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             Ŀ
               
                     Beret's System Loader 1.20         
                (c) 1996/1998 Tomasz "Beret" Kawecki    
                      E-mail: bsl@sp5pbe.waw.pl         
                 WWW: http://www.sp5pbe.waw.pl/bsl/     
               
             

                        This program is CARDWARE!

       DO NOT USE "BSL" PROGRAM UNLESS YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS FOR !!!

Ŀ
  VERY IMPORATANT ANNOUCEMENT  


    Because of many new duties that have devolved upon me in 1997 and
    because I have recently spent too much of my time managing and
    improving the Beret's System Loader I would like to announce that
    I must considerably REDUCE or even SUSPEND my work for the nearest,
    UNKNOWN period of time. All tasks mentioned in 'TO DO' list
    will be on my mind, but their realization will be much more slower.

    The ONLY thing I hope to do regularly is registration.
    Please, visit the BSL homepage and make sure whether something changes:
    http://www.sp5pbe.waw.pl/bsl/

Ŀ
  CONTENTS  


    Introduction ____________________________________________________ 1
    Features ________________________________________________________ 2
    Requirements ____________________________________________________ 3
    Compatibility ___________________________________________________ 4
    Usage ___________________________________________________________ 5
    Important Notes _________________________________________________ 6
    Copyright _______________________________________________________ 7
    Disclaimer ______________________________________________________ 8
    Registration ____________________________________________________ 9
    Getting The Program ____________________________________________ 10
    Environment ____________________________________________________ 11
    Contact ________________________________________________________ 12
    About The Author _______________________________________________ 13
    Acknowledgements _______________________________________________ 14
    Files In Package _______________________________________________ 15
    History, What's New, To Do, Known Problems _____________________ 16
    Other Information ______________________________________________ 17
    Appendix A: BSL Help ___________________________________________ 18

Ŀ                                                Ŀ
  INTRODUCTION  Ĵ 1 
                                                

    BSL is a small yet powerful utility program which allows you
    to use multiple operating systems installed on your hard disk(s).
    You will need no boot floppies to start your favourite system anymore.
    All you need to do is choose the system from a MS-DOS6-like color
    startup menu and punch Enter. It's that easy!

Ŀ                                                    Ŀ
  FEATURES  Ĵ 2 
                                                    

    MBR (Master Boot Record) program:
      - BSL can boot operating systems from any primary partition
        from any hard disk or floppy drive;
        In registered version BSL can even boot from extended partition
        logical drive (or even from ANY SECTOR of any hard disk!);
      - BSL can be installed in MBR of ANY disk
        (in unregistered version BSL uses first disk only);
      - Up to 12 (!) operating systems allowed in BSL menu;
      - Nice, color and easy menu at boot time;
      - Programmable delay time (before and in Menu mode);
      - Programmable default partition. Might be changed even at boot time;
      - Password protection of a partition and/or entire loader;
      - Configurable hiding and un-hiding of DOS, Windows 95, NT and OS/2
        partitions (FAT16/FAT32/HPFS/NTFS); including logical drives from
        extended partitions; like in OS/2 Boot Manager but better :) ;
      - Antivirus protection. When modified or corrupted (e.g. by a virus),
        BSL will automatically load default partition (otherwise computer
        most likely hangs);
      - Small help at boot time;

    Main (DOS) executable program:
      - Installs MBR (Master Boot Record) program;
      - Small amount of memory and HDD space required for the program;
      - Saving/restoring partition table: BSL /SAVE,  BSL /RESTORE
      - BSL can show you information about partitions on your hard disk(s):
        BSL /P,  BSL /P+,  BSL /PS
      - BSL checks all data saved in Partition Table:  BSL /P
      - BSL can show you information about (E)IDE drives:  BSL /I
      - Many initialization files allowed;
      - Antivirus protection. When modified (e.g. by a virus), BSL will
        show you a warning message and then stop working.
      - BSL recognizes disk cache software: SmartDrive 4.0+, NCache, NCache2
        (Norton Utilities 5.0+) and compatible;
      - BSL recognizes multitaskers: OS/2, MS Windows (3.1, 95, NT),
        Desqview, Linux DOS Emulator, Caldera OpenDOS TaskManager
        (read note #7 in "IMPORTANT NOTES" section);
      - BSL's MBR can be installed from Windows 95/98 DOS box.
        There is no need to quit Windows to plain DOS (commandline mode);
      - Good information for Windows 95 (Windows NT) users who also have
        old operating system e.g. MS-DOS (Windows 95) on their computer.
        If you want to load an old OS, you don't have to press F4
        (2 times ArrowDown and ENTER, for example) at boot time any more.
        You can configure BSL to do it for you; see 'Keys' option in BSL.INI;
        Note:
           As far as I know this is also true for "Windows 96"
           (MS Windows 95 OSR2). But I was told that installation of DOS
           on Win95 OSR2 partition is *DANGEROUS* and starting an old DOS
           on OSR2 partition may *DESTROY* this partition.
           However, is possible to deceive Windows and install DOS and
           Win95 OSR2 separately (it causes change of disk letters).

Ŀ                                                Ŀ
  REQUIREMENTS  Ĵ 3 
                                                

    - IBM PC compatible computer with 80286 processor or better
    - MS-DOS 3.30 or compatible operating system (installation only)
    - At least one hard disk

Ŀ                                               Ŀ
  COMPATIBILITY  Ĵ 4 
                                               

    BSL should not conflict with any other programs which do not alter your
    Master Boot Record.

