Windows Problems on AST Premium/286

• Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

Certain hardware revisions of the AST Premium/286 computer are required for proper operation under Microsoft Windows in standard mode, and under enhanced mode on machines using the FAST BOARD 80386 upgrade. If a system does not have the proper revisions, the following problems may result.

Standard Mode

• Keyboard lockup, erratic or slow keyboard input, and system locks when key is pressed
• Unrecoverable Application Errors (UAEs) in 3.0; general protection (GP) fault error in 3.1
• Network read/write errors
• Video problems

Enhanced Mode

• Problems using FAST BOARD 80386 upgrade

MORE INFORMATION

KEYBOARD PROBLEMS OR UAEs/GP FAULTS IN STANDARD MODE

To prevent these problems, the following chip revisions are required:

System Board ROM BIOS:

AST BIOS - version 2.0 AST Phoenix BIOS - version 3.03

These chips are located at system board locations U10 (odd) and U12 (even). The AST part numbers are 107000-656 (odd) and 107000-657 (even). They are also included in the comprehensive AST Premium/286 BIOS Upgrade Kit (see below).

System Board Keyboard Controller

The Keyboard controller chip (located at system board location U50) should have AST part number 107000-669 on the chip label. This keyboard controller is also included in the AST Premium/286 BIOS Upgrade Kit described below.

Keyboard ROM BIOS

The Keyboard ROM BIOS (located on the keyboard itself) should be AST part number 107210-008. The proper version of this chip is included in the AST BIOS upgrade kit (see below).

AST Premium/286 Comprehensive BIOS Upgrade Kit

All of the chip updates specified above are included in the AST BIOS upgrade kit, which is AST part number 500529-001 (101-key keyboards) or 500529-002 (102-key keyboards).

NETWORK READ ERRORS IN STANDARD MODE

Some Premium/286 systems will exhibit network read/write errors, especially during large data transfers (2MB-6MB in size). Errors displayed by Windows may include the following:

   Cannot read from device NETWORK
   Cannot write to device NETWORK
   Network Error on drive x:

These symptoms are caused by a problem found in a particular release of the interrupt controller chips used on some Premium/286 motherboards. The interrupt controllers are soldered to the motherboard at locations U25 and U26. This affects Premium/286 motherboard part numbers 202143-004 and 202322-001.

The chips in question are Toshiba 82C59 Interrupt Controllers, release A. They may be identified by the large letter "T" and the word "JAPAN", followed by an "xxxxEAI" code (for example, "8822EAI"). If an EAI code is present, these chips must be replaced by an authorized AST service center.

NOTE: If an AST Premium/286 is used as the server, it must also be inspected for the proper interrupt controller revision.

If any of the following network cards are used in a Premium/286, there may be some hardware compatibility issues. Contact AST Technical Support for further information.

   Novell NE1000
   Western Digital Ethernet
   Gateway Ethernet
   IBM Token Ring

VIDEO PROBLEMS IN STANDARD MODE

If an AST VGA adapter is used, a VGA card BIOS upgrade may be required for proper operation. Everex EV-678 display cards may cause compatibility problems. Contact AST Technical Support for further information.

ENHANCED MODE PROBLEMS USING FAST BOARD 80386 UPGRADE

AST Premium/286 machines using this 386 upgrade require AST BIOS version 2.0 or later to run Windows in enhanced mode. Machines with the earlier AST BIOS or AST Phoenix BIOS may not be able to run Windows in 386-enhanced mode. The BIOS upgrades are AST part numbers 107000-656 (odd) and 107000-657 (even), and are included with the AST BIOS Upgrade Kit described above.

The products mentioned here are available through AST Parts.

The products included here are manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft. We make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.