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Note, that PROTMODE.COM is a runtime subroutine of CHK123.COM Also note that to run on monochrome, use "CHK123 -M" Lotus CHK1-2-3 READ.ME - Supplemental Information This is the READ.ME file for Lotus CHK1-2-3 (Tm). It contains the following sections: 1. CHK1-2-3 Overview 2. Known Incompatibilities with CHK1-2-3 Version 1.0 3. Certified Compatible Hardware and Memory Software for 1-2-3 Release 3 and 1-2-3 Release 2.2 4. Product Requirements - CHK1-2-3, 1-2-3 Release 3, 1-2-3 Release 2.2 5. Upgrade and Purchase Information 6. Lotus Product Support Information 7. Memory Management in 1-2-3 Release 3 8. Protected Mode and 1-2-3 Release 3 9. Switch Mode Troubleshooting 10. Modifying CONFIG.SYS 11. Modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT 12. Using DEALER.EXE 13. Trademarks 1. CHK1-2-3 Overview CHK1-2-3 is a diagnostic utility that helps you choose the best version of Lotus (R) 1-2-3 (R) to meet your business application needs in the DOS environment. In less than 10 minutes, CHK1-2-3 makes it easy for you to get the most out of your PC system by: * Clearly reporting your PC's hardware and memory configuration. * Providing an on-line glossary of technical terms commonly used in today's personal computing environment. * Testing whether your PC can use the protected mode of Intel 80286 and 80386 microprocessors, which allows applications such as 1-2-3 Release 3 to access much more than 640 KB of memory. * Listing all drivers and terminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) programs installed on your PC. * Providing a hardware configuration report you can print out for future reference. CHK1-2-3 is easy to use. All the information you need is provided in the program and in this READ.ME file. To use CHK1-2-3, you select items from the CHK1-2-3 menu. When you highlight a menu item, CHK1-2-3 displays an explanation of that item in a box to the left of the menu. To perform the highlighted test, press ENTER. CHK1-2-3 displays the results of the test on the screen. From any test result screen: * Pressing ESC returns you to the CHK1-2-3 menu. * Pressing F1 provides help. * Pressing F10 displays a glossary of technical terms commonly used in today's personal computing environment. The CHK1-2-3 menu displays six options, including four tests. To verify that your system configuration meets 1-2-3 Release 3 requirements, you must run the Basic Information and Test Protected Mode tests. Lotus recommends that you perform all four tests, however, in order to thoroughly understand your hardware and system software configuration. The CHK1-2-3 tests are: * Basic Information - Displays your computer system's basic configuration and reports whether it meets the 1-2-3 Release 3 requirements. * Test Protected Mode - Verifies that your system can run in protected mode (necessary for 1-2-3 Release 3). * Drivers and TSRs - Lists any drivers, TSRs, and other memory-resident programs your system is currently running. * Memory Boards - Lists any 1-2-3 Release 3 supported configurable expanded memory boards installed in your computer. As of November 1, 1989, 1-2-3 Release 3 supports configurable expanded memory boards manufactured by Intel Personal Computer Enhancement Operation and AST Research, Inc. CHK1-2-3 identifies the following configurable expanded memory: AST: Advantage Premium, FASTRAM, Rampage 286, Workstation 286, Rampage Plus 286, Advanced FASTRAM, Rampage/2-286, Rampage/2, RampagePlus/MC, Advantage/2, Advantage/2 (2 serial ports), Advantage/2 (1 serial and 1 parallel port), Advantage/2-386, Advantage/2-386 (2 serial ports), Advantage/2-386 (1 serial and 1 parallel port) IBM: Memory Expansion Option and compatibles Intel: Above Board Plus 8, Above Board Plus, Above Board 286, Above Board PS/AT, Above Board AT, Above Board 2 Plus, Above Board MicroChannel 32, Above Board 2 Note: 1-2-3 Release 3 also supports add-in extended memory boards manufactured by IBM and Compaq, but CHK1-2-3 does not report these extended memory boards in the Memory Boards test. However, the available memory on these boards is displayed on the Basic Information test result screen. The other CHK1-2-3 options are: * Print Report - Prints a report of your system's configuration. * Exit - Leaves CHK1-2-3 and returns you to the operating system prompt. 