[NTLK] Y2k25 bug fix - What is a casual user to do?

[Doctor Clu]

If you need a Linear Flash card, let me know.

Doc Clu


On 1/11/25 2:16 PM, R A Parker wrote:
> On Friday, January 10, 2025 at 7:24 pm Barry Rosenfeld wrote:
>
>> The Lender Card method seems
>> simplest and most doable.
> Easy. I'll send you my address off list. Mail me any working Flash Card in a protected (non-bendable) envelope or small box. When received, I will download the Y2010 Diagnostic and the 712000-1 .pkg files and place them into the InBox of your Flash Card and mail it back.
>
>> I assume that by “Linear Flash
>> Cards” (I am) referring to the
>> standard PCMCIA cards that we
>> all use for extra memory on our
>> Newtons.
> Yes.
>
> The files are downloaded and saved to the InBox on my Newton, then filed to your external storage. When you receive the card and insert it into your Newton, the internal and external InBox Data Soups are magically merged, as one. You will have the Patch and Diagnostic Utility stored in your InBox.
>
> Use the "Put Away" action in the InBox to install the Y2010 Diagnostic utility.
>
> Freeze all other Apps and Extensions, and everything else you can (in the Extras Drawer) in order to free up all available memory.
>
> Reboot.
>
> Run the Diagnostics and remove all 1 alarms.
>
> Use the "Put Away" action in the InBox to install the Patch.
>
> It should install itself over other Patches except the 710031, as I understand. My Newton 2100 had patch 711000-1 and the "Put Away" went smooth, offering a nice, confirming, reboot button, after install.
>
> Fine Print:
>
> A spare card is preferred.
>
> If you only have a working spare, move all your data to internal or other storage. Back it up.
>
> Erasing the Flash Card before shipping it to me, is an excellent idea. This can help verify the integrity of the card and provide a certain level of commitment. NOTE: Make sure all your data is backed up, move your data from this card and safely store it elsewhere. Just in case.
>
>> Any idea how much memory the card
>> would need for this purpose?
> Nothing, really. The Patch is about 70K and the Diagnostic utility is 8K. Essentially, any size Flash Card will work. Preferably, use a spare.
>
> Fine Print:
>
> Flash cards can be damaged if bent or dropped. Proper packing and a rigid box for shipment can reduce that possibility. Don't simply mail your Flash Card in a #10 paper envelope, please. I recommend Priority Mail, Small Flat Rate Box, and some bubble wrap.
>
> There is still a remote possibility of damage during shipping. Only send a spare Flash Card, that you don't mind losing, if damaged.
>
> I can only offer Lender Card returns to U.S. or Canadian Newton users. Shipping outside The U.S. can be cost prohibitive and Customs could delay and/or destroy things.
>
> You may want to include return shipping by slipping a $20 bill into the box you send to me. That way, I can return the card back to you via Priority Mail, Small Flat Rate Box, as well. Otherwise, I will ship low and slow.
>
> Finally, perform a backup of your Newton to the external Flash Card before installing the Patch. Just in case.
>
> The Patch installed easily and simply on my upgraded MP2100. No data loss. No Brain Wipe. Still, I backed up my Newton before installation. Other users report that Einstein appeared to Brain Wipe after install.
>
> Disclaimer:
>
> Needless to say, but let it be said. Everyone is being helpful out of kindness, skill, and opportunity. No one can guarantee anything and you accept full responsibility for everything.
>
> Ron
>