameters. When using the PCJRIPS program, simply type the name PCJRIPS in front of the internal ROM command as it is normally used. Example: PCJRIPS BASICA MYPROGRM.BAS If your computer has internal commands that must be executed each time the computer is run, you can use PCJRIPS in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file just as you use it at the DOS command line. The following is an example of how to create an AUTOEXEC.BAT file that is commonly used by many PCjr users who have a jrExcel- lerator and a hard drive system: COPY CON AUTOEXEC.BAT [Enter] PCJRIPS DISKSYNC [Enter] PCJRIPS FASTSPD [Enter] PROMPT $P$G [Enter] ^Z [press the Function 6 key then Enter] Please remember, to run PCJRIPS from your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, the PCJRIPS.COM file must be copied to your start up disk. TESTING If you would like additional help from PC Enterprises, help is available. Computer systems vary widely from user to user, so we require you have the following information when you call: All hardware items currently installed on your PCjr The name and version of your PCjr memory management software The DOS version and brand you use PC Enterprises 1-908-280-0025 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Permission is granted to distribute PCJRIPS.COM and PCJRIPS.DOC free of charge provided the two files are distributed together and no portion of either file and/or the contained messages have been altered. PC Enterprises has been dedicated to the support of the IBM PCjr since 1984. PCjr owners can receive a FREE PCjr products catalog by calling 1-800-922-PCJR.