2. Known Incompatibilities with CHK1-2-3 version 1.0 Incompatible systems: CHK1-2-3 version 1.0 is incompatible with the AT&T 6300+ personal computer. Lotus strongly advises against using CHK1-2-3 with the AT&T 6300+. CHK1-2-3 and networks: CHK1-2-3 is designed to be run on individual PCs, not from network servers. For best results, run CHK1-2-3 on your own computer, even if you are part of a network. CHK1-2-3 and expanded memory emulators: If you are using an expanded memory emulator to convert extended memory to expanded memory, CHK1-2-3 reports that memory as extended memory in the "Basic Information" test result screen. NOTE: CHK1-2-3 and 1-2-3 Release 3 do not support expanded memory emulators that do not comply with the Virtual Control Program Interface (VCPI) specification. See Section 3 for a list of expanded memory emulators supported by CHK1-2-3 and 1-2-3 Release 3. Drivers and TSRs test: CHK1-2-3 may display the same TSR twice, if the TSR program has allocated non-sequential blocks in memory. Sometimes, a TSR is not displayed. This are two reasons for this: 1) Some programs relocate the TSR to extended memory. CHK1-2-3 does not look for TSRs in extended memory; 2) Some TSRs erase their program name after initializing. CHK1-2-3 cannot identify the TSR in this case. CHK1-2-3 may display random characters if an unidentifiable TSR is found in memory. 3. Certified Compatible Hardware and Memory Software for 1-2-3 Release 3 and 1-2-3 Release 2.2 The personal computers, enhancement products, and expanded memory emulators listed below have been certified by Lotus as compatible with 1-2-3 Release 3 and/or 1-2-3 Release 2.2. Lotus updates this list frequently. For an up-to-date list of compatible hardware and software, ask your local Lotus Authorized Reseller for the Certified Products Guide for 1-2-3 Release 3, 2.2, and 2.01. Personal Computers certified compatible for 1-2-3 Release 3 Compaq: Portable II, Portable III, Portable 286, Deskpro 286 2550, Deskpro 286 2551, Deskpro 386, Deskpro 386/20, Deskpro 386/25, Deskpro 386/S, Deskpro 20e, Deskpro SLT/286 IBM: XT 286, AT, PS/2 Model 30/286, PS/2 Model 50, PS/2 Model 50Z, PS/2 Model 60, PS/2 Model 70 (20 and 25 MHz), PS/2 Model 80 (Models 041 and 071, 16 MHz, PS/2 Model 80 (Models 111 and 311, 20 Mhz) Toshiba: T3100, T5100 Personal Computers certified compatible for 1-2-3 Release 2.2 AT&T: 6300, 6300 + Compaq: Portable Plus, Portable II, Portable III, Portable 286, Portable 386, Portable 386/20, Deskpro, Deskpro 286, SLT/286, Deskpro 386, Deskpro 386/20, Deskpro 386/20e, Deskpro 386/25, Deskpro 386s GRiD: GRiDCase 2, GRiDCase 2+, GRiDCase 3, GRiDLite IBM: PC, XT, XT 286, AT, PC Convertible, PS/2 Model 25 with Hard Disk, PS/2 Model 30, PS/2 Model 30/286, PS/2 Model 50, PS/2 Model 50 Z, PS/2 Model 60, PS/2 Model 70, PS/2 Model 80 Toshiba: T1000, T1200, T1100, T3100, T3200, T5100 Memory enhancement boards certified compatible for 1-2-3 Release 3 AST: Advantage, Advantage Premium, Advantage/2 286, Advantage/2 386, Rampage AT, Rampage 286, Rampage/2 286 Compaq: Memory Options IBM: Memory Expansion Kit, Memory Expansion Adapter Intel: Above Board AT, Above Board PS/AT, Above Board 286, Above Board PS/286, Above Board Plus, Above Board PS/Plus, Above Board 2, Above Board 2 Plus Memory enhancement boards certified compatible for 1-2-3 Release 2.2 AST: Advantage Premium, Rampage 286, Rampage Plus 286, Sixpack Premium Compaq: Memory Option IBM: Memory Expansion Kit Intel: Above Board PC, Above Board AT, Above Board 2, Above Board 286 Orchid: Ramquest 50/60 Tall Tree JRAM-3 Systems: Expanded memory emulators certified compatible for 1-2-3 Release 3 Compaq: CEMM (version 4.0) Teleware Above Disc (version 2.0) for 80286 systems West: Qualitas: 386MAX (version 4.03 and 4.05) Quarterdeck: QEMM 386 (version 4.2) 4. Product Requirements -- CHK1-2-3, 1-2-3 Release 3, 1-2-3 Release 2.2 CHK1-2-3: Intel 80286 or 80386 microprocessor, 256K minimum memory, and DOS 3.0 and above. 