Acer Altos 9100 User Guide

AcerAltos 9100 Series

User’s Guide

Document
History

Copyright
Notice

EDITION PART NUMBER DATE
First Edition 49.AA989.002 September 1997

Copyright © 1997 by Acer America Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language
or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical,
manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Acer America Corporation.

Programs Copyright ©1997 Acer America Corporation.
All rights reserved.

Printed in U.S.A

Trademarks

Disclaimer

Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated.

AcerAltos is a trademark of Acer America Corporation and Acer Inc..

Adaptec and the Adaptec logo are registered trademarks of Adaptec, Inc. SCSISelect is a trademark of
Adaptec, Inc.

Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

IBM is a registered trademark and PS/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

MS-DOS and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell Incorporated.

SCO is a registered trademark of The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc.

UNIX is a registered trademark in the USA and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open
Company Limited.

Other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Acer and its suppliers make no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the
contents hereof and specifically disclaim any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Further, Acer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the
contents hereof without obligation to notify any person of such revisions or changes. Acer reserves the right
to make changes to the products described in this manual at any time and without notice.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guideii

Warranty/Limitation of Liability

Any software described in this manual is licensed “as is” and Acer and its suppliers disclaim any and
all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to any warranty of non-infringement of
third party rights, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Acer does not warrant that the
operation of the software will be uninterrupted or error free. Should the programs prove defective, the
buyer (and not Acer, its distributor, or its dealer) assumes the entire cost of all necessary service, repair,
and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software. Please see the
Acer Limited Product Warranty for details of Acer’s limited warranty on hardware products. IN NO
EVENT SHALL ACER BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS OR DATA, EVEN IF ACER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Software License
Acer grants you a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to use the software that
accompanies your computer system only on a single computer. You may not (a) make copies of the
software except for making one (1) backup copy of the software which will also be subject to this
license, (b) reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, translate or create derivative works based upon
the software, (c) export or re-export the software to any person or destination which is not authorized
to receive them under the export control laws and regulations of the United States, (d) remove or alter
in any way the copyright notices, or other proprietary legends that were on the software as delivered
to you or (e) sublicense or otherwise make the software available to third parties. The software is the
property of Acer or Acer’s supplier and you do not have and shall not gain any proprietary interest in
the software (including any modifications or copies made by or for you) or any related intellectual
property rights. Additional restrictions may apply to certain software titles. Please refer to any
software licenses that accompany such software for details.

Join Us to Fight Against Piracy

The Acer Group has been implementing a policy to respect and protect legitimate intellectual property
rights. Acer firmly believes that on ly when each and every one o f us abides by such policy, can t his
industry provide quality service to the general public.

Acer has become a member of the Technology Committee of the Pacific Basin Economic Council which
is encouraging the protection and enforcement of legitimate in tellectual property rights worldwide.
Moreover, in order to ensure quality service to all of our c ustomers, Acer includes a n opera ting system
in Acer computer systems which is duly licensed by the legitimate proprietors and produced with
quality.

Acer commits itself and urges all o f its customers to j oin the fight a gainst intellect ual property pirac y
wherever it may occur. Acer will pursue the enforcement of intellectua l property right s and will st rive
to fight against piracy.

iii

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions carefully. Save them for future reference.

2. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid
cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product near water.

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product
may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

6. Slots and openings in the cabinet and the back or bottom are provided for
ventilation; to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating, these openings must not be blocked or covered. This product
should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

7. This product should be operated from the type of power indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your
dealer or local power company.

8. This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding-type plug, a plug having a
third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power
outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, contact your electrician to replace the outlet. Do not defeat the purpose
of the grounding-type plug.

9. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product
where persons will walk on the cord.

10. If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the total ampere
rating of the equipment plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the
extension cord ampere rating. Also, make sure that the total rating of all
products plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed 15 amperes.

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a
fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guideiv

v

12. Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing
to qualified service personnel.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed

b. If liquid has been spilled into the product

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water

d. If the product does not operate normally when the opera ting instructions

are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal condition.

e. If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged

f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need

for service

14. Use only the proper type of power supply cord (provided in your
keyboard/manual accessories box) for this unit. It should be a detachable
type: UL listed/CSA certified, type SVT/SJT, rated 8A 125V minimum.
Maximum length is 15 feet (4.6 meters).

