BackMaster Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Difference between revisions

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Created page with "The following is a attempt to answer many frequent questions we recieve about BackMaster, hopefully you will find the answer to your questions here. This document is updated as new info becomes available. To obtain a updated copy of this document via e-mail, simply send e-mail e-mail to: faq@msrdev.com. Within 10 - 20 minutes our FAQ outo mailer will return a new copy to you. This is NOT a subscription service. ==About BackMaster 2.0 - MSR Development Corporation==..."
 
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The following is a attempt to answer many frequent questions we recieve
The following is a attempt to answer many frequent questions we receive about BackMaster, hopefully you will find the answer to your questions
about BackMaster, hopefully you will find the answer to your questions
here. This document is updated as new info becomes available.
here. This document is updated as new info becomes available.


To obtain a updated copy of this document via e-mail, simply send e-mail
To obtain a updated copy of this document via e-mail, simply send e-mail to: faq@msrdev.com.
e-mail to:
 
faq@msrdev.com.


Within 10 - 20 minutes our FAQ outo mailer will return a new copy to you.
Within 10 - 20 minutes our FAQ outo mailer will return a new copy to you.
Line 12: Line 8:


==About BackMaster 2.0 - MSR Development Corporation==
==About BackMaster 2.0 - MSR Development Corporation==
BackMaster 2.0 is the first true 32-bit OS/2 backup software program to offer both floppy-interface, parallel-interface, and SCSI support in a
single package. Version 2.0 offers support for higher capacity tape drives including Travan, QICWide, QIC 40/80/3010/3020, DAT and extended length
cartridges with storage capacities up to 8 GB. BackMaster allows you to perform backup and restore functions without interrupting other tasks.
Included with the product is a utility program that enables PC users to create a floppy disk-based disaster recovery "boot floppys" for recovering a complete system from tape.


BackMaster 2.0 is the first true 32-bit OS/2 backup software program to
BackMaster 2.0 is available for $89.95 (MSRP).
offer both floppy-interface, parallel-interface, and SCSI support in a
single package. Version 2.0 offers support for higher capacity tape drives
including Travan, QICWide, QIC 40/80/3010/3020, DAT and extended length
cartridges with storage capacities up to 8 GB. BackMaster allows you to
perform backup and restore functions without interrupting other tasks.
Included with the product is a utility program that enables PC users to
create a floppy disk-based disaster recovery "boot floppys" for recover-
ing a complete system from tape.
 
BackMaster 2.0 is available for $89.95 (MSRP).  
Upgrades are available for $44.95 (MSRP). (Registration Required)
Upgrades are available for $44.95 (MSRP). (Registration Required)


==Frequently Asked Questions==
Q: Where can I get BackMaster?


==Frequently Asked Questions==
Q: Where can I get BackMaster ?
A: Below is a list of BackMaster resellers
A: Below is a list of BackMaster resellers


MSR Development Corporation
MSR Development Corporation
4407 Manchester Avenue suite 104
4407 Manchester Avenue suite 104
Encinitas, CA 92024
Encinitas, CA 92024
    - Voice (619) 633-3900
* Voice (619) 633-3900
    - BBS: (619)633-3909
* BBS: (619)633-3909
    - Fax (619) 633-3909
* Fax (619) 633-3909
    - WWW: http://www.msrdev.com
* WWW: http://www.msrdev.com
    - FTP: ftp.msrdev.com
* FTP: ftp.msrdev.com
    - Compuserve: GO MSRDEV
* Compuserve: GO MSRDEV


Resellers:
Resellers:
    - CompUSA               1-800-266-7872
* CompUSA 1-800-266-7872
    - IBM Direct             1-800-342-6672
* IBM Direct 1-800-342-6672
    - Indelible Blue         1-800-776-8284 or 1-919-878-7479
* Indelible Blue 1-800-776-8284 or 1-919-878-7479
    - MicroCenter             1-800-211-6949
* MicroCenter 1-800-211-6949
    - OS/2 Express           1-800-672-5954 or 1-612-823-6267
* OS/2 Express 1-800-672-5954 or 1-612-823-6267
    - OS+ Resource         1-310-804-6153 or 1-310-804-6154
* OS+ Resource 1-310-804-6153 or 1-310-804-6154
    - Post Software Int.   1-919-556-6721
* Post Software Int. 1-919-556-6721
    - Software City         1-708-949-9210
* Software City 1-708-949-9210
    - Software Spectrum   1-214-864-7885
* Software Spectrum 1-214-864-7885
 
Q: What device's does BackMaster currently support?


Q: What device's does BackMaster currently support ?
A: BackMaster 2.0 supported Internal and Parallel Drives:
A: BackMaster 2.0 supported Internal and Parallel Drives:
* Archive XL Series
* BackMaster Internal QIC-80, 420, 800T, 850
* BackMaster Parallel QIC-80, 420 and 850
* Colorado Jumbo 120, 250, 350, 700, 1400, T1000
* ColoradoTrakker 120, 250, 350, 700
* ComByte DoublePlay
* Conner Tapestor 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
* Conner Tapestor (MQP) 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
* Iomega Tape 250, Parallel Port Tape II, Ditto EZ 800 Parallel
* Iomega Ditto Internal and Parallel 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
* Mountain Filesafe 4000, 8000
* Microsolutions backpack 250, 800, 800TD, 900
* Summit SE 120, 250


    - Archive XL Series
BackMaster 2.0 Supported SCSI tape drives:
    - BackMaster Internal  QIC-80, 420, 800T, 850
* Archive Python 2838,2550
    - BackMaster Parallel QIC-80, 420 and 850
* HP Powertape & SureStore 2000, 5000, 6000
    - Colorado Jumbo 120, 250, 350, 700, 1400, T1000
* WangDAT 1300, 2600, 3100, 3200, 3300DX, 3400DX
    - ColoradoTrakker 120, 250, 350, 700
* Tandberg TDC 3600, 3800, 4100, 4200
    - ComByte DoublePlay
    - Conner Tapestor 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
    - Conner Tapestor (MQP) 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
    - Iomega Tape 250, Parallel Port Tape II, Ditto EZ 800 Parallel
    - Iomega Ditto Internal and Parallel 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
    - Mountain Filesafe 4000, 8000
    - Microsolutions backpack 250, 800, 800TD, 900
    - Summit SE 120, 250
 
