FrontDoor for DOS has been re-booted, whatever that means :-)
Consider the first few versions trial versions, or beta versions, or whatever… you get the idea.
See FrontDoor re-boot for downloads.
FrontDoor
Do you need a FrontDoor license?
Do you need a FrontDoor license?
If you would like to obtain a FrontDoor license, simply drop an e-mail to defsol@defsol.se. Please include your name (as used in FrontDoor), your FTN-address, and anything else you think we may find interesting and we’ll get you a license as soon as we can.
There is also a FrontDoor group on Facebook, and you may find reboot.defsol.com to be of some interest, perhaps.
FrontDoor – Frequently Asked Questions (FDFAQ)
File: FDFAQ103.TXT
Date: 15-May-2001
Desc: FrontDoor - Frequently Asked Questions (FDFAQ)
From: Definite Solutions
Note: Each item has a header (***) followed by the revision (of the FAQ) to
which the item was added and/or updated. E.g. "*** 103".
For notes that are relevant to a specific version or operating system,
the version number and/or operating systems is listed to the right of
the revision number; e.g. 103 (OS/2).
Each note also has a unique number attached to it. This is to aid in
finding a specific reference given to the "FDFAQ" document. The
unique numbers are indicated following a '$' character; e.g. $0042.
The highest used reference number is currently $0051.
Some notes that require a somewhat detailed explanation have been
placed at the end of the document, below the more common issues. These
notes are for all intents and purposes considered to be a part of this
document and have thus received a unique number as outlined above.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1998-2001 Definite Solutions HB; All rights reserved.
---------------------------------------------------------------
============================================================================
GENERAL
============================================================================
*** 100 (DOS) $0001
Q: The system locks up as soon as I start any of the FrontDoor programs.
A: This is often an indication that FrontDoor is configured to use extended
keyboard calls on machines without support for the extended keyboard
calls. Try running the program with the /NOEKBD command-line parameter.
If this cures the problem, the "Global.General.Extended keyboard" setting
should be configured as NO.
*** 100 (DOS) $0002
Q: I am experiencing horribly slow screen updates in all or some of the
FrontDoor programs.
A: One possible cause, specially under Windows NT, can be incorrect usage of
the GLOBAL.GENERAL.SCREEN FLICKERS setting. It should only be configured
as YES if the screen is flickering when the FrontDoor programs are
writing to the screen; screen flicker typically only occurs on systems
equipped with older CGA cards.
*** 100 $0003
Q: When FM, FD, and FDNC is started and terminated, there is a delay even
though the programs do not appear to be doing anything.
A: One possible cause is that the programs are detecting the presence of a
mouse driver. When a mouse driver is detected, the programs will execute
the mouse initialization code on startup and the mouse deinitialization
code on termination; this will cause some delays. If mouse support is
not a requirement in the programs, it can be disabled. To disable the
mouse support of a specific program, it should be loaded with the
/NOMOUSE command-line parameter. To disable the mouse support for all
FrontDoor programs, add "NOMOUSE" to the FDOPT environment variable
setting.
*** 100 (DOS) $0004
Q: X00 (FOSSIL driver) cannot be unloaded. It is being used as a TSR and
when asked to unload, it complains about "Not safe to uninstall".
A: This is usually a conflict between X00 and a mouse driver when X00 is
used as a TSR. To fix this, either load X00 as a device driver, or
disable mouse support in FD (by using the NOMOUSE command-line parameter
or FDOPT setting).
*** 101 $0005
Q: When FM or FD is running, there seems to be minor but periodic disk
activity taking place; what can I do to prevent this?
A: The disk activity is due to the various programs checking for certain
files in the SYSTEM and SEMAPHORE directory. For the [ML] version, you
can decrease the amount of disk activity by placing the SEMAPHORE
directory on a RAM disk.
A small disk cache (HYPERDISK, SMARTDRV - for DOS - etc) will further
improve this; the size of the cache need not be greater than 512 Kb.
FD also writes to its activity monitor database on a frequent basis. If
you do not want this interface to be available (for example, if you are
not using an activity monitor such as FDAMON), the interface can be
disabled by specifying /NOACTMON on the FD command-line or add NOACTMON
to your FDOPT setting.
*** 102 $0006
Q: I am concerned about Y2K (Year-2000) compliance, what gives?
A: FrontDoor versions 2.25 and above are Y2K-compliant.
*** 102 $0007
Q: Is there an OS/2 version of FrontDoor?
A: Yes; as of version 2.32.mL and 2.26.SW, there is a native 32-bit version
of FrontDoor (FD, FM, FDNC, and FDSETUP) available for the OS/2
operating system. See also notes 0042, 0043, and 0044.
*** 102 $0008
Q: Is the source code for FrontDoor available?
