


BACKPACK
CD-ROM Drive


User's Guide
Rev. 06/25/97

Micro Solutions, Inc., provides this manual as is, without warranty of
any kind, either express or implied. Micro Solutions, Inc., shall not be
liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material.

Micro Solutions, Inc.
132 West Lincoln Highway	Technical Support BBS: 815.756.9100
DeKalb, Illinois 60115	    Technical Support FAX: 815.756.4986
Phone: 815.756.3411         Automated Fax Response: 815.754.4600
FAX: 815.756.2928           WebSite: http://www.micro-solutions.com

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
 1.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
2. INSTALLATION
 2.1 DRIVE INSTALLATION
 2.2 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
3. USING BACKPACK
 3.1 BACKPACK'S DRIVE LETTER
 3.2 PLAYING AUDIO CDS
 3.3 BACKPACK SOUND
 3.4 UNINSTALLING BACKPACK
4. CONFIGURING BACKPACK
 4.1 CHANGING THE BACKPACK DRIVE LETTER
 4.2 BACKPACK DEVICE DRIVER PARAMETERS
 4.3 THE NONSTOP OPTION
 4.4 CHANGING THE INTERNAL DRIVE ID
5. TROUBLESHOOTING
 5.1 GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
 5.2 ERROR MESSAGES AND SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
APPENDIX A CD-ROM TUTORIAL
 A.1 PROGRAM/DATA CDS
 A.2 AUDIO CDS
APPENDIX B TECHNICAL SUPPORT
APPENDIX C MICROSOFT CD-ROM EXTENSIONS
 C.1 MICROSOFT CD-ROM EXTENSIONS OPTIONS
 C.2 COMMON MICROSOFT CD-ROM EXTENSIONS ERROR MESSAGES
APPENDIX D INSTALLATION UNDER OS/2
APPENDIX E HARDWARE WARRANTY
APPENDIX F SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT


1. Introduction

Congratulations on your decision to purchase backpack, the
easy-to-install CD-ROM drive for PCs, XTs, ATs, PS/1s, PS/2s, laptops,
notebooks and compatibles. This manual provides information regarding
the installation and use of backpack..

1. 1  System Requirements

Check the system requirements listed here to make sure you have
everything needed for proper operation of backpack:

* IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, laptop, notebook, or compatible computer
  with:

* 100% IBM compatible parallel printer port.

* 128K memory. * DOS version 3.1 or above or Windows 3.x, Windows 95 or
  Windows NT.

Note: backpack is Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) Aware. If the parallel
port is equipped with EPP and the computer BIOS has support for EPP,
backpack will detect this and use the feature to improve its
performance.


2.  Installation

The backpack drive and software must be installed before you can use the
backpack drive. The step-by-step instructions in Sections 2.1 and 2.2
will help you perform the installation.

2. 1  Drive Installation

Installing the backpack drive is a straightforward process. It consists
of plugging the drive into your computer's parallel printer port. The
instructions in this section will guide you step by step through the
installation procedure. Perform the following steps to install the
backpack drive:

1) Locate the parallel printer port connector on your computer. If you
   have more than one parallel printer port, it doesn't matter which one
   you use for backpack.

2) If you have a printer connected to the parallel printer port,
   disconnect it and attach the printer cable to the connector labeled
   "Printer" on the backpack drive.

3) Connect the cable supplied with the backpack to the connector labeled
   "Computer" on the back of the backpack drive.

4) Connect the backpack cable to the printer port on the computer.

5) Plug the backpack power unit into a wall outlet and attach the power
   cable to the power connector on the drive. backpack must be powered
   on to operate.

2. 2 Software Installation

The SETUP program on your backpack SETUP disk 1 will install the
software for you automatically. This procedure assumes your diskette
drive letter is A. If you use a different drive letter, substitute it in
the procedure. Use the following procedure to run SETUP:

Windows Installation Procedure (Win, 95, and NT):

1) Place your backpack SETUP disk 1 into drive A.

2) Click on Start, Run  or  File, Run and type

 A:SETUP.

3) Click OK.

You will be prompted if SETUP needs you to insert any other disks.

The installation will be complete after you restart your system.

DOS Installation Procedure:

1) Start your computer as you normally would.

2) Place your backpack SETUP disk 1 into drive A.

3) Run the SETUP program with the following command at the DOS prompt

 A:\setup

The installation will be complete after you restart your system.

NOTE: The backpack OS/2 Installation Procedure is included in Appendix D of this User's Guide.

