Sys 7.1 cannot copy to a floppy

Question

Sys 7.1 cannot copy to a floppy

I'd like to get the documents out of my good old IIvx running system 7.1 but when I try to copy them to a floppy I get the following message:

'The file "filename" couldn't be verified, because a disk error occurred. Do you want to continue copying?'

The options are 'Stop' or 'Continue' (default), both of which simply stop the operation.

I tried reinstalling the system software. The installation was successful but failed to solve the problem. The disk first aid utility confirmed there was a problem but could do nothing to solve it.

Memory should not be a problem as RAM has been upgraded to 72MB and there is over 100MB of available disk space. The files I am trying to copy are not more than 256K and usually much smaller.

Suggestions please?

Regards,

Paul

Posted on Aug 19, 2005 9:58 AM

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Answer 1

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Aug 19, 2005 12:39 PM in response to Paul Beardmore

Paul,

What kind of error message did you get from Disk First Aid (I assume that you started from a floppy containing DFA). Some problems cannot be repaired by DFA, making it necessary to use (for example) an appropriate version of Norton Utilities.

It would be a very good idea to have the hard disk in order before trying to copy anything to other disks. If this is not possible, you could perhaps try to start from a floppy, and then choose Eject Disk from the Special menu. This would leave a floppy shadow on the Desktop. Now, insert an empty (Mac-formatted) diskette and try to drag-copy one file to it. Follow the on-screen instructions (you will have to swap floppies
b several
times). The idea behind all this is to exclude the existing 7.1 system, in case this somehow is the culprit. However, with a damaged hard disk file structure, the copy difficulties may not have been solved.

Another possibility would be to create a Network Access Disk 7.5 floppy on another Mac (with a built-in floppy drive). Use Disk Copy 4.2 (the Make A Copy button) to do this. Then, connect the two Macs by a MiniDIN-8M to MiniDIN-8M printer cable between the printer ports. Start both computers (the "problematic" machine from the Network Access floppy). Enable AppleTalk on both. Set up file sharing on the other computer (see the manual for details). Connect (from the machine running from Network Access) via AppleShare in the Chooser to the shared computer. Try to transfer files via the network. For general information, see this web page.

Jan

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Answer 2

Aug 23, 2005 9:15 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

Thanks Jan,

All your comments are helpful. I've managed to get one small file out by opening the application and doing a 'save as' to the floppy but files over 24K don't seem to work with this.

The error message was as I cited above:

'The file "filename" couldn't be verified, because a disk error occurred. Do you want to continue copying?

My efforts did bring up a -127 error as well which I see confirms the file structure problem.

Surfing for Norton Disk Doctor 2 (possibly 3) on the Web, all I've found is other people also seaching for the same program. Let me know if there's a place I might find it.

Otherwise the link-up to another Mac is going to be the best bet. When I can find one to link with, I'll give it a go.

Many thanks for all your help.

Regards,

Paul

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Answer 3

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Aug 23, 2005 12:50 PM in response to Paul Beardmore

Paul,

As you have found out already, -127 indicates an internal file system error. BTW, I was referring to the exact text in the Disk First Aid program window, not the message when trying to copy. Anyway, it would probably be very wise to make another attempt to repair the file structure before you continue. This, usually, means (Disk Doctor in) Norton Utilities (check that you get an appropriate version for your system). Since this is commercial software, you will have to buy the program suite on original floppy disks (perhaps through one of the "Used Mac Dealers" here, or via an online auction site).

Jan

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