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************************************************************************ Traveling Software, Inc. 18702 North Creek Parkway Bothell, Washington 98011 (206) 483-8088 ************************************************************************ The Latest About LapLink Pro Version 4.00 Welcome to LapLink Pro. The following notes include information that was not available at the time the manual was printed. It also contains hints for running LapLink Pro with specific kinds of hardware and software. ************************************************************************ If you're a new LapLink owner, be sure to mail in your registration card to ensure that you will be notified of future releases of LapLink Pro. ************************************************************************ TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Modem Phone Numbers--Using Access Prefix and Account Suffix II. How the File Display Filters Affect Deletes, Copies, and Moves III. Hidden Files, Read-only Files, and System Files IV. Remote Install Tips and Notes V. Compression and the Selected Port VI. Using LapLink Pro with Other Traveling Software Products VII. Hardware Information A. When LapLink Pro Does Not Recognize a Mouse or Port B. The Xircom Parallel Port Multiplexor C. Problems with Parallel Connections D. Incompatible or Problem Modems E. System Clock Speed VIII. Miscellaneous Manual Corrections IX. Screen Savers and Memory-Resident Programs (TSRs) X. When File Lists Are Not Sorted XI. Working with Windows 3.0 A. Installing LapLink Pro in Windows B. Suggestions for Working in the 386 Enhanced Mode C. Running LapLink Pro in the Background D. Windows and 9600 Baud Modems XII. Getting Technical Support XIII. Making Suggestions to Improve LapLink Pro ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I. MODEM PHONE NUMBERS--USING ACCESS PREFIX AND ACCOUNT SUFFIX Since the LapLink Pro User's guide was written, two features have been added to the Dial Modem dialog: Access Prefix and Account Suffix. You can find instructions for using them in LapLink's on-line help. Basically, these features let you create long phone numbers. When you check the [ ] Use boxes, LapLink Pro attaches any number in the Access Prefix record to the beginning of the number and any number in Account Suffix to the end. It dials the resulting number. Use Access Prefix to enter a number to dial out of a hotel or office-- "9," is common. Or, use it to enter an often used area code or country code. Use Account Suffix to enter a credit card number. Or, if your office phone system requires you to type in an account number for long distance calls, type it in here. If you have a WATS access code, it too could be entered as an Account Suffix. CAUTION: WHENEVER YOU DISPLAY THE DIAL MODEM DIALOG, THESE NUMBERS ARE DISPLAYED. TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY TO PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS FROM OBTAINING YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBERS. To add the numbers, select the appropriate line and choose the <Modify> button. In both numbers, commas may be used to pause dialing while the phone system catches up to the modem. You can use as many commas as needed for the length of the required pause. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ II. HOW THE FILE DISPLAY FILTERS AFFECT DELETES, COPIES, AND MOVES The "File Display Options" command (Options menu) lets you show or hide files. Files cannot be selected if they are hidden. Since hidden files cannot be selected, they also cannot be copied, moved, or deleted. This also holds true when you are working with directories and subdirectories. (Subdirectories are indirectly selected when the Include Lower Level Subdirectories copy option is enabled.) For example, suppose you have set the "File Display Options" to display only *.EXE and *.COM. If you select a directory and delete it, only the .EXE and .COM files will be deleted. The directory structure and any other files will remain in place. If you want to delete, copy, or move an ENTIRE, directory, choose "File Display Options" and check Show All Files first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ III. HIDDEN FILES, READ-ONLY FILES, AND SYSTEM FILES In order to protect important files, DOS allows files to have "attributes." These include: * Hidden--The file does not show up when you use the DIR command (without special switches) and is not deleted when you type DEL *.