The backpack diskette includes a file called README.TXT which contains
information gathered since this guide was written. You can view or print
this text file using NOTEPAD under Windows. Under DOS, you can use the
DOS EDIT utility to view or print README.TXT.


3.  Using BACKPACK

backpack is used just like any other disk drive. It has its own drive
letter. You can access it from your programs by referring to the drive
letter. The only restriction is that you can't write to the CD-ROM
drive. If you have never used a CD-ROM drive before, a brief tutorial is
included in Appendix A of this User's Guide.

3. 1  BACKPACK's Drive Letter

Just as your existing disk drives are referred to by letters (A:, B:,
etc.), backpack also has a drive letter associated with it. The letter
to be used is assigned by DOS or Windows and is determined by which
letters are already in use on your system. backpack will get the next
available letter in alphabetical order. In a typical hard disk system
where the floppy drives are A: and B: and the hard disk is C:, backpack
will be drive D:.

If you are using Windows 95 or NT:

 The CD-ROM drive will appear as an icon in Files Manager, or My
 Computer and Windows Explorer


If you are using MS-DOS or Windows 3.x:

 When your computer is powered up, the Microsoft CD-ROM extensions
 program will display a message on the screen to tell you the backpack
 letter. The message will look like this:

  Drive D: = Driver BPCDDRV$ unit 0

In this case, you will refer to the backpack CD-ROM drive as drive D:
when you are accessing it through any software packages.

You can check the backpack drive letter at any time by one of two
methods:

A)	Insert the backpack SETUP disk 1 in drive A and type: A:bpdrives or

B)	From the hard drive in DOS, type: C:\bpcdrom\bpdrives

Additional backpack CD-ROM statistics, including the parallel port mode
that has been detected and used by backpack can be obtained by using the
/x switch:

 C:\bpcdrom\bpdrives /x


3. 2  Playing Audio CDs

To play audio CDs on the backpack CD-ROM drive, you can use Windows
Media Player or any suitable CD-Audio player software.

Playing An Audio CD Under Windows 95 or NT4:

 Make sure that you have already installed Multimedia support for
 Windows (under Control Panel choose Add/Remove Programs, Windows
 Setup).

 Choose:  Start, Programs, Accessories, Multimedia, CD Player.

Playing An Audio CD Under Windows 3.x or NT 3.51

 To play an audio CD under Windows, perform the following steps:

1) Double click on the MEDIA PLAYER icon in the ACCESSORIES window. A
   window similar to a CD player front panel will appear.

2) Select DEVICE, then CD AUDIO, to inform the media player to use the
   CD-ROM drive.

3) Use the buttons on the media player to start the CD.


Before using audio CDs with Windows 3.x, you may need to inform Windows
that you have a CD-ROM drive with audio capability attached.

1) Insert an audio CD in the backpack drive.

2) Open CONTROL PANEL in the MAIN Program Group.

3) Double click on the DRIVERS icon in the CONTROL PANEL window.

4) A list of installed drivers will appear. If the list contains [MCI]
   CD Audio, the driver has already been installed and you should click
   on the CANCEL button and skip the next steps. If the driver is not
   installed already, proceed with the following steps.

5) Click on the ADD button. A list of drivers will then appear.

6) Click on [MCI] CD Audio and then click on the OK button. Windows may
   prompt you to insert one of your Windows installation diskettes at
   this point. If it does, insert the diskette and follow the
   instructions on the screen.

7) Exit Windows; then restart Windows to load the new driver.



Playing An Audio CD Under DOS:

To play an audio CD under DOS, invoke your DOS audio player software
from the DOS prompt. You can also use the TRKPLAY.EXE utility under DOS.
TRKPLAY.EXE is supplied on your backpack SETUP disk 1 or 2 in the
\UTILITY directory.

3. 3 BACKPACK Sound

This section only applies if your backpack is equipped with the 16-bit
sound card option.

backpack Sound refers to the special capabilities added by the built-in
16-bit sound card.

NOTE: BACKPACK Sound is available with Windows 3.x and Windows 95 only.

3. 3 .1 The Audio Rack

The Audio Rack allows you to take advantage of backpack's audio
capabilities with the convenience of all the controls being in one
place.  You can play audio CDs, wave files (in .WAV and .AUD formats),
and MIDI files.  With the multi-source mixer, you can blend these
sources with line-in and microphone sources in anyway you choose.  Then
you can record these creations as wave files and edit them with the
Audio Recorder.

The AudioRack has five main parts.

* The Command Center customizes the appearance of the AudioRack.

