============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0323E 03-25-91 ============================================================================= AST-5250 SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY The following information is to assist in proper utilization of AST 5250 products and software: ASYNC AST IBM PC DIAL-UP CLUSTER GATEWAY FT/11-A SUPPORT/PCFSU 5251/11+ 1.0, 1.03 N/A N/A N/A N/A PCFSU: S/34-8 with ASTVDI PC/SSPT 36-8 NOT SUPPORTED 1.12 N/A N/A N/A 1.10-1.12 PCFSU: S/34-8 (S/34/36) with ASTVDI PC/SSPT 36-8 NOT SUPPORTED 1.12 N/A N/A N/A 1.20-1.21 PCFSU: S/34-8 (S/38) with ASTVDI PC/SSPT 36-8 NOT SUPPORTED 2.0, 2.01, 3.2 3.2 N/A 1.23 PC/SPPT 36 2.03, 2.04 (L.L.) with ASTROUTR (S/34-8) PCFSU: S/34-8 PC/SPPT 38 NOT SUPPORTED 3.0, 3.01 3.3 3.3 N/A 1.23 PC/SPPT 34-8 (S/34-8) (L.L.) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.02 3.3 3.3 N/A 1.27 PC/SPPT 34-8 (S/34-8) (L.L.) (S/38) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.10 4.11 4.11 N/A 1.30 PC/SPPT 34-8 (S/34-8) (AST) (AST) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.13.* 4.11* 4.11* 4.13* 1.30 PC/SPPT 34-8 (2/34-8) with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.21 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.30 PC/SPPT 34-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 3.22*** 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 34-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 3.23 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 34-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 5251/12 1.0,1A,2.1, N/A N/A N/A SSI's ETU N/A 3.3 3.50,3.53/4 N/A N/A N/A 1.23 PC/SPPT 36 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 PC/SPPT 38 NOT SUPPORTED 4.0* 4.11* 4.11* 4.13* 1.30 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.14 4.14 4.14 4.13 1.30 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.21*** 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.30 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 4.30 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 5251/11ENH+ 4.01* 4.11* 4.11* ** 1.30* PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.15 4.14 4.14 4.13 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.21 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.22*** 4.21 4.21 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT 36-8 with STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8 4.23 4.23 4.23 4.21 1.31 PC/SPPT S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED 4.30 4.23 4.23 4.21 1.33 PC/SPPT S/34-8 AS/400 PC SPPT NOT SUPPORTED AS/400 PC SPPT Not Not Not Not Supported by Sup- Sup- Sup- Sup- ASTWNAH.EXE ported ported ported ported LEGEND: N/A = Not Applicable S/3X = IBM System 34, 36 or 38 L.L. = Laguna Labs * = Version Listed or Greater ** = If IBM's Token Ring Network is used, AST5250 Gateway software maintenance release version 4.12.37 or 4.14 must be used *** = Supports IBM AS/400 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0428B 04-04-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/286 AND 386 THIRD FLOPPY SUPPORT The following summarizes installation considerations for a third floppy device in AST Premium Computers: PREMIUM/286 HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS PREMIUM/286 systems equipped with part number 202143-003 or 202143-004 system boards include embedded diskette drive controller circuitry that allows support for a third floppy device. The third floppy is connected to the 34 pin connector on the system board with an additional floppy drive controller cable (AST part number 220085-001). The cable is attached to the third floppy device and the 34 pin connector J20 on the system board. PREMIUM/386 HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS All PREMIUM/386 system boards are built with embedded third floppy diskette control circuitry. The same cable (AST part number 220085-001) is required to install the third floppy device. This cable connects to the P4 connector on the 386 system board. SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS Because the third floppy device is not directly recognized by the system BIOS, two device drivers, DRIVER.SYS and ASTDSK.DRV, must be inserted into the CONFIG.SYS file. DRIVER.SYS is provided with MS-DOS Version 3.3 Release 1.3 and ASTDSK.DRV is provided on the AST Utilities diskette shipped with all PREMIUM systems. DOS VERSIONS AST recommends and supports the use of AST MS-DOS Version 3.3 Release 1.3. For best results, users of earlier DOS versions should upgrade to Version 3.3 Release 1.3. Contact your local AST Service Center for additional information. INSTALLATION The AST Utilities Diskette provides menu-driven automatic installation of the third floppy device drivers into the CONFIG.SYS file. The following are the configuration commands for each of the possible hardware combinations. The commands listed below are supported under DOS Version 3.2 and 3.3 unless otherwise noted: For 360 KB drive (5.25-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 0 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:0 For 720 KB drive (3.5-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 2 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:2 For 1.2 MB drive (5.25-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 1 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:1 /S:15 For 1.44 MB drive (3.5-inch diskettes) DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 3 DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:7 /S:18 (use /F:3 for DOS 3.2) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0429B 01-02-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/386 AND 386C DIAGNOSTICS AND UTILITIES This bulletin contains reference charts which summarizes the contents of diagnostics and utility software for the PREMIUM/386 and PREMIUM/386C. TABLE OF CONTENTS +-----------------------------------------------------------+ | | CHART | | DESCRIPTION | NO. | |-------------------------------------------------+---------| | | | | PREM/386 AND 386C RELEASE 5.0 UTILITIES/TEST | 5 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 4.1 UTILITIES/TEST | 4 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 4.0 UTILITIES/TEST | 3 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.4 UTILITIES/TEST | 2 | | | | | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.3 UTILITIES/TEST | 1 | | | | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ CHART #5 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 & 386C RELEASE 5.0 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 & 386C | | WITH AST BIOS ver 2.3 OR ABOVE | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |*P/N 910340-001 | 5.0 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.46 | | | | ASTMENU1.EXE | 1.50 | | | | ASTMENU2.COM | 1.40 | | | | ASTMENU3.EXE | 1.63 | | | | ASTMENU.MEN | 1.81 | | | | ASTDSK.DRV | 1.12 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.41 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.41 | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 4.08 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 2.01 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 3.22 | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.61 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 2.01 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.20 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.72 | +----------------------------------------------+ *This bootable diskette uses the AST Boot Loader Program and does not contain any MS-DOS system files. CHART #4 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 & 386C RELEASE 4.1 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 & 386C | | WITH AST BIOS ver 2.0, 2.1 & 2.2 | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |P/N 910340-001 | 4.1 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.43 | | | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.38 | | | | ASTMENU.MEN | 1.44 | | | | ASTDSK.DRV | 1.09 | | | | ASTUPDT.EXE | 1.39 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.19 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.32 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.67 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.40 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 2.00 | | | | ASTSERV.SYS | 1.00 | | | | ASTTUPDT.EXE | 1.39 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 2.00 | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.70 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.15 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | +----------------------------------------------+ CHART #3 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 RELEASE 4.0 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 | | WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3, 2.0, 2.1 & 2.2 | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |P/N 910266-001 | 4.0 | 386TEST.EXE | 2.00 | | | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTDSK.DRV | 1.09 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTUPDT.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.19 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.19 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.27 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 | | | | AUTO.MEN | 1.14 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.60 | | | | PARK.COM | 1.00 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.10 | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |* P/386 H/W MAINT | | | | | P/N 910294-001 | 2.2 | 386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 | +----------------------------------------------+ * The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the Premium/386 Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001). CHART #2 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.4 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 | | WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3 ONLY | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |* P/N 910241-001 | 3.4 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.20 | | 910241-002 | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.10 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.00 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.11 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.20 | | | | ASTEMM.COM | 2.20 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 | | | | AUTO.MEN | 1.14 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.50 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.10 | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |**P/386 H/W MAINT | | | | | P/N 910294-001 | 2.2 | 386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 | +----------------------------------------------+ * Premium/386 Utility Release 3.4 resides on two 360KB diskettes and includes the following AST MS-DOS files: COMMAND.COM COUNTRY.SYS FDISK.COM FORMAT.COM KEYBOARD.SYS MODE.COM SELECT.COM XCOPY.EXE ** The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the PREMIUM/386 Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001). CHART #1 +----------------------------------------------+ | PREM/386 RELEASE 3.3 UTILITIES/TEST | |----------------------------------------------| | TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 | | WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3 only | |----------------------------------------------| | DISK | REL#| FILES | VER | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |P/386 UTILITIES | | | | |* P/N 910241-001 | 3.3 | 386TEST.EXE | 1.10 | | 910241-002 | | ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 | | | | ASTMS.EXE | 1.10 | | | | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.00 | | | | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.11 | | | | ASTEMM.SYS | 2.20 | | | | ASTEMM.COM | 2.20 | | | | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 | | | | AUTO.MEN | 1.14 | | | | FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A | | | | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 | | | | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.40 | | | | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 | | | | SPEED.EXE | 1.10 | |------------------+-----+--------------+------| |**P/386 H/W MAINT | | | | | P/N 910294-001 | 2.2 | 386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 | +----------------------------------------------+ * Premium/386 Utility Release 3.3 resides on two 360KB diskettes and includes the following AST MS-DOS files: COMMAND.COM COUNTRY.SYS FDISK.COM FORMAT.COM KEYBOARD.SYS MODE.COM SELECT.COM XCOPY.EXE ** The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the PREMIUM/386 Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0435B 10-06-92 ============================================================================= TURBOLASER PRINT QUALITY PROBLEM: Inconsistency of print quality occurring on various models of the AST TurboLaser printer. Some printers produce output with shadowing or ghosting around characters and graphic drawings. SOLUTION: AST has recently qualified an additional toner manufacturer and recommends that those customer experiencing the ghosting and or shadowing problem, change to the new toner as soon as convenient. The toner is manufactured by the Pelikan Corporation in accordance with AST's specifications. This toner should be purchased from Corporate Support Technologies. To order call: Corporate Support Technologies 1-800-422-3792 (part number 500600-049) Kit A/Toner ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0457A 02-21-90 ============================================================================= AST-3270/FTS-C FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Product Marketing has reviewed all of the open issues relating to this product. They have made the decision that the following issues will not be resolved. This product has been discontinued by AST. No further enhancements will be made to this product. These issues are: - User cannot upload files to a TSO host properly. If the customer tries to upload information to an existing partitioned data set and a non- existing member, he receives the error message "UNABLE TO TERMINATE INPUT MODE". If neither the data set nor the corresponding member exist on the host, the file transfer will work for the first member only. (PR#A32006) - User cannot transmit more than one file to the host during a file transfer session. The first file transfers okay, but after entering the second file name, the error message from the host "IKJ56712I- INVALID KEYWORD, LISTDS IKJ560703A-RE-ENTER" is displayed. The file transfer software displays the message "Unable to open dataset". (PR#A32007) - With FTS-C version 1.31, user is reporting intermittent problems when attempting to upload files of greater than 64K in size. The host is an IBM 4381 running CMS under VM/SP release 5. When FTS-C attempts to close the uploaded file, the error message "NON-RECOVERABLE HOST ERROR, FTS ABORTED" is displayed. (PR#A32011) - When attempting file transfer on an MVS/XA TSO/ACF2 host, the error message "Unable to list TSO profile" message is received when the file upload is commenced. (PR#A32012) - When performing file uploads to the host, user says that FTS-C sends screens of data faster than the host can process them. The software does wait for an acknowledgement from the host that the first screen was received, but does not wait to send ensuing screens of data. The host is operating under MVS/XA TSO. (PR#A32013) - When using FTS-C software with a mainframe configured with TSO/E version 3.0, downloading of files does not occur correctly. Parts of records are either truncated or missing altogether. Problem occurs with files of larger than 10K in size. (PR#A32008) - "Unrecoverable host errors" occur on a host operating under VM release 5 with a multi-session manager called "VTERM" installed. Errors occur at end of file transfer session as files are being downloaded. (PR#A32014) - Packed record formats are not supported with FTS-C. When the software encounters the LRECL parameter value of "1024" (for packed files) the error message "record length greater than 255" is generated. (PR#A32015) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0499A 05/16/90 ============================================================================= AST-5250 ASYNC DIAL-UP FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 5250 Async Dial-up product (part number 500307-001). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - The user is sharing one session between the master and slave systems. This device is also used as a sub-console. When a change is made to the screen of the slave, such as a change of menu, the screen takes about 30 seconds to completely refresh on the slave. (PR#A46011) - A job sent from the IBM System/36 to a printer attached to an Async Dial-up slave may appear to operate very slowly. The printer will print two lines, pause, then print two more lines. The Async Dial-up product is however, operating as designed. (PR#A46015) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0500E 11-14-90 ============================================================================= AST-5251/11 ENHANCED FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 5251/11 Enhanced product (part number 500417-XXX). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - An application from IBM for use on the IBM AS/400, called "AS/400 OFFICE", will not operate when used on a terminal which is configured using the Enhanced emulation software. When the program is loaded, data on the screen is garbled. (PR#A45129) - The 5251/11 Enhanced board does not function correctly when installed in a system with an Orchid "Tiny Turbo" card. The 5251/11 software reports various errors such as "Internal stack overflow" and "Unidentified error". (PR#A45059) - The user is printing a job sent from the System 36 to a printer attached to the PC which is emulating an IBM system printer. If during the job the printer is powered down, upon re-starting the printer the rest of the printed data is unintelligible. (PR#A45092) - The utility ASTKBD.EXE may corrupt the AST5251.KBD data file, if changes are made to the keyboard configuration and the changes are written over the existing AST5251.KBD file. (PR#A45081) - The Enhanced card does not appear to operate correctly when installed on a line with the IBM 3197 terminal. If the Enhanced card is the last device on the line, and the IBM 3197 terminals in front of it are operating then the system with the Enhanced card in it may lock up. (PR#A45101) - The 5251/11 Enhanced product does not operate in a Toshiba 5100 PC. The user gets a blank sign-on screen with "SA" highlighted. The emulation does not work at any system speed. (PR#A45036) - The keyboard mapping of the 11/Enhanced product does not work correctly on the Wyse Models 2200 and 2214. The keypad, cursor arrow keys, and right "control" key do not operate as they are supposed to. (PR#A45057) - Emulation does not function correctly in the Commodore PC-10 compatible computer. System locks up when more than one error message is received from the System 34. (PR#A45063) - The 11/Enhanced product does not work correctly in the DTK XT-clone system. It may be necessary to disable the PC's clock to allow emulation to operate. (PR#A45113) - With 11/Enhanced board operating in a Unisys PC with a Persyst CGA adapter, there is more than the normal amount of "snow" on the emulation screen. The "no snow" option in the configuration program does not have any affect on the problem. (PR#A45118) - The 5251/11 Enhanced software does not support the Keytronics 122-key keyboard. The right hand "Control" key and the PC "Enter key" issue the same scan code in DOS. For this reason these two keys cannot be mapped to different functions by the AST emulation software. (PR#A45116) - When running emulation program in EGA mode, all screen attributes that should appear as yellow on the screen actually appear as a shade of brown. (PR#A45168) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0513F 11-15-90 ============================================================================= AST-5251/11 FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 5251/11 product (part number 500222-XXX). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - The user is attempting to use virtual print, to print a DisplayWrite 4 document. When trying to print to a 5219 printer, bold character codes are being interpreted as blank spaces. (PR#A00147) - User has 5251/11 cards in IBM XT's and XT clones. User has found that after signing on the System 38, the systems with these cards will randomly lock up. Removing the hard disk and controller seems to resolve the problem. (PR#A00154) - User has a VGA display adapter installed in conjunction with the 5251/11 card. During a cold boot of the system, the 5251/11 KERNEL program fails to load, with an error code "5". However, during a warm boot KERNEL successfully loads. (PR#A00181) - The use of the Hewlett Packard LaserJet II is not fully supported with the 5251/11 software. This means that the LaserJet II cannot be used to emulate all functions of a true IBM System 3X printer when attached to a PC running the AST emulation program. (PR#A00188) - The 5251/11 adapter does not operate in a Magitronics 12MHz AT clone. When emulation software is executed, only a blank sign-on screen appears. The "SA" is not highlighted in the status area, and the cursor remains in the upper left-hand corner. (PR#A00185) - 5251/11 does not support Epson LQ850 and LQ1050 printers because Vertical Motion Index units of n/60 are not recognized by the emulation software. (PR#A00192) - Under 5251/11 emulation, a Hewlett Packard LaserJet II printer is configured as an IBM 5224 Model 1 printer. When printing any system 36 application, one or more blank pages (depending on the application) are ejected after every form feed, which is not normal operation for this type of printer. (PR#A00171 and PR#A00196) - The 5251/11 emulation is installed in an "AT" type system which has Award 3.03 BIOS. When loading the emulation software, an error code "2" or "3" is generated, and software cannot be executed. (PR#A00189) - Displaywrite/36 documents do not print correctly through 5251/11 emulation. The PC printer emulating a host printer does not recognize the right margins of the Displaywrite/36 document. Also, when printing a legal (8.5 by 14 inch) document, the PC printer does a form feed at 11 inches. (PR#A00150) - The "End" (number 122) key on a 122-key keyboard will not remap to another function in "shifted" or "caps lock" mode. The same key can be remapped to another function in "lower case" mode. (PR#A00194) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0547A 03-22-90 ============================================================================= 5250 FILE TRANSFER ON THE IBM AS/400 These requirements must be met before using AST 5250 File Transfer software on the IBM AS/400: - The AS/400 library named QSYS38 provides the functions needed for the System/38 environment. This library must be present and added to a user's library list before using the AST 5250 file transfer software. Without these functions the software will fail to initialize and generate function check errors. - A period occurring in the name of a file which is to be either uploaded to or downloaded from the AS/400 will cause the following error to occur: ERROR 30 S/3X FILE(S) NOT FOUND Remove any periods found in file names before attempting to transfer on the AS/400. It should be noted that periods are allowed in files transferred on the IBM System/36. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0550A 03-06-90 ============================================================================= AST-3270 COAX II-CUT FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the 3270 COAX II-CUT product (part number 500564-001). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - Coax II board fails to operate in a Zenith model Z286LP. When attempting to execute the loader software the user receives shared memory errors. (PR#A60016) - The use of the PA3 function is not supported by the CoaxII-CUT software. (PR#A60020) - A video adapter manufactured by Metheus, model number VGA1104, interferes with the operation of COAX II-CUT. When attempting to load the CUT emulation software, the message "IRMA Mode I/O Address (0220-022FH) Conflict" is generated. The COAX CUT program then aborts. (PR#A60039) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0552A 05/16/90 ============================================================================= AST-3270 COAXII-CUT FTS-II FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issues relating to the COAXII FTS-II product. They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - User has DOS/VSE/CICS installed on host and is running "VSE/SP Intelligent Workstation Support" facility. When attempting a file transfer, the error message "INW0007I ERROR IN HOST TRANSFER FILE - TRANSFER TERMINATED" is generated. The "Intelligent Workstation Support" facility is not supported with COAXII-CUT software or FTS-II. (PR#B41002) - When downloading files which have record lengths of 80 characters, the FTS-II software will either duplicate or omit some of the records at random places in the file. The host system where this occurs is running under VM/CMS Release 4. (PR#B41010) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0553A 04-26-90 ============================================================================= AST-3780 FUNCTIONAL ISSUES AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following functional issue relating to the AST-3780 product (part number 500113-001). They have made the determination that this issue will not be resolved for this product. This issue is as follows: - Records of data are duplicated when using the "P" command with CMDP mode. After several repetitions of this action the file is received intact. (PR#A01056) - The 3780 IP program is not supported in an IBM Token Ring network environment. The error message generated is "NET805": DEVICE NO LONGER EXISTS DRIVE XX. Other systems on the network are no longer able to access this system after IP is invoked. (PR#A01081) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0559A 02-21-90 ============================================================================= SCO XENIX AND CONNER CP-344 DRIVES When installing SCO Xenix on AST computers using Conner CP-344 embedded 40MB hard drives, drive type 17 Translate Mode must be used. AST computers using Conner CP-344 hard drives are shipped in Native Mode as drive type 23. AST identifies Conner CP-344 drives by attaching a label next to the AST part number, 230092-040, that reads, "23C". Prior to installing any version of SCO Xenix, the drive type in AST Set-up should be changed to 17. Please refer to your AST's User's Manual for information on changing your computer's set-up. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0573A 04-19-90 ============================================================================= 5251/12 AND SYSTEM 34 SESSION PARAMETERS With Version 4.22 and below of AST-5251/12 emulation software, some System/34 session parameters may be deleted after running a procedure. When signing on to a subsequent session with the same workstation ID, the following parameters will have been deleted (zeroed): LIBRARY SYSLIST DEVICE FORMS LINES PER PAGE The KERNEL.EXE program can be patched to ensure that this does not happen. The patch outlined in this document uses NORTON UTILITIES, but can be modified to fit other debugging programs. To alter KERNEL.EXE using NORTON UTILITIES do the following: 1. Enter the NORTON UTILITIES program. From the "Main Menu" choose EXPLORE DISK. From "Menu 1" choose the appropriate item. 2. From "Menu 1.1" change directory or drive designation as necessary to make sure that KERNEL.EXE (found on disk 1 of the emulation software) is available to the program. Next, choose the FILE option "Menu 1.1.3" and highlight KERNEL.EXE. 3. Return to "Menu 1" and take the SEARCH option, then from "Menu 1.4" choose TEXT TO SEARCH. The next screen has two fields. Tab to the HEX field and enter the hex string "B9 0B 00". Return to the previous menu and choose START SEARCH. The program will display a message that the string has been found. 4. Move the cursor over the hex digits "0B" and type in "09" over them and press . A screen will appear with choices of action to take. Choose WRITE CHANGE TO DISK. 5. When this operation is complete, repeat Step 3, with the exception of the hex data to enter. This time, the string to enter is "B9 68 0B". 6. After the text is found, move the cursor over the "0B" and type in "09" over the top of these digits. Repeat the process of saving the new data to disk. 7. Press to return to the "Main Menu" and exit NORTON UTILITIES. Be sure to copy the "patched" KERNEL.EXE to the working directory or disk to be used when running emulation. 8. Enter Model 12 emulation and verify that the changes have the correct affect. To alter KERNEL.EXE using the MS-DOS DEBUG program, do the following: 1. Make sure the DEBUG program is available, then type the following: COPY KERNEL.EXE KERNEL.FIX {copy the kernel} DEBUG KERNEL.FIX {make sure DEBUG is available} -S 0 FFFE B9 0B 00 {search for the opcodes} xxxx:yyyy {location of opcodes from DEBUG} -E xxxx:yyyy {enter editing mode} xxxx:yyyy B9. 0B.09{change 0B to 09 only} -S 0 FFFE B9 68 0B {search for next string} aaaa:zzzz {DEBUG prints address on screen} -E aaaa:zzzz {edit address supplied in previous step} aaaa:zzzz B9. 68. {change 0B to 09} 0B.09 -W {write the changes out to disk} -Q {quit the debugger} 2. If you would like to save a copy of the original kernel, type: REN KERNEL.EXE KERNEL.OLD REN KERNEL.FIX KERNEL.EXE If you do not want to save a copy of the original kernel, type: COPY KERNEL.FIX KERNEL.EXE DEL KERNEL.FIX These changes should be performed only with those copies of 5251/12 emulation that connect to the System/34. They should never be made to any copy of 5251/12 that normally connects to a System/36 or System/38. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0599 01-15-90 ============================================================================= AST PRODUCTS AND NOVELL NETWARE/386 The following items should be considered prior to installing Novell Netware/386: 1. The AST 3G PLUS and 3G PLUS II display adapters are not compatible with Netware/386. A different video card should be used, (such as the AST VGA or VGA PLUS). Since the 3G PLUS and 3G PLUS II are no longer manufactured, no fixes are planned for this problem. 2. When installing Netware/386 on an AST Premium/386C, the motherboard must be equipped with the -007 or above keyboard controller chip. This chip is socketed at location U103 on the motherboard and is identified with AST part number 107210-007. If this chip has a part number of 107210-005 or below, Netware/386 will not run. To obtain the correct keyboard controller chip revision, it is necessary to install an AST Premium/386-386C BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST P/N 500702-001. Contact your nearest AST Authorized Service Center for additional information. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0600 01-16-90 ============================================================================= 486/25 SETUP: COPROCESSOR INSTALLATION The description of screen number two of the ASTSETUP program in the 486/25 User's manual (p/n 001054-001 A) is different than the actual screen as it appears when ASTSETUP is run. On page 3-10 of the manual, there are two fields described relating to installation of a math coprocessor. One field is labeled "Math Coprocessor", the other "Math Coprocessor Type". However, on screen number two of the setup utility (release 1.00 of the 486/25 BIOS, p/n's 107000-690A and -691A) there is only one field present. It is labeled "Math Coprocessor Type". This field will only display one of two entries - "None" and "Weitek" (for the Weitek 4167). The 486/25 will automatically sense that a Weitek coprocessor is installed, and display accordingly, otherwise the field will read "None". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0601 01-19-90 ============================================================================= REMOVAL OF NON-DOS PARTITIONS FROM AT EMBEDDED DRIVES Because AST does not recommended using HDFORMAT (the low level formatting program supplied with AST computers) on AST-supplied AT Embedded hard drives, the removal of non-DOS partitions created on these drives can be accomplished using either of the following methods: 1. Remove the partition using the utilities supplied with the non-DOS operating system that installed the partition in the first place. 2. Remove the partition with a low-level format using a hard disk utilities program, such as On Track's "Disk Manager". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0602A 02-26-90 ============================================================================= XFORMER/286 COMPATIBILITY ISSUES AST EPM Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issues regarding the Xformer/286 (part number 202204-XXX). They have determined that AST will not attempt to establish the cause of the incompatibilities. These issues are: - A conflict exists between the AST Rampage/286 card and an SMC Arcnet PC250 card when the two are installed together in the Xformer/286. The system intermittently re-boots when a DOS command is entered from the keyboard. (PR#B33016) - The Xformer/286 intermittently loses setup information stored in CMOS. (PR#B33020) - After a "warm boot" the and arrow keys (on an enhanced keyboard) perform the function of changing system speed. This function is normally performed by using the - key sequence in conjunction with either the or keys. (PR#B33028) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0603A 02-27-90 ============================================================================= INSTALLING AST 3G PRODUCTS WITH OS/2 EXTENDED EDITION To insure compatibility with AST OS/2 Extended Edition 1.10, the AST 3G Plus (part number 202104-XXX) must have BIOS revision level "F" or above installed. The BIOS chip is located at U29. The revision level can be read directly from the label on the BIOS chip. Likewise, the AST 3G Plus II adapter (part number 202161-XXX) must have BIOS revision "D" or above installed. The BIOS chip on the 3G Plus II is located at U10. In addition, Hercules emulation must be disabled for both of the above video adapters when used with OS/2 Extended Edition. Hercules emulation generates non-maskable interrupts which conflict with OS/2 initialization. Consult the respective 3G adapter User's manual for the method of disabling Hercules emulation. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0604 01-29-90 ============================================================================= AST DOS 3.3 AND IBM PC SUPPORT INSTALL UTILITY The IBM AS/400 PC Support Install utility Release 1.02 Level 00 does not work on a PC which uses MS-DOS instead of PC-DOS. The following is a method that may be used to install the AS/400 PC Support software on an MS-DOS system that has an AT-style bus and uses the IBM 5250 Enhanced Adapter card. If using an Enhanced AST-5251/11, Enhanced AST-5251/11 Plus or Enhanced AST- 5251/11A Plus Adapter card, use the AST Twinax Adapter Handler for AS/400 PC Support and its documentation. This method assumes that the user is using two 360k diskettes on which to install the PC Support system. If the user is using a hard disk or diskettes with higher capacity, all of the files may be put on the single disk in a single subdirectory. 1. FORMAT THE DISKS: Format the first working disk and install the operating system on it. Label the disk AS/400 PC SUPPORT, FIRST WORKING DISK. An example of the command to use for formatting: format a: /s Format the second disk without the operating system. Label the disk AS/400 PC SUPPORT, SECOND WORKING DISK. An example of the command to use for formatting: format a: Copy COMMAND.COM onto the second disk root directory. 2. CREATE CONFIG.SYS: Using a text editor such as edlin, create a CONFIG.SYS file in the root directory on the first working disk which contains the following lines: device=\pcs\eimpcs.sys device=\pcs\ecyddx.sys device=\pcs\fsdd.sys files=15 3. CREATE PCS SUBDIRECTORY: On each working disk, create a PCS subdirectory using the command: mkdir \PCS 4. CREATE CONFIG.PCS: This file is used by the PC Support system to get information on the "name" of the PC, the "name" of the host AS/400 and the station address that should be used to communicate to the AS/400. The CONFIG.PCS file should be created with a text editor and placed in the PCS subdirectory of the second working disk. Typical contents are: RTYP 5250 RTLN APPN.Pcname EMLI Hostname,2 Pcname is the name of the PC you are using. Each PC connected to the AS/400 via PC Support should have a different name. Hostname is the name that was given to the host AS/400 when setting up the system. The number 2 indicates station address 2 is to be used to connect to the AS/400. This number ranges from 0 to 6 and should be unique for each station on a single twinax cable. 5. CREATE PCS.BAT FILE: This batch file is used to start the AS/400 PC Support system. Using a text editor create a pcs.bat file on the second working disk in the root directory which contains the following lines: [d:]* \PCS\E5250AH [d:]* \PCS\STARTRTR \PCS\CONFIG.PCS [d:]* \PCS\FSPC ASSIGN I: QIWSFLR I:PCSUPDT I:\ \PCS I:STARTMSG \PCS\CONFIG.PCS I:VPRT I:WSF /T IF ERRORLEVEL 20 GOTO DONE IF NOT ERRORLEVEL 10 GOTO WORKSTRT I:STARTWSF 1 :WORKSTRT I:PCO \PCS\CONFIG.PCS :DONE * Drive letter should designate drive where PCS subdirectory exists. This batch file may be customized to start only those features of PC Support that are desired. 6. COPY THE FILES FROM THE IBM DISTRIBUTION DISKS TO WORKING DISKS: Copy the files from the IBM Distribution Disks to the subdirectory \PCS on the working disks using the DOS copy command. For example: copy a:eimpcs.sys b:\pcs\eimpcs.sys From IBM Distribution Disk 1 to working disk 1 subdirectory \PCS copy: EIMPCS.SYS ECYDDX.SYS FSDD.SYS From IBM Distribution Disk 1 to working disk 2 subdirectory \PCS copy: E5250AH.COM FSPC.EXE FSPC.HLP XXRTRS.MRI From IBM Distribution Disk 2 to working disk 2 subdirectory \PCS copy: STARTRTR.EXE E5250RTR.EXE STOPRTR.EXE 7. REBOOT USING FIRST WORKING DISK: Insert the first working disk in drive A and reboot your computer. 8. START PC SUPPORT: Insert the second working disk in the default drive or set the default drive to the drive which contains the second working disk. Type PCS to invoke the PCS.BAT batch file and start PC Support. Steps 7 and 8 may now be repeated to run AS/400 PC Support at future times. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0605 01-29-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM SYSTEMS AND LOGITECH MODULA 2/86 AST Premium/386 systems lock-up when running programs compiled from Logitech Modula 2/86 software. This problem has been resolved by Logitech in the form of a patch to the Modula 2/86 software. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Logitech to obtain this fix. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0606 01-29-90 ============================================================================= AST MS-DOS AND IOMEGA BERNOULLI BOX There have been reported problems when booting from an Iomega Bernoulli Box installed in an AST Premium computer and running MS-DOS. "Bad Command.Com Command Interpreter" error is reported when attempting to boot from the Bernoulli Box and using an Iomega PC2 adapter. This problem does not occur when using PC-DOS. The problem is caused by the Iomega Bernoulli Box's incompatibility with MS- DOS. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Iomega for assistance. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0607 01-29-90 ============================================================================= ASTCACHE AND 3.5" FLOPPY DRIVES Premium computer users may encounter a "write protection error" message when reading or writing to 720K or 1.44MB 3.5" floppy drives when using the ASTCACHE program. To correct this problem, use any of the following workarounds: 1. Disable advanced support for floppy writes either by adding the /D- parameter, or change the /D+ to /D-, to the ASTCACHE line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. 2. Enable Auto-slowdown. 3. Don't cache the 1.44MB floppy, using the /-B option, (assuming drive B is the 1.44MB drive, if drive A use the /-A parameter), on the ASTCACHE line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. For more detailed information, consult the AST Premium Utility Software User's Manual. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0608A 02-26-90 ============================================================================= ASTEMM.SYS AND MICROSOFT EXCEL 2.1 The device driver ASTEMM.SYS is included with the utilities of the Advantage/2-386 (part number 910248-031). It allows extended memory on the board to be configured as expanded memory in an 80386 based system. Microsoft Excel version 2.1 has the capability to utilize expanded memory. Excel, however, will not recognize memory allocated as expanded memory by certain versions of ASTEMM.SYS. To give Excel version 2.1 the use of expanded memory which is allocated by ASTEMM.SYS, version 4.06 or above of ASTEMM.SYS must be used. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0609A 02-01-90 ============================================================================= REMM.SYS VERSION 4.50 The following incompatibilities and hardware conflicts can be resolved through the use of REMM.SYS version 4.50 (or later): - The application "SAS" (version 6.03), which is a statistical package, cannot access expanded memory. - A conflict between REMM.SYS and a NEC GB-1 video adapter. Data errors occur while REMM.SYS is initializing memory if both are installed in the system. - In a system which has a Hercules Plus card installed, WordPerfect does not work correctly when REMM.SYS is present. The symptom exhibited is that there is no cursor present on the screen when WordPerfect is executed. - A word processing program from SAMNA does not operate when REMM.SYS is installed. The system locks up as the word processor is executed. - With a Video Seven "VRAM" VGA adapter installed in the system, REMM.SYS would generate the error message "NO Logical Memory Pages Found", then abort. NOTE: The Video Seven adapter runs in 16 bit mode, so the parameter "/M=5F" should be added to the REMM.SYS command line in the CONFIG.SYS file. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0610 02-07-90 ============================================================================= SERIAL PORT PARITY ERRORS Under certain circumstances, the serial ports on some Premium computers may exhibit parity errors during serial data transmission. The problem manifests itself as a bad parity bit when transmitting data with 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit and Even Parity. The problem is caused by an anomaly in the Zymos 16C451 and 16C452 Dual UART serial controller chips that were once used on some Premium motherboards. Users experiencing this problem can resolve the problem in either of the following ways: 1. Change the data transmission parameters from; 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit, Even Parity, to; 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit No Parity. 2. Contact your AST Authorized Service Center and arrange for the replacement of the system's motherboard. ASSEMBLIES AFFECTED: Chip Identification: Chips can be identified by observing the soldered-in chips at the following locations. These chips will be labeled either, "ZYMOS 16C451" or "ZYMOS 16C452". AST DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER CHIP LOCATION PCB Premium Motherboard 202273-00X U104 PCB Premium Motherboard 202356-00X U104 PCB WS 386SX Motherboard 202276-00X U123 PCB Bravo 386SX Motherboard 202343-00X U9 PCB Bravo 286 Motherboard 202286-00X U6 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0611 02-08-90 ============================================================================= WORKSTATION/286 WITH NETWORTH ETHERNEXT CARD The EtherNext LAN adapter (16-bit) from NetWorth may not operate in a Premium Workstation/286 running at 10 MHz. Observable symptoms will be a failure to gain access to a Novell-based network from the EtherNext based Workstation. The symptoms are not present when the Workstation/286 is operating at 6 MHz. According to NetWorth, there is a component on the adapter that must be replaced in order for the adapter to function at the Workstation's 10 MHz speed. If the above symptoms are being experienced, it is recommended that NetWorth be contacted directly to obtain the latest revision of the EtherNext adapter. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0612 02-14-90 ============================================================================= WORKSTATION/286 AND PROTEON PRONET 10 CARDS The following items, when installed simultaneously in the Workstation/286, will cause the system to hang: - a Proteon ProNet 10 Model P1303 network adapter, - Novell software version 2.15, and - REMM.SYS (all versions) The system hangs when accessing applications over the network. To resolve the above problem, new drivers from Proteon are required. The correct version to use with the P1303 adapter in this situation is 4.03. To obtain the correct version of the drivers, contact Proteon directly. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0613A 04-19-90 ============================================================================= FASTBOARD 486/25 UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS When upgrading any AST "CUPID" series Premium computer with a FASTboard 486/25 Upgrade Kit, it is necessary to verify that the correct kit is used and that the system's components meet the requirements listed below. 1. UPGRADE KITS Follow the table below to identify which FASTboard 486/25 Upgrade Kit is required to upgrade your machine. +--------------------------------------------------------+ |PRODUCT KIT REQUIRED PART NUMBER| |--------------------------------------------------------| |Premium 386SX/16 FASTboard 386SX-486/25 500744-006 | |--------------------------------------------------------| |Premium 386/25 FASTboard 386-25/486-25 500744-002 | |--------------------------------------------------------| |Premium 386/33 FASTboard 386-33/486-25 500744-003 | +--------------------------------------------------------+ 2. SYSTEM BOARD Locate the part number on the front of the system board below the slot connectors. You can install the FASTboard 486/25 if the system board matches the part numbers shown in the following table: +-------------------------------------+ | PRODUCT PART NUMBER REVISION | |-------------------------------------| | 386SX/16 202273-003 F or above | | 202356-001 F or above | | 202356-004 D or above | |-------------------------------------| | 386/25 202273-001 N or above | | 202356-002 D or above | | 202356-004 D or above | |-------------------------------------| | 386/33 202273-002 J or above | | 202356-003 D or above | | 202356-004 D or above | +-------------------------------------+ 3. MEMORY EXPANSION BOARD Locate the part number on the front of the memory expansion board. You can install the FASTboard 486/25 if the memory expansion board matches the part numbers shown in the following table: +-------------------------------------+ | PRODUCT PART NUMBER REVISION | |-------------------------------------| | ALL 202275-004 A or above | | 202275-006 A or above | +-------------------------------------+ If your system does not contain the necessary components, contact your nearest AST Authorized Reseller or Service Center. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0614 03-02-90 ============================================================================= PREVIEW I/O PARALLEL PORT ADDRESS CORRECTIONS The Preview I/O Manual (000437-001) states that jumper E9 should be used to set the board to LPT3 (I/O address 278h with another parallel port set at 3BCh). The E9 jumper is actually I/O address 378h (LPT1 or LPT2) and E10 is I/O address 278h (LPT2 or LPT3). The affected pages are 2-10 and A-5. DEBUG WITH E8 JUMPERED C:\>debug -d0:400 0000:0400 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-BC 03 00 00 00 00 00 00 ----- 0000:0410 31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16 0000:0420 67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B 0000:0430 0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00 0000:0440 77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00 0000:0450 00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000:0460 0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00 0000:0470 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01 DEBUG WITH E9 JUMPERED C:\>debug -d0:400 0000:0400 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-78 03 00 00 00 00 00 00 ----- 0000:0410 31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16 0000:0420 67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B 0000:0430 0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00 0000:0440 77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00 0000:0450 00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000:0460 0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00 0000:0470 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01 DEBUG WITH E10 JUMPERED C:\>debug -d0:400 0000:0400 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-78 02 00 00 00 00 00 00 ----- 0000:0410 31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16 0000:0420 67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B 0000:0430 0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00 0000:0440 77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00 0000:0450 00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 0000:0460 0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00 0000:0470 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0615 03-02-90 ============================================================================= CONFIGURING FLOPPY DRIVES FOR AST SYSTEMS To insure proper installation of a floppy drive into an AST computer system, make sure the following conditions are met. The AST diskette drive specification calls for "frame" ground to be connected to "logic" ground. On many floppy drives this is accomplished by the correct placement of a jumper on the drive's control electronics printed circuit board. Refer to the instructions included with the drive to verify correct placement of the grounding jumper. In addition, the grounding strap from the power supply should be attached to the drive's metal frame during installation. It should be noted that it may be necessary to move the ground strap from it's normal position on the Premium computer's chassis to a position where the ground connection on the floppy drive frame can be accessed. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0616 03-07-90 ============================================================================= AST 3780 COMPATIBILITY ISSUES Data Comm Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issue relating to AST 3780 (part number 500113-001). They have made the determination that this issue will not be resolved for this product. This issue is as follows: - Neither mode of 3780 - IP.EXE nor CMDP.EXE - will operate in the OS/2 operating system's DOS compatibility window. The system locks up when the 3780 software tries to access the communications line. This product is not meant to work under any version of OS/2. (PR#A01052) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0617 03-14-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/286 AND KEYTRONICS 3270 KEYBOARD "Bad or Missing Keyboard" errors may occur when using a Keytronics 3270 Keyboard with some AST Premium/286 computers. This problem does not occur on systems equipped with AST BIOS v2.0 or above. To obtain the correct version of AST BIOS, contact an AST Authorized Service Center and order an AST Premium/286 BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST Part Number 500529-001. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0618 03-14-90 ============================================================================= FASTBOARD 386 AND MICROSOFT WORKS 2.0 Random system lock-ups may occur when running Microsoft Works version 2.0 on Premium/286 systems with PHOENIX BIOS and equipped with a Fastboard 386. This problem occurs only when running Works version 2.0, earlier versions do not exhibit this problem. This problem can be corrected by upgrading the Premium/286 to AST BIOS version 2.0 or above. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact an AST Authorized Service Center to obtain an AST Premium/286 BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST Part Number 500529-001. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0619 03-20-90 ============================================================================= RUNNING COMPATIBILITY TESTS ON THE VGA PLUS The IBM VGA standard supports two methods of addressing monochrome and color displays: - The VGA included on PS/2 systems allows software to address both monochrome and color monitors at the same time with no restrictions (colors in monochrome appear as shades of gray). - The VGA adapter for AT type systems allows software to address either color monitors or monochrome monitors, but not both. The AST VGA Plus adapter is compatible with the VGA standard for the IBM AT adapter. This means that software used with the VGA Plus will only address a color display in color mode or a monochrome display in monochrome mode. Switching between display modes is accomplished through the use of the ASTVGA.EXE utility included with the VGA Plus utilities. The adapter, by design, will not pass diagnostics written to test VGA monochrome modes while the adapter is in VGA color mode. In particular, tests from "PC Magazine" issue commands which are meant to test a PS/2 type adapter and will fail on an adapter which follows the IBM AT adapter standard. This is normal operation for any VGA adapter which follows the IBM AT VGA adapter standard. Some compatibility tests may also fail because of a hardware conflict. The IBM AT VGA adapter supports the use of hardware interrupt IRQ2. However, the AST VGA Plus adapter does not. The VGA Plus will fail tests such as one from "PC Tech Journal" (test 13) which attempts to use IRQ2. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0620 03-27-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/386SX WITH TIARA LAN ADAPTERS A Bravo/386SX may not function as a network workstation if a 16 bit LAN adapter from Tiara (part number 0500671-100) is installed. Running Novell Netware 386 version 3.0, the message "File Server Not Found" is generated when access to a server is attempted. It has been verified that the problem lies with a component on the Tiara LAN adapter, and not with the Bravo/386SX. Tiara will update any LAN adapters (having the part number mentioned above) which exhibit problems in the Bravo/386SX. Tiara can be contacted directly for assistance. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0621 04-04-90 ============================================================================= WD7000-ASC SCSI CARDS AND PREMIUM 386/25 AND 386/33 Problems have been reported when attempting to boot AST Premium 386/25 systems using the Western Digital WD7000-ASC SCSI host adapter card. Western Digital has informed AST that the problem is caused by an incompatibility that exists between the WD7000-ASC card and all systems that utilize "fast", (25MHz and 33MHz) microprocessors. To resolve the problem, Western Digital plans a future release of a modified version of the WD7000-ASC card. User's of AST Premium 386/25 and 386/33 computers experiencing problems running the WD7000-ASC SCSI host adapter card should contact Western Digital Technical Support for further assistance. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0622 04-12-90 ============================================================================= SOFTWARE TOOLWORKS PROGRAMS AND PREMIUM COMPUTERS Problems have been reported when attempting to install Chessmaster 2100, Gin King/Cribbage King and Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor from the Software Toolworks company on AST Premium computers. The problem is caused by a conflict between Software Toolworks' installation program and the Premium computer's Shadow Ram feature. The Shadow Ram feature determines whether or not the system BIOS is copied to and executed from 32-bit RAM rather than 16-bit ROM during system processing. To resolve problems encountered during installation of Software Toolworks' programs, disable the Premium computer's Shadow Ram feature before starting the program's installation procedure. After completing installation, the Shadow Ram feature may be enabled because the conflict occurs during installation only and does not occur when running the program. The User's Manual supplied with each AST computer provides complete information on the Shadow Ram option. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0623A 02-08-91 ============================================================================== COMPUTONE INTELEPORT 8 CARDS AND PREMIUM 386/25 AND 386/33 In order for Computone Inteleport Advantage 8 Multiport Cards to function correctly with the AST Premium 386/25 and 386/33 computers, the following items are required: 1. Obtain a software patch from Computone for the Inteleport Advantage 8 card for use with the Premium 386/25 and 386/33. - Version 4.58 for SCO UNIX - Version 4.54 for SCO XENIX Computone will provide this patch on request to customers who call (404) 475-2725. 2. In addition to the Computone patch, the 16th megabyte memory caching feature on the Premium 386/25 and 386/33 must be disabled. Use ASTSETUP to disable this feature prior to installing the patch from Computone. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0624 04-16-90 ============================================================================= IBM OS/2 1.1, ESDI DRIVES AND PREMIUM 386C COMPUTERS In order to install IBM OS/2 v1.1 on AST Premium 386C computers with an ESDI hard drive and controller, the Premium 386C must be configured with the Auto-Slowdown feature disabled and the system processing speed set to high. Before installing IBM OS/2 v1.1 on the Premium 386C, use ASTSETUP to verify that these items are set as described above. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0625A 05/16/90 ============================================================================= AST 5250 GATEWAY COMPATIBILITY ISSUES Data Comm Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issues relating to the AST 5250 Gateway product (part number 500399-001). They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product. These issues are as follows: - The Gateway software will not function correctly when used on a DCA 10 Net LAN. The master and one slave will operate as a Gateway master and slave. However, when a third node on the LAN tries to access one of these two (e.g., a workstation accessing a server), then all three systems lock up, requiring a cold boot of all the systems. (PR#A41040) - Under Novell Netware version 2.12 software, IBM Token Ring boards exhibit failures while running Gateway emulation. Any of the slaves on the gateway will intermittently lock up or lose communication to the master PC. (PR#A41044) - When running under Gateway emulation, a print job sent to a printer attached to a server using the Novell "CAPTURE" command does not print correctly. Print data is shifted 3 or 4 columns in from the left margin. (PR#A41051) - Under a configuration where the slaves are communicating with the master remotely via G-Remote Bridge (from Gateway Communications), the response time for communication between slaves and master is very slow. (PR#A41052) - The 5250 Gateway does not support an environment which uses IBM Token Ring cards running with Novell Netware 286 (all versions). When operating under this type of environment, the slaves will lose communication with the Gateway master, and require a reset to continue the session. (PR#A41023) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0626 05-02-90 ============================================================================= CONFIGURING AST 5251/11 ENHANCED AS A 3196 TERMINAL The 3196-2 type terminal, selectable in the AST 5251/11 enhanced configuration file, reflects a model A1 terminal on the host. (PR#A45169) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0627 05/31/90 ============================================================================= INCOMPATIBLE DRAMS FOR RAMPAGEPLUS/286 Memory errors in a system which can be attributed to a RampagePlus/286 (part number 202349-001) being present may actually be caused by the use of certain manufacturers DRAM chips on the SIMMS present on the board. SIMMS which are used to upgrade memory on the RampagePlus/286 have AST part numbers 202279-002, 202280-002, and 202320-002. The DRAM chips which are incompatible with the RampagePlus/286 are manufactured by Motorola and Toshiba. The memory chips are of the 256KX4 type (three IC's present on the SIMMS). If memory errors or system lock-ups are being experienced, remove all SIMMS containing these DRAM chips and substitute with other SIMMS. Other manufacturers DRAM chips approved for the RampagePlus/286 are: Mitsubishi M5M44256AP-10 NEC UPD4242556C-10 OKI MSM514256-10RS TI TMS44C256-10N ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0628 06-29-90 ============================================================================= USE OF ASTEMM.SYS WITH SUPERCALC 5 The application SuperCalc 5 has the ability to access expanded memory. However, SuperCalc 5 will have problems accessing emulated expanded memory created by certain versions of the driver ASTEMM.SYS. ASTEMM.SYS version 4.08 (or above) must be used to allow SuperCalc 5 to function properly. Earlier versions of ASTEMM.SYS cannot be guaranteed to perform satisfactorily with this application.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0629 06-27-90 ============================================================================= AUTOSENSING OPERATION OF THE VGA PLUS When the AST VGA Plus (part number 202262-003) is configured to operate in 16 bit mode (switch position "two" = ON) the entire memory address range from C0000h to DFFFFh is in 16 bit mode for all system memory accesses. This is due to the design of the IBM AT standard I/O bus. This means that an 8 bit adapter which is configured to reside in this region will not be recognized by the system. Version 3.0 of the VGA Plus BIOS (part numbers 107000-682 and 107000-683) has the ability to detect the standard IBM ROM signature "AA 55". If, when the system is being initialized, the VGA BIOS detects this signature anywhere in the 128K range where it resides, the VGA Plus will switch back to eight bit operation to avoid conflicts. The BIOS cannot detect the presence of RAM (e.g., shared memory) on an adapter, however. In order for adapters which have this type of memory (e.g., IBM Token Ring II adapters) to be configured to operate in this address range, the VGA Plus has to be manually switched back to 8 bit operation (switch position "two" = OFF) to avoid conflicts.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0630 07-01-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO 386SX/DEC DEPCA CARD Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Depca card will not boot locally or perform a remote boot when installed in an AST Bravo 386SX. The AST Bravo 386SX passes post test. The Depca card will pass its self test. The system will lock up after all drives are initialized. This problem has been resolved by DEC in a new release of the Depca board hardware revision H3 and firmware version D1. Customers reporting this issue should be referred to contact DEC's Product Support.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0631 07-06-90 ============================================================================= AST-TURBOSCAN COMPATIBILITY ISSUE AST Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following compatibility issue regarding the TURBOSCAN. They have determined that AST will not attempt to establish the cause of this incompatibility. This issue is: - Printing from Eyestar Plus version 2.04 to an AST Turbolaser/PS, only "Normal View" window is printed. Suggest using Microtech's latest software.  ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0632 08-13-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386SX/16 AND VERSACAD 386 When executing a warm boot immediately after exiting the Versacad 386 program on a Premium 386SX/16 with ASTVGA.EXE installed, the color graphic functions appear to be lost. A cold boot is then required to correct the problem. The problem is resolved by adding the following two command lines to the system's AUTOEXEC.BAT file: ASTVGA color ASTVGA lock Note: If using the ASTCACHE utility, the ASTVGA command lines must be issued before the ASTCACHE.COM line is executed. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0633 08-15-90 ============================================================================= AST SYSTEMS/DIGITAL RESEARCH FlexOS V2.2 Running FlexOS V2.2 with several windows open simultaneously may cause the hard disk to lock up. The Digital Research FlexOS operating system cannot handle fast hard drives. The hard drives that exhibit the failure are Miniscribe (model 8051A 40MB) and Conner (model CP 3044 40MB) when used with the following computers: Bravo 286 Bravo 386SX Premium 286 Premium 386/25 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0634 08-23-90 ============================================================================= AST SHADOW BIOS MEMORY ADDRESSES The following information provides two methods of determining which memory range is used to shadow the system and video BIOS on AST computers equipped with the Shadow feature. In addition to copying the system BIOS, AST Shadow BIOS also has the option of copying the video BIOS. However, the video adapter must be an AST VGA adapter or on-board VGA. The memory range used to shadow the BIOS is based on the CPU type and system architecture. The memory locations on earlier Premium systems differ from those currently manufactured. To determine which memory locations are used by Shadow BIOS, it is necessary to identify the system's CPU type either by the part number of the processor board or using the DOS DEBUG program. Listed below are the steps to identify the CPU using DEBUG and which memory locations that system uses for Shadow BIOS. Also included are processor board part numbers as an alternative to running the DEBUG program. DEBUG At the DOS prompt, type: DEBUG and press the key. is a prompt to press the "enter" key. At the DEBUG prompt "-", type lines 1 and 2. Line 1. -OE0 7 Line 2. -IE1 Line 3. -nn Note: The number displayed on the third line identifies the CPU type. If this value is a number between 12 and 18, Shadow BIOS uses the memory locations shown in Method #2. Any other value identifies the use of memory locations shown in Method #1. Enter Line 4 to leave DEBUG. Line 4. -q METHOD #1 When this method is used, the system BIOS uses a 64KB block at F0000-FFFFF. However, when the system BIOS is shadowed, the E0000-EFFFF range is also reserved whether the video BIOS is shadowed or not. If the video BIOS is shadowed it resides in a 32KB block at E0000-E7FFF and the remaining 32KB of that block is reserved. Block Reserved Area Size Decimal Hex Address Between 640 - 1MB +------------------ +------------+ -----------------+ | 64 KB 960 KB |+++F0000++++| SYSTEM BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 896 KB |+++E0000++++| VIDEO BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 832 KB | D0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 768 KB | C0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 704 KB | B0000 | | +------------------ |------------| | 640 KB | A0000 | | |------------| -----------------+ | 09FFF | | | |Base Memory | | | | 00000 | +------------+ The following AST computers use this method for Shadow BIOS: - All Premium 386 and Premium 386C Systems. - Premium 386SX/16 Systems with a 202337-001 Processor Board. - Premium 386/25 Systems with a 202274-001 Processor Board. - Premium 386/33 Systems with a 202347-002 Processor Board. METHOD #2 The following method is used on all remaining AST computers. When this method is used, the system BIOS uses a 64KB block at F0000-FFFFF, the video BIOS is shadowed in a 32KB block at C0000-C7FFF. Block Reserved Area Size Decimal Hex Address Between 640 - 1MB +------------------ +------------+ -----------------+ | 64 KB 960 KB |+++F0000++++| SYSTEM BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 896 KB | E0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 832 KB | D0000 | | |------------------ |------------| | | 32 KB 800 KB | C8000 | | | |úúúúúúúúúúúú| | | 32 KB 768 KB |+++C0000++++| VIDEO BIOS | |------------------ |------------| | | 64 KB 704 KB | B0000 | | +------------------ |------------| | 640 KB | A0000 | | |------------| -----------------+ | 09FFF | | | |Base Memory | | | | 00000 | +------------+ ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0635 09-17-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386C SYSTEMS WITH PHILLIPS CD ROM PLAYER Running "Construction Antenna Base", from National Institute of Building Sciences, with the Phillips CD ROM Player may exhibit RUNTIME ERROR R6003. The failure occurs with the following computers: Premium/386 Premium/386C AST Marketing has made the determination that this issue will not be resolved for the above products. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0636 10-02-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 486/25 - NOVELL AND IBM TOKEN RING CARDS Problems have been reported with IBM Token Ring Adapter cards (full length, 8 bit) and Premium 486/25 systems with cache enabled when loading Novell's IPX.COM. The Token Ring Adapter card fails initialization when executing the IPX.COM file. The cause of the problem has been isolated to a software timing loop that executes too fast for the Token Ring Adapter board to complete its initialization before the driver times out and produces the error message. The cause of the problem is the IBM Token Ring Adapters inability to initialize fast enough on high performance systems such as the Premium 486/25. The following options are available to customers experiencing the above problem: 1. Disable and enable the cache using AST's SPEED.COM program prior to executing IPX.COM by entering the following commands (in the order they appear) at the DOS prompt: > SPEED CACHE=DISABLE > IPX.COM > NETx > SPEED CACHE=ENABLE 2. An alternate solution is to update the IBM Token Ring card to a short card (IBM part number 25f98XX) or a 16/4 (IBM part number 25f73XX) card. Customer should contact their IBM Dealer for information regarding these cards. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0637 10-04-90 ============================================================================= AST COMPUTERS AND EVEREX TAPE DRIVES When installing an Everex EV-811 tape backup with a QIC-02 tape controller in an AST computer that uses an IDE interface controller, customers will experience random lockups at different times during tape back operations. Everex has confirmed that this problem is caused by a chip which is located on the QIC-02 tape controller at location U10. A Signetics or Texas Instruments chip must be used for the tape unit to function properly with an IDE interface controller. Anyone experiencing this problem should contact Everex Product Support directly and refer to "ECO 4188". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0638 10-10-90 ============================================================================= VGA PLUS AND WESTERN DIGITAL ETHERCARD PLUS The Western Digital EtherCard PLUS 16 bit network adapter may not operate reliably in a system where an AST VGA Plus adapter (AST part number 202262-002) is also installed (and operating in 16 bit mode). Some versions of the Novell Netware driver supplied with the EtherCard PLUS cannot operate in a memory address area being accessed in 16 bit mode. This is the situation that occurs when the VGA Plus is configured for 16 bit operation. For the EtherCard PLUS to operate in this environment, the network driver supplied by Western Digital must be version 3.08A (or higher). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0639 10-25-90 ============================================================================= SMC ARCNET AND 5251/11-A ENHANCED When the SMC Micro-channel Arcnet card (PS110) and the AST 5251/11-A Enhanced boards are installed in an IBM PS-2 model 60, and if the IPX.COM driver was loaded, the KERNEL.EXE will fail with a "PC/Twinax memory test error". The cause of this problem is due to IPX.COM using an area in memory which the KERNEL.EXE is trying to use. To resolve this problem, load the programs in the following order: 1. KERNEL.EXE 2. IPX.COM 3. APS.EXE ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0640 11-05-90 ============================================================================= MULTIPLE IPX VERSIONS AND 5250 GATEWAY When linking multiple file servers and operating systems, (particularly Novell), the following problems may occur when trying to link workstations to a gateway: - Error message "unable to find master gateway". - With sessions connected, "hang-up" or loss of connection to the gateway may occur. The problems are caused by the various versions of IPX that use different methods of addressing nodes and sending data packets. There are significant differences between IPX versions 2.XX and 3.XX. To optimize performance and reliability, common versions of IPX must be used on all nodes. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0641 11-08-90 ============================================================================= NEW 386SX/16 PROCESSOR BOARD The following information summarizes a compatibility problem with the new 386SX/16 processor board (part number 202380-001) and Cupid motherboards. This new board replaces the original 386SX/16 processor board (part number 202337-001) and will be shipped with the Cupid enhanced motherboard in all Premium 386SX/16 systems. PROBLEM: The new 386SX/16 processor board (part number 202380-001) is not compatible with common Cupid motherboards using BIOS v1.01. System lock-ups occur when attempting to change the processor speed. The problem occurs when using either the keyboard method or the SPEED.COM program. Lock-ups also occur during the processor speed change test when running the confidence tests. RESOLUTION: In order to resolve the problem, a BIOS upgrade (from version 1.10 to 1.20) on the Cupid motherboard is necessary. This can be accomplished by using a Cupid BIOS upgrade kit (part number 500775-001). Listed below are the part numbers for the motherboards which require BIOS upgrades: 202356-001 rev F 202273-001 rev N 202356-002 rev D 202273-002 rev J 202356-003 rev D 202273-003 rev F 202356-004 rev D ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0642 11-12-90 ============================================================================= VGA MODES SUPPORTED ON AST VGA PRODUCTS VGA is defined by IBM as a set of display modes up to and including 640 x 480 resolution in 16 colors. "Super" VGA is a super set of VGA, defined by the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA) to be 800 x 600 resolution, 16 colors. Other display modes are also called "Super" VGA or "Extended Mode" VGA, depending on the manufacturer of the VGA hardware. These modes do not fall under the above definition of "Super" VGA, even though they are sometimes referred to as such. AST VGA products (VGA Plus adapter and embedded VGA) support Super VGA as defined in the first paragraph above, plus other high resolution modes. The following table summarizes the resolutions and color combinations supported with AST VGA products: +---------------------------------+ | Embedded VGA | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------| | Resolution | Color | VGA Plus | CUPID Enh. | Prem II | Bravo II | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 640 x 480 | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 800 x 600 | 16 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 1024 x 768 | 16 | No | No | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 320 x 200 | 256 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 640 x 400 | 256 | Yes | Yes | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 640 x 480 | 256* | Yes | No | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 800 x 600 | 256 | No | No | No | No | |------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------| | 1024 x 768 | 256 | No | No | No | No | +-----------------------------------------------------------------+ * Requires 256K upgrade ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0643 11-06-90 ============================================================================= RAMPAGEPLUS/286 AND ZENITH COMPUTERS The RampagePlus/286 (both part numbers 202247-XXX and 202349-XXX) does not operate reliably when installed in Zenith 80286-based computer systems. Parity errors are generated by memory installed on the Rampage board, either at the time of system boot up, or during the running of an application. This incompatibility exists as a result of the method by which the Zenith system performs memory addressing. The Zenith implementation of memory read/write cycles does not allow enough time for data from the Rampage memory to be stable, thus the parity errors. Any hardware change made to the RampagePlus/286 to resolve this incompatibility would prevent the board from operating in AST, IBM or IBM- compatible systems. Therefore, Zenith should be contacted directly for a resolution. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0644 11-12-90 ============================================================================= AST COMPUTERS AND CHECKIT V3.0 SOFTWARE CHECKIT software is a diagnostic test program used to test the hardware of MS-DOS compatible personal computers. In addition to testing hardware components, CHECKIT provides configuration information, memory usage and performance evaluations and benchmark comparisons. AST has tested and verified reliable operation of CHECKIT version 3.0 diagnostic software from Touchstone Software Company on the AST Premium computers listed below. CHECKIT successfully completed all hardware testing in stand alone test mode on these systems. +------------------------------------------------------+ | SYSTEM | BIOS | VERSION | |-----------------------+------------------+-----------| | Premium 286 | Phoenix | 3.02 | | Premium 286 | AST | 2.00 | | Premium 386SX/16 | CUPID | 1.10 | | Premium 386SX/16 | CUPID Enhanced | 1.01 | | Premium 386C | AST | 1.30 | | Premium 386/25 | AST 386/25 | 1.20 | | Premium 486/25 | CUPID | 1.10 | | Premium 486/25 | CUPID Enhanced | 1.01 | | Premium 486/25T | TOWER | 1.00 | | Premium II 386SX/20 | Premium II | 1.00 | +------------------------------------------------------+ ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0645 11-13-90 ============================================================================= NOVELL NETBIOS ISSUES Customers using our gateway products are experiencing the following problems: - Stations are intermittently locking up (especially when utilization increases). - Error occurs: "failed to initialize master gateway" upon linking to master gateway. Novell has indicated that end-users may experience these or similar problems with all revisions of their v2.15 NETBIOS. All customers that are having related problems should upgrade their NETBIOS version to v3.01. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0646 11-15-90 ============================================================================= TAPE DRIVE MOUNTING PROBLEMS Installation problems have been reported using AST external drive mounting brackets (part number 200434-001) and certain tape drives in early Tower systems. The problem is caused by a mechanical alignment incompatibility between these brackets and TechMar, Cipher Wangtek (model 5150E) and Archive (model 2150S) tape drives. AST has resolved this problem with a new design of external mounting brackets (part number 200582-001), which are now shipped with all Premium computers housed in the Tower chassis. In addition, these brackets are shipped with computers housed in the mid-size chassis (i.e., Premium II and Bravo 486). Users of AST Premium Computers experiencing problems, when installing any of the above tape drives in AST Premium systems that require external drive mounting brackets, should contact an AST Service Center or AST Product Support to obtain new brackets. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0647 10-11-90 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM/386C WITH 16 MEGABYTES AST Product Marketing has determined that the following issue dealing with the AST Premium/386C will not be fixed. This issue is: - The AST Premium/386C does not correctly count memory to 16 MBs, when conventional memory is set to 640 KB. The system will only count to 14,848KB. (PR#B29151) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0648 10-23-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/286 WITH 3270 EMULATION SOFTWARE Some keyboard keys will not function correctly when running IBM or Attachmate 3270 emulation software on AST Bravo/286 with NMB keyboard (AST part number 230098-XXX). This issue is resolved by a new keyboard controller (AST part number 107210-008), located at U7 on all Bravo/286 motherboards. This new keyboard controller is available as a BIOS upgrade kit (AST part number 500740-001). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0649 11-14-90 ============================================================================= WINDOWS 3.0 INSTALLATION INFORMATION In order of priority, here are the things recommended when checking for an unidentified problem: 1. Check the table below for obvious problems. 2. Try renaming CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT. Reboot to see if problem persists. If problem goes away, restore original CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT, then identify conflicting driver/TSR by process of elimination. 3. Try removing all non-AST peripherals, drives, memory, bus cards, etc. If problem goes away, restore system and identify problem by process of elimination. Common Installation Problems and Fixes: +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Problem Category | Symptom | Solution | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |VGA BIOS |Enters graphics display |VGA BIOS must be version | | |mode with blank screen. |3.0 or later. | | |Windows 3.0 is still run- | | | |ning or system may hang. | | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |Install as AST |Windows hangs system when |Select "AST" as computer | |brand system. |video caching is ON. |type during install. | | | |This will add line | |(Only required | |"EMMEXCLUDE=E000-EFFF" | |for some Cupid | |to Windows SYSTEM.INI | |systems.) | |file. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |Fastboard/386 |Windows install puts |Edit CONFIG.SYS and en- | | |HIMEM.SYS as first driver |sure FBMON.SYS is first | | |in CONFIG.SYS. This dis- |device. | | |ables the Fastboard. | | | |Windows cannot run in 386 | | | |enhanced mode. | | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |ASTCACHE |System hangs periodically.|ASTCACHE is not Windows | | | |3.0 compatible. Remove | |(to be upgraded) | |ASTCACHE and replace with| | | |SMARTDRIVE. The Windows | | | |3.0 installation program | | | |will attempt to install | | | |SMARTDRIVE. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |ASTEMM |Depending upon system con-|ASTEMM is not Windows 3.0| | |figuration and ASTEMM |compatible. Windows 3.0 | |(to be upgraded) |installation parameters: |can provide its own LIM | | |1. System hangs periodi- |4.0 memory management if | | | cally. |in 386 enhanced mode. | | |2. Windows 3.0 will not |Otherwise, use Microsoft | | | install. |EMM386.SYS or compatible | | |3. Windows 3.0 will only |third party memory | | | run in real mode. |manager. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |DOS mouse driver |Cursor does not display |Windows 3.0 does not need| |missing. |in DOS applications. |a mouse driver in | | | |CONFIG.SYS, but DOS ap- | | | |plications running under | | | |Windows 3.0 does. Install| | | |mouse driver before run- | | | |ning Windows. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |DOS mouse driver |Cursor does not display |Some older version mouse | |incompatible. |in Windows or DOS appli- |drivers are incompatible | | |cations. System hangs |with protected mode. | | |intermittently. |Replace with Windows 3.0 | | | |compatible driver. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |EISA SCSI |Unknown. |Windows 3.0 swap file may| | | |not be located on SCSI | | | |drive. Run SWAP.EXE to | | | |relocate file to non-SCSI| | | |drive. | |------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------| |DOS program will |Various. |1. DOS programs cannot be| |not run under | | multitasked except in | |Windows. | | 386 enhanced mode. | | | |2. Some DOS programs em- | | | | ploy incompatible mem-| | | | ory management, or | | | | DOS-extender, schemes.| | | |3. Try creating a PIF | | | | file. | | | |4. Some programs will not| | | | run under Windows 3.0.| +-----------------------------------------------------------------------+ ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0650 11-26-90 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM WORKSTATION/286 MEMORY AST Product Marketing has determined that the following issue dealing with the AST Premium WorkStation/286 will not be fixed. This issue is: - Programs such as Sleuth and Check-it will not identify extended memory on the Premium WorkStation/286 even though the size of extended memory is specified within set-up under the system's extended memory field. (PR#B37041) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0651 12-03-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/386SX - SEAGATE 157A Bravo/386SX systems which have the AST part number 500801-XXX may have Seagate ST-157A hard drives installed. The AST part number for this drive is 230119-001. These drives are 40MB IDE type drives, which are configured as drive type "17" in the Bravo's CMOS setup. The following items are important for proper operation of the system but are not documented by AST: 1. These drives are configured to operate as the main hard drive in a system. They are not to be configured, and will not operate as a "slave" to another hard drive which is installed as a "master" in this system. 2. There is a jumper block on the control PCB labeled "J2". It is located at the left rear of the board when viewing the drive from it's front panel. It is comprised of three pairs of 2-pin headers labeled "1" through "6". For use in this system the pair labeled "1" and "2" must have a jumper installed. This configures the drive for a single drive system. Also, the pair labeled "5" and "6" must have a jumper installed. This enables the "external LED", sending the drive activity signal to the front panel of the Bravo/386SX. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0652 12-11-90 ============================================================================= STARTEC BALUN HUB WITH AST5251/11 EMULATION The following problems have been reported using Startec Balun Hub devices with all AST5251/11 emulation cards: - Intermittent dropping of sessions. - Inability to get a sign-on screen when connecting to the Balun Hub. Startec has made modifications to resolve these problems, incorporating the changes at serial number 37000 and above. Customers with hub devices below serial number 37000 should contact Startec at (508) 393-9393. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0653 12-14-90 ============================================================================= BRAVO/486 CONFIDENCE TEST Corruption of the display occurs during the execution of the Confidence test ASTTEST.EXE. This test is included with the Bravo Utilities (AST part number 910402-XXX). During the portion of the test called "System Board Test", random characters are displayed on the screen, distorting informational text regarding the test. This occurs due to an incompatibility between the system BIOS and version of utilities in use. When version "X1" of the Bravo utilities is used on a system with version 1.01 (or later) of the BIOS (AST part numbers 230807-001 and -002) installed, the above symptoms will appear. Use revision "A" (or later) of the utilities with this BIOS version. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0654 12-21-90 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386/16 WITH MATH CO-PROCESSOR Erratic operation may occur when using a math co-processor in the Premium 386/16. This condition was first observed when running AutoCAD Release 9 and 10. The system may lock up when running software that uses the math co- processor after the system has warmed up (anywhere from immediately to 30 minutes). The failure is encountered consistently after re-booting until the system has been shut off and allowed to cool down. The cause of the problem is a contention with the 87BUSY* signal from the math co-processor. The contention situation is eliminated by lifting or cutting pin 16 on the chip at location U34 on the Premium 386/16 processor board (AST Part Number 202323-001). Denoted after the part number is a revision letter (i.e., 202323-001C). Use the following list to determine the appropriate action to be taken: Revision Action C or earlier You should return the board to AST for modification. D Modification may be performed by an AST Authorized Service Center. E or later Modification has already been implemented, and no action is required. WARNING: This operation is meant to be performed on Premium 386/16 processor boards only (AST Part Number 202323-001), NOT on Premium 386SX/16 or 386SX/20 processor boards. All modifications should be performed by an AST Authorized Service Center. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0655A 02-04-91 ============================================================================== AST MS OS/2 VERSION 1.2 AND MONOCHROME VIDEO ADAPTERS When installing AST MS OS/2 Version 1.2, the menu will display "MONOCHROME/PRINTER ADAPTER." To select this option, the user must have an EGA monochrome, CGA or VGA adapter. User will experience a blank screen if a standard monochrome adapter is installed. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0656A 02-04-91 ============================================================================== CATAMOUNT ATC-16 TAPE CONTROLLER AND CUPID SYSTEMS WITH CHIPS & TECHNOLOGY CHIP SET Slow and unreliable DMA transfers (resulting in data errors or system lock ups) may be experienced with the following configuration: - Catamount ATC-16 tape controller revision B. - Catamount software release 3.2 revision F. - Cupid motherboard (AST part number 202356-004 Revison A and above) with "Chips and Technology" chip set (location U85, part number 82C206.) Catamount is not compatible with "Chips and Technology" chip set. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0657 01/17/91 ============================================================================= PC SUPPORT VERSION 2.0 Customers have experienced problems when trying to run PC Support version 2.0 (AS/400) running under DOS version 4.X. While running the ASTPCS.BAT file to initiate PC Support, the following errors may occur: 5118 5042 To resolve this problem customers should check the AS/400 for the device description. If the device description is the default, "5251 model 11", this must be changed to "5150 model 1". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0658 01-21-91 ============================================================================= VGA PLUS - IRQ 2 CONFLICTS The VGA Plus adapter, part number 202262-003 revisions A or B, causes a conflict with other adapters in the computer that requires the use of IRQ 2. Such adapters include the IBM 3270 emulation adapter, or networking adapters which may be configured to use IRQ 2. This conflict is due to the VGA Plus seizing IRQ 2 on the system bus and preventing any other adapter from utilizing this signal. To resolve this incompatibility, replace this VGA Plus adapter with one that carries the part number 202262-003 revision C (or above). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0659 01-30-91 ============================================================================= RUNNING 3270 FTS UNDER PROFS When trying to invoke the 3270 FTS File Transfer program, the initial File Transfer screen would be displayed, then the system would hang. The customer also noted that he was unable to get the system to a "ready prompt". The problem occurs when running PROFS (an electronic mail package) which is interfering with our File Transfer program. To run AST's FTS program with PROFS, you must do the following: 1. Back out of PROFS by hitting the PF12 key twice. (Do not attempt to use any other method.) 2. Hot-key to DOS using the LSHIFT + RSHIFT keys. 3. Execute AST's FTS (File Transfer program). 4. Once the File Transfer is finished, re-initialize the PROFS system. This is done by typing: I CMS (from the Host command line) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0660 01-30-91 ============================================================================= AST 3270 COAX II WITH WEITEK MATH CO-PROCESSOR When trying to invoke the FTSII File Transfer program with a Weitek math co- processor installed, the File Transfer initialization screen will appear and then hang. To resolve the problem, change the API Vector Address in the 3270CNF configuration program from 7A to 2D. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0661 01-30-91 ============================================================================= AST COAX II-CUT AND WD-1007A CONTROLLER CONFLICT A Coax Adapter Board (CAB) Error 9 may occur while trying to load the AST COAX II-Cut Emulation software. (Reference Technical Bulletin #0453: Error 9 is defined as "Reserved".) Any error that is listed as "Reserved" typically is the result of a hardware conflict between an AST card and another card in the machine. The specifications for a Western Digital WD-1007A ESDI Controller states that it uses a shared memory address of C800H. Western Digital has indicated that a potential problem may occur. To resolve this problem, move Jumper W1 on the controller from 2-3 to 1-2. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0662 01-31-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM COMPUTER WITH NASHUA DISKETTES A "Not ready error reading drive, Abort, Retry, Fail?" will occur when trying to read a Nashua high density (1.2MB) diskette on Premium Computers. This problem is caused by the vinyl that Nashua uses for jackets on their diskettes. Currently, Nashua is shipping a thicker type of vinyl for their high density diskettes. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Nashua. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0663 02-01-91 ============================================================================= BRAVO/386SX AND KEYBOARD ERRORS When using the Bravo/386SX in various software environments, keyboard errors may occur. For example, when using IBM's Attachment 3270 emulation software, the left-hand control key does not function at all. In Lotus and SCO UNIX, the function 5 key generates erroneous characters. In Novell environments, the down arrow cursor key will act as a shift-lock or will not function at all. To resolve these problems, replace the existing keyboard with an NMB keyboard revision C (AST part number 230098-001). ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0664 02-08-91 ============================================================================== PREMIUM COMPUTERS AND MICROSPEED PC-TRACKBALL Problems may occur when attaching MicroSpeed PC-Trackball, which is PS/2 compatible, on an AST Premium Computer. The system will lock-up at the system password prompt with a asterisk and a blinking cursor. If the system password is disabled, the system will lock-up at a C:> prompt. This problem is resolved by upgrading to version 1.8 of MicroSpeed's PAL (Micro Coder) chip. Customers experiencing this problem should contact MicroSpeed's Technical Support to obtain this upgrade. ============================================================================== AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0665 02-14-91 ============================================================================== GUIDELINES FOR USING NOVELL'S COMPSURF UTILITY The following are some general guidelines that should be followed when using Novell's compsurf utility: NEVER use the format option in COMPSURF when: - Using a SCSI drive. - Using a drive over 1024 cylinders. - Using a WD1007A-XXX hard drive controller. - Hard drive manufacturer forbids it. To successfully prepare a hard drive (over 1024 cylinders) for Novell, do the following: - Set drive type in CMOS per manufacturers recommendations. - Low-level format using the manufacturers format utility (i.e., HDFORMAT for an AST drive). - If the drive requires the Novell compsurf "stamp", run compsurf but DO NOT take the format option. - As soon as the compsurf utility starts, it will check track 0. Immediately after the track 0 test is completed (usually within 45 seconds), hit the ALT + F10 keys twice. This should stop the compsurf utility and "stamp" the drive. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0666 02-13-91 ============================================================================= NOVELL COMPSURF WITH ESDI DRIVES Problems may occur when running Novell's Compsurf Utility with AST's OEM version of the WD1007 ESDI controller (AST part number 240018-001) and the Maxtor 4380 320 MB hard drive (AST part number 230055-320). Examples of some errors are as follows: - Abend: Disk Channel 0 could not reset controller - Unable to access Sector 14 - Unable to read bad block table To resolve the above problems, you must do the following: - Do a low-level format using the manufacturer's utility software (i.e., HDFORMAT.EXE for an AST drive). - Run Novell utility ESDIDISK.EXE. (Do not attempt more than three passes.) NOTE: The Novell utility ESDIDISK.EXE is available on Novell's Bulletin Board (NETWIRE) and is listed as ESDIDR.ZIP in Library 6, Forum A. This utility will: - Check track zero. - Scan the hard drive surface. - Put the COMPSURF "stamp" on the drive. - Create a bad block table that Novell can use. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0667 02-18-91 ============================================================================= PROTEON 16/4MB TOKEN RING ADAPTER (MODEL 1390) AND OS/2 With a Proteon 1390 (16/4MB) Token Ring board, running in the UTP mode (unshielded twisted pair) installed in a Premium II 386SX-20, errors may occur when trying to run OS/2 version 1.21 or LAN MAN with Proteon's software driver version 2.07. The problem has been resolved by Proteon. All customers experiencing this problem should contact Proteon for a software upgrade. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0668 03-06-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC BATTERY PACK PRESSURE PAD Problems have been reported with battery packs that will not charge or hold a full charge on some Premium Exec 386SX/20 systems. The problem is caused by the contacts on the motherboard not making reliable contact with the battery pack terminals due to compression of the battery pack pressure pad. Under certain circumstances, the battery pressure pad, located on the inside of the battery compartment door, may compress causing a reduction in the amount of pressure applied to the battery pack. This problem is resolved by replacing the battery pressure pad located on the inside of the battery compartment door. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact AST Product Support and request a battery pressure pad replacement, AST part number 200366-002. The new pad can be easily installed by either peeling off the original pad and replacing it with the new pad or by placing the new pad next to the original pad. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0669 03-08-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386SX-16 WITH PARADISE 8514/A PLUS CARD When installing a Paradise 8514/A video card in a Premium 386SX-16 system, certain errors may be experienced. These errors are: - When the Premium 386SX-16 computer is "powered on", the system will go through post test and, at the memory count, the monitor will go blank and the system will give one long beep. - The second error will occur while running the WDAI.EXE program. This program initializes the video adapter. However, during the initialization of the video card, WDAI.EXE does not recognize that the Paradise 8514/A video card is installed in the Premium 386SX-16 computer system. Customers should verify what Premium 386SX-16 processor board is in the system by removing the cover. If the Premium 386SX-16 processor board has AST's part number 202337-001, it needs to be replaced with AST's part number 202380-001. Customers who are experiencing the above problem should contact an AST Authorized Service Center for replacement. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0670 03-25-91 ============================================================================= BRAVO/386SX AND THOMAS CONARD TC 4035 For reliable operation of the Thomas Conard Network card model TC 4035 on a AST Bravo/386SX. Version 1.04 of Thomas Conard Network software must be used. Earlier version of Thomas Conard Network software will intermittently give write errors writing to the local hard drive. The error "abort, retry, ignore?" will be encountered when copying files from the file server to a local drive (C:> drive). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0671 04-05-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM II WITH IBM'S 3270 ENTRY LEVEL PROGRAM When using IBM 3270 Coax Board (IBM part number 56X4928) and IBM's PC3270 Emulation program, Entry Level software version 1.1 or 1.21 in a Premium II. The Screen displays characters that are chopped in half, also the usable vertical screen area is chopped in half. The problem has been corrected by IBM. Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM at (800) 237-5511 and ask for Maintenance software patch IR80382. To insure proper installation of the maintenance software patch, customers should follow the process outlined on page 8-33 of the Entry Level User's Manual. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0672 04-15-91 ============================================================================= BRAVO/486 WITH SQL When trying to access SQL (Software Products International) from an icon under Windows 3.0 on a Bravo/486-25, an hour glass will appear and the system will freeze. Software Products International has resolved the problem with a software patch. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Software Products International to obtain this patch. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0673 05-02-91 ============================================================================= DEPCA DE-200A CARD AND ASTEMM 4.0 When using ASTEMM.SYS version 4.0 expanded memory manager, an error message "decnet error: attempt to start line failed" is displayed. The ASTEMM 4.10 released with the Premium II Utilities, part number 910429-001 will resolve this problem. Use only the ASTEMM.SYS file on this diskette. The remaining files may not be compatible with Premium systems. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0674 05-02-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM II 386SX/20 WITH ORACLE When starting Oracle version 5.1A the system hangs with the following message displayed: Loading Oracle into Extended Memory. To recover from this hang, the system must be rebooted or powered off then back on. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Oracle for an updated version of their registered software. Oracle Corporation 20 Davis Drive Belmont, CA 94002 (415) 341-4333 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0675 05-02-91 ============================================================================= CONFIGURATION FILES FOR ISA OPTION BOARDS The following is a list of the configuration files which currently ship on AST's EISA configuration diskettes. The files are listed alphabetically by company with a description of the adapter and the corresponding CFG file names: Company/Description: CFGfile: Category: 3Com Corporation Etherlink 3C500B, ASM 34-0780 ISA8C02 NET Etherlink 3C501, ASM 1221 ISA8C01 NET Etherlink II 3C503 ISA8C03 NET Etherlink Plus 3C505-2012, 16-bit ISA8C00 NET Etherlink Plus 3C505-2012, 8-bit ISA8C06 NET Tokenlink 3C603, 16-bit ISA8C04 NET Tokenlink 3C603, 8-bit ISA8C08 NET Tokenlink Plus 3C605-2065, 16-bit ISA8C07 NET Tokenlink Plus 3C605-2065, 8-bit ISA8C05 NET Alloy FTFA Tape and Floppy Controller ISABA03 OTH IMP2 Multiuser Port Controller ISABA00 COM IMP8 Multiuser Port Controller ISABA01 COM PC-HIA XBUS Controller ISABA02 OTH American Megatrends, Inc. Smart Pack 2 with PAL 5.1 ISAD800 MEM Smart Pack 2 with PAL 6.1 ISAD801 MEM Smart Pack 2 with PAL 6.2 ISAD802 MEM Anvil Stallion Intelligent I/O Controller ISAB000 COM Archive SC499R Tape Controller ISAB800 MSD VP402 Tape Adapter ISAB801 MSD Arnet Modular SMARTPORT Card ISAAE02 COM SMARTPORT 16 Card ISAAE03 COM SMARTPORT Card ISAAE01 COM AST Research 3270/Coax II Rev. X4 ISA8200 COM 5251/11 Enhanced Plus ISA8201 COM Rampage 286 ISA8203 MEM RAMvantage ISA8204 MEM SixPackPlus, version A ISA8202 MEM AT&T Starlan Network Adapter ISA8F00 NET Truevision Image Capture ISA8F01 VID ATI Technologies EGA Wonder ISAAC00 VID VGA Wonder ISAAC01 VID Atronics Professional Image Board Plus ISACF00 VID Attachmate 3270 Coax Adapter (long board) ISA8100 COM Advanced 3270 Coax Adapter (short board) ISA8101 COM SDLC Adapter ISA8103 COM SDLC/Autolink Adapter ISA8102 COM Banyan Intelligent Communications Adapter ISAB500 COM Bell Technologis ACE Multiport Serial Card ISAC100 COM Bi-Tech Enterprises, Inc. SCSI 2110 HD/Tape Controller ISAD000 MSD SCSI 2200 Controller ISAD001 MSD BICC ISOLAN Ethernet Adapter ISAA600 NET BIT3 403/404/405 Bus Communication Adapters ISABB00 OTH BlueLynx BlueLynx 3270 Enhanced Coax ISAC304 COM BlueLynx 3270 Remote ISAC302 COM BlueLynx 5250 ISAC301 COM BlueLynx 5251-12 ISAC300 COM BlueLynx Enhanced 5251-11 ISAC303 COM Boca Research, Inc. Bocaram/AT Plus ISABC00 MEM I/O Master AT ISABC01 OTH Capital Equipment Corporation PC 488 IEEE Printer Controller ISAC500 OTH Chase Research AT4/AT8/AT16 ISADD00 COM Codonol Codenet 3051 ISAA800 NET Computer Peripherals Graphmaster Plus EGA ISAB602 VID Monographic Video ISAB600 VID Vision Master VGA ISAB601 VID Computone IntelliPort ATCC Cluster Controller ISAAF01 COM IntelliPort Multiport Serial Card ISAAF00 COM Comtrol Corporation SMART HOSTESS Multiport Serial Card ISAD200 COM Control Systems Artist 10 ISAA700 VID Artist XJ10 ISAA701 VID Core International, Inc CNT-ATP ESDI Internal FD Controller ISAC400 MSD Corollary 8x4 Mux (Jumpers) ISAC000 COM 8x4 Mux (Rotary Switches) ISAC001 COM Digital Comm. Associates 10 Net Adapter ISA8507 NET IRMA 3278 Emulation Adapter ISA8501 COM IRMA 3279 Graphics Adapter ISA8502 COM IRMA2 3279 Graphics Adapter ISA8508 COM IRMA2 Adapter ISA8500 COM IRMA3 Convertible Adapter ISA8503 COM SDLC Adapter ISA8506 COM Smart Alec 5250 ISA8505 COM Digital Equipment Corporation DEPCA EtherLink Adapter, Rev D1 ISA8B00 NET DEPCA EtherLink Adapter, Rev E, F ISA8B01 NET DigiBoard DigiBoard Com/8s ISAB904 COM DigiChannel PC/8 ISAB905 COM DigiChannel PC/8e ISAB903 COM DigiChannel PC/8i ISAB901 COM DigiChannel PC/Xe ISAB900 COM Digital Storage Systems ARC6000 ISACD00 MSD Emerald 3XPlus 5250 Remote ISAB101 COM 3XPlus 5250 Twinax ISAB100 COM Emulex MPC-II Comm Controller ISAD300 COM Eotron EOgraph Plus ISABF00 OTH Equinox Systems Megaport Board ISAD100 COM Everex Evercom 24 2400 Baud Modem ISAB200 COM Excelan EXOS 205E ISAA400 NET EXOS 205T 16-bit ISAA401 NET GammaLink GammaFax CP ISAD501 COM GammaFax NA ISAD500 COM Gateway G/Ethernet 8-bit PC ISA9401 NET G/Ethernet AT ISA9400 NET G/Net LNIM ISA9405 NET G/Net VS ISA9404 NET G/Token Ring 8-bit ISA9402 NET G/Token Ring AT ISA9403 NET Genoa Systems Corporation QIC-02 Tape Controller ISA9F07 MSD Super VGA, 16-bit ISA9F00 VID SuperEGA HiRes+ ISA9F03 VID SuperSpectrum Model 4640 ISA9F05 VID SuperSpectrum Model 4650 ISA9F04 VID SuperVGA ISA9F02 VID Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. Smartmodem 1200B ISAAB00 COM Smartmodem 2400B ISAAB01 COM Hercules Computer Technology GB222 InColor Card ISA9000 VID Graphics Card Plus ISA9001 VID VGA Card ISA9002 VID Hewlett Packard Company Dual Serial Interface Board (24541B) HWP1400 COM Enhanced Graphics Adapter Board (45983A) HWP0030 VID HP 82328A Intelligent Graphics Controller ISA9B00 VID HP Serial/Parallel Interface Board (24540B) HWP1C00 COM HP-IB Interface (82335A) HWP1420 OTH Internal 1200 Baud Modem (24550A) HWP1450 COM Internal 2400 Baud Modem (24551A) HWP1410 COM Monochrome Plus Video Board (35732A) HWP0000 VID Multimode Color Adapter Board (45984A) HWP0020 VID Multimode Video Adapter (45981A) HWP0010 VID Scanjet Plus Interface (88290A) HWP1460 COM ThinLAN Interface Card (27210B) HWP1810 NET Hughes Lan Systems 4140 Ethernet Board ISAD700 NET 6130 Broadband Network Card ISAD702 NET 6140 Token Ring Network ISAD702 NET IBM Advanced 3278/79 Adapter ISA8303 COM Enhanced 5250 Emulator ISA8300 COM Enhanced 5250 Emulator, Rev B ISA8301 COM Enhanced Graphic Adapter ISA839C VID Monochrome Adapter ISA8308 VID PC Network ISA8305 NET PGA ISA830D VID SDLC (3270 or 5250 Remote) ISA8302 COM Serial/Parallel Adapter ISA8304 OTH Token Ring Adapter I ISA8306 NET Token Ring Adapter II ISA8307 NET Token Ring Adapter, 4/16 ISA830B NET Token Ring II Adapter, Short Card ISA830A NET VGA Display Adapter ISA8309 VID Idea 5250/Remote ISA8400 COM 5251 Twinax Plus, Rev D ISA8401 COM IDEAcomm 5251 Twinax Plus, Rev C ISA8402 COM IDEAcomm 5251 Twinax, Rev A, B, C ISA8403 COM Ideatech, Inc Ideaphone Input Device ISACE00 OTH IMC Networks Corporation PCnic, 16-bit NIC ISA9700 NET Intel Corporation Above Board 286 (no Piggyback) ISA9202 MEM Above Board 286 with 2MB Piggyback ISA9203 MEM Above Board Plus 8 (including 6MB Piggyback) ISA9206 MEM Above Board PS/286 (no Piggyback) ISA9204 MEM Above Board PS/286 with 2MB Piggyback ISA9205 MEM Above Board/AT (no Piggyback) ISA9200 MEM Above Board/AT with 2MB Piggyback ISA9201 MEM Visual Edge Printing Enhancement System ISA9207 OTH Iomega Corporation Bernoulli Host Adapter Board ISAB700 OTH Konan TNT-1050 Caching Disk Controller ISACB00 MSD LSE Electronics Platinum VGA 16 Card ISAC701 VID YC808 Color Graphics Printer Adapter ISAC700 OTH Madge AT Ring Node ISA9600 NET Matrox PG-1024 ISA9C02 VID PG-1281 ISA9C01 VID PG-641 ISA9C03 VID Metheus UGA 1104 Graphics Controller MET1104 VID UGA 1124/1128 Graphics Controller MET1128 VID Micom-Interlan NI5210/16 Ethernet ISA9303 NET NI5210/8 Ethernet Adapter ISA9302 NET NP600A Ethernet Adapter, 16-bit ISA9300 NET Micro Integration PC-MICOAX ISAC201 COM PC-STWINAX ISAC200 COM Microsoft Corporation Mouse Controller ISA8E00 OTH National Instruments AT-GPIB ISACA01 OTH GPIB-PC ISACA02 OTH GPIB-PCIIA ISACA00 OTH NEC Multisync Graphics Board GB-1 ISAD900 VID Nestar ARCNET Plan 2000 ISA8A00 NET Novell Coax Adapter 3270 Connection ISA8700 COM Coax Graphics, Rev A ISA8701 COM NE1000 Ethernet Adapter ISA8711 NET NE2000 Ethernet Adapter ISA8712 NET RX-Net, Rev B, C, D Network Interface ISA8713 NET RX-Net, Rev E, F, G Network Interface ISA8714 NET Twinax 5250 ISA8702 COM Nth Graphics Nth Engine ISADC00 VID Orchid Enhanced Board OM ISAA102 MEM Enhanced Board w/IO ISAA103 MEM ProDesigner VGA/VGA+ ISAA101 VID Turbo PGA ISAA100 VID Packard Bell PB 3270 Coad ISACC00 COM Paradise Systems Autoswitch EGA ISAA202 VID VGA Plus, 8-bit ISAA201 VID VGA Professional, 16-bit ISAA200 VID Pixel Works Micro Clipper Graphics ISA9E00 VID Ultra Clipper Graphics ISA9E01 VID Practical Peripherals Practical Modem 2400 ISAAB300 COM Pure Data PDI508 ArcNet ISAA501 NET PDI8025 Token Ring ISAA500 NET Qua Tech DS-201 Dual Channel RS-422 ISABE04 OTH DSDO-402 Dual Serial/Dual Parallel ISABE06 OTH ES-100 8 Channel Asynchronous ISABE01 COM MXI-100 IEEE 488 GPIB ISABE03 OTH PXB-1608 Parallel Expansion Board ISABE00 OTH PXB-721 Parallel Expansion ISABE05 OTH QS-100M 4 Channel Asynchronous ISABE02 COM SmartLynx Multiport Adapter ISABE08 COM WSB-10 Waveform Synthesizer ISABE07 OTH Quadram QuadEGA+ ISA9100 VID QuadMeg-AT ISA9102 MEM QuadRAM+ w/IO ISA9102 MEM QuadVGA Video Adapter ISA9101 VID Rabbit Software RB14 X.25 Adapter ISADB00 COM RB24 Multi-Protocol Comm ISADB01 COM Racal-Interlan NI5210/16 Ethernet ISABD03 NET NI5210/8 Ethernet ISABD02 NET NP600A Ethernet 16-bit ISABD00 NET Renaissance Rendition I ISA9D00 VID Rendition II Intelligent Graphics Controller ISA9D01 VID Sigma Designs SigmaVGA or VGA/HP8 ISA9901 VID VGA-PC-HP160/162 ISA9900 VID SIIG, Inc. ARCLAN-100 Arcnet Network Board ISAC900 NET SMC ARCNET PC ISA8900 NET ARCNET PC100 ISA8901 NET ARCNET PC110 ISA8902 NET ARCNET PC130/E ISA8903 NET ARCNET PC220/120 ISA8904 NET ARCNET PC270/E ISA8905 NET ARCNET PC500 ISA8906 NET Ethernet PC510 ISA8907 NET STB Systems Chauffer HT ISAB402 VID EGA MultiRes ISAB404 VID EGA Plus ISAB401 VID VGA Extra ISAB403 VID Street Electronics Corporation ECHO PC+ Speech Synthesizer ISAC800 OTH Sun Micro Systmes TOPS Flashcard ISAAD00 COM Tecmar EGA Master 480/800 ISA8804 VID Maestro AT ISA8805 MEM QIC PC36 Tapee Controller TEC8001 MSD QIC60 Host Adapter TEC8000 MSD QT Host Adapter TEC8002 MSD QT PC36 Tape Controller TEC8003 MSD The Complete PC, Inc. FAX/9600 ISAD600 COM Thomas-Conrad Corporation TC6042 ARC-Card/CE TCC030D NET TC6045 ARC-Card/AT TCC010C NET TC6142 ARC-Card/CE TCC040B NET Tiara LanCard/A, Rev B ISA8D00 NET LanCard/E PC 16 ISA8D01 NET Torus Ethernet Adapter ISADA00 NET Ethernet Adapter/SB ISADA01 NET Truevision ATVista ICB ISAA300 VID Ungerman-Bass, Inc. 3270 NIUpc UBIB200 NET NIC UBIC100 NET NIUpc UBIB100 NET NIUpc / Token Ring UBID100 NET Personal NIU UBIA100 NET Personal NIU/ex UBIA200 NET Vector International SCC Async/BSC/SDLC ISAC600 COM Vermont Micro Systems Cobra VMI0211 VID Cobra Plus VMI0E01 VID Image Manager 1024 VMI0201 VID Image Manager 640 VMI0601 VID Page Manager 100 ISAA000 VID Verticom, Inc. M16/M256E ISA9A00 VID MX16/AT & MX256/AT ISA9A01 VID Video Seven FastWrite VGA Video Adapter ISA9802 VID V-RAM VGA ISA9800 VID Vega Deluxe EGA Adapter ISA9801 VID Western Digital Corporation EtherCard + 8003EB 61-600090-00 WDC03E4 NET EtherCard + 8003EB 61-600245-02 WDC03E2 NET EtherCard Plus 16 8013EBT WDC13E0 NET EtherCard Plus 8003E WDC03E0 NET EtherCard Plus TP 8003WT WDC03E3 NET EtherCard Plus w/Boot 8003EBT WDC03E1 NET StarCard Plus 8003S WDC0300 NET StarLink Plus 8003SH WDC0301 NET TokenCard 8005TR/8005TRWS WDC0510 NET WD1004A-WX1 Controller ISAD400 MSD WD1006V-MM2 Winchester/Floppy Controller ISAD401 MSD WD1006V-SR2 Winchester/Floppy Controller ISAD402 MSD Total Released ISA Option files: 273 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0676 05-02-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/386-C SERIAL PORT CONFLICT When using the Premium/386-C BIOS version 3.01 and Hayes modem or IBM serial/parallel card, the following conflict error my occur at boot time: "On-board serial port in conflict with Add-on expansion card". Customers experiencing the above error should obtain a copy of the BIOS release 2.30 kit number 500702-001 to resolve this problem. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0677 05-02-91 ============================================================================= GIGATREND TAPE BACK-UP UNIT AND PREMIUM 386/33 The Gigatrend Model 1235 tape back-up unit is not compatible with the Premium 386/33 Cupid system. When attempting back-up the following error message will be displayed: RAM Parity errors - offending segment XXXX There is no resolution at this time and Marketing has determined that this problem will not be fixed. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0678A 02-05-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC BATTERY MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER Under certain circumstances, some Premium Exec 386SX/20 computers may exhibit one or more of the following problems when connected to the AC adapter after the battery has been completely discharged: - Battery will not charge completely. - Over charge of battery. - Erroneous battery charge level indicators (LED) when connected to the AC Adapter. - Low battery alarm when connected to the AC Adapter. - Intermittent loss of display when booting. To resolve these problems, it is necessary to reset the Battery Management Controller (BMC) chip. To accomplish this, follow the steps listed below: 1. Power off the Premium Exec. 2. Disconnect the AC Adapter from the Premium Exec. 3. Wait approximately 10 to 15 seconds, reconnect the AC Adapter to the Premium Exec. 4. Power the Premium Exec back on. If this does not resolve the problem, the system may have a defective BMC chip. Contact AST or your nearest AST Authorized Service Center to have this chip replaced (re: Field Change Notice #0058). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0679 05-08-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC, QEMM AND DESQVIEW 2.26 Under certain circumstances, Premium Exec computers with the QEMM Expanded Memory Manager version 5.11 loaded, may take up to 1 1/4 minutes to load Desqview version 2.26. This problem is resolved by adding the following parameter to the QEMM statement in the CONFIG.SYS file: DEVICE=QEMM.SYS IA ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0680 05-08-91 ============================================================================= ETHERNEXT LAN CARD AND PREMIUM/286 The Ethernext LAN card is not compatible with the Premium/286 when configured with a 3G Plus card and the system memory is set for zero wait states. When attempting to run application programs from the Novell 2.15 shell environment, a blank screen may appear. There is no resolution for this problem and Marketing has determined that this problem will not be resolved. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0681 05-17-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC SUSPEND/RESUME AND PROTECTED MODE The Premium Exec 386SX Suspend/Resume feature will not function when running software that requires Protected Mode operation. This includes applications, such as Windows 3.0 and extended memory managers (i.e., QEMM and ASTEMM). This problem is caused by the 386SX microprocessor's requirement for applications or memory managers using extended memory to run in protected mode only. All 386SX "notebook" type computers, equipped with a Suspend/Resume feature, exhibit this anomaly and to date, there are no known resolutions. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0682 05-06-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM SYSTEMS WITH BUILT-IN MOUSE PORTS AND ADIC'S DCB When installing two ADIC DCB controller cards, Channel 1 and Channel 2 in an AST computer, errors will occur on the second DCB controller which is Channel 2, (i.e., Channel 2 will fail to initialize under Novell Netware environment and will also fail ADIC diagnostics). The problem lies with IRQ12, which supports the PS/2 mouse port. ADIC's DCB controller card Channel 2 is hard wired, this cannot be changed. (IRQ12 is accepted as Industry Standard for PS/2 mouse port). ADIC's Technical Support recommends that the customer using the DCB Channel 2, switch and use DCB controller Channel 3 which uses IRQ10. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact ADIC's Technical Support to exchange DCB controller cards. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0683 05-08-91 ============================================================================= SUN RIVER CARD AND AST PREMIUM/386-33TE When using the Sun River Fiber Optics Host adapter card, model HA-40, with the AST Premium/386-33TE with greater than 15MB total memory the following error message will be displayed at boot time: "Sun River card not found". The above error message will only occur when RAM is installed in the 16MB space. The Sun River card uses the 16MB space for I/O addressing their card, which conflicts with the processor memory addressing. If this problem occurs, configure the system with 14MB or less of memory. Marketing has determined that this problem will not be fixed. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0684 05-21-91 ============================================================================= NOVELL 386 WITH AST DESK TOP AND TOWER SYSTEMS The following problems are occurring with AST Cupid desktop and Cupid Tower systems configured with more than 16MB of RAM with Novell Netware 386 version 3.10: - System will lock up after attempting to mount the drives - Intermittent memory parity errors occur - Intermittent lock-ups occur The above problems occur because the Novell operating system has not been made aware of any memory above 16MB. This problem can be resolved by registering the memory with the Novell operating system so that it knows how to access the memory. To accomplish this, edit the AUTOEXEC.NCF file within the Novell install option as follows: REGISTER MEMORY [START(hex)] [LENGTH(hex)]. Using the chart below replace the [START(hex)] and [LENGTH(hex)] with the appropriate parameter. +-----------------------------------------------------------+ | TOTAL MEMORY START(hex) LENGTH(hex) | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 20MB 1000000 400000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 24MB 1000000 800000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 28MB 1000000 C00000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 32MB 1000000 1000000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 36MB 1000000 1400000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 40MB 1000000 1800000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 44MB 1000000 1C00000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 48MB 1000000 2000000 | |-----------------------------------------------------------| | 52MB 1000000 2400000 | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0685 05-24-91 ============================================================================= THE SUPER VGA MONITOR WITH AST VGA ADAPTERS In January of 1991, the "dot clock" frequency of the AST Super VGA monitor (part number 500783-XXX) became 36 megahertz in order to comply with industry standards. This is designated by the characters "36MHZ" on the back of the monitor. This change causes an incompatibility with AST VGA display adapters in certain display modes. The symptoms appear when the "Enhanced Text Mode" (132 characters by 25 lines or 132 characters by 43 lines) is chosen for the display mode. The monitor will display only horizontal scan lines instead of readable text. The following table describes the revision level of a given VGA display adapter required to maintain compatibility with the "36MHz" Super VGA adapter. Description Part Number Revision Level VGA Adapter (8 bit) 202249-005 C or above VGA Plus Adapter 202262-003 D or above CUPID System Board 202360-001 S or above DSX-16 VGA Adapter 20H004-001 X4 or above ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0686 05-28-91 ============================================================================= BRAVO 386/SX-16 AND NOVELL'S NE2000 CARD When using a Bravo 386SX (part number 500736-XXX) with a Novell NE2000 LAN card installed, random characters may appear on the right edge of the screen with normal operation while attached to a server. This problem can be resolved by removing the jumper W16 on the Novell NE2000 card. This jumper is used to maintain Bus compatibility. For a detailed description of the usage of W16 see "Novell's Ethernet installation supplement" part number 100-000708-001 revision 1.01. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0687 05-30-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/386-25, 33 AND CORE TAPE BACK UP UNIT It has been reported that the Core Tape backup unit, configured with a Archive model 2060L tape drive and a SCSI Everex model EV-811 controller will not function properly in a Premium/386-25 and a Premium/386-33. The user may experience system hang-ups when attempting a backup, or the message "communication timeout" will be displayed on the screen. The problem lies within the Core Tape back-up unit not operating correctly with processor speeds above 20MHz. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Core Technical Support at (407) 997-6033. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0688 05-31-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND GEO WORKS ENSEMBLE When using Geo Works Ensemble version 1.0 on a Premium Exec 386SX/20 the customer is unable to print through the parallel port. This problem only occurs with this version of the software application. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact Geo Works for a file called PARALLEL.GEO. This software patch will correct the problem of printing through the parallel port. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0689 04-30-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM II SYSTEM BIOS AUTOSENSE FEATURE The Premium II BIOS (version 2.0 and above, AST part numbers 237826-001A and 237827-001A) supports a feature known as "Autosense". This feature allows the BIOS to automatically sense, and use, optimized parameters which take advantage of the full capacity of IDE type hard drives. Prior to this feature, the parameters for a particular drive had been determined by entering a discrete value (e.g. "17") in SETUP. This value had to operate with drives from several vendors, so these parameters were not always optimal for a particular drive. This means that the same drive configured by these two methods will have two different sets of parameters, particularly the number of cylinders. Therefore, a drive which has been partitioned and formatted under a discrete drive type may have to be re-partitioned and re-formatted when configured by the autosense feature. Make sure the following steps are taken before using autosense to configure a drive: - Save the data currently on the drive. Save only files and directories, not partition information. - Run SETUP and choose "AUTO" for drive type. A set of parameters will be returned for the installed drive. Save the configuration and exit SETUP. - Re-partition and re-format the drive under the new configuration, and restore the original data. Note: The Conner CP-3000 40MB drive (AST part number 230092-040) cannot be configured via the autosense feature. This drive must be manually configured as type "17" in the SETUP program. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0690 06-18-91 ============================================================================= EXCESSIVE HEAT IN TOWER EISA SYSTEMS Tower EISA systems with 80486 processor boards installed exhibit intermittent failures under certain operating environments. Normally under these conditions there are one or more Host Bus Adapters (HBA's) or multiple network interface cards installed in the system as well as the processor card. The failures exhibited are: - Complete system halts, forcing a reset of the system, - Error messages generated by the operating system in use. The cause of these intermittent failures has been proven to be caused by excessive heat buildup in the tower enclosure due to improper placement or installation of the enclosure itself. To insure proper operation of Tower EISA systems in all operating environments, the following guidelines must be met: 1. Proper ventilation must be supplied for the Tower enclosure 2. Ambient air temperature must be within the specifications stated in the Tower User's Manual. 3. All system covers, including drive bay covers, must be installed while the system is operating. These enclosures are designed for optimal air flow with the covers in place. 4. The processor board installed in the system must be a particular revision level. The processor boards listed below have a vented bracket (AST part number 200412-001) installed which aids air flow. Processor Board Part Number Revision 486-25 202361-002 N 486-33 202361-004 D 486-25 202361-005 D 486-25 202361-006 B 486-33 202361-007 B 486-25 202397-001 X3 486-33 202397-002 B ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0691 06-19-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM II ILLEGAL CMOS VALUES Premium II systems, while running Power On Self Test (POST), may display the status of cache memory as "Disabled", but CMOS SETUP displays cache as "Enabled". These contrary indications are caused by two bits in CMOS memory being set to illegal values. Systems affected are those with version 2.00 BIOS (part numbers 237826-001 A and 237827-001 A) installed. The illegal setting can be verified by entering SETUP and using the PAGE DOWN key (instead of using the TAB key) to view the status of "Cache Memory". With the illegal values set, this field will show that neither "Enable" or "Disable" has actually been selected. To insure that the cache feature is properly enabled and functioning, perform the following steps: 1. Enter the SETUP program as described in the Premium II User's Manual. 2. TAB down to the "Cache Memory" field and use the ARROW keys to choose "Disable". 3. TAB to the next field down, then SHIFT-TAB immediately back to the "Cache Memory" field and choose "Enable". 4. Save the new configuration upon exiting the SETUP program. The system will boot and display "TESTING CACHE ......ENABLED" during POST, and the cache feature will function normally. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0692 07-12-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND XIRCOM MULTIPLEXOR When the Xircom Ethernet adapter is used with the Xircom Multiplexor attached to the Exec 386SX/20 parallel port, the following error message will be displayed when attempting to connect to the Network: "Adapter not found or power is off" This problem occurs only on the following Premium Exec motherboards: Part Number Revision Level 202390-001 X17 or below 202390-002 X3 or below The revision level can be found on a label affixed to the motherboard and is clearly visible after removing the Accessory Door. Customers experiencing this failure should contact AST or an authorized AST Service Provider for arrangements to have the unit exchanged. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0693 06-20-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/386-25 PARALLEL PORT AND INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS UNIX The following represents a problem as reported from the field: SYMPTOM: If the system is "powered on" and the printer is "not applied", the console is rendered inoperative. CONFIGURATION: Premium/386-25 Unix System version 2.2.1, running Multi-User mode. Printer attached to parallel port on 386/25. CAUSE: This is a known problem with Interactive Systems Unix operating system. SOLUTION: There is no known resolution at this time. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact the manufacture Interactive Systems for details. