Sign in Subscribe
Computer industry

SideKick and WordStar Issues: Troubleshooting and Bug Fixes

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

SideKick, a PC-based spreadsheet and accessory package, is reported to malfunction if the PC's date is set to a date in the past. Additionally, users have experienced issues with the modem hanging up after using the package's auto-dialing facility. WordStar for Windows v.2.0 also has a bug that causes imported WordStar for DOS v.7.0c files to appear twice with incorrect formatting. Compaq Computer has identified a performance issue with the PCMCIA controller card in its LTE Elite notebooks, which can be rectified by swapping the hard drive.

Key Takeaways:

  • SideKick will not run if the PC's date is set to a date in the past, and setting the date to the current date resolves the issue.
  • To fix the modem hang-up issue with SideKick, insert the string `+++' into the hang-up prefix field and add the string `ATH' to the hang-up suffix field, or set the speed to 9600bps for 14.4bps modems.
  • A bug in WordStar for Windows v.2.0 causes imported WordStar for DOS v.7.0c files to appear twice with incorrect formatting, and saving the DOS document as an ASCII file before importing it into Windows resolves the issue.
  • Compaq Computer has identified a performance issue with the PCMCIA controller card in its LTE Elite notebooks.
  • The solution to the Compaq issue involves swapping the hard drive, which can be completed by an authorised Compaq technician in minutes.
  • Borland has provided instructions for correcting the modem hang-up issue with SideKick.
  • Clover Distribution, the Australian distributor of WordStar, has not reported any local issues with the WordStar for Windows v.2.0 bug.

Statistics:

  • A small number of LTE Elites have sold in Australia.
  • 14.4bps modem users can resolve the hang-up issue by setting the speed to 9600bps.
  • SideKick will not run if the PC's date is set to a date in the past.
  • Compaq has identified a performance issue with the PCMCIA controller card in its LTE Elite notebooks.

Sources:

  • "Troubleshooting: SideKick Hang-Up Problem" (Borland)
  • "Bug: WordStar for Windows v.2.0 Incorrectly Imports WordStar for DOS Files"
  • "Compaq Notebook Performance Issue"
  • "WordStar for DOS v.7.0c" ( Clover Distribution)
  • "Compaq LTE Elite Notebook Information"

Read more