* The Digital Audio Player plays and records files in the .WAV format.

* With the Compact Disc Player, you can play audio CDs on the backpack
  CD-ROM drive.

* MIDI files can be played with the MIDI Player.

* Finally the Mixer controls the volume and recording level of these
  various devices.

NOTE: For more information about the Audio Applications choose Help in
the Audio Rack window.

3. 3 .2

The BACKPACK Sound Setup Screen

A setup screen is available for customizing some backpack driver
settings.  Normally these settings should not need changing.  Follow the
instructions below to access the setup screen.

Windows 95

1) Click on Start, then click on Settings, then Click on Control Panel
   to open the Control panel folder.

2) Double-click on the Multimedia icon to open the Multimedia Properties
   screen.

3) Click on the Advanced tab to display the multimedia devices.

4) Double-click on Audio Devices.  The backpack Sound device should appear.

5) Double-click on BACKPACK Sound to display the Sound Properties screen.

6) Click on the Settings button. The backpack Sound Setup screen should appear.


Windows 3.x

1) Double-click on the MAIN folder.

2) Double-click on the Control Panel icon.

3) Double-click on the Drivers icon.

4) Click on the Driver for BACKPACK Sound line, then click on the SETUP
   button. The backpack Sound Setup screen should appear.


3. 3 .3

Audio Connections

The backpack sound option provides a volume control and several audio jacks.

* PHONES  is a stereo output for a set of earphones or computer
  speakers. This is an amplified output and the output level is
  controlled by the VOLUME thumbwheel knob (this may be labeled SPK on
  some models).

* LINE OUT  is a stereo output that can be connected to an amplifier
  input.

* MIC  is a monaural input that is normally used for a microphone.

* LINE IN  is a stereo input that could be connected to many different
  audio sources (this may be labeled AUX on some models).


Note:  The backpack sound option has a small internal speaker which can
be used when the external speakers are not connected.  The audio volume
and clarity of the small internal speaker is lower than some external
speakers.



3. 4 Uninstalling BACKPACK

Because backpack is portable you may wish to install it on a system only
temporarily.

If you use Windows 95 or Windows NT version 4

Choose Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs. Highlight
the BACKPACK CD-ROM entry. Click the Add/Remove button.

If you use Windows3 .x:

1) Choose File, Run and enter SYSEDIT.

2) Click on the tab labeled CONFIG.SYS. Locate and delete the lines that
   refer to the backpack driver BPCDDRV.SYS. The line will be similar to:

   device=\bpcdrom\bpcddrv.sys /D:BPCDDRV$

3) Click on the Tab labeled AUTOEXEC.BAT. Locate and delete the line
   similar to:

   if exist bpcddrv$ \bpcdrom\mscdex /d:bpcddrv$

NOTE: If /d: appears more than once in this line, delete just
/d:bpcddrv$ and leave the rest of the line as is.

4) If your backpack has the Sound Card option click the tab labeled
   SYSTEM.INI. Locate and delete these lines:

 device=vbacpac.vxd     (found in the [386Enh] section)
 WAVE=bpsound.drv     (found in the [Drivers] section)
 MIDI=bpsound.drv
 MIXER=bpsound.drv

5) Close SYSEDIT and save your changes.

6) Open File Manager. Locate the folder where the backpack files were
   installed, usually C:\BPCDROM. Delete this folder.

7) If your system has the Sound card option locate and delete the folder
   where the audio files were installed, usually C:\BPAUDIO. In Program
   Manager delete the BACKPACK Sound Program Group.

If you use MS-DOS:

You can use the DOS EDIT command to open CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT,
found in the root of the C:\ drive. Edit each file as described above.
You may then delete the files and directory where backpack was
installed, described above.


4. Configuring BACKPACK

4. 1 Changing the BACKPACK Drive Letter

You can change the drive letter assigned to backpack to suit your
preference or to avoid conflicts with other devices.

If you use Windows 95 or NT 4:

In Control Panel, Choose System and click on the Device Manager tab.

Double click on CD-ROM, then double click on BACKPACK CD-ROM. Click on
the Settings tab.

Select a Start drive letter and End drive letter that does not conflict
with any other drives on the system, for example M.

If you use MS-DOS or Windows 3.x:

Make sure the CONFIG.SYS file has a LASTDRIVE statement of LASTDRIVE=x
where x is a letter greater than the desired drive letter.

Edit AUTOEXEC.BAT and add or change /L option for the Microsoft CD-ROM
Extensions. For details see Appendix C.