1-2-3 Release 3: IBM PC AT and Lotus-certified compatibles, including most IBM PS/2 and Compaq models. Most versions of DOS 3.0 or higher and most versions of OS/2. Under DOS, 1 megabyte of system RAM required (2 MB recommended). Under OS/2, 3 megabytes of system RAM required (4 megabytes recommended). Hard disk required. 1-2-3 Release 2.2: IBM PC and Lotus certified compatibles; DOS version 2.0 or higher. Minimum of 320K bytes of system RAM required (512K bytes recommended). Hard disk and 512K of system RAM required for Allways. 5. Upgrade and Purchase Information How to upgrade: Every Lotus 1-2-3 user is eligible to upgrade to 1-2-3 Release 3 or 1-2-3 Release 2.2. The suggested retail price for an upgrade is $150. However, customers who purchased Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.01 between September 7, 1988 and August 31, 1989 are entitled to a free upgrade to either 1-2-3 Release 3 or 1-2-3 Release 2.2. The free upgrade redemption period ends December 31, 1989. To purchase a 1-2-3 upgrade, contact any one of the following: * Your local Lotus Authorized Reseller * Your corporate information center, MIS department, or purchasing manager * Lotus SELECTS at 1-800-635-6887 from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday, for upgrade ordering information You may also obtain an upgrade directly from Lotus. Call 1-800-TRADEUP, 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday, for information on how to order. Or, contact your local Lotus sales office. How to purchase: 1-2-3 Release 3 has a standard list price of $595 ($495 until December 31, 1989). 1-2-3 Release 2.2 has a standard list price of $495. For purchase information, contact your software supplier, including: * Your local Authorized Lotus Reseller * Your corporate information center, MIS department, or purchasing manager * Your local Lotus Sales office, for volume purchases 6. Lotus Product Support Information Lotus provides telephone assistance to registered users of its software. Lotus Product Support answers questions about Lotus products and how they perform with equipment that Lotus supports and certifies as compatible with its software. Before you call, gather all information relating to the problem, and have your PC on and available for your use. In the United States: Lotus Product Support is available to all 1-2-3 users at (617) 253-9150 from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday. In the United States, registered 1-2-3 Release 3 and 1-2-3 Release 2.2 users are entitled to six months of free assistance from Lotus Product Support on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, toll-free basis. The six-month period begins at the time of your first call to Product Support (at which time you can register over the telephone). The telephone number is 1-800-223-1662. In Canada: In Canada, Lotus Product Support is available in English and French at (416) 979-9412 from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM (EST) Monday through Friday. International: Please contact your local Lotus office for the hours of operation of their support hotline. 7. Memory Management in 1-2-3 Release 3 To run 1-2-3 Release 3 in DOS, Lotus requires that your computer have a minimum of 1 MB of random access memory (RAM) installed. 1-2-3 Release 3 will use as much memory as is available in your computer. Among the factors that affect the amount of memory available to 1-2-3 Release 3 are: * The size of your computer's operating system. * The size and number of TSR programs loaded in memory. * The size and number of drivers loaded in memory. * The size of the worksheet files you are using. * The amount of memory reserved by the system, if any. The rest of this section explains the various types of memory, and how best to configure your system's memory for use with 1-2-3 Release 3 and other business software applications. Types of memory: "Conventional