claudetools/docs/ENGINEER_HOWTO_GUIDE.md

# DOS Update System - Engineer How-To Guide

**Document Version:** 1.0
**Date:** January 19, 2026
**Audience:** Engineers and System Administrators
**Prerequisites:** Network access to \\AD2\test\ share

---

## Table of Contents

1. [Quick Start](#quick-start)
2. [Accessing the Test Share](#accessing-the-test-share)
3. [File Placement Guide](#file-placement-guide)
4. [Sync Process Explained](#sync-process-explained)
5. [Update Workflow](#update-workflow)
6. [Troubleshooting Guide](#troubleshooting-guide)
7. [Best Practices](#best-practices)
8. [FAQ](#faq)

---

## Quick Start

**Need to deploy a software update quickly? Follow these steps:**

1. Map network drive to `\\AD2\test` (if not already mapped)
2. Copy batch files to: `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\`
3. Wait 15 minutes for automatic sync to NAS
4. DOS machines will download updates on next reboot

**That's it!** No manual commands needed on DOS machines.

---

## Accessing the Test Share

Engineers have share-level access to AD2's test folder via SMB.

### Option 1: Map Network Drive (Recommended)

**Windows File Explorer:**

1. Open File Explorer
2. Click "This PC" in left sidebar
3. Click "Map network drive" button (or right-click → "Map network drive")
4. Choose drive letter: `T:` (recommended for consistency)
5. Enter path: `\\AD2\test`
6. Check "Reconnect at sign-in" (optional)
7. Click "Finish"
8. Enter credentials if prompted:
   - Username: `INTRANET\[your-username]`
   - Password: [your-password]

**Command Line (cmd.exe):**

```cmd
net use T: \\AD2\test /persistent:yes
```

**PowerShell:**

```powershell
New-PSDrive -Name "T" -PSProvider FileSystem -Root "\\AD2\test" -Persist
```

![Screenshot: Map Network Drive Dialog]
*Screenshot placeholder: Windows "Map network drive" dialog showing \\AD2\test path*

---

### Option 2: Direct UNC Path

If you don't want to map a drive, use the UNC path directly:

**Windows File Explorer:**
- Navigate to: `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\`
- Drag and drop files directly

**Command Line:**
```cmd
copy C:\MyFiles\*.BAT \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\
```

**PowerShell:**
```powershell
Copy-Item C:\MyFiles\*.BAT -Destination \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\
```

---

### Verifying Access

**Check if you have access:**

1. Open File Explorer
2. Navigate to: `\\AD2\test\`
3. You should see folders: COMMON, TS-01, TS-02, ..., TS-30

**Expected folder structure:**
```
\\AD2\test\
├── COMMON\
│   ├── ProdSW\      ← Place batch files here
│   ├── DOS\         ← System files (AUTOEXEC.NEW, CONFIG.NEW)
│   └── NET\         ← Network client updates
├── TS-01\           ← Machine-specific folders
├── TS-02\
├── ...
└── TS-30\
```

![Screenshot: Test Share Folder Structure]
*Screenshot placeholder: Windows Explorer showing \\AD2\test\ folder structure with COMMON and TS-XX folders*

---

## File Placement Guide

### Where to Place Files

| File Type | Destination | Scope | Auto-Deployed To |
|-----------|-------------|-------|------------------|
| Batch files (.BAT) | `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\` | All machines | C:\BAT\ on all DOS machines |
| Executables (.EXE) | `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\` | All machines | C:\ATE\ on all DOS machines |
| Config files (.CFG) | `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\` | All machines | C:\ATE\ on all DOS machines |
| System files (AUTOEXEC.NEW) | `\\AD2\test\COMMON\DOS\` | All machines | Staged for reboot |
| Network client files | `\\AD2\test\COMMON\NET\` | All machines | C:\NET\ on all DOS machines |
| Machine-specific files | `\\AD2\test\TS-XX\ProdSW\` | Single machine | C:\BAT\ and C:\ATE\ on specific machine |

---

### Step-by-Step: Deploy Batch File Update

**Scenario:** You've updated CHECKUPD.BAT and need to deploy it to all machines.

**Steps:**

1. **Access the share:**
   ```cmd
   \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\
   ```

