docs: Add comprehensive DOS Update System documentation for engineers and test staff

Created complete documentation suite for the DOS Update System with three
main guides plus screenshot specifications for PDF conversion.

Files Created:

ENGINEER_CHANGELOG.md (481 lines):
- Complete technical change log documenting all modifications
- File-by-file breakdown of changes (AUTOEXEC, NWTOC, CTONW, DEPLOY, UPDATE)
- DOS 6.22 compatibility verification details
- 24 NUL device reference fixes documented
- 52% code reduction in DEPLOY.BAT explained
- Workflow comparison (manual vs automatic)
- Performance impact analysis
- Testing results and rollback procedures
- Technical appendices (NUL device issue, multi-pipe issue)
- Change statistics and git commit references

ENGINEER_HOWTO_GUIDE.md (1,065 lines):
- Step-by-step procedures for engineers
- Network share access (map drive, UNC path)
- File placement guide with table (batch, exe, config files)
- Detailed sync process explanation with timing
- Update workflow (normal automatic, expedited manual, system files)
- Comprehensive troubleshooting guide (10 common issues):
  * Cannot access AD2 share
  * File copied but DOS not updated
  * Sync not happening after 15 minutes
  * Invalid path errors on DOS
  * DEPLOY.BAT failures
  * System files not updating
  * CTONW upload failures
  * Network drive not mapped
  * Backup files accumulating
  * Performance issues
- Best practices (naming, testing, backup, communication, version control)
- FAQ section (13 questions)
- 4 screenshot placeholders for Windows operations

DEPLOYMENT_GUIDE.md (994 lines):
- User-friendly guide for test staff and technicians
- "What's New" section highlighting automatic updates
- Daily operations walkthrough
- Initial deployment procedure (7 detailed steps)
- Boot process explanation with timing breakdown
- Component descriptions (AUTOEXEC, NWTOC, CTONW, UPDATE, CHECKUPD, STAGE, REBOOT)
- Manual operations guide (when and how to use)
- Troubleshooting section (7 common issues)
- FAQ for test staff (10 questions)
- Quick Reference Card at end
- 9 screenshot placeholders for DOS screens

SCREENSHOT_GUIDE.md (520 lines):
- Complete specifications for all documentation screenshots
- 13 total screenshots needed (4 Windows, 9 DOS)
- Detailed capture instructions for each screenshot
- Equipment requirements and capture tools
- Screenshot specifications (format, resolution, naming)
- Quality guidelines and post-processing steps
- Recommended capture session workflow
- PDF integration instructions (Pandoc, VSCode, online)
- Priority classification (high/medium/low)

Documentation Features:
- Professional structure with clear hierarchy
- Audience-appropriate language (technical vs non-technical)
- Comprehensive table of contents in how-to guides
- ASCII diagrams for system architecture and sync flow
- Code blocks with proper batch syntax
- Tables for quick reference
- Consistent ASCII markers: [OK], [ERROR], [WARNING], [INFO]
- Cross-references between documents
- PDF-ready formatting (proper headers, sections, page break hints)

Frontend Design Review Completed:
- All documents validated for PDF conversion readiness
- Structure and hierarchy confirmed excellent
- Readability verified for target audiences
- Screenshot placeholders properly marked
- Tables and code blocks confirmed PDF-compatible
- Minor recommendations provided for enhanced PDF appearance

Target Audience:
- Engineers: Technical change log and how-to guide
- Test Staff: Non-technical deployment guide
- Documentation Team: Screenshot capture specifications

Ready for PDF Conversion:
- All markdown properly formatted
- Screenshot placeholders clearly marked
- Can be converted using Pandoc, VSCode extensions, or online tools
- Suitable for distribution to engineering and test teams

This documentation suite provides complete coverage for deploying,
maintaining, and troubleshooting the DOS Update System across all
~30 DOS test machines at Dataforth.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
This commit is contained in:
2026-01-19 19:30:25 -07:00
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# DOS Update System - Test Staff Deployment Guide
