<b>PC Exchange 2.1.1 problem reading DOS files on a PC-formatted disk; problem confirmed by Apple
<b>PC Exchange 2.1.1 problem reading DOS files on a PC-formatted disk; problem confirmed by Apple
We previously described a problem with PC Exchange 2.1.1 (included with Mac OS 7.6.x) reading files from floppy disks formatted on a PC. Apple now confirms this, in TIL file 22013 as published in yesterday's Info Alley (although what they describe may represent only one case of more general problems):
"This appears to be an issue with PC Exchange 2.1.1 and the way some systems format floppy disks. Floppy disks that have this problem have "FAT16 " written to their boot records; these disks are actually FAT12 directories. Apparently PC computers, PC Exchange 2.0.7, and earlier versions ignore this field on floppy disks. PC Exchange 2.1.1 checks this field, determines the floppy is FAT16, and reads data from incorrect clusters on the disk."
There are two work-arounds:
Use PC Exchange 2.0.5 or 2.0.7 on systems with PC Compatibility Cards.
Format DOS floppy disks on the Macintosh.
"This appears to be an issue with PC Exchange 2.1.1 and the way some systems format floppy disks. Floppy disks that have this problem have "FAT16 " written to their boot records; these disks are actually FAT12 directories. Apparently PC computers, PC Exchange 2.0.7, and earlier versions ignore this field on floppy disks. PC Exchange 2.1.1 checks this field, determines the floppy is FAT16, and reads data from incorrect clusters on the disk."
There are two work-arounds:
Use PC Exchange 2.0.5 or 2.0.7 on systems with PC Compatibility Cards.
Format DOS floppy disks on the Macintosh.
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