4. 2 BACKPACK Device Driver Parameters

By default, the backpack device driver will test the computer's parallel
port upon boot-up and automatically determine which configuration
adjustments to make. In the event that backpack does not function
properly you can add the options described below under BACKPACK Options.


If you use Windows 95 or Windows NT

Open Control Panel with Start, Settings and double-click on the backpack
icon.

Drop-down lists and check boxes control various options.

Default settings are:
 T1, T2 and T8 = AUTO
 MAX = EPP
 Test For Chipset  Checked
 Auto-Insert Notification  Checked.

These options are described below.

If you use DOS or Windows 3.x

The options described below can be used at the very end of the backpack
CD-ROM's device driver line in the CONFIG.SYS file.

  device=\bpcdrom\bpcddrv.sys /d:bpcddrv$

This is the default syntax for the backpack CONFIG.SYS line. This should
allow backpack to operate properly on almost all computers. The
/d:bpcddrv$ parameter specifies the name of the backpack CD-ROM device
driver in memory and must not be altered. This parameter does not assign
the D: drive designation to backpack. See Section 4.1 of this User's
Guide for modification of the backpack drive letter.

Options can be combined on the same line, if necessary. For example:

  device=\bpcdrom\bpcddrv.sys /d:bpcddrv$ NOEPP T1=10

would cause the backpack device driver software to bypass the backpack
Enhanced Parallel Port usage and add 10 more timing delays to the data
transfer signals from the backpack to the computer's parallel port.

Always reboot the computer after saving changes to the CONFIG.SYS file.

BACKPACK Options

NONSTOP
 This option is detailed in Section 4.3 of this User's Guide, and does
 not apply to Windows 95 or Windows NT.

NOEPP
 This option turns off backpack's testing and usage of Enhanced Parallel
 Ports (EPP). If the parallel port chip in your computer exhibits EPP
 properties, but is not fully EPP compatible, then this parameter may be
 necessary to allow backpack CD-ROM to function on that computer's
 parallel port. Be sure to turn off the computer's power and the
 backpack CD-ROM drive's power after saving this particular modification
 to the CONFIG.SYS. This will allow the backpack I/O chips and the
 computer's parallel port chipset to be reset to a non-EPP mode.

 NOEPP mode can be selected from a drop-down list under Windows 95 or NT
 in backpack Controls. Set MAX to either Bidirectional or
 Unidirectional.


UNIDIR
 This option turns off backpack testing and usage of bidirectional
 parallel ports. If the parallel port chip in your computer cannot
 properly transfer data in bidirectional mode, it may be necessary to
 force the backpack into unidirectional operation on that computer's
 parallel port.

 Unidirectional mode can be selected from the a drop-down list under
 Windows 95 or NT in backpack Controls. Set MAX to Unidirectional.

T1=xx
 Values of 1 to 50 are typical for this parameter. This option will
 place additional signal speed delays on the backpack CD-ROM when
 sending data into the computer's parallel port. If the computer's
 parallel port is not capable of transferring data at the speed
 calculated by the backpack device driver during boot, this addition of
 timing delays may be necessary. The higher the value, the more timing
 delays are added.

T2=xx
 Values of 1 to 50 are typical for this parameter. This option will
 place additional signal speed delays when receiving data from the
 computer's parallel port.

T8=x
 Values of 1, 2 or 3 are valid for this parameter. This option adds
 additional EPP signal speed delays on the backpack CD-ROM when sending
 data on an Enhanced Parallel Port. If the computer has an EPP port, but
 the port is not capable of transferring data at the optimum EPP speed,
 additional signal delays may be necessary.

Auto-Insert Notification

 This is a feature of Windows 95 and Windows NT 4 that allows Windows to
 automatically launch an application on CD or begin playing an Audio CD
 when it is inserted.

 Auto-Insert Notification can cause problems with some printers attached
 to backpack.

Test for Chipset
 This setting is controlled by a checkbox in Windows 95 and NT. When the
 backpack device driver loads it attempts to determine the type of
 parallel port in the computer. These tests could cause some computers
 to lock up. In such a case re-start the computer without the backpack
 connected and clear this box.

4. 3 The NONSTOP Option

This Section only applies if you are using MS-DOS or Windows 3.x

When the DOS system loads the backpack software driver, it will scan the
parallel printer ports looking for backpack drives. If it doesn't find
at least one backpack CD-ROM drive, it will issue an error message and
wait for you to press the ESC key to acknowledge the message or the R
key to retry. This could become annoying if the backpack drive isn't
always connected to the computer.

