Re: ProDOS' Block Index Question

[apple2pd@ground.ecn.uiowa.edu (ground.ecn AppleII Librarian)]

In article <20040217145313.01682.00000502@mb-m24.aol.com>,
Michael J. Mahon <mjmahon@aol.com> wrote:
>
>This suggests that the Volume Directory might be easily enlarged beyond
>51 files by chaining additional blocks to block 5.  Although it is possible
>that the Volume Directory is handled differently than a subdirectory from
>the point of view of automatic extension, it seems likely that directory
>pointer following would not be special-cased.  Hmmm.
>

Of course this is possible.  The problems occur with utilities to format
ProDOS volumes, or repair volumes.  These almost always assume 4-block
root directories.  But almost all programs work fine with a odd volume
directory.  Eg, the /ram disk on 128K IIe/IIc.  These have a 1 block root
directory (max 12 files).  The Appleworks v3.0 5.25 program disk had a 1
block volume directory (to make room for the needed files on one disk
side).  I know I modified one of my hard disks to have a larger root
directory and programs worked fine.  Luckily I never had to use Prosel
volume repair or similar utility.  Block warden etc. works fine though.

Format a fresh disk (floppy, 3.5, harddisk) use a block editor to
move/edit the volume bitmap block(s).  Extend the root directory blocks
and update the links.  Presto, a larger root directory!

  --Steve

-- 

 --Steve  (apple2pd@ground.ecn.uiowa.edu)