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 £5.00 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.
My previous Clients include students who want their Thesis
recovered, Genealogists
who want to recover notes on Family history compiled some time ago, Military Museums
who had updated their computer system and needed to recover old correspondence
files and notes etc, Authors,
who need existing stories converted so that they can be read on kindle or other
devices and a UK
Police force, who needed data from disc as evidence.
My process requies a PCW disc to be in my
PC, but does not require me to view any data on the files, I just ensure that
the title of the file is useable and similar to the original version. So I can
ensure confidentiality
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 and futureversions 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) . 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 have a working PCW or do not know
how to copy or verify discs, or cannot copy them, I can happy to work off
your discs, ie the '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 along with a CD with converted files), 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 a Compact Disc(s) - each CD disc will
contain numbered or named files (In Alphabetical or Numerical order)
corresponding to the original PCW disc numbers or names.
- Your original PCW CF2 discs are mailed back to
you along with your newly converted files on CD 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 £5.00 per disc!
I have a very small quantity of unused 3.5" discs at £1.00 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