Incorrectly Detected Coprocessor May Cause Improper Display

 Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
Article ID: Q84166
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

If a computer's BIOS incorrectly detects a math coprocessor when one is not present, improper information may be displayed in areas such as the title bar of the Microsoft Windows Calculator program and in other Windows-based programs.

Phoenix technical support has confirmed that some system manufacturers might have incorrectly shipped BIOS that supports the Intel 80486DX only, not the BIOS that also supports the Intel 80486SX chip. This situation causes the erroneous reporting of a math coprocessor on the 80486SX when there is none, and may produce these errors.

MORE INFORMATION

The incorrect detection of a math coprocessor can cause problems in Windows. The value "-1" may be displayed for the cursor position. Strings such as "sin:" or "sqrt:" may be displayed randomly in title bars and other places. The value "-1#.QNAN" might be displayed if the Clear button is chosen in Calculator.

To resolve this problem, contact your computer manufacturer, not Phoenix for the correct BIOS for your computer system.

The Intel and Phoenix products included here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbhw kb3rdparty kbprb
KBSubcategory: win30 win31
Additional reference words: calc 3.00 3.00a 3.01 3.10 3.11 coprocessor 387
487 287 Phoenix ep486sx 0.96

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Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
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