**Document Version:** 1.0
**Date:** January 19, 2026
**Audience:** Test Staff and Technicians
**Prerequisites:** Access to DOS test machines (TS-01 through TS-30)
---
## What's New?
### Automatic Updates!
**Good news:** You no longer need to manually run update commands!
**Old way:**
1. Boot machine
2. Wait for network
3. Type: `C:\BAT\NWTOC`
4. Type: `C:\BAT\CTONW`
5. Start testing
**New way:**
1. Boot machine
2. Wait for network
3. ✅ Updates download automatically
4. ✅ Test data uploads automatically
5. Start testing
**That's it!** The system now handles updates during boot.
---
## Table of Contents
1. [Quick Start](#quick-start)
2. [Daily Operations](#daily-operations)
3. [Initial Deployment](#initial-deployment)
4. [Understanding the Boot Process](#understanding-the-boot-process)
5. [Manual Operations](#manual-operations)
6. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
7. [FAQ](#faq)
---
## Quick Start
### Starting Your Day
**For machines already deployed:**
1. Power on DOS machine
2. Wait for boot process (watch the screen)
3. System automatically:
- Starts network
- Downloads updates
- Uploads test data
4. See "System Ready" message
5. Start testing!
**No commands needed!**
---
### First Time Setup (New Machine)
**If machine has never been configured:**
1. Boot machine
2. Wait for network to start
3. Type: `T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-XX` (replace XX with machine number)
- Example: `T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-04` for machine TS-04
4. Wait for deployment (about 2 minutes)
5. **Reboot when prompted**
6. After reboot, automatic updates enabled!
---
## Daily Operations
### Normal Boot Sequence
When you power on a DOS machine, you'll see:
```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Microsoft(R) MS-DOS(R) Version 6.22 │
│ │
│ ============================================================== │
│ Dataforth Test Machine: TS-04 │
│ DOS 6.22 with Automatic Update System │
│ ============================================================== │
│ │
│ Starting network client... │
│ [OK] Network started │
│ │
│ Network Drives: │
│ T: = \\D2TESTNAS\test │
│ X: = \\D2TESTNAS\datasheets │
│ │
│ Checking for software updates... │
│ [1/4] Updating batch files from T:\COMMON\ProdSW... │
│ [OK] No new batch files in COMMON │
│ [2/4] Updating machine-specific files... │
│ [SKIP] No machine-specific directory │
│ [3/4] Checking for system file updates... │
│ [OK] No system file updates │
│ [4/4] Checking for network client updates... │
│ [OK] No network client updates │
│ ============================================================== │
│ Update Complete │
│ ============================================================== │
│ │
│ Uploading test data to network... │
│ [1/3] Uploading batch files from C:\BAT... │
│ [OK] Batch files uploaded │
│ [2/3] Uploading programs and config from C:\ATE... │
│ [OK] Programs uploaded to ProdSW │
│ [3/3] Uploading test data to LOGS... │
│ [OK] Test data uploaded to LOGS (for database import) │
│ ============================================================== │
│ Upload Complete │
│ ============================================================== │
│ │
│ ============================================================== │
│ System Ready │
│ ============================================================== │
│ │
│ C:\> │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```
![Screenshot: Normal Boot Sequence]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS screen showing complete boot process with all status messages*
**Boot time:** Approximately 2-3 minutes (depending on updates)
---
### What Happens During Boot
**Step-by-step breakdown:**
1. **DOS starts** (5 seconds)
- Loads CONFIG.SYS
- Runs AUTOEXEC.BAT
2. **Network starts** (30 seconds)
- Loads Microsoft Network Client
- Maps T: drive to \\D2TESTNAS\test
- Maps X: drive to \\D2TESTNAS\datasheets
3. **NWTOC downloads updates** (30-60 seconds)
- Checks T:\COMMON\ProdSW for new batch files
- Checks T:\TS-XX\ProdSW for machine-specific files
- Downloads only newer files (smart update)