A: Not in the general sense, contact Definite Solutions if you have
specific questions about this.
*** 102 $0009
Q: Is this the last release of FrontDoor?
A: No.
*** 102 $0010
Q: Has development of FrontDoor stopped?
A: No.
*** 102 $0042
Q: I have purchased or registered the DOS version, but the OS/2 version does
not seem to accept my licensing information as entered into FDSETUP.
A: To run the OS/2 version, you need different licensing information.
Contact your nearest registration site or Definite Solutions retailer;
alternatively, you can contact Definite Solutions directly.
*** 102 $0043
Q: Can I run both the DOS version and the OS/2 version with the same basic
configuration?
A: Yes, you can share SETUP.FD between different platform-specific versions
of FrontDoor. Some notes regarding this:
(1) You need licensing information that indicates multi-platform support.
(See also note 0042)
(2) Some platform-specific features can only be modified by the native
configuration program; e.g. some DOS-only features can only be
modified using the DOS version of FDSETUP.
*** 102 $0044
Q: I want to upgrade my current DOS version to the OS/2 version, what does
it involve?
A: Very little of your configuration needs to be changed. The two biggest
differences as far as your configuration is concerned are:
(1) The OS/2 version does not exit with errorlevels, instead it executes
certain batch files (.CMD) to launch external programs such as BBS
software, fax receiver, etc. This is outlined in the documentation.
(2) No FOSSIL driver is used/required by the OS/2 version.
See also notes 0042 and 0043.
*** 102 $0049
Q: FD and FDNC both claim that I am running Windows 98, but I know for a
fact that I am running Windows 95, what gives?
A: There are a number of versions of Windows 95 and they all exhibit
different behavior as far as OS-version detection goes. The various
FrontDoor programs may get the version mixed up and display "Windows 98"
although they are not running under W98. Either way, if the programs
display "Windows 95" or "Windows 98", the correct time-slicing code will
be invoked.
============================================================================
FD (mailer)
============================================================================
*** 100 $0011
Q: The MODEM.HARDWARE.LOCKED.PORT setting is configured as YES, and the
FOSSIL driver is locked at 115200 BPS; and the modem always reports that
calls are connected at 115200 BPS.
A: Check to ensure that the modem is configured to return the DCE (modem-
to-modem) speed as opposed to the DTE (modem-to-computer) speed.
*** 100 $0012
Q: I am using a modem that requires the DTE (computer-to-modem) speed to be
locked at 57600 or 115200 BPS to achieve maximum throughput and transfer
efficiency, but FDSETUP only allows the baudrate to be set to 38400 BPS.
A: Set the baudrate in FDSETUP to 38400 BPS and configure the
"Modem.Hardware.Locked port" setting as YES. Then configure the FOSSIL
driver to lock the port at the required speed.
*** 100 $0013
Q: FD sometimes displays the message "xxxxxxxx.PKT contains conference mail,
ignored" and refuses to unpack the messages in the mail packet file.
A: When FD scans received mail packets (.PKT files), it looks for the string
"AREA:" in the body of the messages contained in the mail packet. This
string indicates that the message is a conference mail message. FD only
handles NetMail-type messages internally; an external Conference Mail
application must be used to unpack mail packets containing Conference
Mail.
*** 100 $0014
Q: The phone rings, but FD does not display "RING" in the modem messages
section of its main screen; if the Terminal is loaded, the "RING" message
is displayed when the phone rings.
A: Some modems with NVRAM (non-volatile storage space for settings, etc)
seem to have a peculiar behavior when they are used at a speed different
than the speed the NVRAM was last configured with. Go to the Terminal and
issue the command used to update the NVRAM (this is usually AT&W).
*** 101 $0015
Q: When FD answers the phone to process an incoming call and when it places
an outbound call to deliver mail, the text "ERROR" is sometimes displayed
in the log file and/or screen.
A: This is a message returned by your modem. FD does not issue this message.
It is typically an indication of an incorrectly specified modem
configuration option in FDSETUP or your modem's NVRAM configuration.
*** 100 $0016
Q: When using the RCVFAX program with FD and the ZyXEL modem attached to the
system, it does not seem possible to receive fax transmissions. As soon
as FD hands over control to RCVFAX, the program reports an error and the
call is terminated.
A: Add a one or two second delay in the batchfile before RCVFAX is invoked.
[ML] The RCVFAX program can be replaced by using the internal fax
reception capabilities if a ZyXEL modem is attached to the system.
*** 100 $0017
Q: The system successfully negotiates several EMSI sessions each day, but
it seems that EMSI/MD5 session negotiation is never used.
A: There are three possible causes for this:
1. FD requires that it is running on a system equipped with a
386-compatible (or better) CPU. If it is not, it will automatically
disable EMSI/MD5 session negotiation.
