Most macros used for backing up the C:\ drive, copy files to the same target directory each time they are executed. With this approach, today's backup overlays yesterday's. This conserves space on the target device, but also allows the possibility of overwriting a good version of a file with a bad version.
One way to avoid overwriting backups is to keep multiple generations of the backup directory. The following System Macro makes use of the HP 100LX's Date stamp feature (press (Fn)-(,)) to create a unique backup directory each time you use the macro. The directory name is of the form BKCMM-DD, where BKC is constant, MM is the month in numeric form, and DD is the numeric day. Because the directory name will include the creation date, as long as backups are created only once per day, each new backup will have a unique name. After the macro has run successfully a few times, delete the oldest backup.
The macro is listed below in a step-by-step fashion to enhance understandability. Indented on the line below each macro code is a comment describing what the code does. The system macro should be entered as a single contiguous string, without the indented comments or returns.
{More}{Menu}AL
Close all applications
{Setup}{Menu}OD
Open Setup Date Time function.
{Tab}{Tab}
Go to Date format Box
{Down}{Down}{Down}{Down}{Down}{Down} {Down}{Down}{Down}{Down}{Down}{F10}
Move cursor to MM-DD date format and then confirm
{Menu}Q{Filer}
Quit Setup, Start the Filer
{F5}C:\{Enter}
Goto the Root directory on the C Drive
{Menu}FB
Start the Backup utility
A:\BKC{Date}
Build new directory name with the Date function
{F10}{F10}
Confirm settings and directory creation
Note: Prior to the execution of the macro, FILER's (MENU) File Backup function should be set up as follows (this needs only be done once):
Q: Why does the HP 100LX stay on when the batteries are recharging?
A: There is no battery-charging circuit built into the HP 100LX. It is all done with software and the software cannot turn the machine off.
Q: Which print driver should I use with the HP DeskJet?
A: Use the LaserJet print driver in the Setup utility.
Q: How can I translate my HP 95LX PhoneBook and Appointment Book files to the 100LX format?
A: Simply load the file into the application and it will automatically translate it to the new format. In PHONE (or APPT) press (MENU) File Open, highlight the PBK (or ABK) file and press (ENTER). You may have to (<Tab>) to the directory the file is in.
Q: I moved my phonebook (appointment book) over to the HP 100LX, but when I tried to open it, "Invalid file type" was displayed.
A: Do not rename PBK to PDB (or ABK to ADB) before you open them the first time. The file extensions will be automatically renamed the first time it is opened.
Q: What is the proper procedure to change batteries?
A: Close all open applications, turn the HP 100LX off, and close the case. Remove the main battery cover and install two fresh AA batteries, orienting them as shown in the battery compartment. Remove the backup-battery cover and pull out the battery tray. Insert a fresh, 3-volt CR-2032 coin cell. Be sure the plus (+) sign on the battery is facing down in the tray. Insert the battery tray back into the HP 100LX and replace the cover. Turn the unit on.
Q: Which kind of DOS applications can I run on the HP 100LX?
A: The HP 100LX is basically an IBM-XT compatible with CGA display emulation and 580K maximum system RAM available for a DOS application. Check the documentation of your application for the "Minimum System Configuration Required."
Q: I see "Cannot delete read-only file" when trying to delete a file in Filer application.
A: The most likely cause of this is that the file you are trying to delete is open. Go back to the application the file was created in and Quit the application. You should be able to delete the file.
It's also possible that you are trying to delete a read-only file on the D (ROM) drive. You cannot delete files on the D drive.
Q: How do I password-protect the entire HP 100LX?
A: The HP 100LX does not come with global password protection. You must assign passwords to individual files.
The HP 200LX comes with a global password protection feature. See "Activating Password Protection," page 1-4 in your HP 200LX User's Guide, for more information.
Q: How can I reallocate memory between system RAM and disk RAM?
A: First close all other applications and go to the AppManager screen. From there, press Setup (MENU) Options System. Tab down to Memory and use the arrow keys to set memory as needed. When finished, press (F10) (OK).
Q: How do I copy files to the "A" drive (a plug-in memory card)?
A: While the HP 100LX is off, insert the card. Turn the 100LX ON and press (FILER). If the Filer screen is not already split, press (F7) to do so. Both windows may display the contents of the C: drive. If so, move the cursor to the top of the screen (until you hear a beep) and press (ENTER) until you get a list of available drives. Highlight [-A-] and press (ENTER). You should have the C: drive displayed in one window and the A: drive displayed in the other. Highlight the file on the C: drive that you wish to transfer to your memory card. Press (F2) (ENTER) to copy the file.
Q: Why can't I print directly to my parallel printer?
A: Most printers accept parallel formatted data. The HP 100LX sends only serial data. If you do not have a serial input port on your printer, purchase a serial-to-parallel converter. The converter must have its own power supply.