- Creates .BAK backups of replaced files
4. **CTONW uploads test data** (30-60 seconds)
- Uploads batch files from C:\BAT to network
- Uploads programs from C:\ATE to network
- Uploads test data (.DAT files) to LOGS folder
5. **System Ready**
- Displays command prompt
- Ready for testing
**Total time:** 2-3 minutes
---
## Initial Deployment
### When to Run Deployment
**Run deployment on:**
- Brand new DOS machine
- Reformatted machine
- Machine without automatic updates
**Do NOT run deployment on:**
- Machines already deployed (unnecessary)
- Machines that auto-update on boot (already deployed)
---
### Deployment Procedure
**Follow these steps exactly:**
#### Step 1: Boot Machine
- Power on DOS machine
- Let it fully boot to C:\> prompt
- Verify network drives mapped (T: and X:)
![Screenshot: DOS Prompt Ready]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS C:\> prompt with machine name displayed*
#### Step 2: Verify Network Access
Type:
```
DIR T:\
```
You should see:
```
COMMON <DIR>
TS-01 <DIR>
TS-02 <DIR>
...
```
![Screenshot: T Drive Contents]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS DIR T:\ output showing COMMON and TS-XX folders*
If you see "Invalid drive" or error, see [Troubleshooting: Network Not Available](#network-not-available)
#### Step 3: Run Deployment Command
Type (replace XX with your machine number):
```
T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-04
```
**Important:**
- Use your actual machine number (TS-01 through TS-30)
- Type exactly as shown (uppercase)
- Press Enter
![Screenshot: Running UPDATE.BAT]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS screen showing T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-04 command being entered*
#### Step 4: Watch Deployment Progress
You'll see:
```
==============================================================
DOS Update System - Deployment
==============================================================
Machine: TS-04
==============================================================
Installing automatic update system...
Files to install:
- AUTOEXEC.BAT (startup configuration)
- NWTOC.BAT (download updates)
- CTONW.BAT (upload test data)
- UPDATE.BAT (full backup)
- CHECKUPD.BAT (check updates)
- STAGE.BAT (system file updates)
- REBOOT.BAT (apply staged updates)
Press any key to continue . . .
```
**Press any key to continue**
![Screenshot: Deployment Starting]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS deployment screen showing file list*
#### Step 5: Deployment Progress
Watch the screen as deployment proceeds:
```
[1/3] Creating C:\BAT directory...
[OK] C:\BAT directory ready
[2/3] Copying batch files to C:\BAT...
[OK] NWTOC.BAT
[OK] CTONW.BAT
[OK] UPDATE.BAT
[OK] CHECKUPD.BAT
[OK] STAGE.BAT
[OK] REBOOT.BAT
[OK] All batch files installed
[3/3] Installing AUTOEXEC.BAT...
[OK] AUTOEXEC.BAT installed with MACHINE=TS-04
[OK] Network backup folder created: T:\TS-04
```
![Screenshot: Deployment Progress]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS screen showing [OK] messages as files copy*
#### Step 6: Deployment Complete
Final screen:
```
==============================================================
Deployment Complete!
==============================================================
Machine: TS-04
The automatic update system is now installed.
What happens on next reboot:
1. Network client starts (C:\NET\STARTNET.BAT)
2. Software updates download automatically (NWTOC)
3. Test data uploads automatically (CTONW)
4. System ready for testing
==============================================================
REBOOT NOW
==============================================================
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to reboot
After reboot, the system will be fully operational.
Press any key to continue . . .
```
![Screenshot: Deployment Complete]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS screen showing "Deployment Complete!" message*
#### Step 7: Reboot
**Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to reboot**
After reboot:
- Automatic updates enabled
- No manual commands needed
- Ready for testing!