  BackMaster 2.0 Supported SCSI tape drives:
 
    - Archive Python 2838,2550
    - HP Powertape & SureStore 2000, 5000, 6000
    - WangDAT 1300, 2600, 3100, 3200, 3300DX, 3400DX
    - Tandberg TDC 3600, 3800, 4100, 4200
 
  SCSI DAT tape drives supported:
 
    - HP PowerDat PD60, PD90
 
  Supported adapters and high speed tape adapters:
    - Generic 2.88 Megabyte Floppy Controllers
    - Colorado FC-10, FC-20, TC-15
    - Conner CTC
    - IOmega Ditto Dash
    - IOmega Tape Accelerator 2
    - AB-10, AB-11
 
Q: How can I optimize BackMaster for the best backup performance ?
A:There are several things that you can look at to optimize your software
  and your OS/2 system to get better more reliable backup performance.


    - If you are using a standard ISA, EISA, VESA, or PCI system, the driver
SCSI DAT tape drives supported:
      IBM2FLPY.ADD is unnecessary on your system and should be remarked
* HP PowerDat PD60, PD90
      out or deleted from the config.sys entirely.  This driver should only be
      needed for Microchannel machines.


    - If you have installed WARP from CD, then the device driver
Supported adapters and high speed tape adapters:
      XDFLOPPY.FLT may be remarked out of the config.sys.  This driver adds
* Generic 2.88 Megabyte Floppy Controllers
      support for the 1.88 megabyte diskettes that IBM uses for the installation
* Colorado FC-10, FC-20, TC-15
      diskettes.  The first two diskettes (the only two used for CD installation)
* Conner CTC
      are standard 1.44 megabyte files.  Therefore, if you have installed from
* IOmega Ditto Dash
      CD, the XDFLOPPY.FLT driver will not be of any benefit to you and may
* IOmega Tape Accelerator 2
      be remarked out or deleted.
* AB-10, AB-11


    - OS/2 WARP has increased the standard sizes of the HPFS cache.  On an
Q: How can I optimize BackMaster for the best backup performance?
      8 - 12 megabyte system, you may see some problems trying to use a 1024K
      cache with your HPFS.  The HPFS cache was set to 64K standard in OS/2
      version 2.1 and 2.11, and reducing the size, or even eliminating, the HPFS
      cache under WARP may free up the necessary memory. Optionally if you
      16 megabytes of memory or more use a 1024K to 2048K cache.


    - OS/2 WARP has also increased the DISKCACHE statement from 512K to
A:There are several things that you can look at to optimize your software and your OS/2 system to get better more reliable backup performance.
      1024K in some cases. You may want to consider lowering this cache to the
* If you are using a standard ISA, EISA, VESA, or PCI system, the driver IBM2FLPY.ADD is unnecessary on your system and should be remarked out or deleted from the config.sys entirely. This driver should only be needed for Microchannel machines.
      standard 256K that was used in OS/2 2.1 and 2.11 or even lowering this to
* If you have installed WARP from CD, then the device driver XDFLOPPY.FLT may be remarked out of the config.sys. This driver adds support for the 1.88 megabyte diskettes that IBM uses for the installation diskettes. The first two diskettes (the only two used for CD installation) are standard 1.44 megabyte files. Therefore, if you have installed from CD, the XDFLOPPY.FLT driver will not be of any benefit to you and may be remarked out or deleted.
      64K if you have only 8 - 12 megabyte's. Optionally if you 16 megabytes of
* OS/2 WARP has increased the standard sizes of the HPFS cache. On an 8 - 12 megabyte system, you may see some problems trying to use a 1024K cache with your HPFS. The HPFS cache was set to 64K standard in OS/2 version 2.1 and 2.11, and reducing the size, or even eliminating, the HPFS cache under WARP may free up the necessary memory. Optionally if you 16 megabytes of memory or more use a 1024K to 2048K cache.
      memory or more use a 512K to 1024K cache.
* OS/2 WARP has also increased the DISKCACHE statement from 512K to 1024K in some cases. You may want to consider lowering this cache to the standard 256K that was used in OS/2 2.1 and 2.11 or even lowering this to 64K if you have only 8 - 12 megabyte's. Optionally if you 16 megabytes of memory or more use a 512K to 1024K cache.
* In some cases, increasing the default size of your SWAP file can improve system performance. By preallocating disk space for the swap file, you can improve virtual memory performance by assuring the virtual memory is available immediately when needed thus reducing the number of times the SWAP file must be extended and therefore reducing SWAP file fragmentation. To change your default SWAP size, you will want to modify the SWAPPATH statement in your config.sys. The SWAPPATH statement has two numbers directly after the statement. These numbers are, respectively, the amount of room to leave free on the drive, and the second number is the default swapper file size. Increasing the default size of the SWAP file to about 12-16 megabytes will make sure that the SWAP file is less fragmented.
This will also insure that the system will have the resources it needs upon bootup and will not need to expand the SWAP file as often.


    - In some cases, increasing the default size of your SWAP file can improve
Q: What is the highest version of BackMaster?
      system performance.  By preallocating disk space for the swap file, you
      can improve virtual memory performance by assuring the virtual memory
      is available immediately when needed thus reducing the number of times
      the SWAP file must be extended and therefore reducing SWAP file fragm-
      entation. To change your default SWAP size, you will want to modify the
      SWAPPATH statement in your config.sys.  The SWAPPATH statement has
      two numbers directly after the statement.  These numbers are, respectively,
      the amount of room to leave free on the drive,  and the second number is
      the default swapper file size. Increasing the default size of the SWAP file to
      about 12-16 megabytes will make sure that the SWAP file is less fragmented.
      This will also insure that the system will have the resources it needs upon
      bootup and will not need to expand the SWAP file as often.