memory" is the random access memory (RAM), up to 640 KB, that DOS makes available to application programs automatically. To run 1-2-3 Release 3, your computer must have 640 KB of conventional memory, of which at least 170 KB must be available when you start 1-2-3. In addition to this conventional memory requirement, your computer must also have at least 384 KB of extended memory to run 1-2-3 Release 3. "Expanded memory" is memory in addition to the 640 KB conventional memory limit that meets the Lotus/Intel/Microsoft Expanded Memory Specification (LIM Spec). Applications can use expanded memory when running in DOS but not when running in OS/2. To access data stored in expanded memory, applications use a method known as bank switching, which moves different pages of expanded memory into directly addressable areas as necessary. Because of the time involved in bank switching, expanded memory processes data more slowly than does conventional or extended memory. "Extended memory" is memory in addition to the 640 KB conventional memory limit that some application programs can address directly. Extended memory is available on computers that use Intel 80286 microprocessors and above. Unlike expanded memory, accessing information in extended memory does not require bank switching, so extended memory processes data more quickly than expanded memory does. Application programs running in OS/2 can use extended memory, but most application programs running in DOS cannot. Because of the technology incorporated into 1-2-3 Release 3, however, Release 3 with DOS can use extended memory. "Shadow RAM" (or reserved memory) is memory in the initial 1 MB that is reserved by the system for its own use, for example, as a place to store a copy of the ROM BIOS in order to enhance performance. In some cases, 1-2-3 Release 3 can use a computer's shadow RAM as additional system memory; whether this is possible depends on how the manufacturer implemented the shadow RAM. (As yet, no industry-standard method of implementation exists.) How 1-2-3 uses memory with DOS: When used with DOS, 1-2-3 Release 3 can use up to 16 MB of extended memory and 32 MB of expanded memory with LIM spec version 4.0 (8 MB of expanded memory with LIM spec version 3.2). To run 1-2-3 Release 3 with DOS, you must have at least 1 MB of memory installed in your system, and when you start 1-2-3 Release 3, at least 170 KB of conventional memory must be free. You may have to unload some TSR programs ( or other memory-resident programs) to free up conventional memory for 1-2-3 Release 3. If you have 1 MB of memory installed, but your system has reserved some of that memory for shadow RAM or other purposes, there are a few things you can do in order to run 1-2-3 Release 3. First, find out if it is possible to reclaim all or some of the reserved memory by checking the documentation that came with your system or by contacting the manufacturer. Second, you can add more memory to your system in order to make at least 1 MB available to 1-2-3 Release 3. The following computers are known to reserve some memory for shadow RAM or other uses: AST Premium 286 or 386 with 1 MB of motherboard memory AT&T Olivetti WGS 386 Compaq 386 Dell Systems 200, 220, 310, 325, 310A Gateway 2000 GRiD 150x series HP Vectra QS and RS 386 systems IBM PS/2 Model 70 ITT Extra/Alcatel NEC ProSpeed 386 NEC Powermate 386 Olivetti M380 Quadram 386XT Toshiba T5100 Wang 280 Wytech 386 Zenith 286 SupersPort Zenith 386 model ZBV3339EQ If you have more than 1 MB of memory installed, your computer may be equipped with an add-in memory board that you can configure for either extended memory or expanded memory, or a combination of extended and expanded memory. Because 1-2-3 Release 3 and other programs run faster with extended memory, Lotus recommends that you configure as much memory as possible as extended memory. If you use other application programs that use expanded memory only, configure enough expanded memory to support those applications. Configure the rest of the memory as extended memory. 