This just got even more strange.
Recap: I have an image, an .ST file, that I put something I develop on
and test with Hatari. I also every now and then convert that very same
.ST file to HFE format and load on my HxC Floppy Emu and test on a real
STE. The content on that .ST file (normal files, normal image) works
fine on Hatari 1.6.2 (and earlier) as well as on my STE. I change the
files on this image regularly while developing.
When I tried a Mac build of 1.7 my program suddenly crashed. I debugged
it extensively, and even though all calls to gemdos are correct and
return the correct values the actual _content_ I load into memory
(files, different ones, using F_READ) have the first 10*256 bytes
replaced with what looks like the first track of the _disk_ (at least
the FAT is visibly there), although there seems to be some layout
difference. The rest of the file loads correctly (60-80kb depending on
which). This with TOS, tested with 1.4/1.62/2.06, and only when loaded
from AUTO. It works with EmuTOS however, as well as with TOS when loaded
from desktop.
The update: When creating a stripped down version for you to test with,
I had problems recreating the error. Finally, frustrated, I took the
_same_ files (verified with diff!) and put on a new image - and that new
image works fine on the Hatari 1.7 build as well.
The files are _the same_ - and it cannot be a case of corrupt image
since the original image works on other versions of Hatari as well as on
target hardware (converted by the HxC software). I use Hatari to create
the images, and they are of the same configuration (80/9).
I'm at a loss, sorry. It does however indicate, in my view, that this
should be treated as a freak incident and not affect any release
schedules on your part. I can (and have been for a few hours, testing
all possible combinations) still replicate this issue at will with the
original image and copies of it made on my host system of course - but
that doesn't really help anyone.
At a future unspecified point in time I'll happily share the image
(copies have been made if it should suddenly correct itself) - but I
will stop spending time on this issue myself now since the few hours of
Atari-time I can extract I want to spend with the content of the image
instead ... :P