Using 32-Bit Disk Access with Quantum LPS540 IDE Disk Drives

 Last reviewed: April 4, 1995
Article ID: Q119742
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you start Windows in 386 enhanced mode with 32-bit disk access enabled on a Quantum LPS-540AT hard disk drive, the following error message occurs: 

   The Microsoft Windows 32-bit disk driver (WDCTRL) validation failed
   at phase 03, 3B.

CAUSE

Quantum Corporation has confirmed that the LPS-540AT has 1120 cylinders, 59 sectors, and 16 heads, which makes this drive incompatible with the 32-bit disk access device driver included with Windows and Windows for Workgroups (WDCTRL). This does not affect 32-bit file access (VFAT) in Windows for Workgroups 3.11.

WORKAROUND

Quantum Corporation recommends setting the BIOS parameters to the following: 

   1024  cylinders
   16    heads
   63    sectors
NOTE: There is also a file available from the Quantum bulletin board service (BBS) called IDE_DOS.EXE. This self-extracting compressed file contains an MS-DOS-level utility that allows the drive to be formatted to 540 megabytes. Also included is the file IDE_WIN.386, which is the Quantum replacement for WDCTRL.

For more information about this procedure, contact Quantum Corporation Technical Support.

KBCategory: kbhw kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: win31 wfw wfwg
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.1 3.11 32bitdiskaccess fastdisk bda

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Last reviewed: April 4, 1995
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