8. Protected Mode and 1-2-3 Release 3 Computers equipped with Intel 80286 and 80386 microprocessors can run in real mode or protected mode. Real mode is compatible with the original IBM PC, which was based on Intel 8086/8 microprocessors. All DOS functions (for example, file input/output operations) are performed in real mode. Protected mode provides more advanced features. One of the advantages of protected mode is that it gives applications direct access to up to 16 MB of extended memory, or as much extended memory as is installed in the computer. To run in protected mode, an application must be able to switch between real and protected modes. Lotus built a DOS extender into 1-2-3 Release 3 to enable it to switch rapidly between the two modes. The method 1-2-3 Release 3 selects to perform this switching (called the "switch mode") depends on your system. In a few cases, 1-2-3 Release 3 may not be able to detect the correct switch mode for a particular system, brand, or model. Or, it may select a switch mode that is too fast for correct handling by the system keyboard controller. Symptoms of these problems include: * Your computer displays a "System", "Protected Mode", "Unexpected Interrupt" or other error messages when you try to install or invoke 1-2-3 Release 3. * You experience keyboard problems, for example, the keyboard produces characters other than the ones typed. You may be able to resolve those problems by changing your computer's switch mode. You do this by typing the command SET DOS16M=x at the DOS prompt, where "x" equals a switch mode setting. When you find a switch mode that works for your computer, put the SET DOS16M command into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file (see section 11, "Modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT", for instructions). Listed below are a number of switch modes to try: SET DOS16M=1 For NEC 9801 computers SET DOS16M=2 For IBM PS/2 80286 computers SET DOS16M=3 For 80386 computers without VCPI drivers SET DOS16M=5 For Fujitsu FMR-60 and FMR-70 computers SET DOS16M=6 For AT&T 6300 and Olivetti M24SP computers SET DOS16M=7 For older IBM-AT compatible computers with a BIOS manufactured by Phoenix Technologies SET DOS16M=9 The standard IBM-AT and compatible (80286) setting SET DOS16M=10 A faster version of switch mode 9 SET DOS16M=11 For 80386 computers with VCPI drivers SET DOS16M=13 For Zenith Z24x IBM-AT compatible computers SET DOS16M=19 Older version of switch mode 9 SET DOS16M=20 Older version of switch mode 10 SET DOS16M=FAST Equal to switch mode 10 SET DOS16M=INBOARD For computers equipped with the Intel Inboard accelerator card If you are experiencing keyboard problems, you may have to set a slight delay to slow the switching. To do so, try using the appropriate SET DOS16M command for your computer, followed by a comma and any number greater than 64 (for example, 650, 750, or multiples of 100). For example, if you are experiencing keyboard problems on an IBM AT-compatible computer, type SET DOS16M=9,650. If you cannot resolve a real-to-protected mode switching problem, contact the manufacturer of your computer. They may be able to provide you with a BIOS or keyboard controller upgrade to allow your computer to access protected mode. 9. Switch Mode Troubleshooting Here are a few tips on resolving switching issues, as well as a list of switch modes identified by Lotus Product Support as correcting 1-2-3 Release 3 incompatibilities on given systems. 1. Make sure that your system is running in its natural speed state (not in a "Turbo" mode). Computers that are not in their natural speed state may have difficulty switching in and out of protected mode, and will not be able to run 1-2-3 Release 3 properly. 