FCC Class A Radio Frequency

Interference Statement

Note:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

1. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

3. Connect the equipment into a n outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.

4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Notice 1:

The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Notice 2:

Shielded interface cables, if any, must be used in order to comply with the
emission limits.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guidevi

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 System Board

1.1 Features............................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Major Components.........................................................................................1-2

1.3 Layout..............................................................................................................1-3

1.4 Jumpers and Connectors...............................................................................1-4

1.4.1 Jumper and Connector Locations.....................................................1-4

1.4.2 Jumper Settings...................................................................................1-5

1.4.3 Connector Functions...........................................................................1-6

1.5 Installing Components on the System Board..............................................1-7

1.5.1 ESD Precautions..................................................................................1-7

1.5.2 Pre-installation Instructions...............................................................1-7

1.5.3 Post-Installation Instructions.............................................................1-8

1.6 Video Memory Upgrade ...............................................................................1-9

1.7 ASM Pro ........................................................................................................1-10

1.8 Remote Diagnostic Management ...............................................................1-10

1.9 Error Messages .............................................................................................1-11

1.9.1 Software Error Messages .................................................................1-11

1.9.2 System Error Messages ....................................................................1-11

1.9.3 Correcting Error Conditions............................................................1-14

vii

Chapter 2 CPU Board

2.1 Layout.............................................................................................................. 2-2

2.2 Jumper Locations........................................................................................... 2-2

2.3 Jumper Settings.............................................................................................. 2-3

2.4 Memory Upgrade ..........................................................................................2-4

2.4.1 Memory Configurations....................................................................2-4

2.4.2 Installing a DIMM.............................................................................. 2-5

2.4.3 Removing a DIMM............................................................................. 2-6

2.4.4 Reconfiguring the System..................................................................2-7

2.5 Installing the Processor Heat Sink and Fan................................................ 2-8

2.6 Installing a Pentium II Processor ............................................................... 2-11

2.7 Removing a Pentium II Processor.............................................................. 2-13

2.8 CPU Board Installation................................................................................2-14

Chapter 3 BIOS Utility

3.1 Entering Setup................................................................................................ 3-2

3.2 Basic System Configuration.......................................................................... 3-3

3.2.1 Date and Time..................................................................................... 3-4

3.2.2 Diskette Drives....................................................................................3-5

3.2.3 Onboard IDE....................................................................................... 3-6

3.2.4 IDE Drives........................................................................................... 3-6

3.2.5 Total Memory......................................................................................3-8

3.2.6 Enhanced IDE Features......................................................................3-8

3.2.7 Num Lock After Boot......................................................................... 3-9

3.2.8 Memory Test....................................................................................... 3-9

3.2.9 Quiet Boot.......................................................................................... 3-10

3.2.10 Configuration Table ......................................................................... 3-10

3.3 Advanced System Configuration............................................................... 3-11

3.3.1 Internal Cache (CPU Cache)........................................................... 3-11

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guideviii

3.3.2 External Cache (CPU Cache)........................................................... 3-12

3.3.3 ECC/Parity Mode Selection............................................................3-12

3.3.4 Operation of ECC..............................................................................3-13

3.3.5 Memory at 15MB-16MB...................................................................3-13

3.4 PCI System Configuration...........................................................................3-14

3.4.1 PCI IRQ Setting.................................................................................3-15

3.4.2 Onboard LAN....................................................................................3-15

3.4.3 Onboard SCSI1/Onboard SCSI2.....................................................3-16

3.4.4 VGA Palette Snoop...........................................................................3-16

3.4.5 USB Host Controller.........................................................................3-17

3.4.6 PCI IRQ Sharing................................................................................3-17

3.4.7 Plug & Play OS..................................................................................3-18

3.4.8 Reset Resources Assignment...........................................................3-18

3.5 Power Saving Configuration.......................................................................3-19

3.5.1 Power Management Mode ..............................................................3-20

3.5.2 Monitored Activities.........................................................................3-21

3.6 System Security.............................................................................................3-22

3.6.1 Disk Drive Control............................................................................3-22

3.6.2 Onboard Communication Ports......................................................3-24

3.6.3 Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ12)........................................................3-26

3.6.4 Setup Password.................................................................................3-27

3.6.5 Power On Password.........................................................................3-29

3.7 Load Setup Default Settings........................................................................3-30

3.8 Leaving Setup...............................................................................................3-31

Chapter 4 SCSI

4.1 SCSISelect Configuration Utility Overview.................................................4-1

4.1.1 Default Values.....................................................................................4-1

4.1.2 When to Use the SCSISelect Utility...................................................4-3

4.1.3 Running the SCSISelect Utility...........................................................4-3

Select

Configuration Utility

ix

x

4.2 SCSISelect Utility Options............................................................................. 4-4

4.2.1 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu.............................. 4-5

4.2.2 SCSI Disk Utilities ............................................................................ 4-17

4.3 Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers ....................................................4-19

4.4 Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte...........................................................................4-20

4.4.1 Extended Translation....................................................................... 4-20

4.4.2 The DOS 1 Gbyte Limit.................................................................... 4-20

4.4.3 When to Use Extended Translation ............................................... 4-21

4.5 SCSI Troubleshooting Checklist................................................................. 4-22

4.6 BIOS Startup Messages ...............................................................................4-23

4.6.1 Device connected, but not ready....................................................4-24

4.6.2 Start unit request failed ................................................................... 4-25

4.6.3 Disk Drive Configuration Problems...............................................4-25

Chapter 5 System Housing

5.1 Positioning the System Housing..................................................................5-2

5.1.1 Standalone System ............................................................................. 5-2

5.1.2 Against a Wall..................................................................................... 5-3

5.2 Transporting the System............................................................................... 5-4

5.3 Features........................................................................................................... 5-6