The NONSTOP software option can be used to suppress the error message that is displayed if no backpack drive is found when the system starts. Perform the following steps to specify the NONSTOP option:

1) Using Windows Notepad or DOS EDIT, bring up the CONFIG.SYS file from
   your hard drive for editing.

2) Locate the line that references BPCDDRV.SYS and add NONSTOP to the
   end of it, as shown below:

    device=\bpcdrom\bpcddrv.sys  nonstop
	Be sure to type a space before NONSTOP.

3) Save the modified CONFIG.SYS file on your hard drive.

4) Restart the computer by holding down CTRL, ALT, and DEL.

Note: If backpack is connected and powered on, but still reports the
error "A backpack CD-ROM Drive was not found..." during boot, refer to
Section 5, Troubleshooting, of this User's Guide. Do not install the
NONSTOP option since it will only suppress the error and will not
correct the conflict.

4. 4 Changing the Internal Drive ID

This section is relevant only if you are connecting more than one
BACKPACK to your computer.

Each backpack drive is assigned an internal drive ID when it is
manufactured. The ID is a number between 0 and 99 and initially is the
last two digits of the unit's serial number. When more than one backpack
is connected to a computer, the backpack driver software assigns DOS
drive letters in ascending drive ID order. The lower the drive ID
number, the lower the DOS drive letter.

For example, assume that you have a computer with two floppy drives (A:
and B:) and a hard drive (C:). Assume also that you are connecting the
following two backpack CD-ROM drives:

 Serial number xxxxxx35
 Serial number xxxxxx17

Drive letter D: will be assigned to the drive with serial number 17 and
drive letter E: will be assigned to the drive with serial number 35.

There are two situations in which you may need to alter a backpack drive
ID number:

1) If you are connecting two backpack drives to one computer and they
   happen to have the same last two digits in the serial number. In this
   case the backpack software will locate only one of the drives and
   assign it a drive letter. The other drive will not be recognized.
   Assigning a new drive ID to one of the drives will allow both drives
   to be recognized.

Note: All backpack tape drives have ID numbers 00 or 01.

2) If you are connecting two backpack CD-ROM drives to one computer and
   you would like to reverse the drive letters. Since drive letters are
   assigned according to drive ID numbers, the order of the drives can
   be reversed by assigning new drive ID numbers.

Drive ID numbers are used only for establishing the order of backpack
drive letters; they serve no other purpose. Perform the following steps
to change a drive ID number:

1) Connect the backpack drive whose ID number you will be altering to a
   parallel printer port. Disconnect all other backpack drives from the
   computer.

2) Unplug the backpack power connector for a few seconds, then connect
   it again.

3) Place your backpack SETUP disk 1 into drive A.

4) Run the SETID program with the following command:

   A:\setid
The program will ask you to select a new drive ID.

5) After you exit the program, remove the backpack SETUP disk 1 from drive A:.

6) Unplug the backpack power connector for a few seconds, then connect
   it again

7) Attach all the backpack units to the computer.

8) Restart the computer by holding down CTRL, ALT, and DEL.


5. Troubleshooting

backpack should not affect the operation of your existing computer
software and hardware. If there seems to be a problem using the computer
or backpack after installation, read the following problem descriptions
to see if they match the problems you are experiencing. Review the
README.TXT file included on the software diskette (see Section 2.2) and
see if your problem is discussed there. If you can't resolve the
problem, review Appendix B  Technical Support.

5. 1 General Troubleshooting Tips

* Plug backpack directly into the computer using the supplied cable.
  Extension cables and other devices between backpack and the computer
  can cause problems. If you use a Software Security Key (often called a
  dongle) it will work plugged into the backpack PRINTER connector.

* The backpack CD-ROM Drive is supported in DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows
  95, NT and OS/2 environments only. No support is available for any
  other operating systems

* backpack software is continually being improved. Check with Micro
  Solutions' WebSite or Micro Solutions' BBS for newer software
  versions. See Appendix B.

* Often read errors or lockups can be solved with selecting the backpack
  parameters NOEPP and/or T1=20. See Section 4.2.

* Specific printer compatibility information is available and updated
  regularly on Micro Solutions' WebSite. See Appendix B.

5. 2 Error Messages and Specific Problems


When you are trying to access the drive, an "Invalid drive
specification" message appears on the screen.

 This can occur if you are not using the correct drive letter to access
 backpack. Be sure the letter you use is the one indicated on the screen
 when the computer starts. Review Section 3.1 for information on drive
 letters.