*. * Read-only--The file cannot be deleted or edited but does show up with the DIR command. * System--The file has the same characteristics as a hidden file (it's not normally shown or deleted) and is essential to the functioning of DOS or another program. Since LapLink Pro's main function is to simplify file management, it lets you copy, move, and delete these types of files. In a file list, hidden files are followed by an H; Read-only by an R; and System by an S. WHEN YOU SEE ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS FOLLOWING A FILE NAME, ALWAYS BE SURE YOU DO NOT NEED THE FILE BEFORE YOU DELETE IT. In the file list mode, only one letter--H, R, or S--can be shown. If a file has more than one attribute, an S will be shown before an H or R; and an H will be shown before an R. For example if a file is both hidden and read-only it will show as H; if a file has all three attributes, it will show as S. Because hidden files and system files are so rare, LapLink Pro does not have a copy option that deals with them. They are displayed and can be deleted as easily as other files. The only files that are not displayed in a LapLink file list are those that have both the hidden and system attribute AND are located in the root directory of the disk. This is to protect two important files that are always in the root directory of a bootable MS-DOS disk: IO.SYS and MSDOS.SYS (they have slightly different names if you are using IBM DOS). Because these files must be present in order to boot the disk, LapLink Pro does not show them, or allow you to copy or delete them. Read-only files are not as rare, and LapLink Pro offers two ways to protect them. First, any time you make a selection and delete, LapLink Pro will check the selection to see if it contains any read-only files. If so, a warning box asks if you are sure you want to go on with the deletion. Second, there is a copy option called Overwrite Read-only Files. When the option is ON, a file WILL BE ALLOWED to copy over the read-only file. When this option is OFF, LapLink Pro will not automatically allow you to copy or move a file onto a read-only file of the same name. Instead, the files are placed in a list from which you must force the file transfer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ IV. REMOTE INSTALL TIPS AND NOTES Remote DOS Commands--When you use remote install, a user must type commands on the remote PC. These commands are documented both in the LapLink Pro User's Guide and in the instructions you see when you issue the "Remote Install" command. If you have a problem with remote install, always check to make sure the commands have been typed exactly as they are shown in the instructions. The remote user should be aware that some commands that he or she types prevent the DOS prompt (C:>, for example) from displaying. And, the final command, CTTY COMx, will make the remote PC appear to "lock up" as the process begins. Baud Rates--If you can't make remote install work over a cable, try reducing the baud rate. You should reduce the rate from Automatic to 57,600 baud. For modem remote installs, the transfer of the LapLink Pro program takes place at 2400 or 1200 baud, even if both modems are capable of higher speeds. This is because the initial modem connection is established by the DOS MODE command, and once a modem connection is established the speed cannot be changed. After the remote install, if both modems are capable of higher speeds, you might want to hang up and change to a higher speed (the remote user must also do this). Then, re-establish the connection by dialing normally. When LapLink is Already on the Target--If LapLink is already on the target and the program is available on the DOS path, the remote's copy of LapLink Pro will start and the remote install will not take place. Over a modem, however, the resulting connection may not be seen. The solution is to hang up. Have the remote user start LapLink Pro and you can then dial the connection normally. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ V. COMPRESSION AND THE SELECTED PORT Even though you can manually turn the Compressed Data Transfer copy option on or off, LapLink Pro may override your selection to enhance transfer speeds. Specifically, if you have the option on and you are using a parallel port in the accelerated (8-bit) mode, compression is ignored (the parallel accelerated mode is more efficient by itself). If you are running LapLink Pro under low memory conditions, compression may be turned off automatically. The option will remain off until you turn it on again with the "Copy Options" command. When you are using a modem it is almost always more efficient to run with compression on. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ VI. USING LAPLINK PRO WITH OTHER TRAVELING SOFTWARE PRODUCTS Because WinConnect, DeskLink, and the LapLink III Device Driver compete with LapLink Pro for port usage, using them with LapLink Pro may require experimentation. In most cases, you need to delete the LapLink Pro configuration file (LLPRO.CFG), start the other program, and then start LapLink Pro. This causes LapLink Pro to re-check all available ports and it then only uses the ports that are not currently in use by the other program. (Note: When you delete LLPRO.CFG all Copy Options and Control Panel settings are returned to their default values.) If you need help with this procedure, call Traveling Software technical support. Battery Watch Pro is compatible with LapLink Pro, but as with other TSRs, you should avoid popping up the Battery Watch screen during a file transfer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ VII. HARDWARE INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A. When LapLink Pro Does Not Recognize a Mouse or Port When you exit LapLink Pro, it saves a configuration file called LLPRO.CFG. Among other things, this file saves the current port information as shown by the "Port/Modem Setup" command. This means that if you install a mouse AFTER using LapLink Pro, the mouse will not be available the next time you start LapLink Pro. To enable the mouse, choose the "Port/Modem Setup" command and select the port to which the mouse is connected. Then, choose <Reset>. LapLink Pro will check the port and show that it is using the mouse. If you have been using a mouse but now want to use the port for LapLink, use the same procedure. For best results, you should also exit LapLink Pro and turn your PC off and back on again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ B. The Xircom Parallel Port Multiplexor LapLink Pro has been designed to work with parallel ports that have a Xircom Parallel Port Multiplexor. However, the system must first be set up properly. First, the LapLink parallel cable must be attached to the "A" port of the multiplexor. Second, you must make a change with the "Port/Modem Setup" command: Choose the command, and in the Port/Modem Setup dialog, select the parallel port with the multiplexor. In the next dialog place an x in the Force Standard (4-bit) mode check box and choose <OK>. If you do not make this change, the Multiplexor may try to switch between the printer and the cable during the middle of a copy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ C. Problems with Parallel Connections Regardless of the communication program, some combinations of laptop PCs cannot connect with each other, and a few cannot communicate in parallel mode at all. Serial mode must be used with these combinations. When you try to connect these problem PCs in parallel, LapLink Pro may display a message--"Attempting to Connect"--and the system may "lock up." One or both of the PCs may need to be restarted. If you have problems connecting between two particular machines contact Traveling Software technical support. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ D. Incompatible or Problem Modems LapLink Pro is incompatible with modems that run at speeds less the 1,200 baud. In addition, some external modems WILL NOT accept a modem remote install. Internal modems do not exhibit this behavior. But, due to the way the DSR pin is powered, these external modems will not accept data when the remote user types: TYPE CON >COMx. The easiest solution for PCs that use these modems is to install LapLink Pro directly from disk. You may also be able to prepare a remote modem to accept a remote install by using a communication program other than the DOS MODE command. For further information, call Traveling Software Technical Support. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ E. System Clock Speed In very rare instances, after running LapLink Pro, the system clock on a few PC models (including the PS/2 Model 50) seems to speed up. That is, the time advances too quickly. If your PC seems to "gain time" after running LapLink Pro, restart and exit LapLink Pro again. This usually returns the speed to normal. Rebooting your PC will have the same effect. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ VIII. MISCELLANEOUS MANUAL ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS Using the "Make Directory" command. The manual erroneously states that you can type a path when you create a directory. This is not true. You can only type a valid directory name (up to 8 characters optionally followed by a period and up to 3 more.) The new directory is ALWAYS created as a subdirectory of the current directory. Using the "Clone Drive" command. The "Clone Drive" command will not proceed if there is a possibility that it will cause a previously bootable target disk to become unbootable. This is a function of the DOS versions the disks use and whether the drive is used to boot (start-up) the PC. The table below shows you when Clone Drive will work: Source ----> Target DOS Version Clone Drive Works? -------- -------- ----------- ------------------ Boot Boot Same yes Boot non-Boot Any yes non-Boot non-Boot Any yes