---
### Verifying Deployment Successful
**After reboot, check for:**
1. **Network drives mapped:**
```
DIR T:\
DIR X:\
```
Both should work without errors
2. **Batch files installed:**
```
DIR C:\BAT
```
You should see: NWTOC.BAT, CTONW.BAT, UPDATE.BAT, etc.
3. **Machine name set:**
```
ECHO %MACHINE%
```
Should show: `TS-04` (or your machine number)
4. **Automatic updates ran:**
- Boot screen showed "Checking for software updates..."
- Boot screen showed "Uploading test data to network..."
- Both completed with [OK] messages
**If all checks pass: Deployment successful!** ✅
---
## Understanding the Boot Process
### What Each Component Does
#### AUTOEXEC.BAT
- **Location:** C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
- **Runs:** Every boot (automatically)
- **Purpose:** Machine startup configuration
- **What it does:**
1. Sets machine identity (MACHINE=TS-04)
2. Sets DOS path and environment
3. Starts network client
4. Calls NWTOC (download updates)
5. Calls CTONW (upload test data)
6. Displays "System Ready"
**You never need to edit or run this manually.**
---
#### NWTOC.BAT (Network to Computer)
- **Location:** C:\BAT\NWTOC.BAT
- **Runs:** Automatically during boot (called by AUTOEXEC.BAT)
- **Purpose:** Download software updates from network
- **What it downloads:**
- Batch files: T:\COMMON\ProdSW → C:\BAT
- Programs/Config: T:\TS-XX\ProdSW → C:\ATE
- System files: T:\COMMON\DOS → C:\ (staged for reboot)
**Manual use:** Only if you need updates without rebooting (see [Manual Operations](#manual-operations))
---
#### CTONW.BAT (Computer to Network)
- **Location:** C:\BAT\CTONW.BAT
- **Runs:** Automatically during boot (called by AUTOEXEC.BAT)
- **Purpose:** Upload test data and local changes to network
- **What it uploads:**
- Batch files: C:\BAT → T:\TS-XX\ProdSW
- Programs: C:\ATE → T:\TS-XX\ProdSW
- Test data: C:\ATE\*DATA → T:\TS-XX\LOGS (for database import)
**Manual use:** If you need to upload data without rebooting
---
#### UPDATE.BAT
- **Location 1:** T:\UPDATE.BAT (network shortcut)
- **Location 2:** C:\BAT\UPDATE.BAT (backup utility)
- **Purpose:** Two different functions depending on location
**T:\UPDATE.BAT (Deployment):**
- Runs DEPLOY.BAT for initial setup
- Usage: `T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-04`
- Use once per machine (initial deployment)
**C:\BAT\UPDATE.BAT (Backup):**
- Creates full system backup to T:\TS-XX\BACKUP
- Usage: `C:\BAT\UPDATE.BAT`
- Use before major changes
---
#### CHECKUPD.BAT
- **Location:** C:\BAT\CHECKUPD.BAT
- **Purpose:** Check what updates are available without downloading
- **Usage:** `C:\BAT\CHECKUPD`
- **Shows:**
- Available batch file updates
- Available system file updates (AUTOEXEC.NEW, CONFIG.NEW)
- Available machine-specific updates
**Use this to see what will download on next reboot.**
---
#### STAGE.BAT & REBOOT.BAT
- **Location:** C:\BAT\STAGE.BAT, C:\BAT\REBOOT.BAT
- **Purpose:** Apply system file updates (AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS)
- **When used:** Automatically when AUTOEXEC.NEW or CONFIG.NEW detected
**Process:**
1. NWTOC finds AUTOEXEC.NEW on network
2. NWTOC calls STAGE.BAT
3. STAGE.BAT creates REBOOT.BAT
4. Screen prompts: "Reboot required"
5. You run: `C:\BAT\REBOOT.BAT`
6. System reboots
7. REBOOT.BAT applies new AUTOEXEC.BAT
8. New configuration active
---
## Manual Operations
### When Manual Operations Needed
**Normally:** No manual operations required (automatic updates handle everything)
**Manual operations needed when:**
- Urgent update can't wait for reboot
- Testing new batch file immediately
- Checking for available updates
- Troubleshooting update issues
- Creating full system backup
---
### Manual Update Check
**To see what updates are available:**
```
C:\BAT\CHECKUPD
```
**Output shows:**
```
==============================================================
Update Check: TS-04 from Network
==============================================================
[1/3] Checking T:\COMMON\ProdSW for updates...
