README.TXT

          1.  English
          2.  French     (README2.TXT)
          3.  German     (README3.TXT)
          4.  Italian    (README4.TXT)
          5.  Spanish    (README5.TXT)
          6.  Chinese    (README6.TXT)

************************************************************
*                         English                          *
************************************************************

Notes on FlashPath for Windows 98/95/3.1 running on IBM PC/AT compatibles
16 MB Smart Media compatible version

* Getting Ready

Read the following information before using the FlashPath.
The setup disk contains two installation programs. Select and install the program that matches the OS running on your PC .
> Windows 98/95    : setup.exe
> Windows 3.1/3.11 : setup16.exe
  (Windows for Workgroup 3.11)

===[CAUTION]===

* When a file is copied from the FlashPath to a personal computer using Explorer, the desktop copy animation may not be displayed.
  In this case, check the FDD's busy light.
  The light is illuminated during the copy process, and turns off when it is complete.

* Incompatible FDDs (the FlashPath cannot be used)

The FlashPath cannot be used with a FDD which is connected via a different interface from ordinary FDDs.
Such FDDs include the following:
> An external FDD connected via a PC card.
> A high recording capacity FDD such as a 120 MB FDD.

* Operations unavailable with the FlashPath

The FlashPath cannot be used as the startup disk.
Insert the FlashPath in the FDD after Windows 98/95 (or the DOS system in case of Windows 3.1) has been booted.

* Battery life under low temperatures

Due to the properties of the batteries, the battery life shortens under low temperatures.

* Operation method and battery life

The FlashPath consumes more current for data write than data read, so frequent data write will shorten battery life.
As battery life characteristics vary between manufacturers, we recommend using only batteries from recommended battery manufacturers.

* The driver

The monitoring program display does not reflect the current status during execution of an MS-DOS prompt command.

Do not eject the FlashPath while the formatting utility program is running. Doing could result in improper formatting of the SmartMedia.

If the FDD assigned as "drive B:" does not physically exist, do not attempt to format the SmartMedia by specifying "drive B:" with the Format utility.

If the FlashPath is ejected from the FDD while data is being written to the SmartMedia, Windows displays an error message. Normal status can be recovered by pressing the keys as instructed. As the data being written to the SmartMedia may be invalid, be sure to check the contents of the files on the SmartMedia card.

If you want to uninstall the FlashPath, make sure you shut down the FlashPath status monitoring program if it is running (i.e. if the icon is shown on the task bar). You cannot uninstall the FlashPath while the monitoring program is running.

If you access the FlashPath when the FlashPath status monitoring program is not activated (i.e. while its icon is not shown on the task bar) and then activate the program later, the display will not reflect the current internal status of the FlashPath.
This is because the FlashPath status monitoring program starts operating the moment it detects the first access made after the FlashPath has been inserted in the FDD. Therefore, in order to make sure that the FlashPath status monitor reflects the internal status of the FlashPath, eject the FlashPath from the FDD then insert it again.

Windows 3.1: Compatibility with the 3-mode FDD driver 

 In most cases, the FlashPath driver is not compatible with the 3-mode FDD driver.

        Before using the FlashPath, disable the 3-mode FDD driver in "Config.sys" or "Autoexec.bat" using a file editor program such as "Notepad" and restart the system. For details on the 3-mode FDD driver, please refer to your computer's user guide.

        To disable the 3-mode FDD driver, add "rem" at the top of the line describing the 3-mode FDD driver.

        Example: DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\FDI2.SYS /XA should be changed to
                 rem DEVICEHIGH=C\DOS\FDI2.SYS /XA

        The file name and location of the 3-mode FDD driver differs depending on the computer manufacturer.

        Once the 3-mode FDD driver has been uninstalled, 1.2 MB floppy disks can no longer be used with your computer. Never attempt to use a 1.2 MB floppy disk on your system. The data on the disk could be destroyed if you try to do so.

 Compatible 3-mode FDD drivers:

        > 3-mode FDD drivers installed in DynaBook or PV2/3000 series computers from Toshiba do not need to be uninstalled when the FlashPath driver is installed.

        Reference) Example with Toshiba Dynabook GT475 PC
        "Config.sys" before installation

        (...)
        DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\FD12.SYS XA/
        (...)

        "Config.sys" after installation

        (...)
        DEVICEHIGH=C:\DOS\FD12.SYS XA/
        DEVICE=C:\FISC\FLASH\FLASHDSK.SYS
        (...)

        If you rewrite the "Config.sys" file yourself, be sure that the 3-mode FDD driver and FlashPath driver are listed in the correct order. Otherwise the computer may not recognize the FlashPath.

* Handling precautions

To protect the FlashPath, store it in the provided clear case when not in use.

Use with greatest possible care when inserting or ejecting the SmartMedia.

When inserting the SmartMedia, be sure that the contact surface is facing in the opposite direction to the surface of the FlashPath's metalic cover.

After using the FlashPath, always be sure to eject it from the FDD.

Insert the FlashPath in the FDD only when it is going to be used.