 This can also occur if you have not run SETUP to install the backpack
 software or if you have not restarted the computer after running SETUP.
 Review Section 2.2 for information on software installation.

 If you use MS-DOS or Windows 3.x this can also occur if there are not
 enough drive letters available to DOS. If drive letters D: and E: are
 already assigned to other devices in your computer, you will need to
 allow DOS to use additional drive letters. Add or change the line:
 LASTDRIVE=M to the beginning of your CONFIG.SYS file on your boot
 drive.

The message "A backpack CD-ROM drive was not found" appears when the
computer starts.

 This will occur if the power to the backpack drive is not on when the
 computer is started.

 This can also occur if the backpack CD-ROM drive's device driver
 software has difficulty programming an Enhanced Parallel Port into
 high-speed mode. Review the NOEPP option in Section 4.2.

 This can also occur if a hardware conflict exists. Make sure you don't
 have two printer ports set to the same port address, and make sure you
 have a completely IBM compatible printer port.

The backpack appears to operate too slowly. Multimedia programs seem to
"stutter" or skip frames

 This will occur if the backpack is connected to a parallel port that is
 not Enhanced (EPP compatible). If your computer's parallel port is a
 unidirectional or bidirectional parallel port, backpack will not be
 able to operate at its optimum speed.

After you install the backpack, the printer doesn't work properly.

 Try turning off Auto-Insert Notification in BACKPACK Controls. See
 Section 4.2.

 This can also occur if the power to the backpack is not on. For
 reliable operation, make sure the backpack is powered on.

After you have connected two backpacks, only one of them is assigned a
drive letter. Either drive works properly if connected by itself.

 This can occur if two or more backpacks are set to the same internal
 drive ID number. When more than one backpack is installed on the same
 computer, they must all have distinct internal drive ID numbers. Drive
 ID numbers are assigned at the time of manufacture but can be changed
 with the SETID program. Refer to Section 4.4 for information on
 changing ID numbers.

The message "BPCDDRV.SYS Error: Bad or missing argument in CONFIG.SYS"
appears when the computer starts.

 In the CONFIG.SYS line where BPCDDRV.SYS is loaded, a parameter was
 specified but the argument was either missing or invalid. The invalid
 argument or the position of the missing argument will be displayed, and
 you will have to press the ESC key to continue. Refer to Section 4.2
 for a list of valid parameters.

The message "BPCDDRV.SYS Error: Unrecognized parameter in CONFIG.SYS"
appears when the computer starts

 In the CONFIG.SYS line where BPCDDRV.SYS is loaded, an invalid
 parameter was specified. The invalid parameter will be displayed, and
 you will have to press the ESC key to continue. Refer to Section 4.2
 for a list of valid parameters.

Appendix A CD-ROM Tutorial

A.1  Program/Data CDs

A CD-ROM drive works much like a floppy diskette drive or hard drive,
except that you can't write (save data) to it. Your CD-ROM drive is a
Read Only device.

Once you have placed a CD-ROM disc into the CD-ROM drive, follow the
installation or setup procedure that is detailed in the instructions
supplied with each CD-ROM disc. Some CD-ROM discs contain an
installation program which must be run before the actual programs on
that CD-ROM disc will execute.

Your CD-ROM drive will appear under Windows File Manager program or
under My Computer in Windows 95 and NT 4 once the CD-ROM drive has been
properly installed and the computer has been re-booted.

There is no need for your CD-ROM drive to set up any additional program
icons under Windows, since the CD-ROM drive cannot perform any program
functions until a CD-ROM disc has been placed in it.

A.2  Audio CDs

Music CDs which you can play on a home stereo CD player or on a portable
CD player are called CD-AUDIO discs. The type of music on these discs is
different than the audio found on most Multimedia CDs. You need a
CD-AUDIO program on your computer, such as Media Player in Windows, to
play CD-AUDIO Music CDs. You may also need to attach speakers or
headphones to the front of your CD-ROM drive to hear that CD-AUDIO
sound.

Most Multimedia CDs require a computer Sound Board which can convert the
multimedia data into sound. Check the requirements listed on the
Multimedia CD-ROM disc package to find out if a Sound Board is required
for audio.


Appendix B Technical Support

Most questions about backpack and its operation are answered in this
guide. To solve most problems:

* Check the solutions and procedures in this User's Guide.

* Check the README.TXT files on the backpack installation diskette.

* Visit Micro Solutions on-line at our WebSite at:

 http://www.micro-solutions.com.