2. If the remote system does not support EMSI/MD5 sessions, the programs
will attempt to negotiate a standard EMSI session.
3. If the command-line parameter or FDOPT setting NOEMSIMD5 is used, FD
will disable EMSI/MD5 session negotiation.
*** 100 $0018
Q: A NetMail tracker/manager program keeps complaining about a mismatch in
the INTL/MSGID information for messages that FD has created when
unpacking messages with file attachments?
A: When FD unpacks messages with file attachments, it inserts the path to
which the attachments were received into the messages' subject (Re:)
field. The problem is that the subject field can only hold 71 characters
of data. FD solves this by creating empty attachment messages for those
attachments that cannot fit into the subject field of the first message.
When it creates these messages, it copies the addressing information
from the original message, including the INTL information. The MSGID
information is, however, not copied; instead, new MSGID information is
created by FD. The NetMail tracker/manager program should be configured
not to check for this.
*** 100 $0019
Q: After entering a file request from the console, FD does not seem to
process it nor does it start dialing the system to which the request
was entered.
A: FD will deliberately wait a short period of time after a file request
has been entered from the console to allow for further console
activities (such as additional file requests).
*** 100 $0020
Q: When the local system connects to a remote system to request a file,
the message "Remote refused file requests" is displayed and/or logged,
and after successfully completing the session, the remote system is
called again, and again.. ?
A: The reason for the repeated calls is that FD cannot deliver the file
request(s) to the remote system since it has indicated that it does
not want them. Remove the file request(s), or delay the call manually
until the remote system supports file requests.
Note that this should only occur with file request entries in the STQ.
Messages with file request status are simply flagged as "Sent" by FD
when the remote system does not indicate support for file requests
when the session is negotiated.
*** 101 $0021
Q: When FD starts, it displays its main window and says that it is
processing the NetMail folder and then it appears to lock up.
A: The reason for the lock-up is probably an event configured with no
active days. This causes FD 2.30.mL to enter an endless loop when it
is attempting to retrieve the currently active event. The solution is
to upgrade to a newer version of FD or to configure the event as
inactive; you can also configure the event with at least one active
"Days" setting.
*** 101 $0022
Q: I am using FastEcho 1.46 or later together with FrontDoor and want to
use the new STQ (Static Queue) feature of FD, does FastEcho support it?
A: Yes. You should specify the FrontDoor SYSTEM path in the FESETUP field
SYSTEM.PATHNAMES.STATIC QUEUE. When doing this, you must ensure that
all "ARCmail" .MSG attaches have been sent, otherwise FastEcho will
truncate active ARCmail files. It is not possible to mix .MSG-style
ARCmail attaches and use of the STQ by FastEcho.
It is possible to automatically convert remaining .MSG-style ARCmail
attaches to the STQ by using the MSG2QUEUE program (available from the
Definite Solutions website). When using MSG2QUEUE, you *must* use the
/IsArcMail switch.
*** 101 $0023
Q: My telephone network operator offers something called "Distinctive Ring"
whereby different audible ring signals are generated based on which
number the caller used when calling me. How do I configure FD to only
answer on a specific number/ring signal?
A: For the "Distinctive Ring" feature to be used with FD, your modem must be
able to distinguish between the different types of ring signals and issue
different RING messages; e.g. RING1, RING2, RING3, ..
Once you have configured your modem to issue the appropriate RING message
for your modem/BBS number, you must change the MODEM.STATUS MESSAGES.RING
setting to the appropriate message; e.g. RING1
*** 101 $0024
Q: I want to prevent FD from making ANY outbound calls, even if there is
mail that is qualified by means of special status settings (such as
IMMediate, etc), but I cannot find any setting to achieve this. I have
configured the event to INBOUND ONLY, but FD insists on making outbound
calls as soon as there are IMMediate messages or STQ entries.
A: Simply create the semaphore FDNOCALL. in the SEMAPHORE directory.
When FD detects this semaphore, it will not make ANY outbound calls.
*** 102 $0025
Q: FD does not appear to be detecting that new mail has been added to the
System NetMail Folder and/or the static queue (STQ). If I force a rescan,
FD does detect the new mail and starts placing outbound calls, etc. Why
doesn't it detect the new mail automatically?
A: FD needs to be notified of updates to the System NetMail Folder and/or
the static queue (STQ) by means of the FDRESCAN.NOW semaphore in the
semaphore directory (system directory for the Shareware version). If
this semaphore is not updated, FD will not detect the changes until it
resets at the start of a new event, etc. Make sure that the application
you are using is "FrontDoor semaphore aware" and that it knows where it
should create/update the FDRESCAN.NOW semaphore.
*** 102 $0026
Q: FD seems to be very slow in detecting that the FDRESCAN.NOW semaphore has
been updated. Sometimes two lines call the same system in succession.
