Amstrad DDI-1 manual Bad command, Type mismatch, Syntax error, Press Play then any key

Bad command

means that you have incorrectly named the program, either by exceeding the number of permitted characters in a field, or by introducing an unwanted space or punctuation mark.

Type mismatch

means that you have omitted the quotation marks

Syntax error

means that you mistyped the word run

Drive A: read fail

Retry, Ignore or Cancel?

means that the computer has failed to read data from your disc. Check that you have inserted the correct disc and press R to Retry. If the above message continues to appear when you attempt to run that particular disc, it is likely that the disc has been corrupted, or has not been correctly formatted using Amstrad CP/M.

Finally, if the message:

Press PLAY then any key:

appears on the screen, the disc drive(s) or the interface unit has not been correctly connected to the computer, or the disc drive is not plugged into the Mains Supply and switched on.

Note that if you wish to run a disc program after previously operating the Cassette Datacorder, it will be necessary to issue the disc command, described in the next section.

MEMORY USAGE WARNING

The DDI-1 disc interface reduces the amount of memory available in the CPC464 by 1280 bytes. This may result in some cassette-based software failing to operate correctly if run whilst the disc system is connected to the computer.

The 'Home Runner' demonstration on the CPC464 Welcome cassette is an example of this aspect of operation.

If you encounter any such problems with cassette-based software, first eject any disc present in the drive(s), then switch off the computer and disc drive(s).

Unplug the interface unit from the rear of the computer, and then switch on the computer again. You will now be able to run the cassette in the normal manner.

AMSTRAD Disc Drive & Interface DDI-1 Manual Foundation 3.2