To avoid damaging the FlashPath:
> Do not bend or twist the FlashPath.
> Do not drop the FlashPath.
> Do not leave the FlashPath inserted in the FDD.
> Do not store the FlashPath in a place exposed to high temperatures and/or humidity.
> Do not store the FlashPath in a place where condensation may occur.

* Battery precautions

When replacing the batteries (two CR2016), always replace both of them together.
Also make sure that the (+) poles of the batteries face upward.

To extend the battery life, insert the FlashPath in the FDD only when it is to be used.
To reduce battery consumption, the FlashPath's power is always off when it is not inserted in the FDD.

Although it is still possible to read data when the FlashPath status monitor shows the low battery alarm message, you should replace the batteries as soon as possible.

===[TROUBLESHOOTING]===

* The FlashPath is in the shutdown mode. What should I do?

Eject the FlashPath from the FDD and insert it again.

* The computer does not recognize the FlashPath. Why is this?

If you attempt to access the FlashPath while inserting it in the FDD, the FlashPath may not be recognized and the message "The disk in drive A is not formatted" may be displayed accidentally. In most cases, the computer will recognize the FlashPath if you eject it and insert it again.
A similar phenomenon may also occur in any of the following cases.
> When the FlashPath is in the shutdown mode because it has not been accessed for 5 minutes or more.
> When the batteries are not loaded or are almost completely exhausted.
> When the batteries are loaded in wrong direction. (The (+) pole of each battery should face the battery cover when inserted correctly.)
> The FlashPath driver has not been installed (or the system was not restarted after installation).

* Formatting is not possible. What should I do?

It is not possible to format the SmartMedia in the FlashPath from the Computer.
Format the SmartMedia in your digital camera or in the FlashPath. If you want to format it in the FlashPath, select:
[Start] -> [Programs] -> [FlashPath] -> [FlashPath Format].
(If your digital camera recommends that the SmartMedia be formatted in the camera, you should format it using your camera.)

* A write protect sticker is attached to the SmartMedia, but the write protect status is not recognized. Why is this?

The FlashPath does not recognize the write protect status of the SmartMedia even when a write protect sticker is attached to it.
Therefore, be very careful not to inadvertently erase or overwrite recorded data.

* The FlashPath status monitor has disappeared from the task bar. What should I do?

If, after displaying the FlashPath status monitor window, the X button is clicked without clicking the OK button, the FlashPath status monitor program terminates operation and the icon disappears from the task bar.
To restart the FlashPath status monitor program, select:
[Start] -> [Programs] -> [FlashPath] -> [FlashPath Status].
(The FlashPath status monitor may not always correctly reflect the internal status of the FlashPath when first activated. Please read [CAUTION] for details.)

* How do I delete the FlashPath status monitor from the Start menu?

When the FlashPath driver is installed, the FlashPath status monitor is registered in the StartUp menu.
To remove it from the Start menu, delete FlashPath Status from Windows\Start menu\Programs\StartUp using the Explorer.
To activate the FlashPath status monitor, select:
[Start] -> [Programs] -> [FlashPath] -> [FlashPath Status].
(The FlashPath status monitor may not always correctly reflect the internal status of the FlashPath when first activated. Please read [CAUTION] for details.)

* Why is the FlashPath's data writing speed so much slower than the data reading speed?

Unlike ordinary floppy disks, the FlashPath exchanges data with the SmartMedia while communicating with the driver software and FlashPath hardware.
As a result, performance is not the same for data read and write. It takes about twice as long to write data as to read it. This is not a malfunction.

===[NOTES]===

> The copyright of this manual and software is owned by Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Fischer International Systems Corporation and Toshiba Corporation.

> This software and manual may not be reproduced in whole or in part. Duplication of the software for any purpose other than backup is prohibited.

> Analysis, reverse engineering, disassembly, coupling with another application, incorporation or printing of the main application, DLLs and other files in this software is prohibited.

> Olympus assumes no liability for any loss or damages relating to the operation of this software or to information provided in the manual.

> To accomodate technical improvements, the contents of the software and manual may be subject to change without prior notice.

> Olympus has taken every effort to ensure that its products meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you find any problems, mistakes or disk defects.

> Brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

===[COMPUTERS CONFIRMED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY WITH THIS PRODUCT]===

    Acer     AcerPower 9536wm
    Asus     VX97
    Compaq   DeskPro 5133
    Compaq   DeskPro 4000 5233/3200
    Compaq   Armada 1592DMT
    Dell     Dimension XPS R400
    Dell     Latitude XPi P120ST
    Dell     OptiPlex GX1
    Fujitsu  LifeBook 675tx
    GateWay  G6-266
    HP       Brio model 8037
    Hitachi  VisionBook Pro Series 7000
    IBM      ThinkPad 770 type 9548
    IBM      Personal Computer 300GL
    IBM      Personal Computer 750, model 6887-yan
    Midwest  Micro Elite 486DX2/50
    Sony     PCV-210
    TI       TravelMate  486 WinDX2/50 MHz
    Toshiba  Tecra 750CDM
    Toshiba  Equium 7100D

===[SOFTWARE REVISION HISTORY]===

Rev.    Date            Comment
1.02    02-27-1998      First issue
2.01 	07-25-1998 	Compatible with 16 MB SmartMedia
2.20    10-05-1998      Support for Windows98
