IBM PS/2 Model 55SX Hangs at Start Up with Windows 3.1

 Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
Article ID: Q84785
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

Running Microsoft Windows version 3.1 in 386 enhanced mode on an IBM PS/2 model 55SX with a SCSI controller may cause your system to stop responding (hang) when you start Windows. When this happens, you briefly see the Windows logo, followed by a blank screen with a blinking cursor. The hard disk drive light stays on.

To run Windows in 386 enhanced mode on a PS/2 model 55SX, add the line MCADMA=OFF to the [386Enh] section of the SYSTEM.INI file.

MCADMA= Designed for PS/2 Model 55SX Only

The MCADMA= switch is designed for use on IBM PS/2 model 55SX computers only; it should not be used with other PS/2 models.

The SYSINI.WRI file defines the MCADMA= switch as follows: 

   MCADMA=<Boolean>

   Default:   True for MCA computers; False for all other
              computers

   Purpose:   This specifies whether Windows should use the MCA
              extensions to direct memory access (DMA). This
              setting applies to MCA computers only. Disable
              this setting if you are using an MCA computer but
              the DMA extensions are not implemented.

   To Change: Use Microsoft Windows Notepad to edit the SYSTEM.INI
              file.
The PS/2 model 55SX is manufactured by a IBM, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbhw kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 ps2 mca lock freeze up stop ps-2
microchannel micro channel boot bootup

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 22, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.