User`s guide

3
File System Conversion (LIF/DOS)
Description
LIF (Logical Interchange Format) is the Hewlett-Packard standard disk format that may be used to
exchange files among various HP computer systems and instruments. The LIF programs in the Standard
Data Format Utilities make it possible for personal computer users to translate LIF files into DOS file
format, and DOS files into LIF format. The utilities support file conversion for both internal drives and
external drives (connected on the HP-IB). These utilities can also format and initialize LIF disks on
external HP drives.
The LIF utilities consist of the following commands:
LIF Main program for LIF access. The first parameter specifies the function (e.g.,
SCAN or CHK). Each function has its own options. These options are documented
later in this chapter.
LIF SCAN Checks the PC for internal floppy drives and for HP-IB interface boards and then
looks for disk drives (capable of reading LIF disks) connected to HP-IB.
LIF CHK Verifies that the disk inserted in a designated drive is fully readable by the LIF
Utilities. (To abort, type:
CTRL-C.)
LIF LS Lists the contents of the LIF directory.
LIF CP Copies a LIF file to a DOS file, a DOS file to a LIF file, or a LIF file to another LIF
file.
LIF RM Deletes a specified file from the LIF directory.
LIF INIT Optionally formats and initializes a new directory on a LIF disk. (To abort,
type:
CTRL-C.)
LIFDIAG Diagnostic utility useful for performing fast LIF to LIF full disk backups and for
recovering data from damaged/corrupted disks.
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