A: This is typically an indication that the GLOBAL.GENERAL.SEMAPHORE TIMER
setting is too high. This setting specifies how frequently FD should
check for an update to various semaphores and some other important
system files.
It should be noted that on a multi-line system and/or systems where
programs are used to process mail in the background, the importance of
this setting increases. Unless there is a very good reason for it, a
multi-line system should use a setting of somewhere between 5 and 10
(seconds). This does, of course, increase the system load somewhat, but
on a system properly configured as far as disk caching is concerned, the
added overhead is usually not noticeable.
============================================================================
FM (editor)
============================================================================
*** 102 $0037
Q: Why does the "Change AKA" () feature no longer work? I want to
change the originating network address before I write my message.
A: This function is still available, but it is only available in edit mode.
Start writing your message as usual and then press when the cursor
is in the text/message body section of the screen; when you have selected
the desired address, FM will update the originating address of the
message. It should be noted that this technique does not work for CC
(carbon copy) messages; only the first (original) message will be
affected. If all else fails, you can edit an unsent message by pressing
and then using the function.
*** 102 $0038
Q: I want FM to use a different/random origin line each time I write a
message in conference-type folders, but I cannot find a reference to
random origin lines. How do I accomplish this?
A: Refer to the section describing the "Editor menu" options of FDSETUP in
the Administrator Guide (FDADMIN). The section contains a description on
how to add random origin line capabilities to FM for a specific folder/
origin line slot.
============================================================================
Nodelist
============================================================================
*** 100 $0027
Q: What are the various nodelist group tags, and what do they represent?
A: There are four pre-defined group tags: 1, 2, 3, and 4. In order of
appearance, they represent the source for the nodelist entry:
1 - Raw nodelist (typically, NODELIST.nnn)
2 - Private nodelist (FDNET.PVT)
3 - Private pointlist (FDPOINT.PVT)
4 - An entry copied by means of the PHONE statement in FDNODE.CTL.
Group tags A through Z are user-defined groups.
*** 100 $0028
Q: [ML] When using the "Edit nodelist" function of FDNC, some automatically
processed/compiled entries seem to belong to two groups, one of them is
group four (4).
A: When using the PHONE command in FDNODE.CTL, FDNC copies the specified
entry from its source to the internal nodelist database. Such entries
are given an additional group tag (4). These can be separately exported
by specifying four (4) in the groups to include option.
*** 101 $0029
Q: I've heard that the Nodelist Indices produced with the new version of FD
are different to those of previous versions. Can I still use my existing
software to process the nodelist?
A: There are essentially two types of program for processing nodelists. One
type is used to merge NODEDIFF (Difference file) with existing Nodelist
file to produce the new updated Nodelist. These programs are unaffected
as they have nothing to do with the creation of the Nodelist indices.
(For example, Nodelist Updater, XlaxDiff, EDITNL etc.)
The other class consists of programs which actually create the nodelist
index files (the .FDX files). Such programs may produce indices which
FD 2.25 and above cannot use, and FDNC should be used instead.
(For example, XlaxNode)
*** 101 $0030
Q: After removing all PVTLIST and POINTLIST statements from FDNODE.CTL and
re-compiling the nodelist, some entries that were previously included
with these statements are still present in the nodelist database, why?
A: When FDNC is processing PVTLIST and POINTLIST statements, it consolidates
(combines) the contents of the various files into FDNET.PVT and
FDPOINT.PVT respectively. When you remove the PVTLIST and POINTLIST
statements from FDNODE.CTL, it is possible that these two files remain in
the NODELIST directory; the solution is to remove these two files and re-
compile the nodelist.
These two files can also be used to incorporate additional entries into
the nodelist database without using the PVTLIST and POINTLIST statements.
*** 102 $0045
Q: When FD places an outbound call, it attempts to dial the telephone number
exactly as it is entered in the nodelist, without translation, why?
A: This is most likely due to an empty or corrupt telephone number
translation database. Check the Administrator Guide for how to create a
translation table (in FDNODE.CTL).
If you already have a proper translation table configured in FDNODE.CTL,
it is possible that FDNC has not compiled it properly. Run FDNC with the
/P parameter (and no other parameters); this will force FDNC to re-create
the translation database.
*** 102 $0046
Q: Is it possible to dynamically change the telephone number of a given
system without having to recompile the nodelist?
A: Yes, this can be accomplished by using $[]-style macros.
(1) Override the telephone number of the remote system by using the
PHONE keyword in FDNODE.CTL: PHONE z:n/n.p $[SYSTEMNUM]
(2) Run FDNC /P
(3) Set the environment variable SYSTEMNUM to the desired telephone
number (raw format).