Boot Boot Different no non-Boot Boot Any no Remote Install Over Modems During remote install, the clock on the local PC will lose time. If this occurs, you can use the TIME command from the DOS command line to reset your PC's clock. Rebooting the PC may perform the same function. See your PC and DOS manual for more information. In addition, sometimes the way a remote modem is set up will prevent LapLink from remotely installing. Check the LapLink Pro Modem Tips and Reference Guide for tips on preparing a remote modem for remote installation. Changing Your PC's Name When you change your PC's name, the change will not be reflected on the remote PCs during the current LapLink session. The next time you use LapLink Pro, the new name will be shown. Using the "Synchronize" Command During Synchronize, copies are made in both directions and LapLink needs to check BOTH PCs to see if there is enough room to hold the files. First, one PC is checked; if there is enough room, the newer files are copied. Then, the process proceeds in the opposite direction. Because of this two-step operation, Synchronize will be halted if either drive becomes full. This can happen during the first copy or the second. Running Setup Programs Directly from LapLink Pro CAUTION: DO NOT USE LAPLINK PRO TO LAUNCH A SETUP PROGRAM THAT IS USED TO CHANGE CMOS MEMORY. YOUR PC MAY BECOME UNBOOTABLE. For example, most laptop setup programs let you change power-saving measures and the type of installed hard disk. Always exit LapLink Pro before you use such a program. Setup programs are meant to be run stand- alone and often reboot your PC. They should not be run from most shell programs. Using [Ctrl+Break] to Exit LapLink Pro If LapLink Pro "locks up" you may still be able to exit the program by pressing [Ctrl+Break]. If you use this procedure however, any options changes that you have made in the current session will not be saved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ IX. Screen Savers and Memory-Resident Programs (TSRs) LapLink Pro allows most TSRs to pop-up during its operation. However, you should not pop-up such programs during an active file transfer. The PCs may become disconnected and the file transfer halted. If you are using a screen saving device--either a software program that you have purchased or the power-saving feature built into a laptop--the screen saver may interfere with LapLink Pro. For example, if a remote user has a connection with your PC and the screen saver activates, it may cause the connection to be dropped. This is because some screen savers block access to ports and others take CPU (processing) power away from LapLink Pro. If you want to set up a PC to receive remote modem calls, you should not run a screen-saving program while LapLink Pro is active. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ X. When File Lists Are Not Sorted Under some conditions your file lists may not be sorted, even if you have specified a sort order with the "File Display Options" command (Options menu). Two factors contribute to this condition: 1) The amount of memory available to LapLink Pro, which you can check with the "System Information" command in the Options menu; and 2) the number of files in the directory. (In low memory situations, any directory containing more than 150 to 200 files may be susceptible; with the maximum amount of memory, failure to sort will not occur until there are about 2000 files.) When a file list cannot be sorted, the files are displayed in the order that they occur on your disk. Because of the lack of sorting, the quick method of finding a file in the list is disabled--i.e. you can't press a letter key to move to the file you want to find. However, the "Find File" command (Disk menu) will still function. If you wish to select a number of files that begin with the same letter but the list is unsorted, you can use the "Select By" command on the Select menu. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ XI. WORKING WITH WINDOWS 3.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A. Adding LapLink Pro to Windows 1. The LapLink Pro installation program installs two files especially for use with Windows 3.0: LLPRO.PIF and LLPRO.ICO. First, ensure that the files are located in the same directory as LLPRO.EXE. If they are not, copy the files from your LapLink Pro distribution disk. 2. Next, start Windows. From the Program Manager, choose the program group (window) into which you want to place LapLink Pro. Then issue the "New" command from the File menu. In the next dialog, choose "Program Item" (the default) and OK. The "Program Item Properties" dialog box is displayed next. 3. In the Command Line box, type LLPRO.PIF. Or, if you didn't allow the install program to add the LapLink Pro directory to your PATH statement, type the path