[Info] Overwriting a file on disc does not work as expected

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The information in this article applies to the following versions of VICE:

• all versions of VICE

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SYMPTOMS

You want to overwrite a file on a drive with the "@:" syntax. Here, we find two problems:

• this does not work without True Drive Emulation
• Using an emulated 1541, your disc sometimes gets corrupt, resulting in lost files

CAUSE

Overwriting is not supported without True Drive Emulation. Furthermore, the 1541 has a severe bug, resulting in corrupting the disc.

NOTE

Other floppy types are affected by this bug, too. In fact, this error not only occurs when doing a "save-with-replace", but can occur anytime all buffers are used in the emulated floppy.

SOLUTION

Don't use this syntax.

STATUS

This document is for information purpose only. The behaviour reported is intentional in the VICE versions listed at the beginning of this article.

LINKS

• http://www.atarimagazines.com/compute/gazette/198510-feedback.html (go down to "The Save-With-Replace Bug")
• http://www.softwolves.pp.se/misc/arkiv/cbm-hackers/6/6401.html

REVISION

• February 22, 2004: Original release of this document