The Atari ST Preservation Project

Method

Using emulation software in Windows/DOS to execute the native Atari platform (TOS), I will check floppy discs to see if they work. If so, then the disc format will be checked, to determine parameters such as single-sided format, double-sided format, and if it has been formatted with extra tracks or sectors. Such data will be noted but it should not have any significant baring on the backup procedure. Finally before image-copying, the last steps will be to determine whether the disc was formatted to a certain standard (TOS 1.4 and after). The reason for this is because TOS 1.4 + formatted discs are MS-DOS compatible, before that they were not, and some would say that TOS 1 and 1.02 formatted discs were formatted incorrectly because of this. So if any of my discs turn out to be pre-TOS 1.4, I may take furthur steps to set the formatting correct, which may include the use of extra TOS versions, and/or formatting tools.

If there any problems from the outset additional Atari ST software may be required to try and get it working.

The last process of imaging/backup up the floppy should be straightforward. Floppy disc contents will be saved as an image, like those available for download on the Internet. The image itself will be fully tested in emulation and rewritten back to disc and tested, if possible.

Date : 8 Apr 2003