PCW Disc conversions from LocoScript 3" and 3.5" discs to
Word for Windows 95/97/2000
or Lotus
WordPro 3.5" discs PC format
for only £5
per disc!
The humble Amstrad PCW has been around since
1984 and over 200,000 were sold in the
Yes, it IS possible to convert all your old LocoScript files (on 3" or 3.5" disc) so
that they can be read on a PC by programs like WordStar, Microsoft Word
or Lotus WordPro !
Whilst
some experts suggest using an ASCII conversion system to convert your files
from PCW to PC format. ASCII conversions not only means that you
firstly have to go through and save each and every file in ASCII format, it
means that you loose all your formatting, including the bold characters and
italics, as well as any special characters like foreign accents.
Others
might suggest that you invest in expensive special cables and software to link
your PCW to your PC. Paying over £50 for special PC software and then trying to
get to grips with all the complex and time consuming procedures is just not
worthwhile for the odd couple of discs ... and totally inappropriate for those
who only own a PCW and just want to get their work published. Moreover, both these
options pre-suppose that your PCW is still running. Often the reason for
replacing the old faithful PCW is that it finally ceased working!
My
competitively priced and fully confidential disc transfer service aims to keep
all your formatting, and the resulting PC files can be tailored to suit most
Windows-based word processors.
Disc Formats
My
conversion system will accept :
- single (CF2) or double density (CF2DD)
3" discs from the PCW 8256/8512/9512
- 3.5" discs from all types of PCW,
including High Density discs accidentally used on 9512+'s!
Files should
be in Locoscript 1, 2 or 3 format - the
version you are running appears in the centre of the initial LocoScript screen display when it's starting up. If
you have never upgraded from the discs originally supplied by Amstrad with the
PCW, that's fine (the version will probably be 1.20 on the 8256/8512,
2.11/2.16 or 2.29 on the 9512, 2.31 on the 9512+,
and 1.50 on the 9256 and PCW10).
Discs in LocoScript 4 format cannot be accepted however you may be able to save
all the files in Loco 3 format by LocoScript
4.
The most
popular conversion format is plain text as this can not only be read by Word
6 under Windows 3.1 and all later versions of Word (95/97/2000)
running under Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000 but also Wordpad
(amongst the "Accessories" in Windows 95/98/2000) and by Apple
Macs used by a number publishers etc.
However, I
can also convert files to and from WordStar.
Costs
and Turnround
The normal
price is £5 per complete disc (that's for BOTH sides in the case of a CF2
single density 8256/8512 disc) but discounts may be available for quantities of
5 or more - please e-mail for details. The conversion service is totally
confidential and I aim to undertake the work within 5 working days of receipt.
The
procedure for sending discs
- If you have access to a working PCW,
please make a copy of each of the discs you wish to be converted then
verify the results (using either DISCKIT or LocoScipt
2/3) and send me the copies; you keep the originals. If you do not
know how to copy or verify discs, or cannot copy them, mark the discs 'MASTER COPY'
.
- Please clearly number (or name) the
discs
- Pack up the discs securely, preferably
in an anti-static bag or cardboard container like a 9512 ribbon box and
preferably NOT in their plastic cases (as they invariably get broken in
the post) then pop them in a "Jiffy" padded bag. Please include
a Stamped Self Addressed Envelope (this will be used to
return the PC disc(s) to you), and a slip giving your telephone
number, e-mail address (if you have one), and the format you want them
converted to - if you don't say you'll get plain text !
- Please remember to send any money / cheque (made payable to David J Barnes) with your
discs.
- Post the package through the normal
postal service, (there is no need to pay out extra for registered or
recorded delivery) addressed to:
David J Barnes c/o
- If I encounter any reading problems with
the discs I will contact you by telephone or e-mail to discuss options
- Should I not be able to convert
the discs, i.e. if they are corrupted or damaged etc the discs will be
returned and no charge made.
- The files are converted (with the file names
unchanged) to your chosen format on high density PC floppy disc(s) - each
PC disc will contain numbered or named directories ("folders" in
Windows jargon) corresponding to the PCW disc number or name.
- Your original PCW CF2 discs are mailed
back to you along with the your new converted
files on 3.5 floppy disc(s).
Also disc conversions from WordStar
3.5" discs to Wordstar for Windows,
Word for Windows
95/97/2000
and Lotus
WordPro PC formats
for only £5
per disc!
If you have upgraded your personal
computer, PC 3.5" disc conversions are also available;
Choose from either WordStar,Word for Windows
95/97/2000 or Lotus WordPro PC formats
to any of the following formats;
Wordstar for Windows,Word
for Windows 95/97/2000 and Lotus WordPro
.... for only £2.50 per disc!
I have a very small quantity of
unused CF2 3" discs at £1.50 each
Re-formatted CF2 3" discs are
also available, at £1.00 each
For Non-UK residents, I will accept currency notes to the equivalent
value in US Dollars, Australian Dollars or Euros. No foreign cheques please as I have to pay bank charges for banks to
negotiate settlement and I can exchange currency notes without charge
If you wish to place an order for any of the above items or have any
enquiries, please e-mail me