A: Currently BackMaster is at version 2.0 (build level 2.02) (Version 2.01 is a free update to 2.0 that equals 2.02)


Q: Does BackMaster Support the Verbatim EXtra Cartridges?


Q: What is the highest version of BackMaster ?
A: The Verbatim cartridges were not available when version 2.0 was released. We are working on enhancements to BackMaster and hope to offer an updated by the end of the year that will allow support.
A: Currently BackMaster is at version 2.0 (build level 2.02)
    (Version 2.01 is a free update to 2.0 that equals 2.02)


Q: Does BackMaster Support the Verbatim EXtra Cartridges
Q: Does BackMaster Support my new drive?
A: The Verbatim cartridges were not available when version 2.0 was rel-
    eased. We are working on enhancements to BackMaster and hope to
    offer an updated by the end of the year that will allow support..


Q: Does BackMaster Support my new drive ?
A: New hardware in terms of tape drives. computer CPU's and peripherals are always a challenge for backup software providers. We are continualy investigating ways to improve BackMaster and increase compatibility with hardware that was not available when version 2.0 was released. At the bottom of this document is a listing of known and tested drives that BackMaster 2.0 currently supports.
A: New hardware in terms of tape drives. computer CPU's and peripherals
    are always a challenge for backup software providers. We are contin-
    ualy investigating ways to improve BackMaster and increase compat-
    ibility with hardware that was not available when version 2.0 was
    released. At the bottom of this document is a listing of known and
    tested drives that BackMaster 2.0 currently supports.


Popular devices that we are working to add support for:
Popular devices that we are working to add support for:
* Iomega 2.gig tape device
* Verbatim EXtra tape cartridges
* Conner 4000, 8000 ide and scsi tape devices
* Colorado T100e tape device
* Exabyte Eagle tape devices
* We do not preannounce products before they are ready to ship. We are working on enhancements to BackMaster and do plan an update by the end of the year.


    - Iomega 2.gig tape device
Q: Does BackMaster work on IBM OS/2 Warp 4.0?
    - Verbatim EXtra tape carteraiges
    - Conner 4000, 8000 ide and scsi tape devices
    - Colorado T100e tape device
    - Exabyte Eagle tape devices
 
    - We do not preannounce products before they are ready to ship.  We are
      working on enhancements to BackMaster and do plan an update by the
      end of the year .
 
Q: Does BackMaster work on IBM OS/2 Warp 4.0 ?
A: Yes, BackMaster has been tested on Warp 4.0 durring it's complete beta
    cycle and also on the general release.


    BackMaster has proven to be very stable and reliable under Warp 4.0.
A: Yes, BackMaster has been tested on Warp 4.0 durring it's complete beta cycle and also on the general release.
    Some of the changes in Warp 4.0 may prompt you to make some addit-
    ional changes to your system settings and BackMaster to solve some
    problem issues:


1. Sharing Violations: Due to some new files in OS/2 Warp 4.0 that are in use
BackMaster has proven to be very stable and reliable under Warp 4.0. Some of the changes in Warp 4.0 may prompt you to make some additional changes to your system settings and BackMaster to solve some problem issues:
  or locked, BackMaster might error with a "Sharing Violation". To correct
  this you can use BackMasters Forced Read List option. The Forced Read
  List enables BackMaster to read files that are locked.  You may select,
  via complete filenames or wildcards, files which are to be read even if
  locked.  The filenames or wildcards may be added or deleted from the list
  with this control.  On the backup page in BackMasters configuration enter
  " *.* " by it's self into the entry field, then select the "Add" button to add
  this to the drop down list of file extentions and wild cards for files to be
  forced read.


2. Create Recovery Diskettes Utility: Warp 4.0 now requires 3 boot diskettes,
1. Sharing Violations: Due to some new files in OS/2 Warp 4.0 that are in use or locked, BackMaster might error with a "Sharing Violation". To correct this you can use BackMasters Forced Read List option. The Forced Read List enables BackMaster to read files that are locked. You may select, via complete filenames or wildcards, files which are to be read even if locked. The filenames or wildcards may be added or deleted from the list with this control. On the backup page in BackMasters configuration, enter " *.* " by it's self into the entry field, then select the "Add" button to add this to the dropdown list of file extensions and wild cards for files to be forced read.
  this in effect makes the current Create Recovery Diskettes Utility program
  in the BackMaster folder to fail durring creating the diskettes. As a temp-
  orary way to provide you this support we have made a custom set of
  BackMaster Disastery Recovery Diskettes. These diskettes are currently
  available from MSR Development.


  World Wide Web : http://www.msrdev.com
2. Create Recovery Diskettes Utility: Warp 4.0 now requires 3 boot diskettes, this in effect makes the current Create Recovery Diskettes Utility program in the BackMaster folder to fail durring creating the diskettes. As a temporary way to provide you this support we have made a custom set of BackMaster Disaster Recovery Diskettes. These diskettes are currently available from MSR Development.
  Internet FTP : ftp.msrdev.com/pub/backmaster/bmrest40.exe
:World Wide Web : http://www.msrdev.com
  CompuServe : Go MSRDEV - filename: bmrest40.exe
:Internet FTP : ftp.msrdev.com/pub/backmaster/bmrest40.exe
  Bulletin Board: (619) 633-3908 - filename: bmrest40.exe
:CompuServe : Go MSRDEV - filename: bmrest40.exe
:Bulletin Board: (619) 633-3908 - filename: bmrest40.exe


Q: How do I configure High Speed Adapters card under BackMaster and OS/2 ?
Q: How do I configure High Speed Adapters card under BackMaster and OS/2?
A: High speed adapters are peripheral cards added to the machine to
  increase backup speed. Transfer speeds can be doubled or tripled depending
  on the type of tape drive being used. The standard floppy controller (1.44)
  runs at 500 Kilobits per second. High speed adapters, such as the Colorado
  FC-10 or the Iomega Accelorator can run a tape drive at 1 Megabits per
  second. This usually equates to backing up 6-8 Megabytes per minute. The
  FC-20 and the Iomega Ditto Card can push transfer speeds to 2 Megabits per
  second for 3020 drives. Some standard floppy controllers can support 2.88
  floppy drives at 1Megabit per sec. The tape drive can be attached to this
  type of card also.


