Writing a non-bootblock

[mcgeezer]

I know this might sound crazy giving how long I've been using an Amiga but given I have a bootable DOS disk, how on Earth do I write a non-bootblock to the disk and keep all of the files on it?

I'm sure it's simple but it has me stumped.

[Don_Adan]

Originally Posted by mcgeezer

I know this might sound crazy giving how long I've been using an Amiga but given I have a bootable DOS disk, how on Earth do I write a non-bootblock to the disk and keep all of the files on it?

I'm sure it's simple but it has me stumped.

Use FileMaster disk edit. Clear first 4 bytes (DOS 0).and you have non bootable disk. To restore write DOS 0 again.

Or you can use any ID f.e RYG2.

[ross]

If you want to keep readable files on disk, only change the checksum (bytes 4~7) and leave 'DOSx' as is.
Disk does not boot anymore but files are usable.

[mcgeezer]

Originally Posted by Don_Adan

Use FileMaster disk edit. Clear first 4 bytes (DOS 0).and you have non bootable disk. To restore write DOS 0 again.

Or you can use any ID f.e RYG2.

Thanks both...

So best approach is to invalidate the checksum using FileMaster Disk Edit.

[Galahad/FLT]

Originally Posted by mcgeezer

Thanks both...

So best approach is to invalidate the checksum using FileMaster Disk Edit.

Just removal of the the DOS header as Don said is enough, as Kickstart reads that longword to detect what type of disk is in the drive, if theres nothing there, its treated as non-bootable.

[mcgeezer]

Originally Posted by Galahad/FLT

Just removal of the the DOS header as Don said is enough, as Kickstart reads that longword to detect what type of disk is in the drive, if theres nothing there, its treated as non-bootable.

Yeah, I understand the technical side of it... I just couldn't find any tools to do it is all. (Apart from fucking about with the Action Replay which is a ball ache).

[mark_k]

What about the good old C:Install command?

Install DRIVE DF0: NOBOOT

(tested with Install version 39.1)

[Galahad/FLT]

Originally Posted by mcgeezer

Yeah, I understand the technical side of it... I just couldn't find any tools to do it is all. (Apart from fucking about with the Action Replay which is a ball ache).

Well if you don't have filemaster or anything like that, is very easy in Action Replay

1). RT 0 1 8400
2). N 8400 (overwrite DOS with your name or DSK2 or whatever then hit ENTER
3). WT 0 1 8400

Done