FeatherNet BBS v 3.31 TroubleShooting
                                   By Ron Pierce
                                FeatherNet Software       

                                
        You should not have any problems getting Feathernet up and running 
        provided you have followed the setup/configuration instructions. 
        However, there are some folks who continue to have difficulty in 
        getting the bbs going. Here are some additional troubleshooting
        items that will hopefully provide the information you will need for 
        a smooth installation.
        
Q: Why does the bbs get to the "Resetting Modem" prompt and stay there?

A: You Must use a 'fossil' driver with Feathernet bbs.  D/L the file
   'bnu170.zip' from any bbs or use the 'x00vxxx.zip' fossil driver.

Q: Why do I get a "Permission Denied" error when I enter my name to logon to
   Feathernet?  It also happens when I run "fnetsm.exe"

A: Feathernet REQUIRES the dos file "share.exe" to function due to the
   file locking performed. Since FNET is multiple node capable it always
   employs the file locking EVEN if there is ONLY one node in use.
   Place the command "share.exe" in your 'autoexec.bat' file.


Q: When I try to run FNET I get a "fatal" error and the program goes to 
   dos. What's going on?

A: OK. Ensure "sr.bat" has been edited and the directory paths in it are 
   correct for your setup.

Q: FNET loads and waits for a call but when I try to call the bbs, it doesn't
   answer. What's wrong?
   
A. Run "fncfg.exe" and check your modem initialization string. DO NOT put
   "ATZ" anywhere in it unless you are sure your modem has the proper string 
   saved in NVR (non volatile ram). 
   Remember that your modem must send verbal response codes and that auto-
   answer must be DISABLED.
   

Q: Whenever a file transfer is attempted, the carrier is lost and the bbs 
   goes to waiting for a call.
   
A: This has happened on a couple systems for reasons I don't understand. An
   acceptable fix is to replace the "&D2" in the modem initialization string
   with "&D0". Feathernet will ensure calls are still properly terminated.


More Hints & Tips
-----------------

1. If you have any trouble getting the bbs running, run "fncfg.exe". Ensure
   ALL items are edited/verified. Then save the setup.
   
   Note also that a single Node bbs MUST be identified as Node 1. 
   
   The Node home directory MUST be identified as well. If this is a single 
   node bbs the bbs home directory and the Node directory May be the same 
   dos directory.
      
2. The dos file 'share.exe' MUST be run prior to running Feathernet or
   the 'fnetsm.exe' sysop maintenance program. This is necessary even if you
   run ONLY one node!

3. Double check the paths in "sr.bat" and the other ".bat" files which are
   included. Ensure they meet your system setup.
   
4. If you have extended or expanded memory available, use a virtual (RAM) disk
   as your "work" directory. This will both increase performance and 
   dramatically reduce Hard Disk Access.
   
5. For the same reasons in #3 abover, if you have extended or expanded memory
   available, install a disk cache. I have found that pc-cache (v5.1 & earlier)
   works very well, regardless of what others have told me. I have tried Mace 
   cache-em and it seemed to not cache as well as pc-cache. Any 
   thoughts/feedback on this are welcomed.
   
6. If you have a modem which has Non-Volatile Ram (NVR, NVRam, etc) you should
   enter the modem initialization string into the modem's NVRAM then ONLY use
   "ATZ" in your FeatherNet modem initialization string. If your modem is a 
   US Robotics HST or Dual Standard ( or any other high speed modem ) you 
   should have the comm port initialized at the opening baud rate (ie: 19200,
   38400) before saving the initialization string into the modem's NVRAM with 
   the "AT &W" command. The reason is that the US Robotics modem also saves the
   opening baud rate into the NVRam. I don't know about other high speed modems.
   I use Telix to open the comm port at 38400 before I saved my Initialization
   string with the "AT &W" command.
   

7. If there are any problems not mentioned here which are keeping Feathernet
   BBS from properly operating, please advise me.  I will  "Chat" with you and
   also accept voice calls after an initial mail/modem contact. 
   
   This bbs program is solid. I admit the documentation is lacking in several
   areas. This will be rectified in an upcoming version. Please bear with me.

   FeatherNet has many powerful features not found in even the MOST widely 
   SOLD and used commercial packages. 
   

                                   Ron Pierce
                               810-f Vernon Circlc
                             Mountain View, Ca. 94043

                             415-967-3484 (1200/2400)
                415-967-3508 (14.4k US Robotics Dual Standard)