    ** Programs which alter the MBR CANNOT BE USED together with BSL **
    Here is a list of such programs (known to the author):
       - OnTrack's Disk Manager
       - LILO, FreeBSD BOOT (see notes #3 & #4 in "IMPORTANT NOTES" section)
       - Norton Disklock
       - MicroHouse's EZ-Drive
       - Daniel Nagy's MasterBooter
       - Cross Bow Software's Partitioner
       - CyberWare's FastBoot (standard installation only)
       - PC Vault
       - PTS-Bootmanager
       - Mikhail Ranish's Partition Manager
       - HIL's Master Boot Selector


    BSL was TESTED with the following operating systems:
       - MS-DOS
       - Windows 95  (incl. OSR2)
       - Windows 98
       - Windows NT
       - Linux
       - FreeBSD
       - OS/2
       - SCO UNIX
       - Caldera OpenDOS (most likely Novell DOS will work fine as well
                          because Caldera OpenDOS is based on Novell DOS)

    Although I could not test BSL with other operating systems it will
    most likely be able to load them. As far as I know there is no reason
    to believe that coexistence of BSL with other operating systems is
    impossible. So, here is a list of operating systems which should be
    bootable with BSL (from the 1st drive):
       MS-DOS, Windows 95, Windows NT, Linux, FreeBSD, OS/2, Novell DOS,
       Caldera OpenDOS, DR-DOS, SunOS, SCO UNIX, NetBSD, NEXTSTEP, UnixWare,
       ISC UNIX, AT&T UNIX SVR3.2, Onsite Unix SVR4.2.
    But only following systems are known to the author to be able to boot
    from another disk using BSL (see note #15 in "IMPORTANT NOTES" section):
       Linux, FreeBSD, SunOS.
    It is possible to deceive DOS based systems (MS-DOS, Windows 95,
    Novell DOS, Caldera OpenDOS, etc) and boot them from slave disk
    (see note #1 in "IMPORTANT NOTES" section).

    * I found "small" bug in MS-DOS boot sector. DOS can be booted only
      if starting cylinder of its partition multiplied by total number of
      drive heads is less than 65536 (sounds weird). If the result is
      bigger than this number DOS boot sector reports "Non-system disk".
      It does not matter whether it is second or fourth partition.
      There is no such problem neither with Windows 95 nor Windows NT.
    * If you have tested BSL with any operating system that was not
      listed above, please let me know. Thanks in advance!

Ŀ                                                       Ŀ
  USAGE  Ĵ 5 
                                                       

    Introduction
  

    When you turn your computer on BIOS executes a small program, stored
    in the first sector of your hard disk, called "Master Boot Record" (MBR).
    This program examines the partitions saved in "Partition Table" and loads
    the operating system of the partition which has the 'active' flag set.
    A hard disk may contain up to four primary partitions, so many operating
    systems may be used on one PC. However, only one can be active at a time.
    What's more important, those systems often have their own special
    loaders, which usually make impossible for other sytems to start.
    But there is a way of getting rid of this problem. You have to use BSL...
    BSL replaces the original program in the MBR with its own loader.
    After correct configuration this loader allows you to select any
    installed operating system on your computer at boot time.

    Before installation of BSL
  

    If you have all operating systems installed all you need to do now
    is to install BSL.
    Before doing it you should create a backup copy of your partition tables.
    Follow instruction below in "Rescue" part of this section.

    If you want to install a completely new system use your partitioning
    software (e.g. FDISK). When you are done making all your partitions,
    install an operating system on each partition. From your DOS partition
    run BSL as described in "Installing BSL" part of this section below.
    When finnished you will be able to choose which system to boot each
    time you start your computer.

    Rescue
  

    If you are owner of the Norton Utilities(tm) package use "RESCUE".
    This is very good utility which saves all important areas
    of your hard disk(s).

    However, you should create rescue diskette using standard DOS programs
    and BSL.
    Here is the recipe:

        1) Create a system diskette (e.g. FORMAT A: /S) and copy
           these DOS programs (included in all versions of DOS) onto it:
             FDISK, FORMAT, SYS
           and also BSL.EXE and BSL.INI
        2) Run BSL from diskette:
           A:\>BSL /save
        3) Now you can safely run BSL or FDISK.

    If something is going wrong, you can boot from the floppy disk
    you have just created, and restore your original partition tables
    using BSL. Simply run:
      A:\>BSL /restore
    Read "Uninstalling BSL" part of this section for more information
    about uninstallation.

    Installing BSL
  

    I assume that you have successfully partitioned your hard disk and
    installed all OSes you wanted to.
    Also I assume that you have created rescue diskette using standard
    DOS programs and BSL.
    Now you are ready to setup BSL and install it.

        1) Read thoroughly BSL.INI. Every option in this file is
           explained.
        2) Change settings in BSL.INI to match your needs and system
           requirements.
        3) Run:
             BSL /install /fake
           If you see this message:
             "Everything looks fine, so far! You may install BSL's MBR."
           then... everything looks fine. Otherwise read notes #7 & #8
           in "IMPORTANT NOTES" section and return to step 1).
        4) Run:
             BSL /install
           You should not see any errors.
           Technical note: BSL installs its MBR in the first 14 sectors
           of your hard disk.

      That's all!
      Now you can enjoy BSL menu :)

    Using BSL menu
  

    Every time you turn your computer on BSL will start.