* Contact Micro Solutions' Automated Fax Response at 815.754.4600.
  Automated Fax Response is available 24-hours daily. A complete catalog
  of faxes and information is available. If you are calling from outside
  the United States prefix the digits 011 when you are asked to enter
  your country code and FAX number. * Contact Micro Solutions' Bulletin
  Board Service (BBS) at 815.756.9100 for troubleshooting software,
  bulletins and driver updates.

If your problem remains unsolved, contact Micro Solutions Technical Support Department at 815.754.4500. Technical Support is available during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, Central Time. Before calling, be sure to have the following information ready:

* The version numbers of your backpack software and your operating
  system (DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95 or NT).

* The name and model of the computer, and the eight-digit serial number
  found on the bottom of your backpack drive.

* The exact wording of any error message(s) from the backpack program,
  DOS, Windows or any other application producing the error message.

* The exact model of printer installed, and the revision of printer
  driver software, if available



If possible, be at your computer when calling.


Appendix C Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions

This Section only applies if you are using MS-DOS or Windows 3.x

Microsoft CD-ROM extensions (MSCDEX.EXE) is an executable program for
MS-DOS (version 3.1 or higher) that works in conjunction with the
backpack device driver (BPCDDRV.SYS) to allow your computer to access
CD-ROM discs as if they were DOS formatted disks. This program is
written by Microsoft and is specifically designed to work with Microsoft
MS-DOS. Computers with anything other than MS-DOS operating systems may
experience unpredictable results unless the operating system
manufacturer provides an alternative to the MSCDEX program.

The SETUP program automatically modifies the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to run
the MSCDEX program so your computer can access the backpack CD-ROM
drive. However, some parameters can be changed, so this section explains
the function of each parameter. Use a text editor such as EDLIN or EDIT
to modify the appropriate line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

C.1 Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions Options

Syntax
MSCDEX  /D:BPCDDRV$ [/M: <value>] [/E] [/V] [/S] [/L:<letter>]

/D:BPCDDRV$
The /D option specifies the name of the backpack CD-ROM device driver
and must not be altered.

/L:<letter>
The /L option can be used for software that requires that the CD-ROM drive be identified by a particular drive letter. The following would cause the CD-ROM drive to be assigned drive letter M:.
MSCDEX  /D:BPCDDRV$  /L:M

/M
The /M option determines how many sector buffers MSCDEX will allocate
when it installs itself. The larger this value is, the more sector cache
entries are available and the less MSCDEX will have to read directly
from the CD-ROM drive. The larger this value is, the better the
performance will be. If the /M option is not specified, the default
value is 6.

/E
The /E option instructs MSCDEX to use expanded memory for some of its
    buffers. Note that you must have expanded memory available for this
    option to work. If no expanded memory is available, the following
    error message will appear:

    Expanded memory not present or not usable.

/V
The /V option instructs MSCDEX to display a summary of memory usage.

/S
The /S option tells MSCDEX to patch MS-DOS to allow the sharing of
CD-ROM drives on MS-NET based servers.

C.2 Common Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions Error Messages


CDR101: Not ready error reading drive x:
No Disk in drive or The device is not ready

 This message is displayed by MSCDEX whenever any type of error occurs
 on the CD-ROM drive. Since the message is generic, there may be many
 causes for its appearance. Check for the following conditions.

 Make sure the backpack CD-ROM drive is still connected to the
 computer's parallel port and still has the original power supply
 attached. Substituting a power supply of a lower voltage than the one
 originally packaged with your backpack can produce this error.

 Make sure there is a CD-ROM loaded in the drive.

 If you just loaded a CD-ROM in the drive, wait a few seconds before
 accessing it. The drive automatically reads the CD-ROM table of
 contents when you insert a disc, and this takes a few seconds. During
 this time the drive will not respond.

 Check that the CD-ROM is clean. If necessary, clean it according to the
 instructions provided with the disc.

 This error can also occur if a caching utility, such as Microsoft's
 SMARTDRV.EXE program, fails to provide proper caching for the backpack
 CD-ROM. To disable the caching of a backpack CD-ROM that is designated
 as E: drive, add the following to the SMARTDRV line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT
 file: c:\windows\smartdrv.exe E- This is the backpack drive letter,
 followed by a hyphen. Reboot the computer after saving the above change
 to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

Not enough drive letters available

 MSCDEX cannot allocate a drive letter for the CD-ROM drive. Increase
 the number of available drive letters, using the LASTDRIVE command in
 your CONFIG.SYS file. If your CONFIG.SYS file contains a LASTDRIVE
 command, change the drive letter specified to a higher letter. If your
 CONFIG.SYS file does not have a LASTDRIVE command, add the line
 LASTDRIVE=H to the beginning of your CONFIG.SYS file on your boot
 drive.