Highspeedcard  TransferSpeeds  
A: High speed adapters are peripheral cards added to the machine to increase backup speed. Transfer speeds can be doubled or tripled depending on the type of tape drive being used. The standard floppy controller (1.44) runs at 500 Kilobits per second. High speed adapters, such as the Colorado FC-10 or the Iomega Accelerator can run a tape drive at 1 Megabits per second. This usually equates to backing up 6-8 Megabytes per minute. The FC-20 and the Iomega Ditto Card can push transfer speeds to 2 Megabits per second for 3020 drives. Some standard floppy controllers can support 2.88 floppy drives at 1Megabit per sec. The tape drive can be attached to this type of card also.
Highspeedcard  TransferSpeeds  
   TC-15          500K,1M
   TC-15          500K,1M
   FC-10          500K,1M
   FC-10          500K,1M
Line 215: Line 131:
   Conner CTC    500K,1M,2M
   Conner CTC    500K,1M,2M


TransferSpeeds DataThroughput
TransferSpeeds DataThroughput
   500K          2-3 Megabytes/min
   500K          2-3 Megabytes/min
   1M            6-8  
   1M            6-8  
   2M            10-13
   2M            10-13


Standard 1.44 Floppy Controller 500Kb/sec, Make sure 'High Speed
Standard 1.44 Floppy Controller 500Kb/sec, Make sure 'High Speed Adapter' box is UNCHECKED and the Tranfer speed is set to 500Kb.
  Adapter' box is UNCHECKED and the Tranfer speed is set to 500Kb.
This forces backmaster to use the standard settings of dma 2, irq 6, addr 3F0, when looking for the tape drive.
  This forces backmaster to use the standard settings of dma 2,  
 
  irq 6, addr 3F0, when looking for the tape drive.
Standard 2.88 Floppy Controller 1Mb/sec, Make sure 'High Speed Adapter' box is UNCHECKED and the Tranfer speed is set to 1Mb.
This forces backmaster to use the standard settings of dma 2, irq 6, addr 3F0, when looking for the tape drive.


Standard 2.88 Floppy Controller 1Mb/sec, Make sure 'High Speed
High Speed Adapters. 1Mb/2Mb, High speed adapters must use settings other that the standard floppy settings of 2 6 3F0. Using the same
  Adapter' box is UNCHECKED and the Tranfer speed is set to 1Mb.
address will cause the desktop to lock up and the user will be forced to reboot. This is true for any address that is committed to
  This forces backmaster to use the standard settings of dma 2,
another device such as the network card. Sharing the dma channel can appear to work for a short time but can lead to excessive
  irq 6, addr 3F0, when looking for the tape drive.
shoeshining. The only settings that can be shared would be the interrupt, but even this is not recommended for clean performance of the tape drive.  


High Speed Adapters. 1Mb/2Mb, High speed adapters must use settings
It is highly recommended that the user become familiar with all the settings the computer is using. Inexperienced users will claim that the
  other that the standard floppy settings of 2 6 3F0. Using the same
software does not work properly and return the product promptly. Users familiar with OS/2 and PC Hardware keep notes on each card and device
  address will cause the desktop to lock up and the user will be
driver installed on their system. Some utilities can help provide some of this information. Use RMVIEW to check the system settings.
  forced to reboot. This is true for any address that is committed to
RMVIEW /? displays optional switches for the rmview.exe utility
  another device such as the network card. Sharing the dma channel
RMVIEW /IRQ displays some interupts in use on the system.
  can appear to work for a short time but can lead to excessive
RMVIEW /IO displays some IO addressed in use on the system.
  shoeshining. The only settings that can be shared would be the
RMVIEW /DMA displays some dma channels in use on the system.
  interrupt, but even this is not recommened for clean performance of
RMVIEW /HW displays general hardware in use on the system.
  the tape drive.  


  It is highly recommended that the user become familiar with all the
NOTE: NOT ALL SETTINGS ARE DISPLAYED BY RMVIEW. YOU WILL NOT FIND BACKMASTER SETTINGS BY USING THE RMVIEW COMMAND.
  settings the computer is using. Inexperienced users will claim that the
  software does not work properly and return the product promptly. Users
  familiar with OS/2 and PC Hardware keep notes on each card and device
  driver installed on their system. Some utilities can help provide some of
  this information. Use RMVIEW to check the system settings.


RMVIEW /? displays optional switches for the rmview.exe utility
Q: BackMaster 2.0 to 2.01 update and what it fixes.
RMVIEW /IRQ displays some interupts in use on the system.
RMVIEW /IO displays some IO addressed in use on the system.
RMVIEW /DMA displays some dma channels in use on the system.
RMVIEW /HW displays general hardware in use on the system.


NOTE: NOT ALL SETTINGS ARE DISPLAYED BY RMVIEW. YOU WILL NOT FIND
A: We strongly urge all user's to update their current version of BackMaster to version 2.01. This is a freely available update.
BACKMASTER SETTINGS BY USING THE RMVIEW COMMAND.
* Fixes shoeshining on many systems
* Contains 1.231 drivers to fix all sorts of problems with parallel tape drives, and with IOmega Ditto 800, 3200, Conner 800, 1700, 3200 drives.
* Contains new DLL files to fix error #117 when the customer is running a system connected to a network.
* Contains WangDAT drivers for supporting WangDAT tape drives.
* Contains new updated online information and help files.


Q: BackMaster 2.0 to 2.01 update and what it fixes.
Q: Wheres the drive settings for the Microsolution 800 TD?
A: We strongly urge all user's to update thier current version of BackMaster
    to version 2.01. This is a freely available update.