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0694 06-28-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM 386SX-16 AND ALSYS When running AlsyComp, from Alsys, Inc. on a Premium 386SX-16 system with a Cupid Enhanced motherboard (part number 202360-XXX), customer will experience system lock-ups. This problem only occurs when the math-coprocessor is enabled. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Alsys, Inc. They have the following software patches VSTACK87.OBJ and STARTUP.OBJ available to resolve the problem. (PR#B66097) ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0695 07-18-91 ============================================================================= DESQVIEW AND AST SYSTEMS WITH BUILT-IN MOUSE PORT PROBLEM: AST systems lock-up when using DESQview, with a mouse connected to the mouse port. AFFECTED SYSTEM BOARD: All system boards with integrated mouse port and the following part numbers: 202273-001, 202343-001, 202343-003, 202351-002 202352-001, 202360-001, 202373-001, 202377-001, 202385-001, CAUSE: Incompatibility between DESQview release 2.31, and AST's implementation of the mouse port. SOLUTION: A permanent solution will be the next release of DESQview. However, a temporary patch can be made by following the directions below. NOTE: All zeroes in the following text are underlined for readers reference only. Step 1: On the root directory of your Hard Drive create a file named DVFIX.DBG using DOS's COPY CON command or any ASCII text editor. The file should contain the following: E 40:0F F0 Q Step 2: Add the following line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT: DEBUG and sequence. For further information on speed commands, please refer to your systems user manual. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0697A 08-19-91 ============================================================================= SIMULATION SCIENCES SOFTWARE AND AST 486 SYSTEMS PROBLEM: Systems using the 80486 microprocessor will not recognize the hardware security key, causing Simulation Sciences Inc's Software Process version 4.01 to stop execution. This problem exists on all manufacturers 80486 systems, including AST's that have a parallel port implemented on the motherboard. SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. However, AST systems can be made to operate by disabling cache in system setup. This is a temporary work around and the customer should contact Simulation Sciences Inc. at (714) 579-0412 for proper corrective action. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0698A 08-16-91 ============================================================================= INTELLI-TREND SOFTWARE AND AST PREMIUM/386 SYSTEMS PROBLEM: AST systems will lock-up when using Intelli-Trend software. AFFECTED SYSTEM BOARDS: All AST Premium/386 systems boards with the following part numbers: 202273-001 202360-001 202373-001 CAUSE: Incompatibility between Intelli-Trend software and AST systems. SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Intelli-Trend for more information. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0699 08-05-91 ============================================================================= AST KEYBOARD AND BRAVO 486/25 PROBLEM: The NumLock status and indicator are always off or inactive (after booting) regardless of how the system is configured during setup. AFFECTED SYSTEM: Bravo 486/25 using part number 230098-001 revision "C" keyboards. CAUSE: Keyboard BIOS improperly handling keyboard functions. SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should have their keyboards part number 230098-001 upgraded to revision "D" or "E". ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0700A 08-16-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 386SX/16 AND COLORADO 120MB TAPE DRIVE PROBLEM: When a Wang emulation board is installed in a Premium 386SX/16 and connected to a Wang computer, the Colorado 120MB tape drive revision FW63 fails to initialize. AFFECTED SYSTEM: AST Premium 386SX/16 with the following system board part number: 202360-001 CAUSE: Incompatibility between Colorado 120MB tape drive, revision FW63 and AST's Premium 386SX/16 and the Wang emulation board. SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. The Colorado 120MB tape drive, revision FW40 does operate correctly. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Colorado's Technical Support for more information. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0701 08-07-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC SERIAL MOUSE/BACKLIGHT TIMEOUT When the "Mouse Connected to.." field is set for "Serial Mouse" in the Premium Exec CMOS setup, the Backlight Timeout feature will function correctly only if a mouse driver is installed in the CONFIG.SYS or AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This anomaly is caused by a Hardware/Software Interrupt conflict that occurs when the Serial Mouse field is set and no mouse driver is installed. To correct this problem, install the correct mouse driver in your CONFIG.SYS file or execute the correct mouse driver command either at the DOS prompt or in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0702 09-17-91 ============================================================================= AST ETHERNODE REMOTE BOOT AND DOS 5.00 SYMPTOM: The remote boot feature on the AST Ethernode network card does not work with DOS 5.0. Workstations attempting to attach to the file server will hang during the remote boot process. PROBLEM: The boot image file (NET$DOS.SYS) is not designed to work with DOS 5.0. SOLUTION: A file called RPLFIX.COM is available through Novell or on Compuserve's "Novell Netwire" forum. This program patches the NET$DOS.SYS boot image file that the Novell utility DOSGEN.EXE produces. Please consult the Netware manuals for more information on the DOSGEN utility. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0703 09-17-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM/486-33TE AND WESTERN DIGITAL'S ELITE 16 COMBO PROBLEM: Banyan Vines version 4.10 network software driver will not initialize Western Digital's Elite 16 Combo network card, in a Premium/486-33TE computer system. The error that occurs is "Controller Failure", and at this point the workstation is unable to connect to the file server. SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Currently, Banyan Vines software version 4.10 does not support Western Digital Elite 16 Combo card. At this time Banyan Vines and Western Digital are working together on a software driver that will support Western Digital's Elite 16 combo card. WORKAROUND: Banyan Vines and Western Digital Technical Support, both agree that the NDS software driver should be selected when installing the network card. Also, the AST VGA Plus must be forced to 8-bit mode. If the AST VGA Plus is set for 16-bit mode the system will not boot. The reason for this error is the software drivers that are supported in Banyan Vines software are for the older Western Digital 8-bit network cards. The older software drivers are doing 8-bit writes. CONFIGURATION: P/486-33TE WD's Elite 16 Combo (AutoSwitching) AST's VGA Plus (AutoSwitching) Banyan Vines 4.10 (Operating System) DOS 3.3 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0704 09-06-91 ============================================================================= AST 5251/12 REMOTE GATEWAY INSTALLATION PURPOSE: To remotely attach multiple network nodes to an IBM mini (IBM System 34, 36, 38 and AS/400) while only installing one emulation card. REASON: Cost effective way to have multiple nodes access emulation while only having one emulation card and additional gateway software. HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS: AST 5251/12 (CC-432 Adapter) Emulation Package. A NETBIOS Compatible Local Area Network already installed and operational. Synchronous Modems (NOT HAYES COMPATIBLE) SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: 5251/12 Emulation Version 4.30 (part number 910408-001, 910408-002 and 910408-003). 5250 Gateway Option Version 4.30 (part number 910411-001) NOTE: Versions of both 5251/12 Emulation Software and 5250 Gateway Software may be updated in the future. HARDWARE SET UP: AST 5251/12 Adapter IRQ=2; I/O=300-30F (DEFAULT) The above settings are factory default. If a conflict arises with other hardware in the PC, the user should consult with the conflicting hardware's reference manual for the settings and change the AST hardware and software, or vice versa, in order to resolve the conflict. For installing and connecting the two Synchronous Modems please refer to the Modem Manual, the AST 5251/12 User's Manual (part number 000427-001A) and the AST CC-432 User's Manual (part number 000140-001E) for more information. Note: This document assumes that the user is qualified to establish a successful Modem connection with the IBM Host. INSTALLATION: The Master PC contains the AST CC-432 Synchronous Communications Adapter, the 5251/12 Emulation program, the 5250GATE.EXE program which is attached to the network. The Slave PC contains the KERNELGW.EXE program which is attached to the network. A. MASTER PC CONFIGURATION 1. Type the following at the DOS prompt for the directory that contains the AST 5251/12 Emulation Software: C:\AST> CFG5251 [Enter] This assumes that the subdirectory name is AST and is located on the C: Drive. 2. Answer (n)o for MASTER CLUSTER. 3. Answer (n)o for ASYNC DIAL UP. 4. Answer (y)es for MASTER GATEWAY. 5. Answer (n)o for QUICK START. 6. From the AST 5251/12 Configuration Program (CFG5251.EXE) menu, highlight EDIT and press [Enter]. 7. Answer (y)es to modify the configuration file, AST5251.CFG. 8. The EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu will appear with the following options: HARDWARE KEYBOARD STATION SECURITY VDISK CUSTOMIZE CLUSTER GATEWAY QUIT 9. Highlight HARDWARE and press [Enter]. These options will appear: HARDWARE DSP_ADAPTER QUIT 10. Select HARDWARE again. This is the HARDWARE selection. All the options in this section pertain to how the emulation adapter and communication line is configured. IRQ BPS NRZI I/O_ADR TRACE SDLC QUIT 11. The BPS, NRZI, TRACE and SDLC options are not set from AST (default factory settings). The user must set each option accordingly. 12. The BPS option pertains to the baud rate of the Synchronous Modem that the user is connecting to the AST CC-432 (AST 5251/12) Communications Adapter. Under this option the following list will appear and the user should select the correct rate: 1200 2400 3600 4800 6000 7200 8000 9600 QUIT 13. The NRZI option is host (IBM System 34, 36, 38 or AS/400) controlled. This is IBM's error correction detection system. It is either ON or OFF. The user must verify this parameter with the host's system operator. 14. Under the TRACE option these options will be displayed: NONE SNA SDLC QUIT Note: It is recommended that the TRACE option be used as this is a good trouble shooting tool. With this option selected the user will observe a fixed set of numbers followed by incremental numbers on the bottom left and right hand corners of the display during emulation. The numbers on the left bottom corner indicate that the AST package is receiving data from the Modem and the numbers on the right bottom corner indicate that the AST adapter is transmitting data to the Modem. If there are no numbers at either corner then it indicates that the Modem is not communicating with the AST CC-432 Adapter. Several probable causes for this occurring are as follows: A. Bad or wrong type of cable connecting the Modem to the AST CC-432 Adapter. User could be using a standard asynchronous null Modem RS-232 cable that does not have pin 15 (transmit clock) and pin 17 (receive clock) connected. B. IRQ or I/O_ADR conflict between other hardware in the PC with the AST Adapters. C. Memory resident (TSR) programs such as; fixed disk organizers, menu programs, keyboard macro programs, and etc., that may conflict with the AST 5251/12 Software. D. The NRZI option does not match between the host and AST 5251/12 Emulation. 15. Highlight SDLC and press [Enter]. This is the controller station address configured at the host (IBM System 34, 36, 38 or AS/400) site. The user must verify this parameter with the host's system operator. It is a hexidecimal value and ranges from 01 through FE. Enter the appropriate value and press [Enter]. 16. Press the ESC key and then highlight DSP_ADAPTER and press [Enter]. Highlight DSP_ADAPTER on the next screen and press [Enter]. Next highlight the type of display adapter you are using and press [Enter]. Example: "Color". 17. Press ESC until you return to the EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu. Highlight STATION and press [Enter], the following list will appear: 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 QUIT 18. Station Address 0 will always be configured as a 5251/12 display type. This cannot be changed. Station Address 1 is reserved for SNA and is not available. The address scheme for the AST 5251/12 Station Addresses and the IBM Host Addresses are as follows: STATION option (AST) 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Ports on IBM 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Respectively for an IBM 5251/12 (what AST is emulating) remote controller where all device codes are configured for workstation address 0. Page 3-12 of the AST 5251/12 User's Manual (AST part number 000427-001) displays this scheme in more detail. 19. Highlight STATION Address 2 and press [Enter]. These options will appear: DISPLAY PRINTER CLUS_DISPLAY CLUS_PRINTER GATE_DISPLAY GATE_PRINTER QUIT 20. Highlight GATE_DISPLAY and press [Enter]. 21. Highlight 5251/11 (can also select 5291-1 or 5292-1 but will use a 5251/11 for this example) and press [Enter]. Press the ESC key when asked to "enter new session name for station address 2". For this configuration, session names will not be used. 22. Repeat steps 19 through 21 as many times as needed to configure all the station addresses that will be given to the Gateway. In this example a total of seven sessions are configured. Make sure that the number of sessions configured on the AST 5251/12 software matches the number that the IBM host will be allocating to the Gateway. 23. Highlight the other addresses and select the appropriate DEVICE TYPE and press [Enter]. Configure the station addresses as follow: ADDRESS 0 - 5251/12 DISPLAY IBM-API: OFF ADDRESS 2 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME) ADDRESS 3 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME) ADDRESS 4 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME) ADDRESS 5 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME) ADDRESS 6 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME) ADDRESS 7 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME) *The type of display can vary depending on what the host is configured for. The other device types that can be emulated by the AST 5251/12 software or the 5291-1 and the 5292-1. Note: This sample is configured so the Slave PCs will be assigned an address/session on a first-come first-serve basis which is called "session bidding". 24. When all the required addresses are selected press ESC until you reach the AST 5250 CONFIGURATION PROGRAM menu. Now save the MASTER/PASSTHROUGH configuration settings and exit to DOS. 25. Highlight SAVE and press [Enter]. 26. The program will ask "Save configuration file: AST5251.CFG (Y/N)?" Respond "yes" and press [Enter]. This concludes the configuration of the MASTER PC. B. SLAVE PC CONFIGURATION You can use one configuration file for all the network node SLAVES provided that all the Slaves have the same type of display. The slave software when executed will look at the master configuration software to see what gateway displays are available. 1. Type the following at the DOS prompt for the directory that contains the AST 5250 Gateway Software: C:\GATE\CFG5251G [Enter] This assumes that the software is located in a subdirectory named GATE which is on the C: Drive. 2. Answer (n)o for QUICK START 3. From the AST 5250 CONFIGURATION PROGRAM menu, highlight EDIT and press [Enter]. 4. Answer (y)es to modify the configuration file, AST5251G.CFG. 5. The EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu will appear with the following options: HARDWARE KEYBOARD STATION SECURITY VDISK CUSTOMIZE CLUSTER GATEWAY QUIT 6. Highlight HARDWARE and press [Enter]. Highlight DSP_ADAPTER and press [Enter]. Highlight DSP_ADAPTER again and press [Enter]. Select the appropriate display adapter for this particular SLAVE PC (Mono or Color). NOTE: If the Slaves on the network have various types of displays (i.e., monochrome and color), different configuration files (AST5251G.CFG) will need to be created to match each type of display. 7. Press the ESC key until you return to the EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu. Highlight STATION and press [Enter]. 8. STATION ADDRESS 0 is already configured for you. ADDRESS 0 - 5251/11* DISPLAY IBM-API: OFF (NO SESSION NAME) *The device type can also be a 5291-1 or a 5292-1. For this setup you do not need to delete or reconfigure. Address 0 on the MASTER PC is taken by the 5251/12 Controller so this SLAVE PC configuration would then go to the next available session on the MASTER PC which would be address 2. Note: We are setting this up for "session bidding", therefore we do not need to configure the exact station address for the slave. When the slave software is executed, it looks at the master configuration to see which gateway display is available. This is called session bidding. This is how all the slave configurations should be set up for session bidding. 9. Press the ESC key until you return to the AST 5250 CONFIGURATION menu. The user will now save the SLAVE PC configuration settings and exit to DOS. 10. Highlight SAVE and press [Enter]. 11. The program will ask "Save configuration file: AST5251G.CFG (Y/N)?" Respond (y)es and press [Enter]. 12. Highlight QUIT and press [Enter]. 13. Repeat Steps 1 through 12 at each SLAVE PC as needed. This concludes the configuration procedure for the SLAVE PC. C. ENHANCED KEYBOARD CONFIGURATION If you have an Enhanced Keyboard (Function Keys located across the top), you need to run an additional configuration program. Without running emulation, insert the AST5251/12 Terminal Emulation Diskette 2 of 3. 1. Type: A:[Enter] 2. Type: ASTKBD [Enter] 3. Use your down arrow key to highlight the COUNTRY selection. 4. Use your left arrow key to highlight the UNITED STATES as country type. 5. Use your down arrow key to highlight the KEYBOARD selection. 6. Use your left arrow key to highlight the ENHANCED-LIKE for the keyboard type. 7. Use the down arrow key to go to the PROCEED option and press [Enter]. 8. Type the drive letter and subdirectory where the KERNEL.EXE file is located for the MASTER PC or where the KERNELGW.EXE file is located for the SLAVE PC 9. Use your down arrow key to get to the EXIT TO DOS option and press [Enter]. This should be done for each machine that has the enhanced keyboard. D. STEPS FOR PROPER EXECUTION The following steps will show the proper sequence of loading the emulation and gateway programs: 1. MASTER PC A. Load your network programs. B. Load NETBIOS. C. Execute KERNEL.EXE. D. Execute GATE5251.EXE. E. Execute APS.EXE. 2. SLAVE PC A. Load your network programs. B. Load NETBIOS. C. Execute KERNELGW.EXE. D. Execute APS.EXE. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0705 09-17-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC AND LCD BORDER COLOR Customers have noticed different border colors on the Premium Exec 386SX/20. These colors are blue and black and are only observed by looking at the edges of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) on the Premium Exec 386SX/20. AST's Portable Marketing department has concluded that this is not a problem. All three (3) LCD's that AST sources for use in the Premium Exec have a unique border color. The reason for the color difference is only possible to note when looking at the edges of the LCD, since the color beyond the edges is reversed out to white. Most importantly, AST has not compromised the quality of the Premium Exec 386SX/20 in any way by using multiple LCD sources. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0706 09-25-91 ============================================================================= IBM PS/PC SOFTWARE AND PREMIUM EXEC INTERNAL DATA MODEM PROBLEM: IBM Personal Services/PC (PS/PC) software does not operate correctly with the Premium Exec Internal Data Modem. When attempting to make a connection, the modem handshakes but will not link to the mainframe. CAUSE: Incompatibility between IBM PS/PC software version 1.3 release PSPC13003 and the Premium Exec Internal Data Modem. SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. IBM PS/PC software version 1.3 release PSPC13006 resolves this problem. Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM to obtain the above release of the PS/PC software. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0707 10-10-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM II 486SX/20 AND LOTUS 123 RELEASE 3.1 SYMPTOM: Unable to input numeric values into the Lotus 3.1 worksheet. The numeric values appear only as zeros while alphanumeric values are fine. PROBLEM: Lotus 3.1 recognizes that the system has a 80486 Processor and assumes that there is a Math Coprocessor available. This is true for the 80486DX Intel Chip but not for the 80486SX. When a Math Coprocessor is present, Lotus passes on the tasks of numeric calculations to the Math Coprocessor which is not available in the Premium II 486SX/20 as a standard option. This can be checked by accessing the Worksheet Status Menu option which will show the system information such as; Available memory, Processor type, Math Coprocessor type and other Lotus configuration information. SOLUTION: By typing "123 -s" at the Lotus 3.1 prompt the Premium II 486SX/20 system will be recognized as a 80386 system with no Math Coprocessor, enabling Lotus to handle the numeric calculations. The "-s" switch instructs Lotus that the system has a 386 Processor with no Math Coprocessor instead of a 486 Processor. This will allow the Premium II 486SX/20 to be able to input numeric data. Lotus is also aware of this issue and customers can contact Lotus at (800) 343-5414 and order the Lotus 3.1 update which resolves this problem. With this update the Lotus program will no longer assume that the 80486 Processor has a built-in Math Coprocessor and the "-s" parameter will no longer be necessary. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0708 10-14-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM EXEC AND TOSHIBA EXPRESSWRITER 301 PROBLEM: When using a Toshiba ExpressWriter 301 portable printer on the Premium Exec Notebook errors occur when attempting to print through the parallel port (i.e., "write fault error on device LPT1:: when copying files directly to the parallel port). AFFECTED SYSTEM: AST Premium Exec Notebook 386/SX-20 SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Toshiba has provided a software patch (INT17.COM) which may be added to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to resolve this problem. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Toshiba's Technical Support for more information. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0709 10-14-91 ============================================================================= AST SYSTEMS WITH IBM'S OS/2 EE PROBLEM: When installing IBM's OS/2 Extended Edition 1.30.1 on an AST system, the following error will occur: "Invalid Configuration" [50.09] diskette drives or types mismatch error. Run setup... Press F1 key to continue or Ctrl-Alt-Esc for setup. The above error indicates that the system configuration is lost and setup must be performed for the system to boot properly. SYSTEMS AFFECTED: All AST systems SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. The problem has been corrected by IBM. Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM at (800) 237-5511 and ask for either CSD 5016 or APAR JR04280. To insure proper installation of the CSD or APAR, customers should follow the process outlined by the IBM readme files. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0710A 10-28-91 ============================================================================= SCO OPEN DESKTOP IN 800X600 VIDEO MODE PROBLEM: When using the Open Desktop release 1.0 and 1.11 in SuperVGA (800x600x16) mode, vertical bars and multiple horizontal images are displayed on the screen. The 640x480 and 640x350 modes work fine. CAUSE: The "grafinfo" file for the video contains some additional information which is only required for the AST VGA Plus card. SYSTEMS AFFECTED: All systems with integrated video. SOLUTION: To fix this problem complete the following steps: (Lines starting with the # sign indicate commands that should be entered at the root prompt). 1) Bring the system down to single user mode (init 1). 2) # cd /usr/lib/grafinfo/paradise. 3) # cp vgaplus.xgi vgaplus.orig (you are saving the file vgaplus.xgi as vgaplus.orig). 4) Edit the file vgaplus.xgi. 5) Search for, and remove the following two lines from the file: out (0x3CE,0x0B); out(0x3CF,0x44); / *256k 16 bit */ out (0x3CE,0x0C); out(0x3CF,0); 6) Save the file and exit you editor. 7) # mkdev graphics. 8) Select "update" from the main menu. 9) Choose the Paradise VGA Plus from the list of Adapters. 10) Choose the VGA 800x600 16-color option from the list of Modes. 11) Press return twice to accept the Default configuration, and accept the current setting. 12) Choose "Quit" from the main menu, then "save". (This will update the grafinfo database to reflect the changes you have made to the file). The system does not need to be re-booted, just go back to multiuser mode and ODT will now work in 800x600 mode. This updated file will work correctly on the regular VGA Plus board also. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0711 10-28-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC 386SX20 AND AST MODEM SOFTWARE PROBLEM: When the ASTMODEM.EXE program is used to turn the modem off, the suspend feature does not function. CAUSE: Incompatibility between the ASTMODEM.EXE, and the suspend feature. AFFECTED SYSTEM: AST Premium Exec 386SX/20 SOLUTION: The new version of ASTMODEM.EXE (1.01) resolves this problem, and can be downloaded from the AST BBS at (714) 727-4723. The file name is ASTMODEM.ZIP, and can be found under the "System" file area. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0712A 10-28-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-20 AND XIRCOM MULTIPLEXOR PROBLEM: When a Xircom Parallel port Multiplexor is attached to the Premium Exec 386SX-20 parallel port, the Xircom Pocket Ethernet adapter reports the following error messages while operating under Novell 386 OS: "Pocket Ethernet failed memory test" "Network error on server" AFFECTED SYSTEM: AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 system. CAUSE: Incompatibility between Xircom's Parallel Port Multiplexor and AST's Premium 386SX-20 system. SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Xircom for a Multiplexor upgrade that will resolve this problem. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0713 10-31-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-20 AND TAYLOR SOFTWARE FOR MODICON 884 PROBLEM: While running Taylor's software on Modicon's 884 PLC programmer, the following problem occurs when operating on line through the serial port. The page down key operates erratically. One out of three keystrokes may be recognized which results in uncontrolled page selections. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 systems CAUSE: Incompatibility between Taylor for Modicon 884 software and AST's Premium 386SX-20 system. SOLUTION: This is not a issue that AST can resolve. Marketing has determined that this problem will not be investigated any further. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0714A 12-20-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC 386SX AND LOSS OF SETUP Loss of CMOS setup or Password Enabled error messages have been reported on some new Premium Exec 386SX systems. This problem occurs because the Premium Exec is designed with a rechargeable Ni-Cad CMOS backup battery that has a shelf life of approximately 42 days (worst case) from the date of manufactured. Under some circumstances when CMOS has been lost, the message "PLEASE ENTER PASSWORD:" may appear prior to any of the error messages listed below. If this occurs, it will be necessary to toggle the Password Override Switch to override the password prior to running ASTSETUP. Please consult the Premium Exec User's Manual for additional information on this procedure. The problems are resolved by simply powering up the system using the AC Adapter and pressing Ctrl-Alt-Esc to run ASTSETUP after the following messages appear: 40.08 TESTING CMOS CHECKSUM CHECKSUM...FAILED 40.01 CMOS RAM ERROR CHECK BATTERY AND RUN SETUP 20.03 MEMORY SIZE ERROR - RUN SETUP PRESS F1 TO CONTINUE OR CTRL ALT ESC FOR SETUP Please Note: If the F1 key is pressed, the system will attempt to boot first, from the floppy drive, then the hard drive. If no floppy disk is present, the system will display "Disk Boot Error, Please Insert a System Disk and press Enter". If this occurs insert the Premium Utilities Diskette in drive A: and hit the Enter key and choose "Run System Setup" from the menu that appears on the screen. To assure complete charging of the backup battery, it is recommended that after running ASTSETUP, that the system remain plugged into the AC Adapter for approximately 8 hours. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0715 11-05-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM EXEC 286/12 AND DOS 5.0 PROBLEM: When installing Microsoft or AST's version of DOS 5.0 on the Premium Exec 286/12, an error will occur. The error is a blinking cursor on the upper left hand corner of the screen and the drive A:> light remains on. When this error occurs, the system will lock up. SYSTEMS AFFECTED: Premium Exec 286/12 CAUSE: This problem is caused only when the Suspend mode is enabled. SOLUTION: Currently, AST's Portable Marketing group has determined that this problem will not be fixed. However, there is a workaround for this problem. Before installing DOS 5.0, run the Premium Exec 286/12 setup program and disable Suspend mode. then proceed with the installation. When the installation for DOS 5.0 is completed, re-run setup and enable the Suspend mode. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0716 10-28-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM II 386SX-20 AND TRAK ENGINEERING SOFTWARE PROBLEM: The TRAK Engineering application software "Fuel Management System" will not communicate with TRAK's custom control box through the Premium II 386SX-20 Com port. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: AST Premium II 386SX-20 with the following system board part number: 202373-003 Revision X4 and below CAUSE: Incompatibility between TRAK Engineering software and control box and AST's Com port on the Premium II 386SX-20 system. SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved. Customers experiencing this problem should contact AST and have their system board upgraded to revision X5 or above. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0717 10-22-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM II UTILITIES WITH MIS-IDENTIFICATION OF 386/33 PROCESSOR PROBLEM: When running Premium II utilities version 2.00 confidence test the "view system configuration" option reports the 386/33 processor as a 386/25. The mis-identification during the AST confidence test is an error in the identification process only, the board is fully functional at the full 386-33 speed. CAUSE: The component on the processor board, that identifies the 386/33 processor is incorrect. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All processor boards with part numbers 202403-002 with revision X7 or lower and 202403-003 revision X8 or lower. SOLUTION: This problem is fixed on the next revision level of the Processor boards, X8 or X9 respectively. This is not a mandatory change and is not covered under warranty. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0718 10-09-91 ============================================================================= AST's SVGA MONITOR AND OS/2 1.21 SYMPTOM: Various screen problems may occur with AST systems using the 800x600 resolution mode under AST OS/2 version 1.21 with the AST SVGA monitor. Some of the problems experienced are as follows: Shaking of the screen. Slight shift of the screen. A line down the center of the screen. A loss of the screen when switching between video modes. PROBLEM: The current BVHVGA.DLL driver under AST OS/2 version 1.21 instructs the video chip on the AST system board to generate an output of 34.4 kHz instead of the VESA (Video Electronics Standard Association) specified horizontal frequency of 35.2 kHz for SVGA monitors. The AST SVGA monitors follow the VESA specifications for the horizontal frequency. SOLUTION: A driver called BVHVGA.DLL with the byte size of 37994 is available on the AST BBS under the file name of OS2-VGA.ZIP which is located in the file area called SYSTEMS. This driver sets the video chip output to match the VESA specified SVGA horizontal frequency of 35.2 kHz for the AST SVGA monitor. This new driver will be incorporated in AST OS/2 version 1.3. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0719 11-07-91 ============================================================================= AST ETHERNODE AND SMC CONCENTRATORS/HUBS PROBLEM: When connecting multiple NetWare servers using SMC's (Standard Microsystems Corporation) Concentrators/hubs, the error "file server not found" is displayed on the workstation. If only one file server is connected, a connection can be made. CAUSE: SMC has a documented bug which does not allow connecting multiple servers via their earlier concentrators/hubs. SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should contact SMC for an upgrade to a revision G or higher. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0720 11-12-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM 486/33 TOWER EISA AND DPTFMT PROGRAM PROBLEM: When installing SCO UNIX software on a Premium 486/33 Tower EISA system with the DPT Host Bus adapter provided by AST, the following error will be displayed during installation: "WARNING: No Configuration Information for SDisk Unit 0." AFFECTED SYSTEMS: AST Premium 486/33 Tower EISA with the following system board: 202377-001 CAUSE: AST's DPTFMT program does not configure the hard drive type properly. SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with release 1.01 of AST's Driver Support Diskette. Customers experiencing this problem should contact AST and order the following Software upgrade and Installation Reference document: PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION 910452-005 Software upgrade Revision A Release 1.01 001436-001A Installation Reference document ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0721A 12-16-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC AND EMM386.EXE MS-DOS version 5.0 includes an expanded memory emulator, EMM386.EXE. Memory addressing conflicts may occur when running this program on the Premium Exec. The problem is a result of EMM386.EXE and the Premium Exec System BIOS attempting to load at the same memory address. To prevent EMM386.EXE from using memory that is already used by the Premium Exec System BIOS, add the following parameter to the device statement in the system's CONFIG.SYS file: DEVICE=EMM386.EXE x=C000-CFFF ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0722 11-01-91 ============================================================================= ADVANCED FASTRAM PROBLEM: Several customers have reported being unable to use the Advanced FastRam board. The failure has been isolated to a Improperly programmed smart switch device on the FastRam card (IC U65 107000-642). SYMPTOM: The Advanced FastRam is not being seen by the FastRam software. The machine boots, but the I/O and starting address is not recognized by the Configuration Utility software (910314-301 revision A). AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Advanced FastRam card with the following part number: 202253-001 or 500565-001 SOLUTION: Any customers reporting this problem should contact their local AST Service Center to have the defective IC, (107000-642B) replaced. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0723 12-02-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM/386 TOWER EISA DETECTING RAM MEMORY AT 512K PROBLEM: When the system is configured with 512K of base memory the system BIOS may incorrectly identify LAN cards RAM memory as system memory. This problem will occur when the LAN card RAM has a starting address of 512K. When the system is re-booted via CNTL-ALT-DEL the following error message is displayed: [20.30] Memory size error - Run EISA config utility. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Premium/386 Tower EISA system board with the following part number: 202377-002 Revision "D" and below. CAUSE: System BIOS incorrectly testing memory in the 512K - 640K range. SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with a new release of the system BIOS. Customers experiencing this problem should have the system BIOS upgraded to version 1.14, see Field Change Notice #0046B. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0724 12-10-91 ============================================================================= AST SYSTEMS AND IBM ENTRY LEVEL 3270 VERSION 2.0 PROBLEM: When running IBM's Entry Level 3270 version 2.0 on AST systems the computer will hang showing a blank screen. SYMPTOM: The system hangs with a blank screen. To recover from this problem a cold boot is required. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All AST systems. SOLUTION: This is not an AST problem. Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM Support at 800-237-5511 and ask for Patch Number IR96328. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0725 12-16-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/25 AND NUMLOCK KEY Problems have been reported with the Numlock key being toggled to the wrong state with some Premium Exec 386SX/25 systems. The problem is that the Numlock is enabled when the system boots even if it has been set to "off at Boot" in setup. The problem is caused by an incorrect line in the system's AUTOEXEC.BAT file that results in an erroneously configured keyboard. The problem is resolved by removing the following line from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file: KEYB US,,C:\DOS\KEYBOARD.SYS ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0726 12-16-91 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC, MS-DOS 5.0 DOSSHELL AND TASK SWAPPING Problems may occur with the Premium Exec 386SX/20 and 386SX/25 when attempting to use the Task Swapping feature under the MS-DOS 5.0 DOSSHELL. When attempting to swap between tasks, the computer will beep and continue to run without swapping. This problem does not occur when running AST's version of MS-DOS 5.0. The problem is caused by the MS-DOS 5.0 installation program installing a driver for VGA mono operation (vgamono.grb) when an LCD display is sensed. The Premium Exec's LCD has been designed to emulate VGA color modes and is not completely compatible with the vgamono.grb driver. AST's version of MS- DOS 5.0 installation program has been modified to install the VGA color driver (vga.grb) that corrects this problem. If running MS-DOS 5.0 on a Premium Exec, the problem can be resolved by manually installing the vga.grb driver supplied with the MS-DOS Distribution Diskettes. Complete each of the steps listed below in order to install this driver: 1. Insert MS-DOS 5.0 Distribution Diskette #1 in drive A: 2. At the DOS prompt, enter the following command: Copy A:VGA.GRB C:\DOS\DOSSHELL.GRB 3. Hit the ENTER key. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0727 12-17-91 ============================================================================= AST 5251/11 ENHANCED WITH P.C. SUPPORT PROBLEM: When sending large print jobs using the virtual print feature within P.C. Support, the system locks up. Customer is unable to get P.C. Support version 1.3 or higher to initialize. CAUSE: The AST Twinax Adapter Handler (ASTTWNAH.EXE) version 1.01 did not handle the print functions properly. The 1.01 version of the adapter handler was not designed to work with version 1.3 or version 2.1 of P.C. Support. SOLUTION: The new version of the Twinax Adapter Handler version 1.20 fixes all of the above problems. The part numbers are as follows: 910395-002 5.25" diskette 910395-032 3.50" diskette ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0728 12-26-91 ============================================================================= AST BRAVO 486/25 VIDEO BIOS ERRORS DURING POST PROBLEM: When using a third party video card as the primary video in an AST Bravo 486/25, the following error message will be displayed during POST: "Cannot shadow video BIOS in shadow ram" "Press F1 key to continue or CTRL-ALT-ESC to setup" AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Bravo 486/25 system board with the following part number: 202385-001 CAUSE: System BIOS Rel 1.10 does not have the option to disable the shadow BIOS. SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with release 1.20 of the system BIOS. This system BIOS consist of two chips, part number 237801-003 and 237802-003 revision A. Customers experiencing the above problem should have the system BIOS upgraded. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0729 01-03-92 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM II 386SX-20 AND DEC PCSA SOFTWARE PROBLEM: System will not remote boot with DEC's PCSA revision 4.0E software. The system will hang during the execution of the CONFIG.SYS file. AFFECTED SYSTEM: AST Premium II 386SX-20 system. CAUSE: Incompatibility between DEC's PCSA revision 4.0E software and AST's Premium II 386SX-20 system. SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should contact DEC for a software upgrade, PCSA revision 4.1 will resolve this problem. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0730 01-06-92 ============================================================================= AST SYSTEMS WITH PS/2 MOUSE PORT AND CH PRODUCTS ROLLER MOUSE PROBLEM: When a CH Products Roller Mouse is attached to the AST PS/2 type mouse port , it will lock up the keyboard or display the following error message after POST: "Mouse not installed" CAUSE: Incompatibility between CH Products Roller Mouse and AST's PS/2 mouse port. AFFECTED SYSTEM: AST Premium 386SX-20 and Bravo 486-25 with the following system board part numbers: 202382-002 and 202385-001 SOLUTION: This problem has been resolved with release 1.02.01 of the keyboard controller, part number 237002-002 revision A. Customers experiencing this problem should have their keyboard controller upgraded. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0731 01-06-92 ============================================================================= AST 486 SYSTEMS AND MICROSOFT EXCEL PROBLEM: When running Microsoft Excel version 3.0 with a Postscript printer and doing a "Print Preview" in landscape mode with the print expanded 150%, the software will generate the following error message: "NON-RECOVERABLE APPLICATION ERROR" SYMPTOM: All AST 486 based systems experience "NON-RECOVERABLE APPLICATION ERRORS" (UAE). A system reset is required to recover from this problem. The UAE's will not occur while printing, only when doing a print preview. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All AST 486 models. SOLUTION: This is not a problem that AST can resolve. Microsoft Windows version 3.1 (BETA) has been tested by AST and does not experience the same problem. Customers experiencing the above problem should contact Microsoft Product Support at (206) 637- 7098 for a resolution. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0732 11-04-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM II WITH 387SX MATH CO-PROCESSOR AND WINDOWS 3.0 PROBLEM: Running Windows 3.0 in Standard mode with a 80387SX math co- processor installed may cause the system to hang and display the error message: "Not ready error drive C:, abort, retry, ignore, fail?" AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Systems with the following motherboards installed: AST PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION LOCATION 202356-00X CUPID Motherboard U85 202360-00X CLEM Motherboard U29 202373-00X MS CLEM Motherboard U22 CAUSE: When a Texas Instruments or I.M.P. 82C206 Interrupt Controller is used on the above motherboards, the INTR signal is left set, causing the system to hang. This failure is only noticed when running Windows version 3.0 in the Standard mode with an 80387SX math co-processor installed. SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this failure should have their system motherboard returned to AST for replacement of the 82C206 IC (AST part number 106000-619). NOTE: The repair/replacement order for the motherboard obtained from AST must specify that the disqualified component at location U?? be replaced. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0733 01-06-92 ============================================================================= WINFAX ERRORS AND MICROSOFT WORKS PROBLEM: When faxing/printing documents with Microsoft Works the software reports the following error message: "The page size and orientation settings for your printer do not match the page size settings in your document". This is an error in the software only. To get around this problem select the "continue" option in the dialog box. CAUSE: Microsoft Works for Windows does not read the page orientation settings correctly. This problem occurs when running Works for Windows only. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All AST systems running Windows 3.0, Works for Windows and Winfax 2.0 from Delrina Technology, Inc. SOLUTION: This is not an issue that AST can resolve. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Microsoft Works for Windows technical support at (206) 635-7130 for a resolution. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0734 01-06-92 ============================================================================= BRAVO 386SX-20 AND MICROSOFT WORD PROBLEM: When using Microsoft Word version 5.0 and 5.5 on a Bravo 386SX-20 with a PS/2 compatible mouse the system will lock up. The system will lock up when WORD is typed at the DOS prompt and the enter key is pressed or when trying to access WORD through Windows 3.0. This lock up occurs when the mouse driver is installed. CAUSE: This problem is caused by Microsoft's file called SCREEN.VID, which contains the video and keyboard drivers used for Word. AFFECTED SYSTEM: Bravo 386SX-20 and Premium II 386SX-20 SOLUTION: This is not a problem that AST can resolve. Customers experiencing this problem should contact Microsoft's Technical Support for a new copy of SCREEN.VID to resolve the problem. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0735 01-16-92 ============================================================================= FASTBOARD 386 AND DR-DOS 6.0 PROBLEM: When installing the driver FB386.SYS under Digital Research's DR-DOS 6.0, the FB386.SYS driver will fail to load and display the following error message: "FB386.SYS not loaded - illegal parameter specified". CAUSE: Incompatibility between the FB386.SYS release 1.2 and Digital Research DOS 6.0 AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Fastboard 386 SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should upgrade their FB386.SYS driver to version 1.22 or later. This driver is available on the AST On-Line! BBS and also on the Fastboard 386 driver diskette (AST part number 910281-001 revision E). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0736 01-21-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM 486/25 AND IMSI PET MOUSE PROBLEM: When using a Pet Mouse, a PS/2 compatible mouse manufactured by Imsi on a Premium 486-25 the following errors will occur: - The system will lock up with the Pet Mouse plugged into the mouse port (motherboard part number 202360-001). - If the system passes its POST test the Pet Mouse will be recognized as a serial mouse connect to COM1: IRQ: 4 I/O: 3F8, instead of a PS/2 mouse. CAUSE: The cause of this problem is the keyboard controller revision 1.01, which is located at U15. SYSTEM AFFECTED: All systems that have motherboard part number 202360-001. SOLUTION: This problem is resolved by replacing the revision 1.01 keyboard controller with revision 1.02. This keyboard controller (part number 237002-002) can be ordered through AST's Product Support Department. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0737 01-23-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC AND MICROSOFT PS/2 MOUSE Problems have been reported with some Microsoft PS/2 Serial and PS/2 Mice when attached to the mouse port of AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 and 386SX-25 systems. The mouse may exhibit either intermittent operation or a failure to initialize after executing the mouse driver. This problem does not occur if the same mouse is attached to the Premium Exec's serial port. The cause of the problem is that some Microsoft Mice release the clock and data lines too quickly when the system is first powered on. The problem has been resolved on Premium Exec 386SX-20 systems with version 1.05 of the Keyboard BIOS and on Premium Exec 386SX/25 systems with version 1.15 System BIOS. Premium Exec users experiencing this problem should contact an AST Authorized Service Center and obtain the following: PRODUCT DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER Premium Exec 386SX-20 BIOS Upgrade 1.07/1.05 500892-001 Premium Exec 386SX-25 System BIOS 1.15 237838-005 ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0738 01-23-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC AND MICROSOFT BALLPOINT MOUSE Incorrect operation of the Suspend/Resume Feature may occur when using a Microsoft Ballpoint Mouse connected to the Premium Exec's Keyboard/Mouse Port. The system will lock up when attempting to return from the suspend mode. This problem occurs only when using version 8.0 and version 8.1 of Microsoft device drivers (MOUSE.COM & MOUSE.SYS). Earlier versions of this device driver do not exhibit this problem. In order to resolve the problem, substitute an earlier version of the device driver. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0739 11-11-91 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM 486/33 WITH GERMAN KEYBOARD An incompatibility was discovered with AST German Keyboard ("AST230098- 004C"), KEYB.COM (DOS versions 3.3 and 4.01) and 486/33 processors. When KEYB.COM is loaded, "^@" will be displayed on the screen. The Alt-GR (third- shift-key) will not function properly. KEYB.COM, revision 3.30E6 will resolve the problem with DOS versions 3.3 and 4.01. The file name is KEYB.ZIP and can be found on AST's On-Line! Bulletin Board System. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0740 01-15-92 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM EXEC WITH PC HF WEATHER FAX SOFTWARE PROBLEM: Software Systems Consulting (SSC) produces a PC HF Weather Fax software package that is incompatible with the core logic used in the AST Premium Exec notebooks. The Western Digital WD76C10 device is not unique to AST notebooks. The PC HF Facsimile version 5.0 does not properly display the weather satellite images. CAUSE: The Western Digital WD76C10 is not compatible with the software timing of the Software Systems HF Weather Fax. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All AST Premium Exec notebooks, as well as all other vendors notebooks that utilize the Western Digital WD76C10 device. SOLUTION: There is no solution to this problem. SSC has agreed to give any customers using their software on such a system a refund. Customers reporting this problem should contact SSC at (714) 498-5784. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0741 01-22-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL PROBLEM: During the installation process, the EXECEL.EXE file does not fully copy onto the hard drive. This results in an incomplete installation of Excel. SYMPTOM: When "double clicking" on the Excel Icon, the following message appears: "System error: Divide by Zero error". AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Premium Exec 386SX/25 SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should upgrade the BIOS to revision 1.12 or higher. