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BM-FILERE-B02 - Backup-Manager file-restore (form-driven)

Overview

BM-FILERE-B02 is a Norsk Data ND-500 full-screen, form-driven application. The README index calls it a "binary file reader/editor"; however, the symbol and string content of the DOM strongly indicates it is the FILE-RESTORE component of the ND Backup Manager (BM) suite. [from disasm] Embedded names include BACKUP-MANAGER, BM-FILERESTORE, FILE-RESTORE, BM-SCHEDULER, BM-OPERATOR, BM-DEFINITION, plus device/tape and name-server references (MAG-TAPE-, READ-DEVICES, DP-NAME-SERVER, DMA-SERVER). [from disasm] So BM-FILERE most likely expands to "Backup Manager FILE REstore". This is version B02. [verified] (folder name) The "binary file reader/editor" label is the README's provisional description and is not confirmed by the binary. [UNVERIFIED]

The program runs a "command/form" system (it prints New command/form system established.) and works through named forms with typed fields. [from disasm]

For shared install/run conventions see ../README.md.

Files (in files/)

  • BM-FILERE-B02.DOM - the runnable ND-500 domain (~1 MB). [verified] Self-contained (no PSEG/DSEG/HELP/INIT ships). [verified]

There is no analysis/*.asm disassembly for this program; the notes here come from strings inside the DOM plus one verified load run. [verified] (analysis/ is empty)

Requirements

  • The .DOM file to load and initialise its UI. [verified]
  • XMSG must be available: the program issues MON 513B (B5XMSG) shortly after starting, which is not yet implemented in nd500x - so it stops there. [verified] See "Known issues" below.
  • Its inputs are backup/dump files: prompts ask for a .DATA file for dump, a .DSEG file for dump, and a .DATA file for input. [from disasm]
  • Install: copy files/BM-FILERE-B02.DOM into the sintran-root. See ../README.md.

How to run

Interactive: at the SINTRAN @ prompt type the bare name (the @ is the prompt, do not type it):

BM-FILERE-B02

Scripted drive from ~/repos/nd500x (will only get as far as the XMSG stop, see below):

printf 'LOGIN GUEST\nBM-FILERE-B02\n' | ./build/bin/nd500x --monitor \
    --user GUEST --sintran-root ~/ND500USERS

Commands and options

This is a form-driven, full-screen tool, not a command-line one. Because it stops at the unimplemented XMSG call before reaching normal operation, its command/form interaction has NOT been observed. [verified]

Prompt strings embedded in the DOM (order and full flow UNVERIFIED): [from disasm]

  • :DATA file for input: - the input dump/data file.
  • .DATA file for dump (must exist): - a reply of HOME means no DATA file required.
  • .DSEG file for dump (must exist): - a reply of HOME means no DSEG file required.

It also carries a crash/stack handler (Hit CR(continue),P(prev. stack),N(Next stack),L(Local data),E(exit):) and form-management diagnostics (This form has already been defined, Attempt to define a too big form). [from disasm]

UNVERIFIED: the actual restore commands, the form names a user selects, and the full field layout.

Verified behaviour in nd500x

Verified 2026-07-31 in the nd500x C emulator: [verified]

  • Loads, initialises its full-screen UI (clears the screen).
  • Then issues MON 513B (B5XMSG, an XMSG call), which is not implemented, so execution stops at that point.
  • Earlier it was also blocked on MON 416B (WSEGN); that call is now implemented and is no longer the blocker.

Known issues / status

  • BLOCKED: needs XMSG (MON 512B/MON 513B), which is deferred in nd500x. The program cannot proceed past its first XMSG call. [verified]
  • Identity ("Backup Manager File Restore" vs the README's "binary file reader/editor") is inferred from strings, not confirmed. [UNVERIFIED]
  • No disassembly present; interaction flow not observed. [verified]

References