2. **Backup existing file (optional but recommended):**
   - Rename `CHECKUPD.BAT` to `CHECKUPD.BAK`
   - Or copy to `_backup\` folder

3. **Copy new file:**
   - Drag your updated `CHECKUPD.BAT` to `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\`
   - Overwrite when prompted

4. **Verify copy:**
   - Check file size and timestamp match your source file
   - Open file to verify contents (right-click → Edit)

5. **Wait for sync:**
   - AD2 syncs to NAS every 15 minutes
   - After 15 minutes, file is available at `T:\COMMON\ProdSW\` on DOS machines

6. **Verify on DOS machine:**
   - Next reboot: NWTOC downloads new file to C:\BAT\
   - Or manually run: `T:\COMMON\ProdSW\NWTOC.BAT` on DOS machine

![Screenshot: File Copy Operation]
*Screenshot placeholder: Windows Explorer copying CHECKUPD.BAT to \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\*

---

### Step-by-Step: Deploy Machine-Specific Update

**Scenario:** TS-04 needs a special configuration file.

**Steps:**

1. **Identify target machine folder:**
   ```cmd
   \\AD2\test\TS-04\ProdSW\
   ```

2. **Create folder if it doesn't exist:**
   - Right-click in `\\AD2\test\TS-04\`
   - Select "New" → "Folder"
   - Name it: `ProdSW`

3. **Copy machine-specific file:**
   - Drag your file to `\\AD2\test\TS-04\ProdSW\`

4. **Wait for sync (15 minutes)**

5. **On TS-04 DOS machine:**
   - Reboot machine
   - NWTOC automatically downloads from `T:\TS-04\ProdSW\` to C:\BAT\ and C:\ATE\