    If you set 'GlobalPassword' option in [Main_MBR] section in BSL.INI
    then BEFORE the message shown below, you will be asked for password.
    If you fail for 3 times, BSL will lock keyboard and halt the computer.
    Otherwise, you will see something like this:

      BSL is loading Dos 6.22 in 03 sec.

    Note: Dos 6.22 is an example name.
    Now, you have 3 second (or more, depends on 'Delay' option in BSL.INI)
    to press one of the following keys:
       - ENTER      = BSL starts Dos 6.22 immediately;
       - 1..9,A..C  = BSL starts appropriate partition immediately
                      e.g. if you press '1' then Windows 95 will be loaded;
                      Note: This '1' & Windows 95 is an example from
                            Menu mode shown below.
       - Win        = If you have Windows 95 keyboard with the 3 new keys
                      you can set one of the partitions to the key called
                      'Win', in Windows 95 used for opening the START menu.
                      If 'StartWin95=0' BSL goes to Menu mode.
                      See 'StartWin95' option in BSL.INI;

       - Menu       = BSL goes to Menu mode (if you have Windows 95
                      keyboard, of course).
       - Esc,
         Space,
         Control,
         Alt,
         Shift,
         CapsLock,
         ScrollLock = BSL goes to Menu mode.

    Menu mode looks like this:

          Beret's System Loader 
       
              UNREGISTERED 

         1.   Windows 95
         2.   Dos 6.22
         3.  *Linux 3.1
         4.   OS/2 Warp
         A.   OS in floppy A:

         Enter your choice: 2

    Note: This is an example screen.
          * means that this partition is password protected.

    In this mode you can press the following keys:
       - ENTER      = BSL starts selected partition;
       - Ctrl+ENTER = BSL starts selected partition and saves this
                      partition as a default one;
                      Note: To tell the truth it depends on 'StoreDefault'
                            option in BSL.INI and/or status of 'StoreDefault'
                            mode saved in MBR (see "BackSpace" below).
                            Read BSL.INI for more information.
       - 1..9,A..C,
         SPACE,
         Up, Down,
         Home, End,
         PgUp, PgDn = Select partition (and perhaps start it, see option
                      'PressNumber&Run' in BSL.INI );
       - 0          = Select default partition;
       - F1, Tab    = Small help;
       - ESC        = Shows small information about BSL;
       - BackSpace,
         Alt-S      = Changes 'StoreDefault' mode;
                      Note: Any changes will be saved to the MBR, so next
                            time you start computer also 'StoreDefault'
                            mode will be changed. However, reinstallation
                            of BSL's MBR restores state of 'StoreDefault'
                            mode to the 'StoreDefault' saved in BSL.INI.
       - Alt-H      = Changes 'Hide mode'. This option decides what to do
                      with partitions saved in 'HidePartitions' when you
                      select partition i.e. you press ENTER or Ctrl+ENTER.
                      There are three states of 'Hide mode':
                      'Normal'  - BSL will use 'HidePartitions', every
                                  appropriate partitions will be hidden,
                                  all other partitions will be un-hidden.
                      'Leave'   - BSL will NOT use 'HidePartitions' and
                                  in fact nothing will happen.
                      'Un-hide' - BSL will NOT use 'HidePartitions', and
                                  all partitions will be un-hidden.
                      The default state is determined by 'HideMode' option
                      in BSL.INI.
       - F2         = Shows information about 'Hide mode' and 'StoreDefault'
                      modes. You can also press 'Atl-H' or 'Alt-S' to change
                      them;

    Moreover, if you set 'Password' option in appropriate [Partition ?]
    (where ? = 1..12) section in BSL.INI then you will be asked for password
    every time you boot from this partition.
    If you fail for 3 times, BSL will lock keyboard and halt the computer.
    Otherwise, BSL will load selected partition.

    That's all!
    Simple, isn't it?

    Using BSL main program
  

    Usage of BSL main program is explained in help of this program.
    Run:
      BSL /?
    to see the help or read "APPENDIX A: BSL HELP" section.

    Uninstalling BSL
  

    There are three ways to uninstall BSL:
     1) BSL can be uninstalled with the FDISK program (included in all
        versions of DOS). Simply type:
          FDISK /mbr
        and BSL menu will disapear.
         (I'm not sure whether this option was in all versions of FDISK.
          It is certain to exist in DOS 5.0 and later).
     2) Similar to option 1). BSL can be uninstalled with BSL and the
        same switch /MBR. Simply type:
          BSL /mbr
        and BSL menu will disapear, as well.
     3) Options 1) and 2) restore standard DOS MBR. If you had anything
        else than standard DOS MBR in your MBR and you want it to return
        to the state it was before installation of BSL, you have to use
        option /RESTORE=FileName, where 'FileName' is a name of file saved
        by BSL during installation (if you are not sure then I think you
        did not have anything special in MBR, otherwise you should be aware
        of it). If 'FileName' is omitted then ORGMBR00.BIN will be used.
        The 'FileName' must match the pattern 'ORGMBR??.BIN', where '??'
        stands for 00, 01, 02, and so on.  01, 02, etc will appear only
        if in BSL.INI 'IncreasingBackup' option is set to 'YES'.