For example:
[FDNODE.CTL] PHONE 2:201/330 $[DEFSOLTWO]
FDNC /P
SET DEFSOLTWO=46-8-999888777
============================================================================
Terminal
============================================================================
*** 100 $0031
Q: The Terminal seems to be ignoring all input, not even works.
A: This is typically an indication that the "raw" keyboard mode has been
enabled in the Terminal. Make sure that the LED is not
active and then try again. If the keyboard does not have a
LED, try pressing the button once and then . See also
note 0032.
*** 102 $0032
Q: Sometimes when using a service in the Terminal, I find I cannot access
the menu system using or any other key shortcut.
A: The Terminal may have entered "raw" mode, possibly because the terminal
is configured to automatically do so and the remote has requested this.
See also note 0031.
*** 100 $0033
Q: The Terminal seems to be displaying all characters twice, specifically
those typed from the keyboard; e.g. "AATTII55" instead of "ATI5".
A: This is typically the result of the communications device "echoing"
characters typed from the keyboard and the LOCAL ECHO Terminal setting
(in the LINE menu) being set to YES. To solve this, simply change the
LOCAL ECHO setting to NO.
*** 100 $0034
Q: When using the (Nodelist dial) function, the Terminal does not
prompt for the use of script files, but there are several script files
(*.SCR) present in the system directory.
A: The TERMINAL.MISCELLANEOUS.SCRIPTS IN NODELIST DIAL setting controls
whether or not the Terminal should honor the presence of script files and
prompt for one to be used when the nodelist dial function is invoked.
*** 102 $0035
Q: When I return from the DOS/OS shell, I sometimes find my connection has
closed. Why?
A: Some services you may use have idle timers which will automatically
disconnect you after a period of no activity across the communications
link. Ensure that you complete your tasks in the DOS/OS shell as soon as
possible to avoid this.
============================================================================
BBS
============================================================================
*** 100 (DOS) $0036
Q: When the BBS is used locally (local logon), the BBS software reports a
very low amount of time remaining, or no time at all. due to a system
event; yet, no event is pending or due.
A: It is possible that the BBS software is reading the contents of an old
DOBBS*.BAT file, generated by FD for the last remote caller. Try
removing the applicable DOBBS*.BAT file and attempt to logon locally to
the BBS again.
============================================================================
Creating a "maintenance" or "mail" task
============================================================================
*** 102 $0039
Q: I want to set-up a line/task that is only used to execute external events
at specific times and to handle the processing of mail (tossing,
scanning, and packing) as well as other general maintenance tasks. I do
not want this task to place any outbound calls nor to require a modem, is
this possible?
A: Yes, it is possible; and quite simple. Create/update the necessary
configuration files as if you were to add a "normal" task. You will need
to use a unique task number and create a new event and modem
configuration database by using FDSETUP (with the new, unique task
number).
Use FDSETUP to modify the modem configuration for the new task and
remove the configuration data for the following modem command strings:
On-hook, Off-hook, Dial, Prefix, Suffix, Init-1 .. Init-3, TermInit,
Down, and Attention.
Configure "Manual answer" to "NO". Remove the configuration data for the
Ok status message. Set the "Lower DTR when busy" and "Lower DTR to
terminate call" settings to "YES".
For the DOS version, you will need to have a FOSSIL driver loaded since
FD checks for a FOSSIL driver when starting.
For the OS/2 version, you will need a COM port available. If you are
using the SIO driver package by Ray Gwinn, you can create "virtual COM
ports" (please refere to the SIO/VMODEM documentation for instructions on
doing this).
============================================================================
Adding "drag and drop" functionality for sending files
============================================================================
*** 102 $0040
Q: Can I send files using "Drag and drop" functionality (Windows, OS/2, etc)
so I can drag files from my desktop onto an icon or folder?
A: This can be accomplished by utilizing what is referred to as a "spool
entry" or "spool directory" which is a feature of the static queue (STQ)
introduced in 2.30/2.25.
(1) Create a spool directory. This directory can be located anywhere as
long as FD can access it.
(2) FD must be told to treat the directory as a spool directory. This is
done by using XRobot (available from the Definite Solutions web
site); use the QSPOOLMAKE command and ensure that you specify a
filemask that includes all files in the directory (*.*).
(3) Create a "shadow" or "shortcut" folder on your desktop that refers to
the directory created in (1).
(4) When you drag a file to the newly created folder, it will be moved or
copied to that folder by the operating system. It is then available
for delivery and/or pick-up.
It should be noted that:
(A) FD will not detect that files have been added to the spool directory
until it rescans. For a spool directory with "Hold" status, this is
not a problem since such entries are always scanned when the remote
(destination) system calls to pick-up mail, but for spool directories
with "Normal", "Crash", and/or "Immediate" status, this may cause a
delay in the delivery of the files.