    - Fixes shoeshining on many systems
A: Select the Iomega Ditto 800 parallel device from the configurations notebook under BackMaster "Options". Make sure the drive is selected at 1Mb/sec transfer rate. It will not operate at 500Kb/sec. This also occurs with the Microsolution 800 TD which is manufactured at the same location as the Iomega 800 Easy
    - Contains 1.231 drivers to fix all sorts of problems with parallel tape
      drives, and with IOmega Ditto 800, 3200, Conner 800, 1700, 3200 drives.
    - Contains new DLL files to fix error #117 when the customer is running
      a system connected to a network.
    - Contains WangDAT drivers for supporting WangDAT tape drives.
    - Contains new updated online information and help files.


Q: Wheres the drive settings for the  Microsolution 800 TD ?
Q: When I booted from floppy's, and ran BMREST.EXE I got a error message that said "Cannot load physical format DLL.". How do I fix this?
A: Select the Iomega Ditto 800 parallel device from the configurations
    notebook under BackMaster "Options". Make sure the drive is selected at
    1Mb/sec transfer rate.  It will not operate at 500Kb/sec. This also occurs
    with the Microsolution 800 TD which is manufactured at the same location
    as the Iomega 800 Easy


Q: When I booted from floppy's, and ran BMREST.EXE I got a error message
    that said "Cannot load physical format DLL.". How do I fix this ?
A: Copy \backmast\*.dll to the third boot recovery diskette.
A: Copy \backmast\*.dll to the third boot recovery diskette.


Q: Can I use my Promise controller as a floppy tape adapter ?
Q: Can I use my Promise controller as a floppy tape adapter?
A: Promise Caching Controllers can cause problems with shoeshining and other
    issues.  They can cause bad offsets and other problems.  To fix these
    problems, insure you are using the Promise drivers for OS/2. The /f switch
    must be on the driver statement. The Promise controller must run in fast
    mode ( /f parameter ) in order to work with floppy tape drives.
    Refere to Promise doc's for more info.


Q: BackMaster works but how can I stop the SHOESHINING !!! or General
A: Promise Caching Controllers can cause problems with shoeshining and other issues. They can cause bad offsets and other problems. To fix these problems, insure you are using the Promise drivers for OS/2. The /f switch must be on the driver statement. The Promise controller must run in fast mode ( /f parameter ) in order to work with floppy tape drives. Refer to Promise doc's for more info.
    Trouble-Shooting Hints.
A: Timing or software problems are caused by a software or hardware
    component of your system interfering with the flow of data between the
    backup program and the floppy controller.


  Some of the symptoms are:
Q: BackMaster works but how can I stop the SHOESHINING !!! or General Trouble-Shooting Hints.


    - Tape drive seems to start normally but fails to read data from any tape.
A: Timing or software problems are caused by a software or hardware component of your system interfering with the flow of data between the backup program and the floppy controller.
    - Tape drive is very slow (normal data rate is 4MB per minute) and may
      exhibit continual back and forth tape motion.
    - Your system or the program may halt or "lock up" during a tape operation.
 
    SOFTWARE.  If you are not able to resolve an error after following the
    suggestions given in BackMaster's Manual, BackMaster Online Information
    Presentation Facility (book icon in the BackMaster folder) it is recom-
    mended to do the following:


    - Move drivers to bottom of config.sys
Some of the symptoms are:
    - Shut down all other background applications.
* Tape drive seems to start normally but fails to read data from any tape.
    - Change the Cache option on the Motherboard to Write-Through
* Tape drive is very slow (normal data rate is 4MB per minute) and may exhibit continual back and forth tape motion.
    - Make sure you have the current drivers from our BBS.
* Your system or the program may halt or "lock up" during a tape operation.
    - Try changing the memory aperture on your video card.
    - If you are using a High Speed Adapter, make sure it is not sharing
      the dma channel with another device. This can appear to work but  
      can cause problems later on.
    - Try changing the DISKCACHE line in your config.sys
    - Clean you tape drive and retention it.
    - Add the /S option to your driver in the config.sys
    - Enable TIME CRITICAL in the configuration notebook.
    - Try another tape. Make sure your tapes are on the Approved Tapes
      List in the BackMaster manual and or Manufacture's manual.
    - Check the hard drive for lost clusters, bad sectors, and fragmentation.
      If errors occur, correct by running a OS/2 disk utility or use `CHKDSK /F'
      See your OS/2 manual for more information.


    HARDWARE. If the drive does not respond when you try to access it with
SOFTWARE. If you are not able to resolve an error after following the suggestions given in BackMaster's Manual, BackMaster Online Information Presentation Facility (book icon in the BackMaster folder) it is recommended to do the following:
    the software, do the following:
* Move drivers to bottom of config.sys
* Shut down all other background applications.
* Change the Cache option on the Motherboard to Write-Through
* Make sure you have the current drivers from our BBS.
* Try changing the memory aperture on your video card.
* If you are using a High Speed Adapter, make sure it is not sharing the dma channel with another device. This can appear to work but can cause problems later on.
* Try changing the DISKCACHE line in your config.sys
* Clean you tape drive and retention it.
* Add the /S option to your driver in the config.sys
* Enable TIME CRITICAL in the configuration notebook.
* Try another tape. Make sure your tapes are on the Approved Tapes List in the BackMaster manual and or Manufacture's manual.
* Check the hard drive for lost clusters, bad sectors, and fragmentation. If errors occur, correct by running a OS/2 disk utility or use `CHKDSK /F' See your OS/2 manual for more information.


    - Remove the tape from the drive and examine it. If the tape is damaged
HARDWARE. If the drive does not respond when you try to access it with the software, do the following:
      or unspooled, try another tape.
* Remove the tape from the drive and examine it. If the tape is damaged or unspooled, try another tape.
    - Close down all programs, exit OS/2 and turn the power off on the
* Close down all programs, exit OS/2 and turn the power off on the computer. If your tape drive plugs directly into the wall outlet, disconnect it from the wall outlet, wait a few seconds and then re-connect it. Turn the power back on, reboot, and try again.
      computer. If your tape drive plugs directly into the wall outlet, discon-
* Place a tape in the drive and look to see if the LED is functioning normally. The tape drive LED should not be on after the tape stops spinning.
      nect it from the wall outlet, wait a few seconds and then re-connect it.
      Turn the power back on, reboot, and try again.
    - Place a tape in the drive and look to see if the LED is functioning normally.
      The tape drive LED should not be on after the tape stops spinning.