        Example:
          You have installed BSL using option /INSTALL.
            C:\BSL> BSL /install
          or you just saved your MBR (option /SAVE)
            C:\BSL> BSL /save

          Now in the directory C:\BSL you must have the file ORGMBR00.BIN
          (and maybe ORGMBR01.BIN, ORGMBR02.BIN, and so on
           if in BSL.INI 'IncreasingBackup' option is set to 'YES')

          So if you want to return to previous state, simply type
            C:\BSL> BSL /restore
          Now EVERYTHING in your MBR looks EXACTLY the same as before
          the installation !!!

    NOTE #1:
      Usage of options 1) or 2) will cause currently active partition
      to boot after restarting the computer.

    NOTE #2:
      Because option 3) restores *ALL* settings of the original MBR
      also *ALL* settings of your partitions will be restored.
      So REMEMBER, if you installed BSL (ORGMBR??.BIN was created)
      and you have created a new partition to your master disk (information
      stored in ORGMBR??.BIN became OBSOLETE !) then if you restore MBR
      using option /RESTORE=ORGMBR??.BIN you will *LOSE* your new partition.

      **** KEEP IN MIND: YOU HAVE TO ACT IN FULL CONSCIOUSNESS !!! ****

      However, if your partition table has been destroyed (by virus, flu,
      twister, etc) option /RESTORE=ORGMBR??.BIN can be the ONLY way of
      repairing it!

Ŀ                                             Ŀ
  IMPORTANT NOTES  Ĵ 6 
                                             

  * DOS, Windows:
    #1 - DOS based systems including Windows 95 and NT can boot only from
         a primary partition of the FIRST hard disk (these OSes need drive
         80h to load themselves). It means these operating systems may
         reside on the slave (second, third, etc) disk, but they will
         tamper with the active partition of the master (first) disk.
         They will install some system files into the root directory of
         drive C: (see note #2) and will replace Master Boot Record
         contents with its own one.
         However, if you hide all primary partitions on the 1st drive
         it is possible to start DOS based systems also from second
         (slave) drive.
    #2 - Remember! The active primary partition in DOS (and Windows) is
         always called C:. If you have two or more primary DOS partitions,
         be sure that you do not overwrite one system with another by
         choosing wrong partition to install it on.

  * Linux, FreeBSD:
    #3 - The problem with LILO (LInux LOader) is only when it is installed
         in MBR. If LILO is installed in its partition's boot sector,
         the Linux partition superblock, then BSL (and in fact other
         programs) should coexist with LILO without any problems.
         So, if you want to install Linux, don't let LILO to modify the MBR.
         Install LILO in the Linux partition's boot sector instead.
         Here is an example how to do it:
         Let's look at simple 'lilo.conf'.
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         # LILO configuration file
         boot = /dev/hda
         # Linux bootable partition config begins
           image = /vmlinuz
           root = /dev/hda3          # /dev/hda3 is only an example!
                                     # You can have something else!
           label = Linux
           read-only
         # Linux bootable partition config ends
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         The most important (for us) option in 'lilo.conf' is 'boot' in 2nd
         line. As you see, there is a device /dev/hda. It means Master Boot
         Record of first hardisk (drive 80h). If you want BSL and LILO to
         coexist you have to change 'boot' device to THE SAME device
         specified in 'root' option. So new and corrected 'lilo.conf'
         should look like this:
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         # LILO configuration file
         boot = /dev/hda3                  # <- Here we have changed !!!
         # Linux bootable partition config begins
           image = /vmlinuz
           root = /dev/hda3
           label = Linux
           read-only
         # Linux bootable partition config ends
         ----------------------------------------------------------------
         Perhaps you'll see a warning message saying you will not be able
         to boot Linux, but it's not true. Just update BSL.INI
         (add appropriate section if necessary) and run BSL /INSTALL again.
         For more information about LILO installation read its documentation.
    #4 - To start FreeBSD using BSL during installation of FreeBSD when you
         are asked for Master Boot Record loader select option 'none'
         (neither 'standard' nor 'booteasy' options).

  * OS/2
    #5 - Before you start installation of OS/2 you should uninstall BSL.
         Read the "Uninstalling BSL" part of "USAGE" section.
         When you finish installation of OS/2, just reinstall BSL.
    #6 - If you use OS/2 Boot Manager, it can be deleted after
         OS/2 is fully installed and BSL installation was proceeded.
         However, OS/2 Boot Manager can coexist with BSL.
         Note: OS/2 Boot Manager can load OS/2 from logical drive.
               Most likely BSL can do this as well (see 'PartSector' option
               in BSL.INI) - not checked!

  * INSTALLATION:
    #7 - Before installing BSL you have to quit all multitasking
         environments (e.g. OS/2 or Windows NT DOS box) and run plain DOS
         because these operating systems won't let programs to modify
         the Master Boot Record. However, if you run Windows 3.1 or
         Windows 95 it is not necessary to boot plain DOS, because
         BSL *CAN BE* INSTALLED from the DOS box of these systems.
    #8 - Before using BSL be sure to disable the virus warning option
         in your system's BIOS (if it has this option).
         Otherwise the BIOS won't let BSL modify your hard disk's MBR.
         Also disable any resident (TSR) virus checking software which
         scans MBR for viruses, because BSL menu writes its important data
         (i.e. configuration) to the MBR quite often.
    #9 - After installation of a new operating system BSL menu may
         disappear (after installing Windows 95 it is certain).
         No wonder, the OS installer have overwritten the MBR.
         To restore BSL menu just simply reinstall BSL (BSL /INSTALL)
         and everything should work fine.
   #10 - If you have added a partition after the previous BSL menu
         installation and you want to add this partition to BSL menu
         just update BSL.INI (add appropriate section) and run BSL /INSTALL
         to update MBR.
   #11 - Before you start installation of any untested with BSL operating
         system you should uninstall BSL (also when you install OS/2, see
         note #5). It's because some OSes restart computer during installa-
         tion and they expect specified activity from your computer.
         Unistallation process is described in the "Uninstalling BSL" part
         of "USAGE" section. When you finish installation, reinstall BSL.

