System messages
Installation – The System Messages
The System Messages
With your parameters defined and your Program and Boot files properly installed, it is time to create and customize your System Messages. This is where your BBS begins to take on its personality.
The install disk includes sample system message files. Many contain placeholder content explaining when the file is displayed or what it is used for. Use a file copier to transfer all desired sample "system messages" onto the drive assigned for your System Files.
As noted earlier, all BBS system filenames must include the check mark character (shifted @) as the first character of the filename.
Creating and Editing System Messages
There are several ways to create or modify system messages:
- A word processor that saves SEQ text files (such as Easy Script)
- The stand-alone BBS message editor
- The built-in message editor within the BBS DOS section
- Kaleidoscope (recommended for menu-style screens)
To use the stand-alone message editor, load and RUN the program "+editor" from your Boot disk (for floppy-based systems).
After loading, you will see a menu similar to this:
The “Read Newsletter” option is a legacy item from the original 8.0 release when a Color 64 newsletter was planned. It remains as an artifact of that era.
Editing a Message File
To edit a message on any drive:
- Press F1.
- Enter the device number of the drive that contains (or will contain) the message file.
- If the number shown in brackets is correct, press RETURN.
- Enter the drive number (0 or 1). Again, press RETURN to accept the default.
- Enter any drive initialization command if required.
Normally, you will press RETURN for the init command. However, special configurations may require commands such as:
- `u0>h1` for the back side of a 1571
- `u0>m1` to place a 1571 into 1571 mode
- Hard drive partition commands as needed
Finally, enter the filename — remembering to include the required prefix character:
- “√” for protected system files
- “@” when appropriate for hidden description files
If the file exists, it will load into memory for editing. If it does not exist, it will be created when saved.
Example screen:
Editor Capabilities
The stand-alone editor functions the same way as the online message editor used for public and private messages.
Key differences:
- The stand-alone editor allows messages up to approximately 500 lines.
- It supports full color control codes.
- The online editor is limited to the “Maximum lines per message” value defined in the “√bbs.parms” file.
This makes the stand-alone editor ideal for creating longer system files such as welcome screens, information files, menus, and help documentation.
System Messages Definition List
The table below provides the list of system message files that Color 64 uses:
| File | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| √systemstart |  |
The very first file displayed when a user connects. Keep this in lower case and graphics-free in case the caller is using ASCII (it will appear upper case to them). Common uses include BBS name, date, time, or an initial greeting. |
| √systemstart2 |  |
Immediately follows √systemstart. Edit it and include verbiage to the user to press DEL or Backspace for graphics detection. Should remain lower case and non-graphical. |
| √banner √abanner |
 |
Displayed after graphics detection.
Graphics are fully permitted here. |
| √welcome1 |  |
Main greeting screen shown after graphics check and before credential entry. |
| √welcome2 |  |
Optional. Displayed after successful login. Can be graphical or minimal. |
| √logon stats √logon stats80 |
 |
Shows current BBS and account status.
Uses extensive Variable MCI commands. Edit cautiously. |
| √sysopin √sysopout |
 |
Displayed depending on whether the SYSOP flag is set to “In” or “Out.” Graphics permitted. |
| √level # msg |  |
Level-specific message displayed after login.
Create files such as “√level 3 msg” or “√level 7 msg.” If added or removed while running, press F4 at WFC to reset flags. |
| √wall |  |
Optional user wall / guestbook. Remove command “W” from BBS Commands if deleting. |
| √sysop news |  |
Displays dated SYSOP news entries. Each user only sees unread entries. Keep concise. |
| √menu# |  |
Main menu screen per access level (e.g., √menu4).
Can be graphical. Multi-page menus are possible but may slow navigation. |
| √chat enter |  |
Displayed when chat session begins. |
| √chat exit |  |
Displayed when chat session ends. |
| √new user msg1 |  |
Displayed after new user account assignment. Keep short and avoid screen clears. |
| √new user msg2 |  |
Displayed after application completion. Include instructions for validation if needed. |
| √application |  |
Script-driven application file.
Lines beginning with “#” trigger prompts. Responses stored in mailbox and “√questXX” files. |
| √bbs closed | Create to prevent new users from registering. Lower case recommended for ASCII compatibility. | |
| √membership full |  |
Displayed when maximum user limit has been reached. |
| √member list msg |  |
Displayed before membership list. |
| √membership list | Automatically generated user list. | |
| √information |  |
System information file describing hardware, configuration, or other details. |
| √no mail |  |
Displayed when no private mail is waiting. Optional. |
| √sysop not here |  |
Displayed when chat request receives no response. |
| √still not here |  |
Displayed on subsequent unanswered chat requests. |
| √sayings# |  |
Random sayings displayed before first command prompt.
Example: √sayings1 through √sayings6. Optional. |
| √games menu |  |
Required if running games from AUX3.
Disable spare command “1” if using Mod Menu instead. |
| √logoff |  |
Displayed prior to disconnect. Optional. |
| √upload msg |  |
Displayed before upload begins. |
| √upload held |  |
Displayed after upload when below auto-release level. |
| Other Notable Screens | ||
| √doshelp |  |
Displayed at DOS Wedge when “?” is entered. |
| √msg menu |  |
Message menu help display. |
| √wfc |  |
Waiting For Call screen (SYSOP console).
Uses heavy Variable MCI and ML-populated modem status field. Edit carefully. |
| √mod edit menu |  |
Help screen for Mod Menu. |
| √mod sub menu |  |
Sub-menu help for Mod Menu. |
Special Provisions for ASCII callers
Normally when a BBS uses a large amount of PETSCII graphics, non-graphic (ASCII) callers can have difficulty understanding what is displayed on their screen. Fortunately, Color 64 v8.1 and above handle most screen conversions automatically, making the system usable for both PETSCII and ASCII users.
That said, certain screens — particularly menus with heavy graphics — may not translate cleanly. For these situations, Color 64 provides an optional method for creating alternate system files specifically for ASCII callers.
Included with the system is a merge file called afr.ovxx (AFR = ASCII File Read). This merge can be applied to all overlays except for the Network overlays.
How the ASCII Alternate File System Works
- Create your standard system file as usual.
- If you want an ASCII-friendly version, create a second file:
- Use the same filename.
- Remove or simplify any troublesome PETSCII graphics.
- Add a plus sign (+) to the end of the filename.
Example:
- √menu1 (standard PETSCII version)
- √menu1+ (ASCII alternate version)
When an ASCII caller accesses the system, the BBS will automatically display the “+” version of the file if it exists.
Important Limitations
System files that function as scripts rather than simple display files cannot use this method. Examples include:
- √application
- √sysop news
These files are executed as part of program flow rather than being read directly to the modem, and therefore cannot be converted using the AFR method.
Next Section: Help & Text Files