A possible solution is to create another desktop icon which refers to
XRobot using the TOUCH command to update the FDRESCAN.NOW semaphore.
(B) A spool directory reference in the static queue (STQ) can only have
one destination system. It is thus necessary to repeat the above
procedure (1-4) for each system you wish to have "drag and drop"
capabilities for.
============================================================================
Utilizing SIO/VMODEM for local access under OS/2
============================================================================
*** 102 $0041
Q: I want to access my mail system and/or BBS just like a remote system or
caller would access it, but calling myself with a modem tends to be a bit
expensive; is there a way I can accomplish this without handing over more
of my hard earned money to the telecom company?
A: This can be done under OS/2 by using the SIO/VMODEM package written by
Ray Gwinn. The SIO package is a set of replacement communications drivers
for the OS/2 operating system; generally recommended as very good drop-in
replacements for the standard OS/2 COM.SYS driver.
The SIO package also includes a FOSSIL driver (VX00) which is recommended
over using a standard FOSSIL driver if you are running the DOS version of
FrontDoor.
Finally, the SIO package includes something referred to as "VMODEM" which
basically allows FrontDoor to communicate over a TCP/IP network. It can
be used to communicate between two sessions ("windows") on the local
machine, as well as other machines; next to each other or anywhere else
you may want to go using the Internet.
You need to install and configure SIO/VMODEM; as well as TCP/IP. Then you
use either an existing TCP/IP loopback address, or create a new (using
"ifconfig lo "). This address is then used to call from, for
example, the FrontDoor terminal in one session ("window") to your system
running in another session. You must, of course, configure a line/task to
handle inbound calls that are received through the TCP/IP (VMODEM)
interface.
The above procedure can also be used to make your system available for
telnet and VMODEM sessions over the Internet.
============================================================================
Interfacing a DOS BBS application with the OS/2 version of FrontDoor
============================================================================
*** 102 $0047
Q: I want to use the OS/2 version of FrontDoor, but I need to interface with
a DOS BBS package, is this possible?
A: Yes, it is possible; although perhaps not entirely obvious. The below
example was submitted by Mark Lewis and illustrates how the OS/2 version
of FrontDoor can be interfaced with the RemoteAccess DOS BBS package. It
should be noted for the data below that Mark is using the SIO package by
Ray Gwinn and the HSTART package by Henk Kelder.
It should also be pointed out that the below data is meant as an example.
The first thing to do is to ensure that you are using Ray Gwinn's SIO
package. Configure SIO with the trailing '-' parameter as detailed in the
SIO docs and as shown in Fig 1.
DEVICE=C:\SIO\SIO.SYS (COM1,3F8,4,-) (COM2:115200,2F8,3,-)
DEVICE=C:\SIO\VSIO.SYS
(Fig 1.)
You need a CMD file to run FD/2 from. Fig 2 is a sample.
@echo off
echo.
set task=1
set fd=c:\fd
echo.
echo MyOnlineService/2 Node %task% initiating...
:start
c:
cd %fd%
%fd%\fd2
if errorlevel 33 goto end
if errorlevel 32 goto midnight
if errorlevel 31 goto inbound
if errorlevel 1 goto end
goto end
:midnight
hstart "Maint on %task%" /DOS /S:%fd%\HS-BBS_2.CFG /C /WIN /B /MAX /WAIT
(cont. of prev. line)%fd%\midnite.bat %task%
goto start
:inbound
hstart "MailRUN on %task%" /DOS /S:%fd%\HS-BBS_2.CFG /C /WIN /B /MAX
(cont. of prev. line)/WAIT %fd%\tossmail.bat %task%
goto start
:end
echo.
echo MyOnlineService/2 Node %task% terminating...
pause
exit
(Fig 2.)
The CMD file shown in Fig 2 demonstrates the ability to start a DOS task
from an OS/2 task using a third party util called HSTART. We are using
HSTART in this example because it is able to start OS/2 tasks from the
DOS side if/when needed.
FD/2 executes EXEBBS.CMD directly so we need to create one. Fig 3 is
another example.
@echo off
echo.
echo Entering EXEBBS.CMD...
rem
rem %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7
echo Creating DOBBS%4.BAT for RemoteAccess to use...
echo EXEBBS %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 > c:\ra\dobbs%4.bat
echo Starting RemoteAccess BBS...
echo hstart "WPUSA %4" /DOS /S:c:\ra\HS-BBS_2.CFG /WIN /B /MAX /C /WAIT
(cont. of prev. line) c:\ra\EXEBBS.BAT %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7
hstart "WPUSA %4" /DOS /S:c:\ra\HS-BBS_2.CFG /WIN /B /MAX /C /WAIT
(cont. of prev. line) c:\ra\EXEBBS.BAT %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7
(Fig 3.)
This EXEBBS.CMD shows how to create a DOBBS.BAT for those BBS packages
that can use it. Then we use HSTART to start the DOS BBS via a .BAT file
like normally used. In this example, we have chosen to use the DOS name
EXEBBS.BAT. An example is found in Fig 4.
@echo off
rem
rem %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7
echo Starting EXEBBS.BAT...
echo.
echo Passed Parameters are :
echo -----------------------
echo Speed : %1
echo Port : %2
echo Minutes till NoHumans : %3
echo Task : %4
echo Connection Message : %5
echo CallerID Information : %6
echo Passed Port Handle : %7
:start
set RA=c:\ra
cd %ra%
if '%2' == '0' goto local
:bbscaller
%ra%\ra.exe -E10 -N%4 -B%1%5 -C%2 -T%3
:afterra
if errorlevel 3 goto aftercaller
if errorlevel 2 goto local
if errorlevel 0 goto aftercaller
:local
%ra%\ra.exe -E10 -L -D -N%4
goto afterra
:aftercaller
topstat
:end
exit
(Fig 4.)
That's pretty much it except for the HS-BBS_2.CFG file. It is only used by
HSTART to set the necessary parameters for the DOS box. You only need it
to change the settings from the defaults. There are a lot of settings that
can go in that file. It's main use in this setup is to allow or deny
access to the comm port. In a multinode environment, we don't want to
allow access from other tasks. Its bad enough that we have to use the '-'
on the SIO line. Fig 5 contains all the known settings that can be in a
HSTART config file. Those that start with a '*' are commented out but left
for the curious. The ones that are not commented out are the ones that are
necessary for this site to operate. I can't guarantee that all settings
are followed by the correct options. Only the numerical ones are known.
You'll need to refer to the HSTART package for more information on the use
of the config file with HSTART. This writer is using HSTART04.ZIP dated 11
December 1993 by Henk Kelder, 2:280/801.339@fidonet.org. according to the
documentation.
*SET AUDIO_ADAPTER_SHARING=1;
*SET DOS_AUTOEXEC=C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT;
*SET DOS_BACKGROUND_EXECUTION=1;
*SET DOS_BREAK=0;
SET DOS_DEVICE=SIZE=0 C:\TCPIP\BIN\VDOSTCP.SYS,SIZE=0
(cont. from prev. line) C:\OS2\MDOS\ANSI.SYS,SIZE=0 C:\SIO\VX00.SYS;
SET DOS_FCBS=16; SET DOS_FCBS_KEEP=8;
SET DOS_FILES=100;
SET DOS_HIGH=1;
SET DOS_LASTDRIVE=Z;
SET DOS_RMSIZE=640;
*SET DOS_SHELL=C:\4DOS\4DOS.COM C:\4DOS;
SET DOS_UMB=1;
SET DPMI_DOS_API=AUTO;
SET DPMI_MEMORY_LIMIT=4;
SET DPMI_NETWORK_BUFF_SIZE=8;
SET EMS_FRAME_LOCATION=AUTO;
SET EMS_HIGH_OS_MAP_REGION=0;
SET EMS_LOW_OS_MAP_REGION=384;
SET EMS_MEMORY_LIMIT=2048;
*SET HW_NOSOUND=0;
*SET HW_ROM_TO_RAM=0;
*SET HW_TIMER=1;
*SET IDLE_SECONDS=0;
*SET IDLE_SENSITIVITY=75;
*SET INT_DURING_IO=0;
*SET KBD_ALTHOME_BYPASS=0;
*SET KBD_BUFFER_EXTEND=1;
*SET KBD_CTRL_BYPASS=NONE;
*SET KBD_RATE_LOCK=0;
*SET SESSION_PRIORITY=1;
SET SIO_Allow_Access_COM1=0;
SET SIO_Allow_Access_COM2=1;
SET SIO_Allow_Access_COM3=0;
SET SIO_Allow_Access_COM4=0;
SET SIO_Idle_Sensitivity=100;
*SET SIO_Mode_DTR=No Change at OPEN or CLOSE;
*SET SIO_Mode_FIFO_Load_Count=16;
*SET SIO_Mode_IDSR=Ignore DSR During Receive;
*SET SIO_Mode_OCTS=HandShake Signal, as in RTS/CTS;
*SET SIO_Mode_ODSR=Ignore DSR During Transmit;
*SET SIO_Mode_RTS=HandShake Signal, as in RTS/CTS;
*SET SIO_Mode_XON/XOFF=No XON/XOFF flow control by SIO;
SET SIO_Screen_Sync_Kludge=0;
SET SIO_Share_Access_With_OS/2=1;
SET SIO_Virtualize_16550A=1;
SET SIO_Virtualize_COM_Ports=1;
*SET VIDEO_8514A_XGA_IOTRAP=1;
*SET VIDEO_FASTPASTE=1;
*SET VIDEO_MODE_RESTRICTION=NONE;
*SET VIDEO_ONDEMAND_MEMORY=1;
*SET VIDEO_RETRACE_EMULATION=0;
*SET VIDEO_ROM_EMULATION=1;
*SET VIDEO_SWITCH_NOTIFICATION=0;
*SET VIDEO_WINDOW_REFRESH=1;
SET XMS_HANDLES=32;
SET XMS_MEMORY_LIMIT=2048;
SET XMS_MINIMUM_HMA=0;
(Fig 5.)