[FOUND] 2 newer batch files available:
NWTOC.BAT (2026-01-19 vs 2026-01-15)
CTONW.BAT (2026-01-19 vs 2026-01-15)
[2/3] Checking T:\TS-04\ProdSW for machine-specific updates...
[SKIP] No machine-specific directory
[3/3] Checking for system file updates...
[OK] No system file updates
==============================================================
Summary: 2 updates available
==============================================================
To download updates: C:\BAT\NWTOC
Or wait for next reboot (automatic download)
```
![Screenshot: CHECKUPD Output]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS screen showing CHECKUPD results with 2 updates available*
---
### Manual Update Download
**To download updates immediately (without rebooting):**
```
C:\BAT\NWTOC
```
**What happens:**
- Downloads all available updates
- Creates .BAK backups of replaced files
- Updates ready to use immediately
- No reboot required (unless system files)
**When to use:**
- Engineer says "urgent update available"
- Need new feature immediately
- Troubleshooting batch file issue
![Screenshot: Manual NWTOC]
*Screenshot placeholder: DOS screen showing NWTOC downloading updates manually*
---
### Manual Data Upload
**To upload test data immediately (without rebooting):**
```
C:\BAT\CTONW
```
**What happens:**
- Uploads batch files from C:\BAT
- Uploads programs from C:\ATE
- Uploads test data (.DAT files) to LOGS
**When to use:**
- Just finished test run
- Need data in database immediately
- Sharing modified batch file with engineering
---
### Manual Full Backup
**To create complete system backup:**
```
C:\BAT\UPDATE
```
**What it backs up:**
- C:\BAT\* → T:\TS-XX\BACKUP\BAT\
- C:\ATE\* → T:\TS-XX\BACKUP\ATE\
- C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT → T:\TS-XX\BACKUP\
- C:\CONFIG.SYS → T:\TS-XX\BACKUP\
**When to use:**
- Before major system changes
- Before deploying new AUTOEXEC.BAT
- Monthly backup routine
- Before reformatting machine
**Backup location:** `T:\TS-04\BACKUP\` (or your machine number)
---
### Applying System File Updates
**If you see message: "Reboot required for system updates"**
**Steps:**
1. **Save your work** (close all programs)
2. **Run reboot script:**
```
C:\BAT\REBOOT
```
3. **Watch the screen during reboot:**
- You'll see: "Applying system updates..."
- REBOOT.BAT copies staged files
- System reboots again automatically
4. **After second reboot:**
- New AUTOEXEC.BAT or CONFIG.SYS active
- System ready for testing
**Don't worry if you see two reboots - this is normal for system file updates.**
---
## Troubleshooting
### Network Not Available
**Symptom:**
- Error: "T: drive not available"
- Error: "Invalid drive specification"
- Network drives not mapped
**Solution:**
#### Step 1: Check Network Cable
- Verify Ethernet cable connected
- Check for link light on network port
#### Step 2: Restart Network Client
```
C:\NET\STARTNET
```
Wait 30 seconds, then try:
```
DIR T:\
```
#### Step 3: Check T: Drive Mapping
```
NET USE
```
Should show:
```
T: \\D2TESTNAS\test
X: \\D2TESTNAS\datasheets
```
If missing, network start failed. Contact IT.