**Important:** Machine-specific files take precedence over COMMON files.

---

## Sync Process Explained

### How Sync Works

```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 1: Engineer places file on AD2                            │
│ Location: \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\NEWFILE.BAT                 │
│ Time: 0 minutes                                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 2: Scheduled task on AD2 syncs to NAS                     │
│ Frequency: Every 15 minutes                                     │
│ Time: 0-15 minutes (depending on timing)                        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 3: File now available on D2TESTNAS                        │
│ Location: /data/test/COMMON/ProdSW/NEWFILE.BAT                 │
│ DOS Access: T:\COMMON\ProdSW\NEWFILE.BAT                       │
│ Time: 15 minutes (maximum)                                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 4: DOS machine reboots and runs NWTOC                     │
│ NWTOC downloads: T:\COMMON\ProdSW\*.BAT → C:\BAT\              │
│ Time: Next reboot (or manual NWTOC.BAT execution)              │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                           │
                           ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Step 5: File now deployed on DOS machine                       │
│ Location: C:\BAT\NEWFILE.BAT                                   │
│ Status: Ready to use                                            │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```

---

### Sync Timing

| Action | Time Required | Notes |
|--------|---------------|-------|
| File copy to AD2 | Instant | Limited by network speed |
| AD2 → NAS sync | 0-15 minutes | Depends on scheduled task timing |
| NAS → DOS machine | Next reboot | Or manual NWTOC execution |
| **Total deployment time** | **15 min - 24 hours** | Depends on reboot schedule |

**Pro Tip:** For urgent updates, ask test staff to reboot specific machines or manually run NWTOC.

---

### Verifying Sync Status

**Check if file reached NAS:**

1. **Via DOS machine:**
   - Log into any DOS machine
   - Type: `DIR T:\COMMON\ProdSW\YOURFILE.BAT`
   - If listed, sync complete

2. **Via SSH (if you have access):**
   ```bash
   ssh admin@192.168.0.9
   ls -lh /data/test/COMMON/ProdSW/
   ```

3. **Via test staff:**
   - Ask them to check T: drive on DOS machine
   - Faster than waiting 15 minutes

---

## Update Workflow

### Normal Update Process (Automatic)

**For Test Staff - No manual steps required:**

1. Engineer places file on AD2
2. File syncs to NAS (15 minutes)
3. DOS machine reboots
4. AUTOEXEC.BAT runs automatically:
   - Network starts (STARTNET.BAT)
   - NWTOC downloads updates from T:\COMMON\ProdSW
   - NWTOC downloads machine-specific updates from T:\TS-XX\ProdSW
   - CTONW uploads test data to T:\TS-XX\LOGS
   - MENUX test menu loads (C:\ATE\MENUX.EXE)
5. System ready for testing - test staff selects module type from menu

**No intervention required from test staff.**

---

### Expedited Update Process (Manual)

**For urgent updates that can't wait for reboot:**

1. Engineer places file on AD2
2. Wait 15 minutes for sync to NAS
3. Ask test staff to run on DOS machine:
   ```
   C:\BAT\NWTOC.BAT
   ```
4. Updates downloaded immediately
5. No reboot required

---

### System File Updates (AUTOEXEC.BAT, CONFIG.SYS)

**These require reboot and special handling:**

1. **Create staged files:**
   - Rename to: `AUTOEXEC.NEW` or `CONFIG.NEW`
   - Place in: `\\AD2\test\COMMON\DOS\`

2. **Wait for sync (15 minutes)**

3. **On DOS machine reboot:**
   - NWTOC detects .NEW files
   - Calls STAGE.BAT automatically
   - Creates REBOOT.BAT
   - Displays message: "Reboot required"

4. **Test staff runs:**
   ```
   C:\BAT\REBOOT.BAT
   ```
   - System reboots
   - REBOOT.BAT applies staged files
   - New AUTOEXEC.BAT/CONFIG.SYS active after reboot

**Warning:** System file updates require careful testing. Always test on one machine first.

---

## Troubleshooting Guide

### Issue 1: Cannot Access \\AD2\test\

**Symptom:**
- "Network path not found" error
- "Access denied" error
- Unable to map drive

**Possible Causes & Solutions:**

#### Cause 1: Not on VPN
**Solution:**
- Connect to company VPN
- Verify VPN connection active
- Retry access

#### Cause 2: Incorrect Credentials
**Solution:**
- Use format: `INTRANET\username`
- Verify password is correct
- Try: Control Panel → Credential Manager → Windows Credentials → Add

#### Cause 3: AD2 Server Down
**Solution:**
- Ping: `ping 192.168.0.6`
