Using the DPT SmartRAID SCSI Host on a AST Manhattan P5090

ID: Q127850

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5

SYMPTOMS

Windows NT Setup may not recognize your hard disks or your may stop responding (hang) when booting if you use a DPT SmartRAID PCI (PM3224a/9x) SCSI controller on an AST Manhattan P Series 5090 (single processor) computer.


CAUSE

The DPT SmartRAID PCI (PM3224a/9x) SCSI controller is not on the Windows NT version 3.5 hardware compatibility list (HCL), and it is not a supported device.


WORKAROUND

Since the AST Manhattan P5090 is on the Windows NT 3.5 HCL, you may be able to use the PM3224a controller if you configure it specifically for the P5090. According to DPT technical support, you may need to perform some or all of the following configuration steps for the system to successfully run Windows NT 3.5:

  1. The DPT SmartRAID controller must be set as the boot device. If you set a disk connected to another controller as the boot device, then the system may hang at boot time.


  2. Some models of the AST Manhattan P5090 have dual internal (embedded) NCR 53C810 SCSI controllers. One of them must be disabled for the DPT PM3224a to work.


  3. You need to explicitly specify an Input/Output (I/O) address in the BIOS configuration program for the DPT PM3224a host adapter. However, you do not need to choose the default setting of 330H as the I/O address for the card. To set the I/O address for the card, press CTRL-D at boot time, and then choose HBIO from the menu.


  4. In certain cases you may also need to disable PCI Parity in the DPT BIOS for the initial installation to succeed. Otherwise, memory parity problems may result.


  5. Once the machine boots successfully, replace the DPT driver supplied on the Windows NT distribution disks with an updated driver from DPT. This updated driver is available from the DPT bulletin board system (BBS) at (407) 831-6432 (14000 to 2400 baud, HST/DUAL). The file name is NT351JJ.ZIP. Other DPT Bulletin Board numbers include: (407) 830-1070 (14400 to 1200 buad, HST/DUAL), and (407) 830-0852 (9600-1200 baud).


  6. As of 2/1/97, the latest firmware for the DPT SmartRaid PCI (PM3224a/9x) controller is FW290-007H1. The latest ROM revision is SmartRom 3.DS.


For additional information or continuing problems with the DPT product mentioned above, please contact DPT directly at (407) 830-5522. You may also email DPT technical support directly at Support@DPT.COM or visit their web page at WWW.DPT.COM.

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: prodnt array freeze lock

Keywords : kb3rdparty kbnetwork kbsetup ntsetup nthw
Version : 3.5
Platform : winnt
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: February 25, 1999
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