---
### Updates Not Downloading
**Symptom:**
- Boot shows: "[OK] No new batch files in COMMON"
- But engineer says updates were deployed
**Possible Causes:**
#### Cause 1: Updates Not Synced Yet
**Solution:** Wait 15-20 minutes, then reboot again
Engineers place files on AD2, which syncs to NAS every 15 minutes. If you reboot too soon, NAS doesn't have new files yet.
#### Cause 2: DOS Clock is Wrong
Check date/time:
```
DATE
TIME
```
If DOS clock is in the future, XCOPY thinks network files are "older" and skips them.
**Solution:** Set correct date/time:
```
DATE 01-19-2026
TIME 14:30:00
```
Then reboot or run:
```
C:\BAT\NWTOC
```
#### Cause 3: Files in Wrong Location
Verify file exists on network:
```
DIR T:\COMMON\ProdSW\FILENAME.BAT
```
If missing, contact engineering - file not synced or wrong location.
---
### Boot Takes Too Long
**Symptom:**
- Boot process takes 5+ minutes
- Machine seems stuck
**Normal boot time:** 2-3 minutes
**If longer:**
#### Step 1: Check Network Status
During boot, watch for:
```
Starting network client...
```
If this hangs for minutes:
- Network issue (cable, switch, NAS down)
- Press Ctrl+C to skip network start
- Contact IT
#### Step 2: Check Update Status
If stuck at:
```
Checking for software updates...
```
Possible causes:
- Large files downloading (be patient)
- Network congestion (wait or reboot later)
- T: drive issue (see [Network Not Available](#network-not-available))
#### Step 3: Skip Automatic Updates (Emergency Only)
If you need to bypass auto-updates to start testing:
**Edit AUTOEXEC.BAT temporarily:**
```
EDIT C:\AUTOEXEC.BAT
```
**Comment out NWTOC and CTONW lines:**
```batch
REM Temporarily disabled for troubleshooting:
REM IF EXIST C:\BAT\NWTOC.BAT CALL C:\BAT\NWTOC.BAT
REM IF EXIST C:\BAT\CTONW.BAT CALL C:\BAT\CTONW.BAT
```
**Save and reboot**
**Important:** This is temporary only. Contact engineering to fix root cause.
---
### "Invalid Path" or "File Not Found" Errors
**Symptom:**
- Batch file shows errors during execution
- References to "NUL" in error messages
**Cause:** Old batch file version (pre-DOS 6.22 compatibility fix)
**Solution:**
1. Ask engineering to verify latest files deployed
2. Force update:
```
DEL C:\BAT\*.BAT
C:\NET\STARTNET
T:\COMMON\ProdSW\DEPLOY.BAT TS-XX
```
3. Reboot
---
### Machine Name Not Set
**Symptom:**
- CTONW shows: "[ERROR] MACHINE variable not set"
- ECHO %MACHINE% shows nothing
**Cause:** Deployment never completed or AUTOEXEC.BAT corrupted
**Solution:**
Run deployment again:
```
T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-04
```
**This re-installs AUTOEXEC.BAT with correct machine name.**
---
### Disk Full
**Symptom:**
- Error: "Insufficient disk space"
- DIR C:\ shows 0 bytes free
**Causes:**
- .BAK backup files accumulating
- Test data files in C:\ATE
- Log files growing
**Solution:**
#### Clean Backup Files:
```
DEL C:\BAT\*.BAK
```
#### Clean Test Data:
```
DEL C:\ATE\8BDATA\*.DAT
DEL C:\ATE\DSCDATA\*.DAT
DEL C:\ATE\HVDATA\*.DAT
```
(After uploading to network!)
#### Check Disk Space:
```
DIR C:\
```
Should show several MB free.
---
### Test Data Not Uploading
**Symptom:**
- CTONW completes but data not in database
- Engineers report missing test data
**Check Upload Location:**
Data goes to: `T:\TS-XX\LOGS\` (not T:\TS-XX\ProdSW\)
**Verify manually:**
```
DIR T:\TS-04\LOGS\8BLOG\
```
Should show your .DAT files.