- If no response, contact IT
- Check with colleagues if they can access

#### Cause 4: SMB Version Mismatch
**Solution:**
- Enable SMB1 on your Windows machine (if required):
  ```powershell
  Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol
  ```
- Reboot after enabling
- Retry access

![Screenshot: Network Path Not Found Error]
*Screenshot placeholder: Windows error dialog showing "\\AD2\test is not accessible"*

---

### Issue 2: File Copied but DOS Machine Not Updated

**Symptom:**
- File placed on \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\
- DOS machine still has old version after reboot

**Troubleshooting Steps:**

#### Step 1: Verify File on AD2
```cmd
dir \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\YOURFILE.BAT
```
- Check file size and timestamp
- Verify it matches your source file

#### Step 2: Wait for Sync (15 minutes)
- Sync runs every 15 minutes
- Check clock - has 15 minutes elapsed since you copied?

#### Step 3: Verify File on NAS (via DOS)
On DOS machine:
```
DIR T:\COMMON\ProdSW\YOURFILE.BAT
```
- If missing: Sync hasn't completed or sync process failed
- If present: Continue to Step 4

#### Step 4: Check DOS Machine Date/Time
NWTOC uses `/D` flag (only copy if newer):
```
XCOPY T:\COMMON\ProdSW\*.bat C:\BAT\ /D /Y
```

On DOS machine:
```
DATE
TIME
```
- If DOS clock is in the future, XCOPY won't copy "older" files
- **Solution:** Set correct date/time on DOS machine

#### Step 5: Force Update
On DOS machine, bypass date check:
```
DEL C:\BAT\YOURFILE.BAT
C:\BAT\NWTOC.BAT
```
- This forces re-download

#### Step 6: Check NWTOC Error Messages
Run NWTOC manually and watch for errors:
```
C:\BAT\NWTOC.BAT
```
Look for:
- `[ERROR] T: drive not available`
- `[ERROR] Update initialization failed`
- `[ERROR] Update terminated by user`

---

### Issue 3: Sync Not Happening (15+ Minutes Elapsed)

**Symptom:**
- File on AD2, but not appearing on NAS after 15+ minutes
- `DIR T:\COMMON\ProdSW\` on DOS shows old file

**Troubleshooting Steps:**

#### Step 1: Verify Scheduled Task on AD2
**If you have SSH access to AD2:**
```powershell
ssh INTRANET\sysadmin@192.168.0.6
Get-ScheduledTask | Where-Object {$_.TaskName -like "*sync*"}
```
- Look for task that syncs to NAS
- Check: State = "Ready", LastRunTime recent

**If task not running:**
```powershell
Start-ScheduledTask -TaskName "SyncToNAS"
```

#### Step 2: Check NAS Accessibility from AD2
**If you have SSH access to AD2:**
```cmd
ping 192.168.0.9
net use \\192.168.0.9\test
```
- If ping fails: NAS is down or network issue
- If net use fails: SMB1 issue or credentials

#### Step 3: Manually Trigger Sync
**Contact IT to manually run sync script on AD2**

#### Step 4: Verify NAS is Online
```cmd
ping 192.168.0.9
```
- If no response: NAS is down, contact IT

---

### Issue 4: "Invalid Path" Error on DOS Machine

**Symptom:**
- DOS displays: "Invalid path" or "File not found"
- NWTOC or CTONW fails with path errors

**Possible Causes:**

#### Cause 1: Using NUL Device Name
**Old code (incorrect):**
```batch
IF NOT EXIST C:\BAT\NUL MD C:\BAT
```

**New code (correct):**
```batch
IF NOT EXIST C:\BAT\*.* MD C:\BAT
```

**Solution:**
- Verify batch files are latest version (with DOS 6.22 compatibility fixes)
- Replace old batch files with new versions
- Check file timestamp: Should be 2026-01-19 or later

#### Cause 2: Long File Paths
DOS 6.22 has 128-character path limit:
**Solution:**
- Use shorter path names
- Avoid deeply nested directories

#### Cause 3: Special Characters in Filenames
DOS doesn't support: `| < > / \ : " * ?`
**Solution:**
- Rename files to use only: A-Z, 0-9, dash, underscore
- Follow 8.3 naming convention

---

### Issue 5: DEPLOY.BAT Fails on DOS Machine

**Symptom:**
- Running: `T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-XX` fails
- Error messages during deployment

**Troubleshooting Steps:**

#### Step 1: Verify Machine Name Argument
```
T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-04
```
- Machine name must be provided
- Must match network folder: T:\TS-04\

#### Step 2: Verify DEPLOY.BAT Exists
```
DIR T:\COMMON\ProdSW\DEPLOY.BAT
```
- If missing, files not synced yet

#### Step 3: Verify Template AUTOEXEC.BAT Exists
```
DIR T:\COMMON\ProdSW\AUTOEXEC.BAT
```
- DEPLOY copies this as template
- If missing, deployment will fail

#### Step 4: Check C: Drive Space
```
DIR C:\
```
- DEPLOY creates C:\BAT\ and copies files
- Requires ~500 KB free space minimum

#### Step 5: Run with Output Visible
```
T:\COMMON\ProdSW\DEPLOY.BAT TS-04
```
- Watch each step
- Note exactly where it fails
- Check error messages

**Common Errors:**
- `[ERROR] Machine name not provided` → Missing argument