Some settings in the HSTART config file are not needed for normal use. Of
note is the TCPIP entry which is needed on this system for DOS tasks to
access TCPIP network protocol stack.
============================================================================
Running the DOS version of FrontDoor under Linux
============================================================================
*** 102 $0048
Q: I want to use the DOS version of FrontDoor under Linux, is this possible?
A: Yes, it is possible to run the DOS version of FrontDoor on the iNTEL
platform version of Linux. The below example was submitted by Francois
Thunus and illustrates how the DOS version of FrontDoor can be used under
Linux.
It should also be pointed out that the below data is meant as an example.
Setting up DosEMU
-----------------
Please report to DosEMU configuration manual for precise details.
The general idea is this:
Create a bootable dos floppy with whatever dos version you want. Set up
CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files to run whatever you would in dos like
BNU (FOSSIL driver). Set your paths to reflect paths on the C: drive
(assuming that's where your FrontDoor is). Try booting it in DOS to make
sure everything runs OK. Then in linux, make a disk image using this
floppy using: dd if=/dev/fd0 of=/var/lib/dosemu/adrive bs=16k where
"if"=location of linux floppy drive, "of"=path/name of disk image (in my
case "adrive" in the /var/lib/dosemu dir).
Now modify /etc/dosemu.conf to use this file to boot from. There is a
line in it that is probably commented out. If not, add it in floppy disk
section:
floppy {heads 2 sectors 18 tracks 80 threeinch file /var/lib/dosemu/adrive}
(of course change any path to your setup and comment out any other
"floppy" lines, for now)
In the dosemu boot section, setup a line to boot from the floppy image:
bootdisk {heads 2 sectors 18 tracks 80 threeinch file/var/lib/dosemu/adrive}
Now dosemu should boot from that disk image file.
Now running xdos should boot from your disk image and your /dev/hda
should give you read/write access to your C: drive.
Linux configuration
-------------------
in /etc/rc.d/rc.local:
setserial /dev/ttyS1 spd_vhi
in /etc/dosemu.conf:
serial { com 2 device /dev/ttyS1 }
ttylocks { directory /var/lock namestub LCK.. }
FrontDoor configuration
-----------------------
in mailer.bat (on dosemu):
LH BNU /R=4096 /T=8192 /P1 /L1:115200,8N1
You have to make sure that you lock the port for reliable transfers.
(BNU is a FOSSIL driver written by David Nugent)
Miscellaneous
-------------
FD (mailer) is reported to work with:
Slackware 3.4 (Kr 2.0.30) / DosEmu 0.66.7 / DOS 6.22
For FM (editor), it may be necessary to use the FDOPT=NORES environment
variable
Try to avoid forward slashes in names and paths.
============================================================================
Utilizing the internet to exchange FidoNet mail
============================================================================
*** 103 $0050
Q: I want to utilize my Internet connection to exchange FidoNet mail, can I
do this with FrontDoor?
A: Yes; by using a TCP/IP-aware FOSSIL driver such as COM/IP from Tactical
Software or SIO/VMODEM by Ray Gwinn, you can make FrontDoor use a TCP/IP
session to exchange mail with other FidoNet systems.
Very few settings need to be changed for using COM/IP; the recommended
init string for COM/IP is:
ATS0=0S1008=23S1002=1S1003=6S1001=0S1004=1S1005=0W1
COM/IP is developed by Tactical Software (www.tacticalsoftware.com); SIO/
VMODEM is developed by Ray Gwinn (www.gwinn.com). There is some more
information about SIO/VMODEM in this document, see note $0041.
*** 103 $0051
Q: I am having problems with Windows 2000 and COM/IP, are there any common
problems with this combination?
A: Make sure that you are using COM/IP version 2.27 or above as previous
versions of COM/IP have known problems in the W2K environment.
// end of file "fdfaq103.txt"
Corrective patch for FrontDoor/2 2.26.SW
A corrective patch for FrontDoor/2 2.26.SW has been released! This patch corrects a rather obscure problem with the OS/2 version of FrontDoor 2.26.SW. The problem only occurs for users that have purchased an OS/2-only license. To download the update patch for 2.26.SW (OS/2), click here.