Appendix D Installation Under OS/2

Some backpack models include OS/2 software in a directory named \OS2 on
one of the SETUP diskettes. You can also download OS/2 CD-ROM drivers
from Micro Solutions' BBS or WebSite. See Appendix B.

When installing backpack under OS/2, the original OS/2 installation
diskettes will also be required.

1) Open the OS/2 System folder.

2) Open the System Setup folder.

3) Choose Device Install.

4) Follow the instructions displayed. When prompted, insert the backpack
   CD-ROM Installation diskette. The backpack OS/2 files are in the \OS2
   directory of the diskette. Make sure that you specify the complete
   path: A:\OS2 when you are prompted to specify the installation drive
   and path.

If there was not already a CD-ROM installed on the system, run Selective
Install to set up the OS/2 CD-ROM support:

1) Open the OS/2 System folder, then System Setup.

2) Open Selective Install.

3) Select the CD-ROM Device Support check box.

4) Choose OK, then scroll down the CD-ROM device list and select Other.

5) Select OK to go from the System Configuration screen to the Setup and
   Installation window.

6) Select Install and follow the instructions displayed.


One or more of the OS/2 installation diskettes will be prompted for. The
backpack CD-ROM will be available after restarting the system.

Note: If the backpack is not available after restarting the system, make
sure the following lines appear in the CONFIG.SYS file and the files
referred to exist in the \OS2 directory of the hard drive:

 ifs=\os2\cdfs.ifs /q
 device=\os2\mdos\vcdrom.sys
 device=\os2\os2cdrom.dmd /q
 basedev=bpcdos2.add

When troubleshooting parallel port compatibility problems under OS/2,
the NOEPP and UNIDIR parameters detailed in Section 4.2 of this User's
Guide can also be used on the BPCDOS2.ADD driver line. Additional
information can be found in the README.TXT file in the \OS2 directory of
the backpack SETUP diskette 1 or 2.

Appendix E Hardware Warranty

1 Year Limited Warranty

Micro Solutions, Inc. (MSI), warrants backpack to be free from hardware
defects in workmanship and material under normal use for a period of one
(1) year from the date of purchase by the original consumer purchaser.
During this warranty period, MSI will repair or replace, at its option,
any component parts that in its opinion prove to be defective. This
warranty does not extend and shall not apply to products that have been
subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, or improper installation.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND REMEDY ARE EXCLUSIVE AND EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICRO SOLUTIONS, INC., BE LIABLE FOR LOST
PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, OR ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights, based upon the point of sale.

If your drive is defective, you should return it to the point of
purchase for service. If you are unable to do so, contact MSI at one of
the phone numbers below to receive the address of an authorized
distributor in your country who can perform warranty service. If you
live in the United States you may return your drive directly to MSI. If
you live outside the United States you may return your drive directly to
MSI, but freight cost and duties may be excessive on single item
shipments. A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained
from MSI prior to the return of defective material. Contact MSI with the
serial number of your drive by telephone at USA 815.756.3411, Ext. 325,
or FAX 815.756.4986 for an RMA number. MSI is not responsible for
material returned without the RMA number clearly printed on the outside
of the shipping container. Products to be returned to MSI must be
returned, shipping and insurance prepaid, by the original purchaser to
the address below.


Micro Solutions, Inc.
Attn: RMA# ____________________
300 East Harvestore Drive
DeKalb, Illinois 60115


Appendix F Software License Agreement

Terms and Conditions
Micro Solutions, Inc. (MSI), licenses the enclosed CD-ROM software ("the
software") for your personal use. You assume all responsibility for the
operation and results. MSI may from time to time revise this software.
In doing so, it shall incur no obligation to furnish such revisions to
you. Furthermore, MSI may elect to charge an update fee for such
revisions.

Software Warranty Information
MSI warrants that the diskettes containing the software are free from
defects and will replace a defective diskette within thirty (30) days
from the date of purchase by the original consumer.

MSI makes no warranties, either express or implied, with respect to this
software, its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any
particular purpose. The entire risk as to the performance of this
software is with you.

IN NO EVENT WILL MICRO SOLUTIONS, INC., BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY
DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS
SOFTWARE.

This agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the
State of Illinois, USA
