Disk Format Fails in Enhanced Mode with GSI Drive Controller

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q101359
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

If you try to format a disk either from a virtual machine in 386 enhanced mode or by using File Manager, Microsoft Windows may stop responding (hang) with some drive controllers manufactured by Great Software Ideas (GSI).

In 386 enhanced mode, the File Manager or MS-DOS FORMAT process appears to begin normally, but then the computer hangs and requires a warm boot. The same process works correctly in standard mode.

CAUSE

This problem occurs on the GSI Drive Controller Model 11 with BIOS versions 1.14 and earlier and on the Model 21 with BIOS versions 2.0 and earlier. GSI has confirmed the incompatibility of these BIOS versions with Windows 3.0 and 3.1 in 386 enhanced mode and has BIOS upgrades available.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem, order the appropriate update version for the GSI Flash BIOS. 

   Model  BIOS version
   -------------------

   11     1.15 or later
   21     2.01 or later
You can work around this problem by doing either of the following:
  • Format the disk using File Manager or MS-DOS in standard mode.

    -or-

  • Quit Windows and format the disk using MS-DOS.

The products included here are manufactured by Great Software Ideas, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbhw kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: win30 win31 wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.0 3.0a 3.00a 3.10 3.1 3.11 hung freeze
frozen locked up DOS Box vm

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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