Category : Utilities for DOS and Windows Machines
Archive   : LESDISK2.ZIP
Filename : LESDISK.DOC

FILES CONTAINED IN THIS PACKAGE

LESDISK.SYS Enhanced VDISK.SYS
RDTIME.COM Utility to read disk label creation time
SDTIME.COM Utility to set disk label creation time



DISCLAIMER -- These files work well for me. However, I cannot guarantee that
they will work with your computer. By using these programs, you assume all
risks to your system. I take no responsibility for any damage which these
programs may inadvertently cause.



LESDISK.SYS

This file is an enchancement of IBM's VDISK.SYS used with DOS Version
3.1. It can be used with later versions of DOS (including DOS 4.0) providing
that expanded memory is not being used for the ram disk. It will work with
extended memory, but not with expanded memory.

Enhancements are as follows:

1. A rotating propeller effect is placed in the upper right corner of the
screen during read and write operations to the ram disk. This is similar
to the LED on disk drives, and gives assurance to the user that his program
is progressing.

The original idea for this was published in Vol. 4 No. 20 of PC Magazine
(10/1/85). LESDISK modified that code to work with extended memory.

2. When used with a 286 computer (or probably a 386 computer - but not
tested), code has been added to change the "creation date" of the ram drive
from a static date to the date and time of boot-up. By running RDTIME
(or CHKDSK), one can keep track of how long his computer session has
lasted. This addition is inoperative when used on a PC/XT type system.
Use SDTIME for such computers.


Modifications:

1. Although I think that LESDISK is a fine name, others may wish to change it.
DEBUG addresses of "LESDISK" are at 112H, 413H, 45AH, 0BA9H, 0C1AH, and
0C6CH.

2. Color attributes for the rotating propeller are set at intense red on a
blue background. This byte (1CH) is located at DEBUG address 1F2H.



SDTIME.COM

This file is meant for use with a PC or XT equipped with a clock/calendar.
The line
SDTIME [drive letter]

should be added to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file after the system clock has been
initialized to the clock/calendar time. It is not necessary to include
a colon after the drive letter. Example: SDTIME D will set the time of
creation for RAM disk drive D to the current time.

NOTE -- This program is not limited to the RAM disk drive. If a different
drive letter is entered on the command line, SDTIME will set the
timestamp of the disk volume label for that drive (if it exists) to
the current date and time. No action is taken if the drive indicated
on the command line is non-existent.




RDTIME.COM

This file is used to show the current date and time, and also the timestamp
of the disk volume label (if it exists) for any drive. Syntax may be either

RDTIME
or RDTIME [drive letter]

Again, if a drive letter is included, it is not necessary to include a colon.
Sample input and output is as follows:

Input: RDTIME
Output: Current timestamp is 4-29-89 3:38p

Input: RDTIME D
Output: Drive D: LESDISK 2.0 Created 4-29-89 2:59p
Current timestamp is 4-29-89 3:38p


Les Moskowitz
4/29/89