  * TIPS:
   #12 - If you have DOS and Windows 95 FATs (not FAT 32 neither NTFS)
         it is usually a good idea to create small partitions for
         the OSes, and bigger logical drives for common data.
   #13 - If you want to use common data partitions, create an extended
         partition with the partitioning program (e.g. MS-DOS FDISK),
         and then create logical drives in it. Almost every OS can use
         these logical drives.
   #14 - If you have two hard disks then it is recommend to do the following:
         Install DOS and Windows (3.1, 95 and NT) on the master disk,
         OS/2 Warp, FreeBSD or Linux on the slave disk.

  * TECHNICAL NOTES:
   #15 - BSL is able to boot operating systems from any disk as long it is
         accessible via BIOS int 13h. Perhaps in future versions it will
         be able to boot operating systems from 'Extended Partitions'
         (that means from 'Logical Drives' inside 'Extended Partitions').
         However, the only OSes known to the author to be able to boot from
         'Logical Drive' are OS/2 and Linux.
          Note: Booting from other disks/logical drives almost never works
                because most operating systems are not prepared to do it.
   #16 - Apart from the Master Boot Record (sector 1), BSL needs additional
         *14* sectors for its functionality. BSL uses sectors 2-15
         on cylinder 0, head 0 on the appropriate disk *WITHOUT ASKING*.
         On almost all disks these sectors (and the whole first track,
         except sector 1 which contains the Master Boot Record) are unused.
         The first physical partition starts usually on cylinder 0, *head 1*,
         sector 1. And BSL *CHECKS* it. During installation you should see
         a message:
           "BSL: Looking for the free space for BSL's MBR... OK. Found..."
         If the partition starts at cylinder 0, head 0, sector 2
         (which is *very* unusual) you will see "* BSL Error *" message
         and BSL will NOT be installed.

Ŀ                                                   Ŀ
  COPYRIGHT  Ĵ 7 
                                                   

    The entire contents of this software package, including all files is
    copyrighted by Tomasz A. Kawecki.

    All rights are reserved world-wide. You may not modify, disassemble or
    reverse engineer the program in any way. You are free to distribute
    the software (software distributors are bound to send the notification)
    by electronic means and make as many copies as you want on electronic or
    magnetic media, as long as the files of this package remain unmodified,
    with copyright notices intact and no fee is charged beyond a reasonable
    amount for the media and handling. You are NOT ALLOWED to copy or
    distribute the REGISTERED version of this software.
    Selling for money is PROHIBITED without the author's prior permission.

    This software package is CARDWARE *ONLY* for PERSONAL, not at-the-office,
    internal use. You may make personal, non-commercial use of it during
    30 days. Later on, if you appreciate the program and wish to support
    further developement of it and other fine software products you are
    encouraged to register it. In return for registration, you will be
    notified of all major updates to the program and given the opportunity
    to recieve any update for a minimal amout, plus the cost of the media,
    shipping and handling.

    If you want to use the software in a BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL, GOVERNMENT,
    or INSTITUTIONAL environment you must treat this program as a SHAREWARE
    product and after the evaluation period you have to PURCHASE a commercial
    version of the software from the author. Holders of commercial version
    can have their copies of the software personalized with the inclusion
    of thier own business advertisements and other special features.
    Please contact the author for further information.

Ŀ                                                  Ŀ
  DISCLAIMER  Ĵ 8 
                                                  

    THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY
    KIND. IN NO EVENT WILL TOMASZ A. KAWECKI ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY
    DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL,
    CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR SIMILAR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF USE
    OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE EVEN IF THE USER HAS BEEN ADVISED
    AND AUTHOR INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
    THE AUTHOR DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE WILL BE
    UNINTERRUPTED. THE AUTHOR DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY
    ERRORS WHICH MAY APPEAR IN THIS CODE NOR ANY RESPONSIBILITY TO UPDATE IT.

    ***********************************************************************
    ***      THE PERSON USING THE SOFTWARE BEARS ALL RISKS AS TO        ***
    ***               THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE.                 ***
    ***********************************************************************

Ŀ                                                Ŀ
  REGISTRATION  Ĵ 9 
                                                

    CARDWARE registration:
    - If you want to use this software you have to send to the author
      a postcard from your neighbourhood (e.g. national park, your city).
      Finally, in VERY rare situations, I will accept an e-mail registration.
      Remember, small (<$1000) donations are always welcome ! :)

    SHAREWARE registration:
    - Please contact the author for more information.

    * In return for registration, you will receive 'User' and 'EKey' strings
      (and perhaps old 'Key' as well). Insert them into your BSL.INI and
      reinstall BSL to see effects.
    * Remember to send me your e-mail address, because I send 'EKey' **ONLY**
      by e-mail. No exeptions! Also send me your suggestion of 'User'
      string, if you like. However, your proposition may be rejected
      (Well, I can find a few reasons).
      Note: 'User' string cannot contain more than 40 characters.