2. Listed below are systems on which incompatibilities with 1-2-3 Release 3 have been corrected by using SET DOS16M= commands. NOTE: Lotus cannot guarantee that these SET DOS16M commands will resolve all incompatibilities. SET DOS16M=7 has worked with the following system(s): Tandy 3000 (BIOS 1.0) SET DOS16M=9 has worked with the following system(s): General Technologies AT SET DOS16M=9,650 has worked with the following system(s): Gridcase 286 Tron 286 Greff AT Best AVT10 Grid 1520 laptop SET DOS16M=9,750 has worked with the following system(s): Mitac AST Premium 286 SET DOS16M=10 has worked with the following system(s): Wyse 286 NCC Tandon Everex Step 286/12 Everex 286/16 PC Limited AT 286 Packard Bell PB 800 286 Packard Bell 286 Dell System 200 286 NEC ProSpeed 286 (also type MODE CO80 at the DOS prompt) Compuadd Standard 286/10 Kaypro 286 (Newer models only) Kangaroo 286 Loop 286 Dell 220 Everex 1800 ALR Powerflex Honeywell Bull APX SET DOS16M=10,650 has worked with the following system(s): AST Premium 286 8-10 MHz Mitac SET DOS16M=13 has worked with the following system(s): Zenith C286 SET DOS16M=13, 750 has worked with the following system(s): Zenith Z248 Amdek 286 SET DOS16M=FAST has worked with the following system(s): Olivetti M280 Apricot VX AWS Workstation 10. Modifying CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.SYS is a system configuration file that you use to customize the performance and flexibility of your computer, for example, by including commands to load drivers. CHK1-2-3 identifies commands in your CONFIG.SYS file that may conflict with 1-2-3 Release 3. If you want to use 1-2-3 Release 3, you will have to remove these commands from your CONFIG.SYS file. Follow the steps below to modify your CONFIG.SYS file: 1. Change to the root directory of the disk you started your computer from. This is where the CONFIG.SYS file is located. 2. Type COPY CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.BAK and press ENTER to make a backup copy of the current version of your CONFIG.SYS file (so you can re-use this version of the file later if necessary). 3. Read the CONFIG.SYS file into a text editor that reads and saves ASCII files. 4. Remove the commands that conflict with 1-2-3 Release 3 from the CONFIG.SYS file. 5. Save the edited CONFIG.SYS file and return to the operating system. 6. Restart your computer (by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL) to use the new CONFIG.SYS file. 11. Modifying AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.BAT is a batch file (a file that contains a series of commands) that executes immediately after DOS is loaded into memory (that is, whenever you turn or computer on or restart it by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL). The AUTOEXEC.BAT file can include commands that automatically load software applications, TSRs, and drivers (for example, video, memory, or mouse drivers). CHK1-2-3 identifies commands in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file that may conflict with 1-2-3 Release 3. To use 1-2-3 Release 3, you will have to remove these commands from your AUTOEXEC.BAT file. Follow the steps below to modify your AUTOEXEC.BAT file: 1. Change to the root directory of the disk you started your computer from. This is where the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is located if the file exists. 2. Type COPY AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.BAK and press ENTER to make a backup copy of the current version of your AUTOEXEC.BAT file (so you can re-use this version of the file later if necessary). 3. Read the AUTOEXEC.BAT file into a text editor that reads and saves ASCII files. 4. Remove the command(s) that interferes with your ability to install 1-2-3 Release 3 from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. 5. Save the edited AUTOEXEC.BAT file and return to the operating system. 6. Restart your computer (by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL) to use the new AUTOEXEC.BAT file. 12. Using DEALER.EXE You can customize the last CHK1-2-3 display with DEALER.EXE, supplied on the CHK1-2-3 disk. To use DEALER.EXE, type DEALER at the DOS prompt. You will be prompted to enter your name, street address, city and state, and phone number. You can enter up to 68 characters after each prompt. 13. Trademarks Lotus and 1-2-3 are registered trademarks and CHK1-2-3 is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.