and the file name--for example, C:\LLPRO\LLPRO.PIF. Don't click OK yet. 4. Select the Change Icon button. In the File Name field in the next dialog, type LLPRO.ICO. (As in step 3, you may also need to include the path to the file.) After clicking OK, the icon should appear in the chosen group. NOTE: The LLPRO.PIF file does not allow LapLink Pro to function while the application is minimized. That is, you cannot transfer files while LapLink Pro is running in the background. Traveling Software has not tested background operation extensively. There are many Windows setup and hardware configurations that will prevent background operation completely. If you would like to try however, see "Running LapLink Pro in the Background" later in this file. 5. To start LapLink Pro under Windows, double-click the LapLink Pro icon. NOTE: If double-clicking does not start LapLink Pro, you may also have to customize LLPRO.PIF. Use the Windows PIF Editor application and add the LapLink directory to the Program Filename or Start-up Directory fields. For more information see your Windows documentation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ B. Suggestions for Working in the 386 Enhanced Mode Under the Windows 386 Enhanced Mode, applications "contend" for the use of devices such as serial and parallel ports. Because of this, you may experience difficulties with LapLink Pro communications. The following solutions will allow more robust connections. *****Serial Port Solutions***** Because of the way Windows 3.0 controls serial ports, LapLink Pro's higher speeds may not be available. You have two solutions. You can reduce the LapLink Pro's transfer mode and baud rate. Or, you can turn off Window's serial port buffering. With the first solution you will only be able to transfer files at a reduced rate. With the second solution, LapLink will transfer as fast as it does directly from DOS, but LapLink Pro cannot be used at the same time as other programs that use the serial port (such as the Windows Terminal application). a. Changing the Transfer Mode or Baud Rate To change the transfer mode: 1. Start LapLink Pro and choose the "Port/Modem Setup" command from the Options menu. A dialog is displayed that shows both serial and parallel ports. Select the serial port you are using for LapLink. 2. Place an X in the Force Standard (3-wire) Mode field. 3. Close both dialogs by selecting <OK> and then <Done>. If you still experience communication problems, use the same method but change the Max Baud Rate from Automatic to a lower value. 57,600 baud may work but you may need to try as low as 19,200. b. Turning Off Windows 3.0 Serial Port Buffering NOTE: Although this solution will increase CABLE communication speed, it may hamper modem communications. If you intend to use both a modem and a cable, you may have to experiment to find the most optimal solution. Your Windows default directory (usually C:\WINDOWS) contains a file called SYSTEM.INI. This file contains many Windows environment settings and is integral to the performance of Windows. Two lines in the [386 Enh] section of the file--device=*VCD and device=*COMBUFF--partially control contention and buffering of serial ports. In the instructions that follow, you edit SYSTEM.INI to turn these devices off. CAUTION: ALWAYS MAKE A BACKUP OF THE SYSTEM.INI FILE BEFORE CHANGING IT. WITHOUT A VALID SYSTEM.INI FILE WINDOWS WILL NOT RUN! To edit your SYSTEM.INI file: 1. Using a text editor, open SYSTEM.INI. You can use the LapLink Editor or the Windows Notepad application. 2. Search for the following two lines in the [386 Enh] section: device=*vcd device=*combuff 3. At the beginning of each line type a semicolon (;), so that they look like the following: ;device=*vcd ;device=*combuff 4. Save the file and restart Windows. *****Parallel Port Solutions***** In most cases, LapLink Pro maintains parallel connections in all Windows modes. If you experience problems in the 386 Enhanced mode, however, you may want to add the following line to your SYSTEM.INI file: SGrabLPT=# For example, if you cannot connect over LPT1 add a line that reads: SGrabLPT=1 The line does not normally appear in SYSTEM.INI. The line has the effect of directing all of the ports "traffic" through the main Windows program. Remember, anytime you edit SYSTEM.INI be sure to make a back up the file first. