From:	CRDGW2::CRDGW2::MRGATE::"SMTP::CRVAX.SRI.COM::RELAY-INFO-VAX" 29-AUG-1989 06:43
To:	MRGATE::"ARISIA::EVERHART"
Subj:	RE: VS 3100 floppy problems

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Date: Tue, 29 Aug 89 11:27 N
From: "F.Zwarts, KVI, Groningen, NL." <F.Zwarts%KVI.nl@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
Subject: RE: VS 3100 floppy problems
Sender: "Fred Zwarts, KVI, Groningen, NL." <ZWARTS%KVI.nl@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
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> I have a VAXStation 3100 with an RX23 floppy drive.  Unfortunately I haven't
> got much documentation on how to use the thing.  Can someone help me out
> with a couple of questions?

> Is there any way to use non-DEC diskettes?  I've tried a couple of different
> HD diskettes, all are externally identical to the ones from DEC, but
> initialization bombs every time.  If you've done it, how did you make
> it work?

I did not try to use non-DEC diskettes, but my suggestion is to format the
diskettes before you attempt to initialize them. Even the DEC diskettes
shipped with our VAXstation 3100 had to be formatted before we could initialize
them. A diskette is formatted as follows (not documented in the owner's manual):

1) Shut down your VAXstation 3100.
2) Enter console mode (With the >>> prompt).
3) Type

>>> TEST 70

4) Answer the questions, which I do not remember exactly but which are very
similar to the questions of TEST 75, (formatting a hard disk,) see page 6-15
and 6-16 of the VAXstation 3100 Model 30 Owner's Manual.

Now you can boot the VAXstation 3100 and try to initialize the diskette.

        F. Zwarts
        Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut        E-Mail:         F.Zwarts@KVI.nl
        Zernikelaan 25                          Phone:          (+31)50-633619
        9747 AA  Groningen                      Telefax:        (+31)50-634003
        The Netherlands                         Telex:          53410 rugro nl

