


How to unpack DCM files with Rainbow
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Revision 1.0



A few people have been asking how to unpack DCM files. These are
files created using Disk Communicator which removes redundant zeros
(without, I believe, proper compression) and saves them as
single DOS files. Since DISCOM3 is public domain, I have included
a copy here. Here's how to unpack a DCM file using the full
shareware version of Rainbow.


1) Import DISCOM3.EXE into a DOS formatted disk in drive 1.

2) Use option L from Atari DOS to load and run the file.

3) You should now see the Main Menu. Press 'D' to select drive 2
   as the destination drive.

4) Insert a formatted blank image into drive 1; now import your
   DCM file onto it (the filename should be in CAPITALS). If your DCM
   image is large, you may need an enhanced density blank in drive 1.

5) Press 'B' to unpack the DCM file and enter the filename. 

6) DISCOM3 begins to read the file; after a while it will ask you if 
   want to format the destination drive (i.e. drive 2). Hit Y.

7) Let DISCOM3 finish the unpacking process.

8) When done, save the image in drive 2.

9) Insert the image into drive 1 and reboot to try it out.


DISCOM3 will inform you if you have a corrupted DCM file. If the
process goes without a hitch you can be quite sure that the 
unpacked disk image is correct. Whether Rainbow can run it properly
is another matter.

You can, of course, create your own DCM files. It seems a bit 
pointless unless you're sending them to a user who only has an Atari
8bit machine.


Happy Rainbowing,


Chris Lam,
Rainbow Keeper.