Ŀ                                        Ŀ
  GETTING THE PROGRAM  Ĵ 10 
                                        

    BSL's WWW homepage:   http://www.sp5pbe.waw.pl/bsl/
    BSL's E-mail address: bsl@sp5pbe.waw.pl

    To get Beret's System Loader you can:
      - download it from BSL's official FTP site:
          * ftp://ftp.sp5pbe.waw.pl/pub/bsl/bsl_120.zip
          * http://www.sp5pbe.waw.pl/pub/bsl/bsl_120.zip
      - download it from the Simtel.Net(sm) world-wide network:
          * http://www.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/msdos/bootutil/bsl_120.zip
          * ftp://ftp.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet/msdos/bootutil/bsl_120.zip
          or use mirrors of Simtel.Net.
      - download it from SAC (Slovak Antivirus Center):
          * http://ftp.elf.stuba.sk/packages/pub/pc/utilmisc/bsl_120.zip
          * ftp://ftp.elf.stuba.sk/pub/pc/utilmisc/bsl_120.zip
          or use mirrors of Slovak Antivirus Center.
      - order an E-mail transfer. Then you will get your copy uuencoded in
        an E-mail.
      - order your copy on a 1.44Mb floppy diskette. In this case you have
        to pay 6 USD / 12 PLN for postage and packing.

Ŀ                                                Ŀ
  ENVIRONMENT  Ĵ 11 
                                                

    This software is made from fully recycable Polish electrons and
    it has been designed to be OZONE FRIENDLY :)

Ŀ                                                    Ŀ
  CONTACT  Ĵ 12 
                                                    

    If you want to write the author, don't hestitate. You may send any
    questions, comments, improvements, suggestions, ideas, bug reports,
    complaints, problems, etc., etc. using these addresses.

      Postal address:                  Internet E-mail addresses:
                
      Tomasz A. Kawecki                mailto:tak@sp5pbe.waw.pl
      Mandarynki 4/35                  mailto:tkawecki@tele.pw.edu.pl
      02-796 Warszawa
      Poland
                                       WWW homepage:
                                     
                                       (server is down -> go to BSL page)

Ŀ                                           Ŀ
  ABOUT THE AUTHOR  Ĵ 13 
                                           

    Born in 1973 (Sagitarius) in Lodz (Central Poland).
    Lives in Warsaw with parents, sister and cat.
    Student of Warsaw University of Techonology (WUT), Faculty of Electronics
    and Information Technology in the Institute of Telecommunication.
    Member of Students' Radio Club SP5PBE & Students' Tourist Club.
    Radioamateur (Callsign SQ5ASG).
    Programmer (Dos/Win - PAS,ASM,DELPHI,C,VBA,JS; Unix - PERL,JAVA,C,DHTML).
    Other interests: cats, F1, photo & video, all aero- & astro- stuff,
    sailing, swimming, skiing, gliding.

Ŀ                                           Ŀ
  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS  Ĵ 14 
                                           

    I would like to thank:
      - Arek Budzicz. He is the first beta-tester of BSL. His valuable ideas
        and moral support helped me to improve BSL;
      - Pawel Zawrzykraj, a friend of mine, who helped me to correct and
        put the whole documentation together. Thanks to his advices I could
        make BSL better;
      - Jol Kergozou, who translated the BSL 1.11 documentation in French
        (i.e. BSL_FR.TXT and BSL_FR.INI);
      - Sidney D. Peters, author of 'Peters Computer Services Partition Page'
        (http://www.mini.net/pcsweb/pcspart.htm). Sidney tested BSL on his
        computer (with a challenging configuration) and helped me to remove
        bugs from beta versions;
      - everyone who helped me to improve BSL;
      - every user of BSL;
      - and finally, my fiance Ann - for her love and lenience;


    TNX again!

Ŀ                                           Ŀ
  FILES IN PACKAGE  Ĵ 15 
                                           

    Files included in this release of Beret's System Loader:
      - FILE_ID.DIZ    - Description for BBS systems;
      - DESCRIPT.ION   - Description for BBS systems;
      - BSL.EXE        - Main program;
      - BSL.INI        - Initialization file in English;
      - BSL_PL.INI     - Initialization file in Polish;
      - BSL.TXT        - English version of documentation;
      - BSL_PL.TXT     - Polish version of documentation;
      - BSL*.ICO       - Windows icons (32x32, 16c);
      - BSLWINR.EXE    - 'BSL Windows Reboot' Windows 95+ program;
      - BSLWINR.TXT    - 'BSL Windows Reboot' documentation in English;
      - IS_WIN.EXE     - Bonus freeware program. Run 'IS_WIN ?' for help;
      - PGP_SIG.ASC    - PGP signature file;

Ŀ                 Ŀ
  HISTORY, WHAT'S NEW, TO DO, KNOWN PROBLEMS  Ĵ 16 
                 

    + = added;   - = removed;   * = changed;   ! = fixed;
     = important note;   # = only registered version;

  

    HISTORY
  
      1.0  (19/20-X-1996)
        + First version, written in one night. 6 partitions allowed.
          No options, ugly menu, stupid installation, etc. :)

      1.0 -> 1.09 (X-1997 -> III-1997)
      +*! Private releases (for my friends), many, many features were added;

      1.10 (19-IV-1997)
         This is the first public release;
        * Almost EVERYTHING has changed since version 1.0;
          + Color startup menu with programmable delay time, programmable
            default partition, password protection for partitions and/or
            entire loader and configurable hiding and un-hiding of DOS & OS/2
            (FAT/HPFS) partitions;
          + Saving, restoring and checking all data saved in partition table;
          + Information about (E)IDE drives and partitions on hard disk(s);
          + 9 partitions allowed;
          + Etc., etc...

