Re: *** UNABLE TO EXECUTE BASIC SYSTEM ***

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Simon Williams writes ...
> 
> I just came across a few copies of the "ProDOS User's Disk for IIe and
> 64K II+", so I thought I'd give it a go on my II+... It boots ProDOS
> okay but then it says:
> 
>    ***  UNABLE TO EXECUTE BASIC SYSTEM  ***
> 
> So what's the deal? The disks work fine on a IIe (unenhanced, even!), so
> I'm *guessing* there's a problem with the 16K memory card... how can I
> test it?
> 
> Any hints would be appreciated.
 ....

    "***  UNABLE TO EXECUTE BASIC SYSTEM  ***" is a special error message
generated by launcher code included in BASIC.SYSTEM during the process of
starting BASIC.SYSTEM. BASIC.SYSTEM has been loaded at $2000 and relocated to
$9A00; however, the launcher has detected one of two conditions:

o- It did not find a $4C at $E000 (which it takes to mean Integer BASIC
   may be installed).

o- It did not find at least 64K of RAM.

The launcher decides that BASIC.SYSTEM + ProDOS cannot work on the machine,
displays the error message, and hangs. (Info from November 1984 Nibble article
by Sandy Mossberg.) 

     
     So, if regular Applesoft BASIC is installed and working okay; it looks
like your Language Card isn't working.

     Try scootching up and resocketting every IC on the Language Card to make
sure the IC pins make good contact. Then, plug it in and try booting the
"ProDOS User's Disk'" diskette again.



Rubywand