Q. I own an issue 3 Spectrum. When I try to SAVE programs on cassette I get all the lines and flashing borders, but when I try to VERIFY the programs they are not there. Is it due to the cassette player I use?

Glenn Knights
Woodbridge, Suffolk

A. The major source of problems with SAVEing Spectrum programs is not disconnecting the EAR cable when using the MIC cable. If this isn't what you're doing, then your program is either something to do with your tape machine or with the Spectrum's hardware.

Does your Spectrum LOAD commerical software from tape? If so, SAVE one of your own programs, then listen to the tape. If you get a relatively clear (and fairly unpleasant) morse-code style noise, then the recording is going to plan. If not, try SAVEing on a different tape recorder. If this works fine it's your tape recorder that's to blame.

If not, take your Spectrum back to the shop for an exchange - it clearly doesn't work.