**If empty:**
- Check source: `DIR C:\ATE\8BDATA\*.DAT`
- If source empty, no data to upload
- If source has data, run `C:\BAT\CTONW` again
---
## FAQ
### Q: Do I need to run any commands after booting?
**A:** No! The system handles everything automatically. Just wait for "System Ready" and start testing.
---
### Q: How do I know if updates downloaded?
**A:** Watch the boot screen. You'll see:
```
[1/4] Updating batch files from T:\COMMON\ProdSW...
[OK] Batch files updated from COMMON
```
Or run: `C:\BAT\CHECKUPD` to see available updates.
---
### Q: Can I turn off automatic updates?
**A:** Not recommended. Automatic updates ensure you always have the latest software.
If you must disable temporarily (for troubleshooting), see [Boot Takes Too Long - Step 3](#boot-takes-too-long).
---
### Q: What if I make a mistake during testing?
**A:** Reboot the machine. NWTOC will restore original files from network.
Or manually restore from backup:
```
COPY C:\BAT\FILENAME.BAK C:\BAT\FILENAME.BAT
```
---
### Q: How do I get help?
**A:**
1. Check this guide first
2. Ask test lead
3. Contact engineering
4. Email IT support
**For emergencies:** Call IT hotline
---
### Q: Can I modify batch files on the DOS machine?
**A:** You can, but changes will be lost on next reboot (NWTOC overwrites).
**To make permanent changes:**
1. Tell engineering what you need
2. They update file on AD2
3. File syncs to NAS
4. Next reboot downloads new version
---
### Q: What's the difference between UPDATE.BAT locations?
**A:**
**T:\UPDATE.BAT** - Initial deployment command
- Usage: `T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-04`
- Run once per machine (first time setup)
**C:\BAT\UPDATE.BAT** - Full backup command
- Usage: `C:\BAT\UPDATE`
- Run before major changes
Same name, different purposes!
---
### Q: Why does boot take longer than before?
**A:** Automatic updates add 30-60 seconds to boot time.
**Before:** ~60 seconds (just network start)
**Now:** ~150 seconds (network + updates + upload)
**Trade-off:** Slower boot, but no manual commands needed.
Net result: Faster testing start (no waiting for you to run commands).
---
### Q: What are .BAK files in C:\BAT?
**A:** Backup files created by NWTOC before overwriting.
**Safe to delete:** Yes (after verifying updates work)
**Useful for:** Rollback to previous version if needed
**Cleanup:**
```
DEL C:\BAT\*.BAK
```
---
### Q: Do I need to deploy every machine individually?
**A:** Yes, but only once per machine.
**After initial deployment:** All machines update automatically on reboot.
**Deployment checklist:**
- [ ] TS-01 deployed
- [ ] TS-02 deployed
- ...
- [ ] TS-30 deployed
---
## Quick Reference Card
### Daily Operations
```
Boot machine → Wait for "System Ready" → Start testing
```
### First Time Setup
```
T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-XX → Reboot → Done
```
### Manual Commands
```
C:\BAT\CHECKUPD - Check available updates
C:\BAT\NWTOC - Download updates now
C:\BAT\CTONW - Upload test data now
C:\BAT\UPDATE - Full system backup
```
### Troubleshooting
```
C:\NET\STARTNET - Restart network
DATE - Check DOS date
TIME - Check DOS time
DIR T:\ - Verify network access
ECHO %MACHINE% - Check machine name
```
### Emergency Contacts
```
Test Lead: [Contact]
Engineering: [Contact]
IT Support: [Contact]
```
---
**Document End**
*For detailed technical information, see ENGINEER_CHANGELOG.md*
*For advanced procedures, see ENGINEER_HOWTO_GUIDE.md*
**Remember:** When in doubt, reboot! The automatic system will restore everything.