Windows Programs Rely on BIOS to Detect Coprocessor

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

SUMMARY

Strange behavior with applications that use math coprocessors (Microsoft Excel, for instance) can be due to the BIOS reporting the presence of a math coprocessor when one does not exist. For example, if you have a 486SX machine with a BIOS designed for a 486DX and you type a number in Microsoft Excel, an incorrect floating-point number is displayed.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows issues an INT 11h (equipment check) function call to determine whether a math coprocessor is present.

Do the following to determine test whether there is a coprocessor detection problem on a computer:

1. Run Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD).



2. Choose the Computer option.



3. If a coprocessor is detected, and the machine does not have one, the BIOS will need to be replaced with a BIOS that does not incorrectly report a non-existent coprocessor.

Additional query words: 3.10 3.11 3.00 3.00a excel

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a,3.1,3.11
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :