Comparing floppy disks in DOS Which DISKCOMP syntax compares the disk in drive A with the disk in drive B, limiting the comparison to the first side and only the first 8 sectors of each track?
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ADISKCOPY A: B:/8
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BDISKCOMP A: B:/1/8
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CDISKCOMP A: B:/8
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DDISKCOMP A: B:/1
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ENone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: DISKCOMP A: B:/1/8
Explanation
Introduction / Context:When verifying floppy disks, DISKCOMP compares two disks sector-by-sector. Technicians may narrow the scope to only the first side and specific sectors to save time or target suspected problem areas.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Drive A and B are floppy drives.
- Switch /1 means “compare only side 1” (single-sided comparison).
- Switch /8 means “compare only the first 8 sectors per track.”
Concept / Approach:
DISKCOMP syntax accepts drive letters followed by switches. Combining /1 and /8 restricts the comparison, reducing time and head movement while still checking the specified subset.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Insert source disk in A: and target disk in B:.Run: DISKCOMP A: B: /1 /8Follow prompts to swap disks if you have only one drive.Review the report for any mismatched tracks/sectors.If differences are found, consider a full comparison without limits.Verification / Alternative check:
Run DISKCOMP A: B: without switches, then compare runtime and reported coverage; the limited command executes faster and reports only the subset, confirming correct switch interpretation.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
a: DISKCOPY copies disks; it does not compare.
c: Missing /1; it would compare both sides for the first 8 sectors only.
d: Missing /8; it would compare full sectors per track on side 1 only.
e: Not applicable because the combined /1/8 syntax is correct.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing the numeral “1” with the letter “l” in documentation; ensure you use /1 not /l. Also, ensure disks share the same format.
Final Answer:
DISKCOMP A: B:/1/8