This is a modified version of a technote that was written to accompany
this patch designed to correct the problem with Windows '95 ability to read
a pre-gap enhanced audio CD. {This information on compatibility was compiled
by ActiveAudio (ActiveAudio@pams.com.au).}
Follow these instructions ONLY if you are certain you have a 'pre-gap' formatted
SNZ "Hot" ECD & Windows '95.
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To check whether the problem is present, establish whether you can "mount"
the CD under DOS.
To mount the CD under DOS, first restart your PC in DOS mode, then insert
the Squirrel Nut Zippers "Hot" CD into the CD-ROM drive and enter
d: <return> where "d" is the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive (the drive letter is shown in My Computer on the Win95 desktop). The
DOS prompt should change to D:>\ or similar. Now enter dir <return>.
If you see only audio files such as TRACK01.CDA, you probably do not have
the Win95 problem, but probably do have a CD-ROM drive which is not pre-gap
compatible (and unfortunately never will be. To achieve this would require
a firmware [EPROM] upgrade - not a practical proposition. However the drive
may be compatible with the other variety of ECD's known as Blue Book(multi-session)
/ CD Extra / CD Plus - check with the drive vendor).
If however you see CD-ROM files such as INSTALL.EXE or README.TXT *but you
cannot see these files from within Windows*, then you almost certainly have
the Win95 problem.
Please download the utility below called ECDPATCH ("ECDPATCH.ZIP")
which *may* provide a workaround for the Win95 / TrackZero problem.
*Before you use it*, please note that I/we disclaim all liability relating
to ECDPATCH and we cannot provide technical support for it. Note also the
following disclaimer, copied from the ECDPATCH opening screen:
"This patch modifies the current version of the Windows 95 SCSI1HLP.VXD
driver to create a new version of a prior SCSI1HLP.VXD which supports pre-gap
ECDs. It acts ONLY if the "new" version of SCSI1HLP.VXD is present,
and it backs up your version of SCSI1HLP.VXD. You can restore your version
by running ECDREST. NOTE: Usage may infringe your Microsoft Windows 95 End-User
License. You use this software AT YOUR OWN RISK. No technical support of
any kind is provided."
To use the software, unzip it (using PKZIP or WinZip, both available from
PC shareware sites) into a new directory on your hard drive called ECDPATCH.
From within Windows 95, double-click on the ECDPATCH.BAT icon, or from within
DOS, enter the ECDPATCH directory and type: ecdpatch <enter>. The
software should indicate whether you have the "problem" Windows
95 driver, and whether it has successfully patched it. It only operates
if it detects the appropriate version of the driver software.
If the patch does not install, please note the displayed error message and
contact us again.
If the patch installs but you still cannot access the Squirrel Nut Zippers
"Hot" ECD, I *strongly recommend* that you restore your original
driver software by running ECDREST as per the above example.
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ECDPATCH.ZIP
- if you are familiar with how to use PKUNZIP download this file ONLY.
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If you are not familiar with PKUNZIP then create a directory on your harddrive
titled "ECDPATCH" & download the following 4 files and place
them within this directory. Then follow the directions above where it states
"double-click on the ECDPATCH.BAT incon...."
ECDPATCH.BAT
ECDREST.BAT
MPATCH.EXE
SCSI1HLP.MDF
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Good luck. Please let me know what your success or lack of success is with
this patch.
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Technical Info Page.