Using VSafe Write-Protection with SMARTDrive Write-Cache
PSS ID Number: Q101509
Article last modified on 07-16-1993
PSS database name: O_MSDOS

6.00

MS-DOS


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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft MS-DOS operating system version 6.0
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SYMPTOMS
========

When SMARTDrive write-caching and VSafe write-protection are both
enabled, a sequence of error messages may put your machine into a
loop. As a file is copied to the hard disk drive, VSafe detects the
attempt to write to disk and presents the following message:

   Program is trying to write to Hard disk
   Do you wish to continue?

   Stop   Continue   Boot

If you choose Stop, SMARTDrive reports that a serious disk error has
occurred. Choosing Retry causes VSafe to present the warning message,
and the loop continues.

RESOLUTION
==========

To work around this problem, do not simultaneously use SMARTDrive
configured for write-caching and VSafe configured for write-
protection.

MORE INFORMATION
================

When you receive the message noted above, you have the following
options:

 - Choosing Continue allows the file to be written. XCOPY or COPY
   displays 1 file(s) copied and then the C:\> prompt appears.

 - Choosing Boot reboots your machine; the file is not written.

 - Choosing Stop causes SMARTDrive to immediately display the following
   error message in the upper-left corner of the screen:

      ATTENTION: A serious disk error has
      occurred while writing to drive N.
      Retry ®?

   Note: Drive N is the host drive if this is a DoubleSpace-compressed
   drive.

   Pressing the R key displays the VSafe error message again. To exit
   the loop, either press C for Continue or B to reboot.

Additional reference words: virus 6.00 smartdrv.exe

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.