RuntimeÆs DiskExplorer uses several kinds of caches when reading from or
writing to a drive.
RuntimeÆs DiskExplorer uses several kinds of caches when reading from or
writing to a drive.Read/Only mode
The DiskExplorer uses a double cache (2 x 16 sectors) when performing read operations. When requesting a certain sector, usually 16 consecutive sectors are being read into the cache. Any possible read errors are stored until you actually request that faulty sector.
For example, the request of sector 0 for the partition table will result in a read operation involving sectors 0-15. A following request of sector 5 will not initiate a further read operation. The sector content will be copied from the cache. If there was an error when originally reading sector 5 the error will be displayed now.
The Reload button clears the caches and reloads the current contents.
Direct Read/Write mode
This mode uses the same caches as the Read/Only mode, expanded with write capabilities.
Write operations are using the same caches and will affect the drive when there is either a read or write request that cannot be satisfied by the cacheÆs contents or a flush request. The flush command is issued automatically after completing the write operations Paste, Fill, Paste from file. When modifying a sector by hand the flush is committed by the Write changes command or when you start modifying another sectors. The Discard Changes button lets you undo the changes in the current sector.
The Reload button clears the caches and reloads the current contents.
Virtual Write mode
This mode introduces an additional cache preventing the DiskExplorer from writing changes to the actual disk. This cache can hold up to 10000 sectors. This cacheÆs content will be written to the disk if you initiate this with Tools->Options->Virtual mode->Write or if you answer YES to the according question when exiting the program. You can clear the cache with Tools->Options->Virtual mode->Clear.
The Reload button clears the caches and reloads the current contents.
See also: Edit, Read/Write modes, Bad Sector Handling