      1.11 (26-V-1997)
         BSL is now distributed also by:
           + the Simtel.Net(sm) world-wide network:
              http://www.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet
              ftp://ftp.simtel.net/pub/simtelnet
           + SAC - Slovak Antivirus Center:
              http://ftp.elf.stuba.sk/packages/pub/pc
              ftp://ftp.elf.stuba.sk/pub/pc
          See "GETTING THE PROGRAM" section for BSL URLs;
        * BSL recognizes multitasking programs better;
        + With disk cache software installed, write buffers can be flushed
          before reboot using /B option;
        ! Minor bugs in BSL.EXE and BSL.TXT;
        ! BSL incremented version numbers of ORGMBR??.BIN in wrong way;
        + In /PASSWD option, added possibility to write passwords to BSL.INI;
        * Improved compatibility with untested operating systems;
        ! Bug in MBR: problems with program stack (very rare situation);
        + Many initialization files allowed -> /INI=IniFile option added
          in BSL.EXE;
       #+ BSL can be installed in MBR of any disk (not only first) ->`
          Added options: in BSL.INI "DriveNumber", in BSL.EXE /DRVN;
        + /SKIPMT option added in BSL.EXE;
        + BSL can boot operating systems from floppy drive
          (idea by Robert Lenz, Germany);
        + Number of operating systems allowed in BSL's menu increased
          from 9 to 12;
       #+ Hiding and un-hiding of partitions from command line ->
          /HIDEPS option added in BSL.EXE;
        + 'Alt-S', 'Alt-H', 'F2', '0' keys added in BSL's MBR Menu mode;
        + 'HideMode' option added in BSL.INI;
        + BSL can show you information stored in DOS extended partitions ->
          /PE option added in BSL.EX;
        ! Bug in BSL menu loader. FreeBSD loader could not start because it
          got incorrect data in registers (found by Michael Lewis, USA);
        ! Bug in BSL.EXE. If the first physical partition was not the first
          in the Partition Table then BSL terminated its installation
          (found by Hardy Parus, Germany);
        + Added option "Use7BitASCII" in BSL.INI for use with tables
          generated by BSL with /P or /I options;
        + Added French version of documentation (thanks to help of
          Jol Kergozou, France);

  

    WHAT'S NEW
  
      1.20 (19-IV-1998)
        ! Small bugs in BSL.EXE help & BSL.TXT;
        + BSL was tested with Caldera OpenDOS;
        + Caldera OpenDOS TaskManager is detected by BSL;
        * Changes in /S option in BSL.EXE;
        ! If intitialization file does not exist then BSL has problem
          with finding correct physical drive number;
        ! Fixed problem with delay in Menu mode and error information screens;
        ! Bug with counting of extended partitions (/PE option);
       #+ Added 'PartSector' in BSL.INI -> BSL can boot OSes from ANY sector,
          from extended partitions as well. It will only succeed if they
          are prepared to act like this, of course
          (idea by Attila Rcz, Hungary);
        + Added Polish documentation (BSL_PL.TXT and BSL_PL.INI);
        + Added 'MenuCenter' (vertical & horizontal) option in BSL.INI
          (idea by Jaroslaw Kolakowski, Poland);
        + Added 'PressNumber&Run' option in BSL.INI
          (idea by Attilla Rcz, Hungary);
        + Hiding/un-hiding of Windows 95 FAT32 partitions;
        * Better recognition of partition types and boot sectors;
        + Added 'CreateBackup' option to BSL.INI
          (idea by Mike Lewis, USA);
        + Added /FIXBS option in BSL.EXE;
        + Booting from logical drives like in Linux i.e. "1.5" means 1st
          logical drive on the 1st HDD.
          ('PartSector' option can be used as well)
        + Hiding/un-hiding of logical drives from extended partitions!!;
        + Antivirus protection in BSL's MBR program;
        + BSLWINR.EXE (BSL WINdows Reboot) program added;
       * Final BSL 1.12 version was renamed to BSL 1.20 due to major
          changes in this version;
        + Added OTB.PL PERL script and some functions in BSL's MBR.
          Now you can use 'OneTimeBoot' feature from ANY operating system
          (e.g. Windows NT or Linux) if you have PERL installed and at least
          one FAT16 partition is present (primary or logical);


  

    TO DO
  
      Well, I would like to add/change:
      - BIP - "intelligent" partitioning program.
          In fact it exists but it's not... well, user friendly :)
          I engaged myself to do it, but I really do not know when it will
          be finished;
      - better documentation;
      - anything valuable suggested by users of BSL...
      - most likely BSL will be SHAREWARE program, we'll see...
        so, register now (it's almost free)!
      - any propositions of translating of the entire documentation to
        any language are always welcome;

  

    KNOWN PROBLEMS
  
      - Passwords checking - on some PCs BSL ALWAYS states that incorrect
        password was typed;

Ŀ                                          Ŀ
  OTHER INFORMATION  Ĵ 17 
                                          

    Author's PGP Public Key
  
    My PGP Public Key is available at:
      * http://www.sp5pbe.waw.pl/bsl/pgp_tk.asc

    Bug reports
  
    Dear user, if you find any problems during the work of BSL and you would
    like to impart this information to me please send me also the output
    of BSL /I and /P/PE options. It can be very helpful to me!