Q: Sometimes I get Error 59 - Tape is not formatted, and I'm using a new preformatted tape or tape known to be good tape?


Q: Some times I get Error 59 - Tape is not formatted, and Im using a new pre-
  formatted tape or tape known to be good tape ?
A:
A:
    - Possible causes:
* Possible causes:
      1) Unformatted tape.
1) Unformatted tape.
      2) Dirty Read/Write head.
2) Dirty Read/Write head.
      3) Insufficient memory or a software conflict with tape software.
3) Insufficient memory or a software conflict with tape software.
      4) Hardware conflict with DMA, IRQ, or Base Address.
4) Hardware conflict with DMA, IRQ, or Base Address.
      5) Loose tape media or carteraige not seated in drive firmly.
5) Loose tape media or cartridge not seated in drive firmly.
      5) Motor Jam or Read/Write head failure.
5) Motor Jam or Read/Write head failure.
      6) FDC (floppy disk controller) or System Timing.
6) FDC (floppy disk controller) or System Timing.


    - Possible solutions:
* Possible solutions:
      1) Make sure all your settings are correct in BackMaster, enable
1) Make sure all your settings are correct in BackMaster, enable Time-critical settings in BackMasters configuration.
          Time critical settings in BackMasters configuration.
2) Clean the tape device (every 8-10 hours of usage)
      2) Clean the tape device (every 8-10 hours of usage)
3) Add the /M switch to the device driver BackMaster use's
      3) Add the /M switch to the device driver BackMaster use's
4) Retention the tape, add /J2 to force a full rewind
      4) Retention the tape, add /J2 to force a full rewind
5) Reconfigure your system to not have any conflicts with DMA, IRQ's
      5) Reconfigure your system to not have any conflicts with DMA, IRQ 's
6) Try another CMOS parallel port mode (Pentiums)
      6) Try anouther CMOS parallel port mode (Pentiums)
7) Format or re-format the tape in the tape device it will be used in.
      7) Format or re-format the tape in the tape device it will be used in.
8) If the tape has never been formatted, or if the tape is pre-formatted for a different type of drive, it will need to be formatted before use.
      8) If the tape has never been formatted, or if the tape is pre-formatted
          for a different type of drive, it will need to be formatted before use.

Revision as of 03:46, 8 January 2026

The following is a attempt to answer many frequent questions we receive about BackMaster, hopefully you will find the answer to your questions here. This document is updated as new info becomes available.

To obtain a updated copy of this document via e-mail, simply send e-mail to: faq@msrdev.com.

Within 10 - 20 minutes our FAQ outo mailer will return a new copy to you. This is NOT a subscription service.

About BackMaster 2.0 - MSR Development Corporation

BackMaster 2.0 is the first true 32-bit OS/2 backup software program to offer both floppy-interface, parallel-interface, and SCSI support in a single package. Version 2.0 offers support for higher capacity tape drives including Travan, QICWide, QIC 40/80/3010/3020, DAT and extended length cartridges with storage capacities up to 8 GB. BackMaster allows you to perform backup and restore functions without interrupting other tasks. Included with the product is a utility program that enables PC users to create a floppy disk-based disaster recovery "boot floppys" for recovering a complete system from tape.

BackMaster 2.0 is available for $89.95 (MSRP). Upgrades are available for $44.95 (MSRP). (Registration Required)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I get BackMaster?

A: Below is a list of BackMaster resellers

MSR Development Corporation 4407 Manchester Avenue suite 104 Encinitas, CA 92024

  • Voice (619) 633-3900
  • BBS: (619)633-3909
  • Fax (619) 633-3909
  • WWW: http://www.msrdev.com
  • FTP: ftp.msrdev.com
  • Compuserve: GO MSRDEV

Resellers:

  • CompUSA 1-800-266-7872
  • IBM Direct 1-800-342-6672
  • Indelible Blue 1-800-776-8284 or 1-919-878-7479
  • MicroCenter 1-800-211-6949
  • OS/2 Express 1-800-672-5954 or 1-612-823-6267
  • OS+ Resource 1-310-804-6153 or 1-310-804-6154
  • Post Software Int. 1-919-556-6721
  • Software City 1-708-949-9210
  • Software Spectrum 1-214-864-7885

Q: What device's does BackMaster currently support?

A: BackMaster 2.0 supported Internal and Parallel Drives:

  • Archive XL Series
  • BackMaster Internal QIC-80, 420, 800T, 850
  • BackMaster Parallel QIC-80, 420 and 850
  • Colorado Jumbo 120, 250, 350, 700, 1400, T1000
  • ColoradoTrakker 120, 250, 350, 700
  • ComByte DoublePlay
  • Conner Tapestor 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
  • Conner Tapestor (MQP) 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
  • Iomega Tape 250, Parallel Port Tape II, Ditto EZ 800 Parallel
  • Iomega Ditto Internal and Parallel 250, 420, 800, 850, 1700, 3200
  • Mountain Filesafe 4000, 8000
  • Microsolutions backpack 250, 800, 800TD, 900
  • Summit SE 120, 250

BackMaster 2.0 Supported SCSI tape drives:

  • Archive Python 2838,2550
  • HP Powertape & SureStore 2000, 5000, 6000
  • WangDAT 1300, 2600, 3100, 3200, 3300DX, 3400DX
  • Tandberg TDC 3600, 3800, 4100, 4200

SCSI DAT tape drives supported:

  • HP PowerDat PD60, PD90

Supported adapters and high speed tape adapters:

  • Generic 2.88 Megabyte Floppy Controllers
  • Colorado FC-10, FC-20, TC-15
  • Conner CTC
  • IOmega Ditto Dash
  • IOmega Tape Accelerator 2
  • AB-10, AB-11

Q: How can I optimize BackMaster for the best backup performance?

A:There are several things that you can look at to optimize your software and your OS/2 system to get better more reliable backup performance.

