FlopImager
Tuesday, 12 April 2005 23:48
Current state: Released (Version 2.1)

FlopImager creates image files of your floppy disks. Once created you can write them back to another disk. So FlopImager can be used to simply copy one disk to another, but the main reason I wrote this application is, that the data saved to a floppy disk is not as save as if you would write it to compact- or a harddisk.

Overview

FlopImager creates image files of your floppy disks. Once created you can write them back to another disk. So FlopImager can be used to simply copy one disk to another, but the main reason I wrote this application is, that the data saved to a floppy disk is not as save as if you would write it to compact- or a harddisk.

ImageIt is quite easy to copy all the files stored on a floppy disk to another media. But some floppy disks contain extra information is not stored in files (eg. the bootsector your Win2k setup disks or your old MS-DOS boot disks). How would you copy this information? Or what if your floppy disk contains data without filesystem information (disks written by other operating systems)?

This is where FlopImager becomes useful. This very easy-to-use application reads the whole content of your disk cylinder by cylinder and saves it into an image file on a specified path. If the original disk get lost or damaged, it can any time be reproduced with help of the disk image.

FlopImager comes in two flavours: One as a Windows program for convenient usage via mouse, and once as a console application allowing FlopImager to be used in scripts and other programs.

Download

If you would like to download a copy, please visit the designated product page: FlopImager Product Page

Background

The program is written in C++ and compiled with the Microsoft compiler. For the graphical user interface I used MFC7, which I have statically linked to the program, so that no MFC7 DLLs are required.

History of Changes

There was simply no floppy disk image tool available which fitted my needs. So I wrote the FlopImager program and published it on my private website. All the good feedback I received from all over the world motivated me to continue writing on it, and to turn FlopImager into a good product:
  • Version 2.1 (28-Aug-2003): introduced self-extracting image files, fixed a problem with the about box, enhanced file type recognition, tooltips
  • Version 2.0 (20-Jul-2003): majorly rewritten, new file format, data compression, command line options, new licensing module
  • Version 1.5 (20-Feb-2002): common filename dialogs are now application modal, added Win2k support, lowlevel format dismissed
  • Version 1.4 (03-Mar-1999): drag’n’drop capability and file type registration added, user interface redesigned
  • Version 1.3 (28-Jan-1999): bug in the file selection dialog fixed, user interface redesigned
  • Version 1.2 (09-Jan-1999): manual added to the package
  • Version 1.1 (28-Dec-1998): bug in memory allocation fixed
  • Version 1.0 (25-Dec-1998): first public release

Special Features of the Windows Application

The Windows application was written for its simplicity to use. It has the following features which are specific to the Windows application:
  • Multithreaded for a responsive user interface
  • Cancel button for interrupting the current action
  • File type registration
  • Drag-n-drop

Special Features of the Console Application

The console application was written to support shell scripting. It has the following features which are specific to the console application:
  • Interrupt signal handling when pressing Ctrl-C
  • Integrated help with the -h command line switch
Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 November 2005 11:07