    Roman numbers
  
    Dear user, if you do not understand roman numbers used in BSL and its
    documentation then run:
      BSL /roman
    or press 'Control-F10' when you read BSL help (BSL /?).
    You will see small explanation.

    Program owners
  
    All programs mentioned in this documentation are trademarks of their
    respective owners. They are used for identification purposes only.

Ŀ                                       Ŀ
  APPENDIX A: BSL HELP  Ĵ 18 
                                       

 BSL [/INSTALL [/FAKE]]  [/SAVE] [/MBR|/RESTORE=FileName]  [/INI=IniName]
     [/O:n]  [/B[-|+]]  [/S[-|+|*]]  [/P[+|S|N|?] [/PE]]  [/I]  [/D:n]  [/Q[+]]
     [/HIDEPS="..."]  [/NOCOLOR|/COLOR]  [/PASSWD [/HD]]  [/SKIPMT]  [/?|/H]
     [/FIXBS="..."]

  /INSTALL : Installs BSL's Master Boot Record (MBR);
  /FAKE    : BSL does everything like in /INSTALL but does NOT write BSL's
             MBR on disk, so it's safe. BSL will check all settings and tell you
             if everything looks OK. It is very *WISE* to use this option before
             first installation;
  /SAVE    : Saves original MBR. Can be restored by /RESTORE option;
  /MBR     : Restores standard MS-DOS 6.x MBR;
  /RESTORE : Restores original MBR saved by BSL (options /INSTALL or /SAVE).
             'FileName' should match pattern ORGMBR??.BIN.
             If 'FileName' is omitted then ORGMBR00.BIN is used;
  /INI     : Allows you to use other initialization files instead of BSL.INI;
  /O:n     : 'OneTimeBoot' - Forces installed(!) BSL's MBR to boot [Partition n]
             partition next time system is rebooted. n = 0 disables this option,
             so BSL's MBR will operate in regular way;
  /B[-|+]  : /B means "warm boot now";  /B- = means "cold boot now";
             /B+ means "hot boot" (int 19h) - faster than /B but not reliable;
  /S[-|+|*]: If /O:n is used - save 'OneTimeBoot' partition as a default one ?:
             /S means "Use current 'StoreDefault' mode saved in BSL's MBR";
             /S- means "NEVER save 'OneTimeBoot' partition";
             /S+ means "ALWAYS save 'OneTimeBoot' partition";
             If /O:n is NOT used:
             /S shows current 'StoreDefault' mode saved in BSL's MBR;
             /S- changes 'StoreDefault' mode saved in BSL's MBR to: Never;
             /S+ changes it to: Always; /S* changes it to: OnDemand;
  /P[+]    : /P checks and shows information about partitions on your hard
             disk(s); /P+ shows better explanation of partitions types;
  /PS      : /PS shows drives & partitions sizes;
  /PN      : /PN shows partitions number format used BSL;
  /P?      : /P? shows partitions types recognized by BSL;
  /PE      : For use with /P[+|S]. BSL also checks DOS extended partitions.
  /I       : Shows information about (E)IDE drives;
  /D:n     : For use with /P[+|S], /I or /HIDEPS. Force BSL to check or work
             only with drive 'n', n = 1..8. Note: BSL does not check whether
             this drive really exists;
  /HIDEPS  : /HIDEPS un-hides all partitions of 01h,04h,06h,07h,0Bh,0Ch types.
           : /HIDEPS="..." works like 'HidePartitions' option from BSL.INI
             (the options have the same format - see example below);
  /FIXBS   : /FIXBS="..." fixes the 'Physical drive number' byte in Boot Sector.
             Use it for example when you install Windows 95 on the 1st partition
             of 2nd drive. Without /FIXBS=2.1 Windows will not boot.
             (option format as for /HIDEPS);
  /Q[+]    : /Q - BSL is not very talkative;
           : /Q+ - BSL is almost silent (only errors will be shown);
  /NOCOLOR : BSL shows all messages in black & white (/NC can be used as well);
  /COLOR   : BSL shows all messages in colour (/YC can be used as well);
  /PASSWD  : Allows you to generate password for use with 'Password'
             and 'GlobalPassword' options from BSL.INI;
  /HD      : Use it with /PASSWD only. Instead of ASCII characters BSL will
             only show '*';
  /SKIPMT  : If you work in multitasking environment and BSL refuses to work
             and in spite of ALL you want to run BSL add this option to your
             command line. This option forces BSL to run in any multitasking
             environment. Think twice before you use this option. BE CAREFUL!
  /?, /H   : Help you've just read;

 Examples:
 BSL /INSTALL
 BSL -INSTALL -FAKE -SKIPMT
 BSL /RESTORE            - the same as BSL /RESTORE=ORGMBR00.BIN
 BSL /HIDEPS="1.4 2.1"   - hides 4th partition from 1st drive and 1st part.
                           from 2nd drive, other partitions are un-hidden.
 BSL /yc/q /p/pe/d:1     - use color, quiet mode, show information about
                           partitions (incl. DOS extended part.), 1st drive only
 BSL -?? > bsl_info.txt
 >> example.bat <<
   @echo off
   REM It will set your [Partition 2] active and reboot your computer
   BSL /O:2/B+

 NOTE: Read both BSL.TXT and BSL.INI carefully before installation of BSL.

Ŀ
  (c) Tomasz A. Kawecki, 19-IV-1998, Warsaw, Poland.                 
  END OF BSL.TXT                                                     



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