A guide to running software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ computer

Restarting a Amstrad CPC+ to load cassette or disc software

If you are using a CPC464+:

Restarting a Amstrad CPC to load cassette or disc software

If you are using a CPC464, CPC664, CPC472 or CPC6128:

Loading cassette software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system

Loading disc software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system

Loading disc software using "|CPM"

You should attempt to start a program on a disc using this method if there is a "Read fail" error with the "CAT" or "|DIR" commands.

[Picture showing '|CPM' command]

  • The screen will clear. There are 3 possible results:
    1. Drive A: read fail
      
      Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
      

      If you press the "R" key, then the "read fail" message is repeated. If you press "I" or "C" keys then the following message is displayed.

      Failed to load boot sector
      
      Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
      

      [Picture showing 'Read fail' error after '|CPM' command has been executed]

      These errors show that the command has failed and that the program can't be started using the "|CPM" command.

    2. Failed to load boot sector
      
      Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
      

      [Picture showing 'Failed to load boot sector' error after '|CPM' command has been executed]

      This error shows that the command has failed and the program can't be started using the "|CPM" command.

    3. The program will load and run! The program can be started using the "|CPM" command.