How to Diagnose an Unreadable PC Access® Disk 1, MFM Communication Software, Inc.

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How to Diagnose an Unreadable PC Access® Disk 1

Quick Contents

[Introduction] [Diagnosing Disk 1 Problems] [Related Information]

Introduction

MFM stores the PC Access® program files on a CD-ROM and the Configuration Files and User Authorization on Disk 1.

Note: if you have an older version of PC Access, the program files, Configuration Files, and User Authorization may be on diskettes.

The User Authorization Manager (UAM) installs the Configuration Files and User Authorization from your original PC Access Disk 1 to the PC Access executable directory, usually C:\PCAWIN. Earlier versions of the UAM in PC Access 4.20 and 4.30 only installed the User Authorization. The PC Access installation program installed the PC Access Configuration Files to your PC Access executable directory.

If your computer is unable to read your PC Access Disk 1, you will be unable to install your Configuration Files and User Authorization. For information on how to diagnose and correct problems with Disk 1, see: Diagnosing Disk 1 Problems.

Diagnosing Disk 1 Problems

Your AntiVirus program or damage to Disk 1 may prevent the UAM from installing the Configuration Files and User Authorization.

AntiVirus Program

Most often an AntiVirus program may prevent your computer from reading Disk 1. When an AntiVirus program attempts to scan the User Authorization and fails, this may cause Disk 1 to become temporarily unreadable.

When the UAM attempts to install the User Authorization from an unreadable Disk 1, the UAM displays this error:

  Error

  (X) Cannot change to drive A:\

    << OK >>   << Help >>

You may be able to correct this problem by restarting Windows and temporarily disabling your AntiVirus program. After you disable your AntiVirus program, immediately install the User Authorization. To install the User Authorization you can use the User Authorization Manager or the SCMOVE command. If the User Authorization Manager fails to install the user authorization, try the SCMOVE command instructions. If the SCMOVE command fails, you need to purchase a media replacement. See: MFM Product Media Replacement Order Form.

Note

Disk 1

MFM Product Media Replacement Order Form

To install the User Authorization via the SCMOVE command, see: How to Manually Install the User Authorization. For information about the User Authorization Manager, see: User Authorization Manager.

Note

Damaged Disk 1

If the UAM was able to install the Configuration Files, but unable to install the User Authorization, the UAM may display this error:

     (X) Error #0

      The User Auth check failed on drive "A:\"

      Make sure you have the factory ORIGINAL
      PC Access 4.30 Disk #1 in the floppy drive.

      You must use your factory original Disk #1.

        << Cancel >>  << Retry >>  << Help >>

Error #0 indicates that, at one time, the UAM read Disk 1 and was able to install the Configuration Files. However, the UAM is now unable to read Disk 1. Something in Windows, a virus, or mishandling of the magnetic media may have altered or damaged Disk 1.

Note: if a virus infected the original Disk 1, your AntiVirus program may have cleaned the Virus from Disk 1. However, the virus may have damaged or corrupted the User Authorization, InstallShield installations files, or the Configuration Files on Disk 1. In addition, misuse or mishandling of magnetic media can damage Disk 1. Make sure you always store your PC Access CD-ROM and Disk 1 a safe place.

To test Disk 1, you may want to see if another Windows computer can read the files on Disk 1. If you have access to another Windows computer, insert the original Disk 1 into the computer's 3.5" disk drive. Open Windows Explorer:

Windows 95/98: click Start | Programs | Windows Explorer
Windows NT 4.0: click Start | Programs | NT Explorer
Windows ME users: click Start | Programs | Accessories | Windows Explorer
Windows 2000: click Start | Programs | Accessories | Windows Explorer
Windows XP: click Start | All Programs or Programs | Accessories | Windows Explorer

In Windows Explorer click on the 3 1/2 Floppy (A:\). If you can view the contents of Disk 1, it is readable. You may want to return to the computer where you installed PC Access and temporarily disable your AntiVirus program. After you disable your AntiVirus program, install your User Authorization. For more information, see: AntiVirus Program.

If Windows Explorer displays this error message when you click on the 3 1/2 Floppy (A:\)

   Disk is not formatted

   The disk in drive A is not formatted.

      Do you want to format it now?

          << Yes >>  << No >>

Do not format Disk 1. If Windows displays the above error message, Disk 1 may be too damaged to install the User Authorization. In this case, you need to purchase a media replacement. See: MFM Product Media Replacement Order Form.

Related Information