5.0 Graphlink Cable And Software Tips; [5.1] Unarchive Variables To Fix Graphlink Transmission Errors; [5.2] Backing Up And Restoring Individual Variables May Be Safer That Get Backup; [5.3] Do Not Restore A Hw1 Backup To A Hw2 Calculator - Texas Instruments TI-89 Tip List

[5.1] Unarchive variables to fix GraphLink transmission errors

This tip applies to GraphLink software for Windows 95/98, beta version, and the gray and black cables.
It may also apply to other operating systems and GraphLink software versions.
If you try to send a variable to the calculator, and that variable is locked, you will get a transmission
error. Unarchiving the variable allows for successful transmission.

[5.2] Backing up and restoring individual variables may be safer that Get Backup

It is convenient to use the GraphLink Get Backup and Send Backup commands to make backups of
the calculator memory. However, this may cause problems if some hidden system variables are
corrupted, because Get Backup copies all memory, included the corrupted settings. If you restore with
this corrupted backup, the corrupt settings are restored as well.
The symptoms of a corrupt backup may include strange operation, calculator 'lock ups' or 'freeze ups',
and the inability to run assembly programs.
Here is a procedure to make a safe, clean backup-up.
1. Use the GraphLink Link, Receive... commands to transfer your calculator variables to your PC.
These variables include all the programs and data you want to restore later. Record the folders
in which the variables are located. It may help to create directories on your PC with the same
names as the calculator folders.
2. Use [MEM], [F1] RESET, All Memory on the calculator to completely reset all memory. This will
reset any corrupted system settings.
3. Use the GraphLink Link, Send... commands to transfer the variables from the PC to the
calculator. Remember to create the folders you need.
4. Now use the GraphLink Get Backup command to do a complete backup. This backup will not
be corrupted
In general, it is not a good idea to make a backup from a calculator which has not been reset in a while.
Note that TI has not confirmed or acknowledged that this is actually a problem, nor that the solution is
valid.
(Credit to Lars Frederiksen)

[5.3] Do not restore a HW1 backup to a HW2 calculator

There are two hardware versions of the 89 and 92+ calculators, called Hardware 1 (HW1) and
Hardware 2 (HW2). Changes from HW1 to HW2 include a faster processor clock and modified display
connections. If you own a HW1 calculator and buy a HW2 calculator, it seems reasonable to use a
backup from your HW1 calculator to restore your data and programs to the new HW2 calculator.
Unfortunately, there is some evidence that in rare cases this might cause strange operation and
lock-ups on the HW2 calculator.

5.0 GraphLink Cable and Software Tips

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