New Finds: Torch software / docs

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Thu Jun 26 16:20:00 2003

> > You may not have realised it yet, but the Torch OS is keyed
> > to the serial
> > number of the (uncopyable) Key disk. If you have to
> > re-install the OS, or
> > if the NiCd goes flat, or... you need the right key disk...
>
> I'll probably never come by a Torch, so I ask for academic
> interest only, but what makes this disk uncopyable (as
> opposed to just hard to copy given an appropriate piece of
> hardware like say the Catweasel)?

The useual -- misformatted/unformatted tracks. OK, a catweasel almost
certainly _can_ copy it.

In fact a XXX given the right software can _create_ key disks with any
desired serial number. The Utility to do this did escape from Torch IIRC.

>
> What is the disk keyed to? Can it be replaced?

There's a serial number somewhere in the OS image. It must match the serial
number in the battery backed RAM of the XXX that's to run that OS. The
battery backed RAM is loaded from the keydisk.

And yes, there are ways round it.

-tony
Received on Thu Jun 26 2003 - 16:20:00 BST