Hi there, I'm looking for help please. Basically, I have a Toshiba 2540DCT Laptop, which has stopped working. It was running under Windows 98. I can boot into DOS via a floppy but not windows (I can't even launch windows from DOS or re-instal it). I have rescued most of my documents but some still exist and are too big to pkzip. I have tried scandisk but this cannot fix the problem and I am not able to re-instal Windows 98 or run any Windows based repair programs. The most meaningful error message that is produced is that there are some cross-linked files - however, I can't get at them to either remove or repair them. I therefore need a mechanism to get the remaining files off the laptop. I have 2 spare laptops (with plenty of diskspace), 1 running Win95, the other Win2000. However, the main problem is that my Win98 PC will only go as far as DOS and won't repair. I have heard of laplink, but can I get this for DOS only? If not, are there any other utilities available? This is the first time on this forum for me, so any help via e-mail would also be of grateful assistance. Many thanks John Cooney

DOS 6.xx came with Interlnk. I've used it to connect with a '95 PC in DOS mode. You'll find details in the DOS help file. Basically you load Interlnk in config.sys on one machine, and then run Intersvr on the other. In theory (and I've done it) you can load Intersvr from the Interlnk PC over a serial or parallel cable. Should work at around 115,000 bps.

I am pretty sure there are NO file transfer programs that will work with a standard parallel or serial cable. I can not stress the fact enough that you need a null modem cable, sometimes also called a laplink cable. I hate to think of all the time spent wasted trying to get a file transfer program to work simply because someone left out this fundamental piece of information. Go to the powerload site listed as my homepage to read more about it. It's well worth the read, plus he has Laplink and Fastlynx there for download (I recommend fastlynx over LL).

Interlnk help includes this info., so I didn't bother to mention it.

Well put Michael, Rambler - It pays to say as much as you can. I know others will say overkill, but treat everyone as idiots!!! that way the message gets there! As for programs I go for FASTLYNX as well. Its instructions are secound to none (Even for idiots) AN IDIOT!