  • If you are using a standard ISA, EISA, VESA, or PCI system, the driver IBM2FLPY.ADD is unnecessary on your system and should be remarked out or deleted from the config.sys entirely. This driver should only be needed for Microchannel machines.
  • If you have installed WARP from CD, then the device driver XDFLOPPY.FLT may be remarked out of the config.sys. This driver adds support for the 1.88 megabyte diskettes that IBM uses for the installation diskettes. The first two diskettes (the only two used for CD installation) are standard 1.44 megabyte files. Therefore, if you have installed from CD, the XDFLOPPY.FLT driver will not be of any benefit to you and may be remarked out or deleted.
  • OS/2 WARP has increased the standard sizes of the HPFS cache. On an 8 - 12 megabyte system, you may see some problems trying to use a 1024K cache with your HPFS. The HPFS cache was set to 64K standard in OS/2 version 2.1 and 2.11, and reducing the size, or even eliminating, the HPFS cache under WARP may free up the necessary memory. Optionally if you 16 megabytes of memory or more use a 1024K to 2048K cache.
  • OS/2 WARP has also increased the DISKCACHE statement from 512K to 1024K in some cases. You may want to consider lowering this cache to the standard 256K that was used in OS/2 2.1 and 2.11 or even lowering this to 64K if you have only 8 - 12 megabyte's. Optionally if you 16 megabytes of memory or more use a 512K to 1024K cache.
  • In some cases, increasing the default size of your SWAP file can improve system performance. By preallocating disk space for the swap file, you can improve virtual memory performance by assuring the virtual memory is available immediately when needed thus reducing the number of times the SWAP file must be extended and therefore reducing SWAP file fragmentation. To change your default SWAP size, you will want to modify the SWAPPATH statement in your config.sys. The SWAPPATH statement has two numbers directly after the statement. These numbers are, respectively, the amount of room to leave free on the drive, and the second number is the default swapper file size. Increasing the default size of the SWAP file to about 12-16 megabytes will make sure that the SWAP file is less fragmented.

This will also insure that the system will have the resources it needs upon bootup and will not need to expand the SWAP file as often.

Q: What is the highest version of BackMaster?

A: Currently BackMaster is at version 2.0 (build level 2.02) (Version 2.01 is a free update to 2.0 that equals 2.02)

Q: Does BackMaster Support the Verbatim EXtra Cartridges?

A: The Verbatim cartridges were not available when version 2.0 was released. We are working on enhancements to BackMaster and hope to offer an updated by the end of the year that will allow support.

Q: Does BackMaster Support my new drive?

A: New hardware in terms of tape drives. computer CPU's and peripherals are always a challenge for backup software providers. We are continualy investigating ways to improve BackMaster and increase compatibility with hardware that was not available when version 2.0 was released. At the bottom of this document is a listing of known and tested drives that BackMaster 2.0 currently supports.

Popular devices that we are working to add support for:

  • Iomega 2.gig tape device
  • Verbatim EXtra tape cartridges
  • Conner 4000, 8000 ide and scsi tape devices
  • Colorado T100e tape device
  • Exabyte Eagle tape devices
  • We do not preannounce products before they are ready to ship. We are working on enhancements to BackMaster and do plan an update by the end of the year.

Q: Does BackMaster work on IBM OS/2 Warp 4.0?

A: Yes, BackMaster has been tested on Warp 4.0 durring it's complete beta cycle and also on the general release.

BackMaster has proven to be very stable and reliable under Warp 4.0. Some of the changes in Warp 4.0 may prompt you to make some additional changes to your system settings and BackMaster to solve some problem issues:

1. Sharing Violations: Due to some new files in OS/2 Warp 4.0 that are in use or locked, BackMaster might error with a "Sharing Violation". To correct this you can use BackMasters Forced Read List option. The Forced Read List enables BackMaster to read files that are locked. You may select, via complete filenames or wildcards, files which are to be read even if locked. The filenames or wildcards may be added or deleted from the list with this control. On the backup page in BackMasters configuration, enter " *.* " by it's self into the entry field, then select the "Add" button to add this to the dropdown list of file extensions and wild cards for files to be forced read.

2. Create Recovery Diskettes Utility: Warp 4.0 now requires 3 boot diskettes, this in effect makes the current Create Recovery Diskettes Utility program in the BackMaster folder to fail durring creating the diskettes. As a temporary way to provide you this support we have made a custom set of BackMaster Disaster Recovery Diskettes. These diskettes are currently available from MSR Development.

World Wide Web : http://www.msrdev.com
Internet FTP : ftp.msrdev.com/pub/backmaster/bmrest40.exe
CompuServe : Go MSRDEV - filename: bmrest40.exe
Bulletin Board: (619) 633-3908 - filename: bmrest40.exe

Q: How do I configure High Speed Adapters card under BackMaster and OS/2?

A: High speed adapters are peripheral cards added to the machine to increase backup speed. Transfer speeds can be doubled or tripled depending on the type of tape drive being used. The standard floppy controller (1.44) runs at 500 Kilobits per second. High speed adapters, such as the Colorado FC-10 or the Iomega Accelerator can run a tape drive at 1 Megabits per second. This usually equates to backing up 6-8 Megabytes per minute. The FC-20 and the Iomega Ditto Card can push transfer speeds to 2 Megabits per second for 3020 drives. Some standard floppy controllers can support 2.88 floppy drives at 1Megabit per sec. The tape drive can be attached to this type of card also.

Highspeedcard  TransferSpeeds 
  TC-15          500K,1M
  FC-10          500K,1M
  FC-20          500K,1M,2M
  Iomega Accel   500K,1M
  Iomega Ditto   500K,1M,2M
  Conner CTC     500K,1M,2M
TransferSpeeds DataThroughput
  500K           2-3 Megabytes/min		
  1M             6-8 
  2M             10-13

Standard 1.44 Floppy Controller 500Kb/sec, Make sure 'High Speed Adapter' box is UNCHECKED and the Tranfer speed is set to 500Kb. This forces backmaster to use the standard settings of dma 2, irq 6, addr 3F0, when looking for the tape drive.

