Rainbow MS-DOS Version 2.11 Using the Hard Disk

This document serves as a guide for users of the Digital Equipment Corporation Rainbow personal computer who have purchased the Rainbow Winchester disk option and intend to use it with the MS-DOS operating system.

The Winchester hard disk, also known as a hard disk, provides 10 megabytes of storage (equivalent to about 3,750 pages or 25 diskettes) for large files and application programs, offering rapid access. It can be configured to simulate up to four diskette drives. Key uses include storing application programs and data, and automatically starting the operating system on Rainbow 100B or Rainbow 100+ computers.

The guide details the process of setting up the hard disk for MS-DOS use, which involves two main steps:

1. Partitioning: Using the Winchester Utility Program (Version 2.0) to divide the hard disk into internal storage areas called partitions. Users can choose arrangements for CP/M-86/80 only, MS-DOS only, or a combination of both. A critical warning emphasizes that changing partitions destroys all existing data.
2. Preparing and Copying OS Files: Utilizing the FORMAT command (e.g., FORMAT E:/S) to prepare the MS-DOS partition and copy necessary operating system files, enabling the computer to boot from the hard disk.

The document then explains how to start the MS-DOS operating system from the hard disk, differentiating between:

• Manual Start: Requires the user to select the drive and partition each time the system boots.
• Automatic Start: Allows the computer to automatically select the drive, the partition, or both, eliminating the need for manual input at startup, depending on configuration.

A dedicated chapter addresses troubleshooting common Winchester disk problems, listing various error messages and providing solutions. Users are instructed to employ the Winchester Utility Program's diagnostic (Option 4) to test the hard disk for issues like bad sectors. If problems are found, re-initializing the hard disk (Option 5) is recommended, which erases all data to start fresh.

Finally, the guide covers how to change the hard disk's partition arrangement (re-partitioning) at a later time to better suit evolving needs, reiterating the importance of backing up data before proceeding, as this process will destroy all information on the disk. An appendix provides international DIGITAL Help Line telephone numbers for user support.