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0742 01-24-92 ============================================================================= MICROSOFT WINDOWS 3.0 AND ENHANCED VGA MODES PROBLEM: When running the application WordPerfect 5.1 in 132x43 column text mode under Windows 3.0 (Real, Standard, or Enhanced modes) and switching between tasks using the + key sequence, or using the Task List, when the user switches away from and then back to the WordPerfect session the screen is blank with only a flashing cursor on the screen. CAUSE: Microsoft has advised AST that Windows does not support DOS applications (WordPerfect and others) running in extended graphics modes such as 132x43 column text mode or 640x400x256 graphics mode. Windows will only support standard VGA text and graphics modes for these applications. SOLUTION: Run DOS applications in standard VGA modes only. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0743 01-24-92 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM EXEC 386 AND HEALTHDYNE SOFTWARE PROBLEM: When the Healthdyne database software accesses the math co- processor in a Premium Exec 386/SX-20 the following error message "Stack Frame Error" displays and then returns to a dos prompt. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Premium Exec 386/SX-20 and Premium Exec 386SX-25 CAUSE: The software when started with a batch file "GO 1" mis- identifies the L.C.D. screen and the environment created is incorrect. The correct environment is created by the software if the screen is identified as color CGA, EGA, or VGA display. SOLUTION: Revision "B" of the software has been released by Healthdyne that detects the display attached thereby correcting the above problem. A temporary solution is to start the program with the "GO 2" batch file, which identifies the screen as a VGA display. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0744A 03-04-92 ============================================================================= AST 486 BASED SYSTEMS WITH ADAPTEC 1540 AND 1542B PROBLEM: AST 486 based systems using an Adaptec 1540 and 1542B SCSI HBA shows a significant loss of performance by Checkit and Sprinrite. Data transfer rates are reduced by 33 percent when compared to a Premium/386-33 or a Premium 386SX-16 system. CAUSE: Adaptec's controller request for the bus are being held off while the 486 completes code fetch sequences from Adaptec's byte-wide BIOS ROM. This results in 16 accesses to the ROM over the bus, because the 486 processor fetches 128 bits at a time then releases the bus. The 386 processor fetches 32 bits then releases the bus. Since the 486 processor holds Adaptec controller off the bus longer during this access, the overall performance is significantly reduced as compared to the 386 based system. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: AST 486 based systems SOLUTION: It has been determined that this problem will not be fixed. Customers experiencing this problem should use QEMM-386 version 5.1 or equivalent as a workaround. This application will allow shadowing of the Adaptec BIOS which will resolve the problem. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0745 01-30-92 ============================================================================= AST SYSTEMS AND AST 5251/11 TERMINAL EMULATION PROGRAM PROBLEM: Customers using AST-5251/11 Terminal Emulation program version 4.40 or earlier, may experience intermittently displayed characters (2,4,6,8) while using the stand alone cursor keys on a 101 enhanced keyboard. When a cursor key is depressed and held down a number will be inserted on the screen if immediately preceding the depressing of the shift key. CAUSE: Incompatibility between AST 101 enhanced keyboard part number 230098-001 revision "C", and AST-5251/11 Terminal Emulation program. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All AST systems using 101 enhanced keyboards, part number 230098-001 revision "C" . SOLUTION: Customers experiencing this problem should have their keyboard part number 230098-001 upgraded to revision "D" or higher. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0746 02-20-92 ============================================================================= AST SYSTEMS WITH DPTDDL.SYS DRIVER PROBLEM: When loading the DPTDDL.SYS driver for the DPT hard disk controller the following error message is displayed: "Warning: SCSI BIOS ROM version is later than the driver version". AFFECTED SYSTEM: All AST systems. CAUSE: The DPTDDL.SYS provided by AST only supports SmartRom version prior to revision "C". SOLUTION: If the DPT HBA (Host Bus Adapter) PM2012 has revision "C" or later of the SmartRom then the DPTDDL.SYS required can be downloaded from DPT Bulletin Board Service (B.B.S.), telephone number 407-831-6432. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0747 02-21-92 ============================================================================= RAMPAGEPLUS/MC AND DCA 3270/MC BOARD PROBLEM: When installing a DCA 3270/MC board in an IBM PS/2 system with a RampagePlus/MC board already installed, after completing the DCA 3270 installation, the memory previously supplied by the RampagePlus/MC board will no longer be counted during post. CAUSE: The ASTART.EXE program supplied with the RampagePlus/MC board does not correctly register memory on the IBM reference disk, which allows the DCA 3270/MC board to corrupt the RampagePlus/MC memory configuration. SOLUTION: Use the ASTART.EXE (version 1.21.01) available on the AST On- Line! BBS. (This is not an AST released driver, and AST makes no warranty regarding the usability of this driver). ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0748 03-18-92 ============================================================================= BIOS SHADOWING IN AST SYSTEMS This document presents information on the topic of BIOS shadowing. Persistent misinformation and rumors abound on BIOS shadowing. If properly informed most users should view shadowing as a positive and significant performance enhancer rather than a feature to be avoided. Performance: System BIOS and video BIOS shadowing is done to improve performance. This is done by executing the BIOS code out of RAM rather than ROM. A performance gain is achieved by executing out of RAM because it has a much faster response time than the ROM. The slower response time of the ROM acts as a barrier to today's higher speed processors. Shadowing Location: During POST the system BIOS copies an image of itself as well as an image of the video BIOS into RAM. The location where this image is copied depends on the vendor's philosophies as well as hardware capabilities. The AST philosophy is to follow the strategy of "in-place" shadowing. What in-place shadowing means is that the system BIOS will be copied into RAM located at F000:0 and the video BIOS will be copied into RAM located at C000:0. For those familiar with the PC architecture, in-place shadowing locates the shadowed BIOS at the same location as the ROM version (unshadowed BIOS). Early in AST's systems history, the hardware was not able to support the in- place shadowing strategy. The very early systems would shadow the system BIOS at F000:0 but the video BIOS had to be shadowed at E000:0. Progress in AST's hardware development made in-place shadowing possible for systems starting in the latter part of 1989. The choice of shadowing in-place or not is limited by hardware and is not a BIOS design issue. Advantages of In-place: Shadowing in-place has the significant advantage of conserving valuable upper memory addresses. A typical unshadowed system will utilize a total of 96K bytes of valuable address space between the 640K and 1M region. This is allocated as 64K bytes at F000:0 for the system BIOS and 32K bytes at C000:0 for the VGA BIOS. The AST strategy of in-place shadowing utilizes exactly 96K bytes of this valuable address space when shadowing is activated. A different shadowing strategy commonly utilizes 160K bytes of this address space between 640K and 1M. The chart below illustrates how the in-place shadowing strategy conserves valuable upper memory addresses. Upper Memory Address Utilization: No Shadow In-Place Other Scheme C0000-C7FFF VGA BIOS VGA BIOS VGA BIOS (ROM) E0000-EFFFF not used not used VGA BIOS (Shadowed) F0000-FFFFF system BIOS system BIOS system BIOS total space 96K bytes 96K bytes 160K bytes The second significant advantage of in-place shadowing is that it presents the same characteristics as the typical unshadowed system. For programs which "sniff" or search the 640K - 1M region, a system which has in-place shadowing has the video BIOS and system BIOS in exactly the same locations as the typical unshadowed system. There is no anomaly as in other shadowing strategies which have a video BIOS located at C000:0 (the ROM image) as well as at E000:0 (the shadow image). Reserved Memory: All current AST systems as well as all new AST designs have 128K bytes of reserved memory set aside to support shadowing. All memory except this 128K bytes is available to the user. The reserved memory is used as the shadow RAM. There has been no attempt to design systems where only 96K is reserved rather than 128K. Providing this extra 32K to the user would significantly increase hardware costs. There are a few exceptions to the 128K reserved memory rule. The Bravo 286/16 is an example of a system which gives reserved memory back to the user. This extra 128K is available if shadowing is turned off in specific memory configurations. Because of the costs and complications involved to provide an extra 128K bytes of memory for the minority of users who wish to disable shadowing, AST systems will continue with the 128K reserved memory rule. Write Protection: Write protecting the shadowed BIOS is important as it prevents program bugs or poorly designed programs from destroying the video or system BIOS images in RAM. This issue affects AST as well as all system vendors. This write protection attribute coupled with the in-place shadowing yields the perfect shadowing scheme. Systems with cache can present a wrinkle in write protecting the shadow RAM. Until very recently, AST systems with cache did not provide the hardware capability to write protect the video BIOS shadow area. Write protection of the video BIOS shadow area was complicated by the fact that the cache was caching the video BIOS addresses. (The system BIOS area has been write protected as the cache does not cover the system BIOS addresses.) With the exception of 486 based systems, recent AST designs now fully write protect the shadowed BIOS areas. The internal cache of the 486 chip presents a challenge to write protection schemes which AST as well as all other vendors are faced with. Essentially there are no hooks in the 486 which allow hardware designers to implement write protection of shadowed areas which are covered by the 486's cache. While full write protection could be achieved by preventing the 486 cache from covering the video BIOS area, this results in a significant performance degradation in video benchmarks. The AST solution to the write protection dilemma of 486 systems is to write protect the shadow RAM. While this does not prevent the cached copy of the video BIOS from being overwritten, the cache will always be able to fetch a correct copy from the protected shadow RAM whenever a cache load cycle is done. This pseudo write protection of the video BIOS presents a much smaller window of vulnerability to program bugs. Permanent Shadowing: All new AST systems and recent BIOS updates provide a feature called permanent shadowing. This feature no longer provides the user with the option to disable shadowing. With in-place shadowing and write protection of the shadowed BIOS, there is little reason to disable shadowing. Disabling shadowing only provides the user with a slower system. As mentioned earlier the reserved memory is typically not returned back to the user when shadowing is disabled. Summary: This paper has attempted to answer many of the persistent questions surrounding shadowing. It has also reiterated the long term AST strategy which, when implemented, results in the perfect shadowing scheme. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0749 03-27-92 ============================================================================= INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER SETS AND EXTENDED TEXT MODES PROBLEM: When using extended video text modes such as 132x25 or 132x43 on the AST Bravo 386SX-20 using AST DOS 5.0, in conjunction with an international code page such as Hebrew, the Bravo will revert to the US code page. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All systems using AST DOS 5.0 SOLUTION: AST Product Marketing has determined that this problem will not be fixed. Only the US character set will be supported in extended text modes at this time. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0750 04-01-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC NI-CAD BATTERY INFORMATION PROBLEM: All Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) rechargeable batteries have the inherent "memory" property that can cause early low voltage indications and premature system shutdown. CAUSE: When a Ni-Cad battery is put through repeated partial- discharge / recharge cycles, and is drained to approximately the same level each time - down to half capacity, for example - it develops a "memory" of this point in the discharge process. Once established, Ni-Cad memory distorts the battery's voltage output profile. The battery will produce a normal voltage until drained to the memorized location, but thereafter its voltage output abruptly sags to a sub-normal value, and stays below normal until actual battery depletion. The voltage depression can be deep enough to cause the Notebook to prematurely issue the low battery warning (audible beep and lighted amber LED) or battery fail warning (audible beep and blinking amber LED.) SOLUTION: The Ni-Cad battery "memory" effect can be corrected by "conditioning" the battery, a process which simply consists of fully discharging the battery before recharging. The battery pack should never be disturbed while the system is in use or while the battery is being charged. To remove or install a battery, the system should be powered down and the AC adapter removed. AST recommends conditioning the battery pack monthly to promote optimum performance. Conditioning of new, out-of-the- box Ni-Cad battery pack is also strongly recommended. Listed below are the steps required to correctly condition the Premium Exec Ni-Cad battery: 1. Charge the Ni-Cad battery up to full capacity. 2. Disconnect the AC adapter. 3. Configure the Notebook's Setup Menu as shown below. IMPORTANT: Note that Suspend must be ENABLED! Default Speed: HIGH Backlight Timeout: 0 Hard Disk Timeout: 0 Suspend: ENABLE Software Timeout: 0 (Exec SX-25 and SX-25 color only) Turbo Mode: ON AT BOOT Speaker: ENABLE Other Parameters: Don't care This configuration results in a near-maximum load on the battery during the first part of the conditioning process. Suspend mode then prevents an excessive drain rate as the battery nears depletion. 4. Store the setup menu setting and exit. The system will reboot and the screen will display the DOS prompt. 5. Keep the Notebook powered up with its LCD display open for 12 TO 24 HOURS. Most will find that overnight conditioning of the battery is the most convenient method. It is safe to use the Notebook in the normal fashion during the conditioning process. However, the following precautions must be observed: a. Save your work and exit all applications back to the DOS prompt immediately after the first low battery warning. Allow the Notebook to remain powered up with the LCD display open, however. b. A full 12 hours of on-time will insure complete battery discharge even with premature suspend activation caused by the "memory" effect. 6. After 12 hours, turn the Notebook off. Recharge the battery by attaching the AC adapter. Connect the AC adapter to the Notebook before plugging the adapter into the AC socket. Connecting the AC adapter in this sequence insures that the Notebook battery management system senses all signals on the DIN connector appropriately. NOTE: After completing a "fast discharge", wait at least 5 minutes before connecting the AC Adapter/Charger to recharge the battery. If this is not done, the AC Adapter/Charger could switch to Trickle Charge mode instead of Fast Charge mode. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0751 04-06-92 ============================================================================= HARD DRIVE OPTION KITS The following Drive Option Kits are partitioned/formatted improperly and contain incorrect documentation: 500747-080: The drive was not accessible due to a "NON-DOS Partition" ERROR. Initially, the drive was formatted/partitioned with DOS 5.0, it is not accessible by users of earlier versions of DOS. The user should contact AST and have the hard drive replaced. 500747-110: This Drive Option Kit contained a Western Digital drive with a CDC Installation Guide. The correct documentation is available in the Configuration Guide Manual (part number 001237-001) for the 110MB hard drive. 500747-200: This Drive Option Kit contained Maxtor drives with Western Digital jumper settings and documentation. The correct documentation is available in the Configuration Guide Manual (part number 001532-001) for the 200MB hard drive. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0752 04-08-92 ============================================================================= VGA DRIVER SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS 3.1 PROBLEM: VGA drivers distributed with the AST systems do not support Microsoft Windows 3.1. The following two problems will occur when attempting to load these drivers under Windows 3.1: 1) The Windows 3.1 logo will be overwritten with a 3.0 logo. 2) The 256 color drivers for both the 800x600 and 640x480 resolutions operate slowly and with considerable flicker. The video drivers experiencing problems are contained on the following diskettes: DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER Premium II Integrated VGA drivers 910403-003/033 Bravo Integrated VGA drivers 910524-031 Advantage Integrated VGA drivers 910527-031 CAUSE: These drivers were written to support Windows 3.0 and were not meant to support Windows 3.1. SOLUTION: There is no solution for the above problems until drivers for Windows 3.1 have been released. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0753 04-20-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM II 386/33 WITH BARR/3 SDLC BOARD PROBLEM: When using a Premium II 386/33, the BARR/3 SDLC board from BARR Systems will not function in DMA mode. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Premium II 386/33 Systems with Processor card (part number 202403-002). CAUSE: Incompatibility with the BARR/3 SDLC card. SOLUTION: BARR Systems has modified their existing BARR/3 SDLC board, revision 1A, which functions correctly under DMA mode. Contact BARR Systems for upgrade information. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0754 05-20-92 ============================================================================= AST OFFICE ADVANTAGE 386SX/20 AND WINDOWS 3.0 PROBLEM: When using the AST Office Advantage 386SX/20 with a factory installed copy of Windows 3.0, Windows will not, by default, run in 386 enhanced mode. By selecting "help" - "about" from the Program Manager menu, Windows will show that it is operating in "Standard Mode". AFFECTED SYSTEMS: AST Office Advantage 386SX/20 SOLUTION: Enter the system set-up screen by pressing and holding + + as the system boots. Following the instructions on the set-up screen for moving the highlight bar, move to the "Shadow BIOS" field and select "Disable". Save the system configuration and reboot the system. By disabling Shadow BIOS, an additional 128K of extended RAM will be available for Windows. This additional extended RAM will be sufficient to allow Windows 3.0 to operate in 386 Enhanced Mode without any other modifications. Alternately, adding additional memory to the system will also allow Windows 3.0 to run in Enhanced Mode. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0755 05-28-92 ============================================================================= THIRD FLOPPY DRIVE SUPPORT UNDER IBM OS/2 2.0 The system does not recognize the third physically installed floppy drive under IBM OS/2 version 2.0. However, the system recognizes the drive under DOS. The statement BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD in the IBM OS/2 2.0 CONFIG.SYS file is the default configuration for two floppy drive support in a non-IBM system. To have the third floppy drive supported under IBM OS/2 modify the BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD statement so that the file appears as follows: BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD /UNIT:2 /F:1.2* or /F:1.44 *Select the appropriate format for the third floppy drive which would be either a 1.2MB 5.25" (1.2) drive or a 1.44MB 3.5" (1.44) drive. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0756 06-01-92 ============================================================================= PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND BATTERY WATCH PROBLEM: When using a Microsoft PS/2 mouse connected to a Premium Exec with MS-DOS 5.0 and Battery Watch software, the mouse cursor will behave erratically when using the mouse in applications such as the MS-DOS Shell, Central Point PC Shell, etc. CAUSE: This problem is caused by a conflict between Battery Watch and the Premium Exec keyboard controller. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: Premium Exec systems shipped with the Traveling software Utilities disk (part number 910413-032). SOLUTION: AST Portable Systems Engineering has determined that Battery Watch will not be upgraded to resolve this problem. As a work around, AST suggests either attaching the mouse to the serial port using the appropriate PS/2-serial adapter or removing Battery Watch from the systems AUTOEXEC.BAT file. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0757 06-09-92 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM 486/33 WITH SQL SERVER PROBLEM: SQL Server version 4.2 hangs during installation or log-on while using the system administrators facility (SAF) with a 486DX processor card. This error occurs either in an ISA or EISA system. CAUSE: The problem has been isolated to the current version of BIOS. If CMOS byte 41, bit 4 is high (co-processor disabled), SQL Administrator will hang. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: 486DX/25 or 33 ISA or EISA. SOLUTION: The following are two solutions available until a new version of BIOS is released: 1) Using Debug type in the following instructions to determine the status of the byte 41: o 70 41 ;point to byte 41 i 71 ;get the byte Then adjust the value so that bit 4 is low (example: F8h becomes E8h). Write the new value back to CMOS using the following instructions: o 70 41 ;point to the byte o 71 xx ;xx=new value in hex 2) Temporarily install a 386DX or SX processor board. Boot and go into setup. Tab down to the field for Enable/Disable Co-processor. Set to enable. Save and exit. Then, reinstall the 486 processor board. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0758 05-27-92 ============================================================================= AST PREMIUM EXEC AND THE WESTERN DIGITAL 60MB DRIVE PROBLEM: The following symptoms occur in Premium Exec systems which have a Western Digital WDAH-260-00 model drive installed: - An "ERROR INITIALIZING HARD DRIVE" occurs upon booting the system. - The hard drive will spin down on its own. - The drive cannot be accessed for 25-30 seconds after returning from SUSPEND operation. AFFECTED SYSTEMS: All Premium Exec systems. CAUSE: This is a firmware problem with the Western Digital drives. The version of the firmware can be identified by the "CCC" (Customer Configuration Code) which is part of the manufacturer's configuration information displayed on the label. Drives with a CCC of "D6" will exhibit the above symptoms. To view the label, the keyboard must be removed. CAUTION: This operation should be performed by a qualified service technician. It is strongly recommended that it be completed by an AST Authorized Service Center. In no case will AST Research, Inc. be liable for damage to the system and its components or loss of data caused by improper modification. SOLUTION: The hard drive should be replaced with a drive having a CCC code designated "B2". The model number for this drive is WDAH260-02. ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0759B 12-15-92 ============================================================================= SIMM MATRIX The ensuing chart list the appropriate part numbers for SIMMs to be used with the AST line of computers. Please note the appropriate speed and memory size for the SIMM to be used. Note: As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not included here. To obtain a complete copy of this techncial bulletin, contact: AST RESEARCH, INC. 16215 ALTON PARKWAY IRVINE, CA 92718 ATTENTION: PRODUCT SUPPORT ============================================================================= AST RESEARCH, INC. TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0760 06-10-92 ============================================================================= ASTIVGA.EXE ON THE PREMIUM II AND BRAVO SYSTEMS PROBLEM: The Premium II User's Manual (AST part number 001129-001 revision X), refers to using a video utility called ASTIVGA.EXE. When trying to access ASTIVGA.EXE, an error occurs indicating that this file is not found. The problem is a result of an upgrade to the System Utilities disk for DOS 5.0 support. EFFECTED SYSTEMS: Premium II and BRAVO RESOLUTION: AST combined the ASTIVGA.EXE module with the ASTMENU.EXE module. Unfortunately, the documentation does not reflect the changes to the section regarding the proper use of the new ASTIVGA.EXE. These additional commands were not added. However, the following mode instructions will enable specific mode commands to be entered from either the command line or from within a batch file. These commands are not upper or lower case sensitive. SYNTAX: ASTMENU ASTIVGA [