Classic Computer Magazine Archive COMPUTE! ISSUE 21 / FEBRUARY 1982 / PAGE 12

"In COMPUTE!#16 you had an article for Applesoft on loading tape. Well, we have an Atari 800, and my husband is having trouble loading and unloading tape, he keeps losing his program ... Could you publish something in regards to it?" Mrs. W. Phipps

Here are some suggestions and precautions: 1. Use the more expensive, better quality tapes. 2. Remember to issue an LPRINT before any CSAVE. 3. Always have two copies (in case one goes bad). 4. Make sure that files are saved with the aid of the digital counter. Don't overlap. 5. When loading, try several times with the tape positioned slightly differently each time (via FFwrd). 6. Clean the tape heads and the rubber wheel that pulls the tape through with cleaning solution and demagnetize the heads with a demagnetizer (both items available at electronics stores). 7. Don't leave the Play or Play and Record buttons down for any long periods. 8. Experiment with alternative ways to SAVE programs: CSAVE/CLOAD, SAVE "C"/LOAD "C", or LIST "C"/ENTER "C". 9. If, after all this, you're still experiencing problems–chances are your heads are misaligned or something else is electronically wrong. Take the recorder in for professional adjustment.