Instructions for Using the Microsoft Download Service (MSDL)Last reviewed: August 4, 1998 |
SUMMARYThe following Application Note "Microsoft Download Service (MSDL) Instructions" (GA0604), describes the MSDL and gives instructions for downloading files and offers troubleshooting tips. You can obtain a copy of this application note from the Microsoft Software Library: ~ GA0604.exe (size: 17685 bytes) For more information about downloading files from the Microsoft Software Library, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: ARTICLE-ID: Q119591 TITLE : How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services THE TEXT OF GA0604Microsoft(R) Product Support Services Application Note (Text File) GA0604: MICROSOFT DOWNLOAD SERVICE (MSDL) INSTRUCTIONS Revision Date: 9/95 No Disk Included INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT AND ANY SOFTWARE THAT MAY ACCOMPANY THIS DOCUMENT (collectively referred to as an Application Note) IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this Application Note. This Application Note may be copied and distributed subject to the following conditions: 1) All text must be copied without modification and all pages must be included; 2) If software is included, all files on the disk(s) must be copied without modification (the MS-DOS(R) utility diskcopy is appropriate for this purpose); 3) All components of this Application Note must be distributed together; and 4) This Application Note may not be distributed for profit. Copyright (C) 1995 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. America Online is a registered trademark of America Online. Crosstalk is a trademark of Digital Communications Associates, Inc. Hewlett-Packard, HP, and LaserJet are registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company. WHAT IS THE MSDL?The MSDL operates like any MS-DOS-based computer bulletin board system (BBS). The MSDL contains Application Notes from Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS), as well as driver files and other types of support files for download. To use the MSDL, you must have a computer with a modem and a terminal package. Any terminal package, such as Microsoft Works, Windows Terminal, Procomm, or Crosstalk(TM), will work with the MSDL. If you experience difficulty while you are working with the MSDL, try calling a local BBS so you can avoid paying long- distance charges while you try to determine the cause of the problem. Please note that technical support is not available for the MSDL. How to Connect to the MSDLThe MSDL supports 1200, 2400, 9600, and 14,400 baud rates (V.32 and V.42), with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. Make sure the terminal software is configured to operate with these settings. After you have chosen these settings, you can begin the session as follows:
How to Download FilesIf you already know the exact name of the file to download, follow the steps below. If you do not know the filename, see the following section "How to Search for Files."
How to Search for FilesIf you do not know the exact name of the file to download, or if you simply want to find out what files are available, do the following:
For instructions about how to download the file, see the preceding section, "How to Download Files." How to Use the File Index
How to Use the File After It Is DownloadedYou now have your file. If the file has an .exe extension, run the file by typing its name at the MS-DOS command prompt. The .exe file will extract its contents and the resulting files are then ready to be installed. Please refer to any text files that have been extracted for exact instructions about using the downloaded file or files. CUSTOMER TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE FOR THE MSDLYou may encounter one or more of the following problems when using the MSDL:
Procedures for correcting these problems follow, but please remember that if for some reason you cannot correct them, you can always receive MSDL files by downloading them, or by calling Microsoft Product Support Services at (425) 454-2030 (or your direct support number) or the Microsoft Sales Information Center (MSIC) at (800) 426-9400. Your Connection FailsIf you cannot connect to the MSDL, or if you have connected but nothing happens, try the following steps in order:
If the connection still fails, obtain the files by one of the other means available to you. If you need further assistance, call Microsoft Product Support Services at (425) 454-2030 (or use your direct support number). Your Connection Succeeds but Results in Garbage Characters on the Screen
The MSDL Line Constantly Rings but Does Not AnswerIf calling the MSDL results in constant ringing, try calling again later in the day. This problem is caused by the failure of one or more modems to reset correctly after a user has hung up. Generally this problem occurs when the MSDL is extremely busy. This situation is usually corrected soon after it is detected. Your Attempt to Download a File Results in the Message "Please Start the Download in Your Communications Program"To correct this problem, you must start the Receive File process in your communications software. For example, in Windows Terminal, choose Receive Binary File from the Transfers menu. The MSDL cannot send data until it receives this signal. This information is also listed in the MSDL Main Menu under Help. Your Attempt to Download a File FailsIf your download attempt fails, try these procedures:
If the download still fails, obtain the files by one of the other means available to you. If you need further assistance, call Microsoft Product Support Services at (425) 454-2030 (or use your direct support number). |
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Last reviewed: August 4, 1998
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