Notes on FlashPath for Windows XP (Home Edition)/Windows 2000 (Professional) running on IBM PC/AT compatibles
128 MB Smart Media compatible version
Note: MAFP-1/1N is compatible up to 32MB Smart Media.
* Getting Ready
Read the following information before using the FlashPath.
===[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.
* Note that you must be logged in as an administrator, or as a user with administrative privileges in order to either install or uninstall FlashPath for Windows XP/2000. If the user does not have administrative privileges, installation will FAIL and the FlashPath installation program will display an error message.
* When you are asked whether or not to overwrite the floppy.sys file during installation, overwrite the file.
* 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:
> Other external floppy drives (USB, serial, parallel or other external interface).
> 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 XP/2000 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 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.
There is a case where the status monitor does not reflect the true status of the FlashPath. When the FlashPath is inserted without a SmartMedia inside, the red warning signal appears. If the FlashPath is reinserted with a SmartMedia, the red warning signal may not go out.
* 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., SmartDisk 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]===
WINDOWS2000
HP Brio
AMD Tower
Dell Dual Proc.
Compaq DeskPro 4000
Gateway Micro
Dell Optiplex GX1
Fujitsu LifeBook
Sony VAIO-DVD
Toshiba Equium
HP Pavillion
Acer Power
WINDOWS XP Home Edition
HP Pavilion
Emachines Pentium3 1GHz
===[SOFTWARE REVISION HISTORY]===
Rev. Date Comment
3.50.18 04-19-2000 First issue
3.50.23 09-01-2000 The bug with startup on some systems is fixed
3.60.03 11-22-2000 The bug with stand-by operation with specific products is fixed
02-22-2001 Compatible with 128 MB SmartMedia
3.60.07 11-16-2001 Compatible with Windows XP Home Edition
Download Driver Pack
After your driver has been downloaded, follow these simple steps to install it.
Expand the archive file (if the download file is in zip or rar format).
If the expanded file has an .exe extension, double click it and follow the installation instructions.
Otherwise, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Find the device and model you want to update in the device list.
Double-click on it to open the Properties dialog box.
From the Properties dialog box, select the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button, then follow the instructions.
Very important: You must reboot your system to ensure that any driver updates have taken effect.
For more help, visit our Driver Support section for step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.