- `[ERROR] Could not create C:\BAT directory` → Disk full or permissions
- `[ERROR] Failed to copy files from network` → T: drive issue
- `[ERROR] Could not copy AUTOEXEC.BAT template` → Template missing

---

### Issue 6: System Files Not Updating (AUTOEXEC.BAT)

**Symptom:**
- Placed AUTOEXEC.NEW in \\AD2\test\COMMON\DOS\
- DOS machine not showing staged update

**Troubleshooting Steps:**

#### Step 1: Verify File Placement
Correct location:
```
\\AD2\test\COMMON\DOS\AUTOEXEC.NEW
```
**Not:**
```
\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\AUTOEXEC.NEW  (wrong!)
```

#### Step 2: Verify File Extension
Must be `.NEW`:
```
AUTOEXEC.NEW   (correct)
AUTOEXEC.BAT   (wrong - will be ignored)
```

#### Step 3: Wait for Sync + Reboot
- File must sync to NAS (15 minutes)
- DOS machine must reboot
- NWTOC runs and detects .NEW file

#### Step 4: Check for STAGE.BAT
On DOS machine:
```
DIR C:\BAT\STAGE.BAT
```
- If missing, NWTOC cannot stage updates
- **Solution:** Deploy STAGE.BAT to COMMON\ProdSW first

#### Step 5: Check for Staged Files
After reboot, on DOS machine:
```
DIR C:\AUTOEXEC.NEW
DIR C:\CONFIG.NEW
```
- If present: Staging worked, need to run REBOOT.BAT
- If missing: NWTOC didn't detect or staging failed

#### Step 6: Manual Staging
If automatic staging failed:
```
COPY T:\COMMON\DOS\AUTOEXEC.NEW C:\AUTOEXEC.NEW
C:\BAT\STAGE.BAT
```

---

### Issue 7: CTONW Upload Fails

**Symptom:**
- Test staff reports CTONW errors
- Test data not reaching T:\TS-XX\LOGS

**Troubleshooting Steps:**

#### Step 1: Verify MACHINE Variable
On DOS machine:
```
ECHO %MACHINE%
```
- Should show: `TS-04` (or correct machine name)
- If blank: AUTOEXEC.BAT SET MACHINE not set
- **Solution:** Run DEPLOY.BAT again

#### Step 2: Verify Target Folder Exists
On DOS machine:
```
DIR T:\TS-04\
```
- If missing: CTONW will create it
- If "Access denied": Permission issue on NAS

#### Step 3: Check Source Data
On DOS machine:
```
DIR C:\ATE\8BDATA\*.DAT
```
- If no .DAT files, nothing to upload
- CTONW only uploads .DAT files to LOGS

#### Step 4: Run CTONW with Visible Output
```
C:\BAT\CTONW.BAT
```
- Watch for error messages
- Check which step fails

**Common Errors:**
- `[ERROR] MACHINE variable not set` → Run DEPLOY.BAT
- `[ERROR] T: drive not available` → Network down
- `[ERROR] Could not create target directory` → NAS permission issue
- `[ERROR] Upload initialization failed` → Memory or path issue

---

### Issue 8: Network Drive (T:) Not Mapped

**Symptom:**
- DOS machine shows: `[ERROR] T: drive not available`
- Cannot access T:\

**Troubleshooting Steps:**

#### Step 1: Check Network Stack
On DOS machine:
```
NET
```
- Should show Microsoft Network Client loaded
- If "Bad command or file name": Network not started

#### Step 2: Restart Network Client
```
C:\NET\STARTNET.BAT
```
- Watch for error messages
- Should map T: and X: drives

#### Step 3: Verify T: Drive After Network Start
```
DIR T:\
```
- Should show COMMON, TS-XX folders
- If error: Network mapping failed

#### Step 4: Check NAS Accessibility
```
PING 192.168.0.9
```
- DOS 6.22 may not have ping
- Try: `DIR T:\` instead

#### Step 5: Check STARTNET.BAT Configuration
```
EDIT C:\NET\STARTNET.BAT
```
Look for:
```batch
NET USE T: \\D2TESTNAS\test
```
- Verify server name and share correct
- Verify drive letter is T:

---

### Issue 9: Backup Files Accumulating (.BAK files)

**Symptom:**
- C:\BAT\ filling up with .BAK files
- Running out of disk space on DOS machines

**Explanation:**
- NWTOC creates .BAK backups before overwriting files
- This is intentional for rollback capability

**Solution:**

#### Option 1: Periodic Cleanup (Recommended)
On DOS machine:
```
DEL C:\BAT\*.BAK
```
- Safe to delete after verifying updates work
- Keep most recent .BAK for rollback

#### Option 2: Automated Cleanup
Add to AUTOEXEC.BAT (after NWTOC call):
```batch
REM Clean up backup files older than current
FOR %%F IN (C:\BAT\*.BAK) DO DEL %%F >NUL 2>NUL
```

#### Option 3: Keep Recent Backups Only
```batch
REM Keep only today's backups, delete older
DEL C:\BAT\OLDFILE1.BAK
DEL C:\BAT\OLDFILE2.BAK
```

---

### Issue 10: Updates Work but Performance Slow

**Symptom:**
- Updates download successfully
- Boot process takes 5+ minutes
- Network transfers slow

**Possible Causes:**

#### Cause 1: Network Congestion
- Multiple DOS machines booting simultaneously
- All downloading from NAS at once

**Solution:**
- Stagger reboot times
- Reboot in batches (5 machines at a time)

#### Cause 2: NAS Under Load
- Check NAS performance
- Verify NAS not running other intensive tasks