Standard 2.88 Floppy Controller 1Mb/sec, Make sure 'High Speed Adapter' box is UNCHECKED and the Tranfer speed is set to 1Mb. This forces backmaster to use the standard settings of dma 2, irq 6, addr 3F0, when looking for the tape drive.

High Speed Adapters. 1Mb/2Mb, High speed adapters must use settings other that the standard floppy settings of 2 6 3F0. Using the same address will cause the desktop to lock up and the user will be forced to reboot. This is true for any address that is committed to another device such as the network card. Sharing the dma channel can appear to work for a short time but can lead to excessive shoeshining. The only settings that can be shared would be the interrupt, but even this is not recommended for clean performance of the tape drive.

It is highly recommended that the user become familiar with all the settings the computer is using. Inexperienced users will claim that the software does not work properly and return the product promptly. Users familiar with OS/2 and PC Hardware keep notes on each card and device driver installed on their system. Some utilities can help provide some of this information. Use RMVIEW to check the system settings.

RMVIEW /? displays optional switches for the rmview.exe utility
RMVIEW /IRQ displays some interupts in use on the system.
RMVIEW /IO displays some IO addressed in use on the system.
RMVIEW /DMA displays some dma channels in use on the system.
RMVIEW /HW displays general hardware in use on the system.

NOTE: NOT ALL SETTINGS ARE DISPLAYED BY RMVIEW. YOU WILL NOT FIND BACKMASTER SETTINGS BY USING THE RMVIEW COMMAND.

Q: BackMaster 2.0 to 2.01 update and what it fixes.

A: We strongly urge all user's to update their current version of BackMaster to version 2.01. This is a freely available update.

  • Fixes shoeshining on many systems
  • Contains 1.231 drivers to fix all sorts of problems with parallel tape drives, and with IOmega Ditto 800, 3200, Conner 800, 1700, 3200 drives.
  • Contains new DLL files to fix error #117 when the customer is running a system connected to a network.
  • Contains WangDAT drivers for supporting WangDAT tape drives.
  • Contains new updated online information and help files.

Q: Wheres the drive settings for the Microsolution 800 TD?

A: Select the Iomega Ditto 800 parallel device from the configurations notebook under BackMaster "Options". Make sure the drive is selected at 1Mb/sec transfer rate. It will not operate at 500Kb/sec. This also occurs with the Microsolution 800 TD which is manufactured at the same location as the Iomega 800 Easy

Q: When I booted from floppy's, and ran BMREST.EXE I got a error message that said "Cannot load physical format DLL.". How do I fix this?

A: Copy \backmast\*.dll to the third boot recovery diskette.

Q: Can I use my Promise controller as a floppy tape adapter?

A: Promise Caching Controllers can cause problems with shoeshining and other issues. They can cause bad offsets and other problems. To fix these problems, insure you are using the Promise drivers for OS/2. The /f switch must be on the driver statement. The Promise controller must run in fast mode ( /f parameter ) in order to work with floppy tape drives. Refer to Promise doc's for more info.

Q: BackMaster works but how can I stop the SHOESHINING !!! or General Trouble-Shooting Hints.

A: Timing or software problems are caused by a software or hardware component of your system interfering with the flow of data between the backup program and the floppy controller.

Some of the symptoms are:

  • Tape drive seems to start normally but fails to read data from any tape.
  • Tape drive is very slow (normal data rate is 4MB per minute) and may exhibit continual back and forth tape motion.
  • Your system or the program may halt or "lock up" during a tape operation.

SOFTWARE. If you are not able to resolve an error after following the suggestions given in BackMaster's Manual, BackMaster Online Information Presentation Facility (book icon in the BackMaster folder) it is recommended to do the following:

  • Move drivers to bottom of config.sys
  • Shut down all other background applications.
  • Change the Cache option on the Motherboard to Write-Through
  • Make sure you have the current drivers from our BBS.
  • Try changing the memory aperture on your video card.
  • If you are using a High Speed Adapter, make sure it is not sharing the dma channel with another device. This can appear to work but can cause problems later on.
  • Try changing the DISKCACHE line in your config.sys
  • Clean you tape drive and retention it.
  • Add the /S option to your driver in the config.sys
  • Enable TIME CRITICAL in the configuration notebook.
  • Try another tape. Make sure your tapes are on the Approved Tapes List in the BackMaster manual and or Manufacture's manual.
  • Check the hard drive for lost clusters, bad sectors, and fragmentation. If errors occur, correct by running a OS/2 disk utility or use `CHKDSK /F' See your OS/2 manual for more information.

HARDWARE. If the drive does not respond when you try to access it with the software, do the following:

  • Remove the tape from the drive and examine it. If the tape is damaged or unspooled, try another tape.
  • Close down all programs, exit OS/2 and turn the power off on the computer. If your tape drive plugs directly into the wall outlet, disconnect it from the wall outlet, wait a few seconds and then re-connect it. Turn the power back on, reboot, and try again.
  • Place a tape in the drive and look to see if the LED is functioning normally. The tape drive LED should not be on after the tape stops spinning.

Q: Sometimes I get Error 59 - Tape is not formatted, and I'm using a new preformatted tape or tape known to be good tape?

A:

  • Possible causes:
1) Unformatted tape.
2) Dirty Read/Write head.
3) Insufficient memory or a software conflict with tape software.
4) Hardware conflict with DMA, IRQ, or Base Address.
5) Loose tape media or cartridge not seated in drive firmly.
5) Motor Jam or Read/Write head failure.
6) FDC (floppy disk controller) or System Timing.
  • Possible solutions:
1) Make sure all your settings are correct in BackMaster, enable Time-critical settings in BackMasters configuration.
2) Clean the tape device (every 8-10 hours of usage)
3) Add the /M switch to the device driver BackMaster use's
4) Retention the tape, add /J2 to force a full rewind
5) Reconfigure your system to not have any conflicts with DMA, IRQ's
6) Try another CMOS parallel port mode (Pentiums)
7) Format or re-format the tape in the tape device it will be used in.
8) If the tape has never been formatted, or if the tape is pre-formatted for a different type of drive, it will need to be formatted before use.