Help! HP200LX PCMCIA type1 memory storage card incompatibilty

I have Mobile Max PCMCIA TYPE 1 memory cards which are not compatible with my HP200LX. Get msg ‘DRIVE NOT READY’. Also, unable to FORMAT them. Although I’m able to use the DOS 5.0 DRIVE/Directory and filing system to successfully use the Palmtop, I know nothing about using DOS to fix problems such as this. Extensive internet searches revealed fixes using hardware and expertise I do not have. I live in the CA BAY AREA (95051 zip code). I’m hoping there is possibly someone on this forum who lives nearby who can help. Just joined HPC. THANK YOU.

Try PMing Jake here on this forum. I believe he has a 200LX and might be able to help you out.

Edited by stingraze 2021-02-04 5:18 AM

I have a 200LX but I haven't used it in a long time. I remember there is a driver you may need to load, see here: http://bmuessig.eu/using-cf-cards-in-the-hp-100lx

Also you can try partitioning with fdisk100 and formatting with format (built in DOS utils). There is some info about that here http://oldcomputer.info/hacks/reform2lx/index.htm

If you get a CF to PCMCIA adaptor then CF cards 128MB and under mostly just work out of the box though I think

Moved to Off Topic Not exactly HPC:Factor related discussion there is it

I wouldn't waste time fussing with that ancient card. As munchausen says, get a 128mb compact flash and PCMCIA adapter and be done with it. Much more storage, much less hassle. I can't remember what's the ultimate size for a compact flash for the 200lx, but I think it's more than 128mb, so you have room to grow, if needed.

Jake

MS DOS 5.0's FAT16 driver supports up to 2GB in a single partition.

Plenty of room for error!

Jake

With FAT16, it will have plenty of errors

5 1/2" floppy limitations made for some awesome condensed coding. The proprietary Leading Edge word processor was a marvel at 360K. I used that for years and years.

128mb should hold many DOS setups in good stead.

Jake

I've also dug mine out and trying to learn all about it. I've been having the same problem but I think I'm using the wrong CF card. I thought they supported 256mb out of the box but it seems that I may be wrong. I was able to format in linux and move it over but fdisk100 shows the partition as inactive. Then when I format it with fdisk100 in the 200LX, it looks like it works but says that the drive is not ready. do I need to somehow create the partition in addition to formatting the card?

Hmm. I don't have many ideas about this, but perhaps try formatting it in FAT16 in Windows. That's what I did and my 128mb was fine.

Jake

I need win98 or 95 for that right? not XP or higher?

Nah, I did it on Win10.

Jake

aw yes. finally have an a:\ drive! Was trying to run it on the 200LX using fdisk100 to and kept getting an insufficient memory error when running "format a:" I found the solution though, so here it is if anyone needs it: "To have enough memory available to format the card I had to stop everything by going to "More" and then press "MENU" "A" then "T" to terminate all application and drop into DOS, to return to the normal environment type '200'. The format is quite slow but when it finished I was able to copy files to the card." Now I can finally install software. I'm stoked. btw 256mb card worked.

Well done. Do look for MaxDOS, a nifty, now-freeware program for the 200LX that gives full RAM, even from the 200LX GUI:

https://www.palmtoppaper.com/ptphtml/38/pt38001f.htm

Jake