The HP 95LX differs from other IBM PC compatibles in its ability to utilize System-Manager Compliant software. These programs have a .EXM extension, and like the 95LX's built-in applications, can only be started with a designated hotkey. Once installed these programs allow instant switching between themselves and the built-in applications.
Installation of these programs requires that a special file named APNAME.LST be set up on the 95LX. This article assumes you understand the general format of the file as discussed in the last issue. The focus here is on how to properly set up and maintain one or more APNAME.LST files.
Before you proceed, you MUST create a CONFIG.SYS and an AUTOEXEC.BAT file and put them in your C:\ or A:\ directory. This will save you from losing your data. Mistakes made in your APNAME.LST file can cause your 95LX to lock up. This will force you to re-initialize your unit, thereby erasing all of your files. If you have a CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT file on your system, you will be able to access DOS before SYSMGR loads. You can rename a bad APNAME.LST file and avoid a lockup (and loss of data). (CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files are discussed in detail in The HP Palmtop Paper, Quick Tips section, in both the Fall and Jan/ Feb issues. See also the sidebar.)
You can only access .EXM files through hotkeys. Information on hotkey assignments is stored in APNAME.LST. Whenever you reboot your HP 95LX (by pressing <CTRL>--<ALT>--<DEL>), SYSMGR reads the APNAME.LST on the C drive and inserts that information in its task table in memory. If a memory card is in the card drive, SYSMGR reads its APNAME.LST file (if it has one). SYSMGR only accepts a total of 8 entries in its task table. If you have 8 entries in the APNAME.LST file on your C drive, SYSMGR ignores any entries on your A Drive.
The procedure for setting up an APNAME.LST file is not documented in your User's Manual. Here are some rules and guidelines for setting up your file.