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ C. Running LapLink Pro in the Background Because of the way Windows "schedules" DOS background tasks, it is difficult to configure Windows to allow background communication for any DOS communication program, including LapLink Pro. And, there are many Windows setup and hardware configurations that will prevent background operation completely. Therefore, Traveling Software does not recommend background operation, and the Windows PIF file that is shipped with LapLink Pro (LLPRO.PIF) is not set up for background functionality. However, if you want to try LapLink Pro in the background, you can edit the PIF file and check the Background box. You will also need to increase the number for background task priority. If you just want to try to use LapLink Pro in the background for one session without editing the PIF file, use the Settings command from the LapLink Pro window's system menu. See your Windows documentation for details. In addition to these changes here are two more tips: * If you are running Windows in the 386 Enhanced mode, open the Windows Control Panel and choose 386 Enhanced. Make sure that the Exclusive in Foreground option is NOT checked. (When on, this option prevents any DOS application from running in the background.) * Try not to run other DOS applications while transferring files in the background. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ D. Windows and 9600 Baud Modems If you are using a 9600 baud modem with Windows 3.0, you should be aware that without modification, Windows may often "lock up" when running ANY modem communications at 9600 baud. Unfortunately, this also includes LapLink Pro. The problem is most notable when using a slower 80386SX PC. There are two solutions to this problem: * Edit your SYSTEM.INI file to increase the number of characters that are buffered by the serial port. This allows the buffer to "keep up" with the modem's high speed. * In LapLink Pro, set your modem to run in the 2400 baud mode. This is a stable solution but forces your modem to run at a slower rate. To edit SYSTEM.INI: CAUTION: ALWAYS MAKE A BACKUP OF THE SYSTEM.INI FILE BEFORE CHANGING IT. WITHOUT A VALID SYSTEM.INI FILE WINDOWS WILL NOT RUN! 1. Using a text editor, open SYSTEM.INI. You can use the LapLink Editor or the Windows Notepad application. 2. Search for the following two lines in the [386 Enh] section: device=*vcd device=*combuff Make sure these lines have not been turned off. (This read me recommends turning the lines off to permit higher speeds for CABLE connections only, not modem connections.) 3. After these lines add a line that reads: COMxBuffer=4096 For x, use the number of the serial port to which the modem is attached. (For example, if the modem is attached to COM1 the line would be: COM1Buffer=4096) This line increases the number of buffered characters from 128 to 4096. 4. Save the file and restart Windows. To use a 9600 baud modem at 2400 baud: 1. Choose the "Port/Modem Setup" command from the Options menu and select the port to which the modem is attached. If there are two initialization strings for your modem model, choose the one that ends in "@2400 baud." 2. Choose the <Setup Port> button and set the Maximum Baud Rate to 2,400. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ XII. GETTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT If you have a question or need Technical Support, the following sources are available: In the U.S., Traveling Software telephone Technical Support is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., (Pacific Time) Monday-Friday at (206) 483- 8088. Please have your serial number ready before calling. If you want to contact the TSI Technical Support bulletin board, set your modem to dial (206) 485-1736. Use the following settings for your communications program: Baud rate 2400 Parity None Data bits 8 Stop bits 1 On GEnie type "LAPTOPS" to join the Laptops RoundTable. Then enter the Laptops Bulletin Board and type "SET 3" to go to Traveling Software Technical Support. Answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found there. To sign up for GEnie call (800) 638-9636 (Voice). For support in Europe, call +44 (0734) 321 154. In Australia and New Zealand, Traveling Software products are sold and supported by PC Extras. In Australia, phone (02) 319 2155; in New Zealand, phone (09) 59 7834 For a complete listing of Traveling Software addresses and fax and phone numbers see the back of the LapLink Pro User's Guide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ XIII. MAKING SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE LAPLINK PRO Traveling Software is constantly looking for ways to improve its products. Over the years, our customers have been the ones who have provided some of the best product improvement suggestions. We encourage you to send us your comments, criticisms, and ideas. We will try to implement your requests in future versions. You may address your comments to: Traveling Software, Inc. LapLink Pro Suggestions 18702 North Creek Parkway Bothell, WA 98011 NOTE: For the LapLink Pro installation program, LHA was used to create a self-extracting compressed file. LHA is a copyright of Yoshi, 1991. All rights reserved. Compiled October 11, 1991.