**Solution:**
- Schedule updates during off-hours
- Reduce concurrent connections

#### Cause 3: Large File Transfers
- Check file sizes in ProdSW
- Remove unnecessary large files

**Solution:**
- Keep ProdSW lean (< 10 MB total)
- Move large files to separate share

---

## Best Practices

### File Naming Conventions

**DO:**
- Use uppercase: `MYFILE.BAT`
- Follow 8.3 naming: `FILENAME.EXT` (8 chars + 3 char extension)
- Use underscores: `MY_FILE.BAT`
- Use dates: `BACKUP_20260119.BAT`

**DON'T:**
- Use spaces: `MY FILE.BAT` (will cause issues)
- Use special characters: `FILE@#$.BAT`
- Exceed 8 characters: `VERYLONGFILENAME.BAT` (truncated to `VERYLONG.BAT`)
- Use lowercase (DOS is case-insensitive, but uppercase is convention)

---

### Testing Updates

**Always test on one machine first:**

1. **Choose test machine:** TS-30 (designated test machine)
2. **Deploy to TS-30 folder first:**
   ```
   \\AD2\test\TS-30\ProdSW\NEWFILE.BAT
   ```
3. **Wait for sync + reboot TS-30**
4. **Verify functionality on TS-30**
5. **If successful, deploy to COMMON:**
   ```
   \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\NEWFILE.BAT
   ```

**This prevents breaking all 30 machines with one bad update.**

---

### Backup Strategy

**Before deploying updates:**

1. **Copy old file to backup folder:**
   ```
   \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\_backup\OLDFILE_20260119.BAK
   ```

2. **Create dated backup:**
   - Include date in filename
   - Keep backups for 30 days
   - Delete older backups monthly

3. **Document changes:**
   - Add entry to CHANGELOG.txt in ProdSW folder
   - Include: Date, File, Version, Changes, Your Name

---

### Communication

**Notify test staff before updates:**

1. **Email test team:**
   - Subject: "DOS Update: [File] - [Date]"
   - Include: What changed, Expected behavior, Reboot required?

2. **For urgent updates:**
   - Phone call or Teams message
   - Ask them to reboot specific machines
   - Verify update successful

3. **For system file updates:**
   - **Always notify test lead**
   - Schedule during low-activity time
   - Be available for troubleshooting

---

### Version Control

**Track versions in filenames or comments:**

**Option 1: Version in Filename**
```
\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\_versions\CHECKUPD_v1.2.BAT
```

**Option 2: Version in File Header**
```batch
@ECHO OFF
REM CHECKUPD.BAT - Version 1.2
REM Last modified: 2026-01-19
REM Changes: Added error logging
```

**Option 3: Use Git Repository**
- Maintain batch files in git
- Tag releases: `v1.2-production`
- Deploy from tagged versions

---

## FAQ

### Q: How long does it take for updates to reach DOS machines?

**A:**
- AD2 → NAS sync: 0-15 minutes (scheduled task)
- NAS → DOS machine: Next reboot (or manual NWTOC)
- **Total: 15 minutes to 24 hours** (depending on reboot schedule)

For urgent updates, ask test staff to manually run NWTOC.BAT.

---

### Q: Can I update multiple files at once?

**A:** Yes! Copy all files to \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\ at once. They'll all sync together and download together on next NWTOC run.

---

### Q: What happens if I overwrite a file while DOS machine is downloading?

**A:**
- If AD2 → NAS sync is running: File may be partially copied, retry on next sync
- If DOS machine is downloading: DOS gets whichever version was on NAS at start of download
- **Best practice:** Deploy during off-hours when DOS machines are idle

---

### Q: Can I delete old files from ProdSW?

**A:** Yes, but be careful:
1. Verify file not referenced by any batch file
2. Delete from AD2: `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\OLDFILE.BAT`
3. Wait for sync (15 minutes)
4. File removed from T:\COMMON\ProdSW\ on NAS
5. DOS machines won't download deleted file
6. **But:** File remains on DOS machines in C:\BAT\ until manually deleted

To remove from DOS machines:
- Ask test staff to: `DEL C:\BAT\OLDFILE.BAT` on each machine
- Or add to cleanup script

---

### Q: What's the difference between COMMON and machine-specific folders?

**A:**

**COMMON (\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\):**
- Deployed to ALL 30 DOS machines
- Use for: Standard batch files, shared programs
- Example: NWTOC.BAT, CTONW.BAT, CHECKUPD.BAT

**Machine-Specific (\\AD2\test\TS-04\ProdSW\):**
- Deployed to ONLY that specific machine
- Use for: Custom configurations, machine-unique programs
- Example: Special test config for TS-04

**Precedence:** Machine-specific files override COMMON files (downloaded second).

---

### Q: How do I know which version is on a DOS machine?

**A:** Ask test staff to check:

```batch
REM Check file date/time
DIR C:\BAT\FILENAME.BAT

REM Check version in file header
TYPE C:\BAT\FILENAME.BAT | MORE
```

Or keep a deployment log:
```
\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\DEPLOYMENT_LOG.txt
```

---

### Q: Can I test sync manually without waiting 15 minutes?

**A:** If you have SSH access to AD2, you can manually trigger sync:

```powershell
ssh INTRANET\sysadmin@192.168.0.6
# Run sync script manually (command depends on AD2 configuration)
```

Otherwise, ask IT to manually run sync task.

---

### Q: What if I need to rollback an update?

**A:**

**Option 1: Restore from Backup**
```
COPY \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\_backup\OLDFILE.BAK \\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\OLDFILE.BAT
```
Wait 15 minutes for sync, DOS machines download old version on next reboot.

**Option 2: On DOS Machine**
```
COPY C:\BAT\OLDFILE.BAK C:\BAT\OLDFILE.BAT
```
Immediate rollback on that machine only.

---

### Q: Can engineers run DEPLOY.BAT remotely?

**A:** No. DEPLOY.BAT must be run locally on the DOS machine:
- Requires direct access to C:\ drive
- Modifies AUTOEXEC.BAT on C:\
- Cannot be run over network share

**Deployment workflow:**
1. Engineer places files on AD2
2. Wait for sync to NAS
3. Test staff runs on DOS machine: `T:\UPDATE.BAT TS-XX`

---

### Q: What files should never be modified?

**A:** Be very careful with:

**System Files:**
- AUTOEXEC.BAT - Only update via DEPLOY.BAT or .NEW staging
- CONFIG.SYS - Only update via .NEW staging
- STARTNET.BAT - Network client config

**Core Update Files:**
- NWTOC.BAT - Download updates (test thoroughly before deploying)
- CTONW.BAT - Upload test data (test thoroughly)
- DEPLOY.BAT - Deployment installer (test on TS-30 first)
- STAGE.BAT - System file staging (critical for updates)
- REBOOT.BAT - Auto-generated, don't modify manually

---

## Summary

**Key Takeaways:**

1. **Access via:** `\\AD2\test\COMMON\ProdSW\`
2. **Sync time:** 15 minutes maximum
3. **Deployment:** Automatic on reboot (or manual NWTOC)
4. **Test first:** Use TS-30 or machine-specific folder
5. **Backup always:** Keep old versions before updating
6. **Communicate:** Notify test staff of updates

**Emergency Contact:**
- IT Support: [Contact Info]
- Test Team Lead: [Contact Info]

---

**Document End**

*For change log details, see ENGINEER_CHANGELOG.md*
*For test staff procedures, see DEPLOYMENT_GUIDE.md*