5.3.1 Front Panel .......................................................................................... 5-6

5.3.2 Rear Panel............................................................................................ 5-7

5.3.3 Internal Structure................................................................................5-8

5.4 Opening the Housing Panels........................................................................ 5-9

5.4.1 Upper Front Panel.............................................................................. 5-9

5.4.2 Lower Front Panel............................................................................ 5-10

5.4.3 Left Panel........................................................................................... 5-11

5.5 Installing Disk Drives.................................................................................. 5-12

5.5.1 3.5-inch Floppy Drive.......................................................................5-12

5.5.2 5.25-inch Drive..................................................................................5-14

5.5.3 Hard Disk.......................................................................................... 5-16

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

5.6 Installing a System Board............................................................................5-18

5.7 Installing an Expansion Board....................................................................5-19

5.8 Reinstalling a CPU Board............................................................................5-21

5.9 Connecting External Devices......................................................................5-24

5.9.1 Connecting a Monitor.......................................................................5-24

5.9.2 Connecting a Keyboard....................................................................5-25

5.9.3 Connecting a Mouse.........................................................................5-26

5.9.4 Connecting a Printer.........................................................................5-27

5.10 Complete System Connections...................................................................5-28

Appendix A System Resources

A.1 Memory Map .................................................................................................A-1

A.2 I/O Address Map.......................................................................................... A-2

A.3 Interrupt Channels........................................................................................A-4

A.4 PCI INT x# Map.............................................................................................A-5

A.5 System Security..............................................................................................A-6

Appendix B Drive Tray Management System (DTMS)

B.1 Features........................................................................................................... B-1

B.2 Major Components........................................................................................ B-2

B.2.1 Backplane Board ................................................................................ B-2

B.3 Jumper Settings.............................................................................................. B-4

B.4 Hard Disk ID Setting Options...................................................................... B-6

B.5 SCSI Channel Configurations...................................................................... B-8

B.5.1 Single-Channel Configuration..........................................................B-8

B.5.2 Dual-Channel Configuration.......................................................... B-10

B.5.3 Installing a SCSI Hard Disk............................................................ B-11

B.6 Using the Hot-swap Feature...................................................................... B-14

xi

List of Figures

1-1 System Board Layout ....................................................................................1-3

1-2 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations....................................... 1-4

1-3 Installing a Video Memory Chip .................................................................1-9

2-1 CPU Board Layout......................................................................................... 2-2

2-2 Pentium II CPU Board Jumper Locations................................................... 2-2

2-3 Installing a DIMM..........................................................................................2-5

2-4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................................................ 2-6

2-5 Matching the Fan-Heat Sink Clips with the Holes on the Processor ......2-8

2-6 Inserting the Clip Ends to the Processor Holes.......................................... 2-9

2-7 Locking a Wide Clip End............................................................................ 2-10

2-8 Locking a Narrow Clip End .......................................................................2-10

2-9 Installing the Pentium II Retention Mechanism ......................................2-11

2-10 Installing a Pentium II Processor ...............................................................2-12

2-11 Securing the Pentium II Processor............................................................. 2-12

2-12 Unlocking the Module Latches ..................................................................2-13

2-13 Removing the Pentium II Processor ..........................................................2-13

2-14 Installing the CPU Board ............................................................................2-14

4-1 Options Menu Screen .................................................................................... 4-4

4-2 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen ........................................4-5

4-3 Host Adapter SCSI ID Selection Screen for AIC-7880............................... 4-7

4-4 SCSI Parity Checking Selection.................................................................... 4-8

4-5 Host Adapter SCSI Termination Selection for AIC-7880.......................... 4-9

4-6 Boot Device Options Screen........................................................................ 4-10

4-7 SCSI Device Configuration Screen for AIC-7880..................................... 4-11

4-8 Advanced Configuration Options Screen.................................................4-14

4-9 SCSI Disk Utilities Screen for AIC-7880.................................................... 4-17

B-1 Backplane Board Components.....................................................................B-2

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guidexii

B-2 Jumper Settings for 4-pin J3 and J4............................................................. B-4

B-3 Jumper Settings for 6-pin J3 and J4............................................................. B-5

B-4 ID Cable Connector Pin Definitions............................................................ B-6

B-5 Hard Disk ID Switch Settings...................................................................... B-7

B-6 Single-Channel Configuration..................................................................... B-8

B-7 Dual-Channel Configuration ..................................................................... B-10

B-8 Connecting the Drive Cables (wide SCSI drive) .....................................B-11

B-9 Securing a Drive to the Hot-swap Tray.................................................... B-12

B-10 Installing the Hot-swap Drive Tray ..........................................................B-13

List of Tables

1-1 System Board Jumper Settings .....................................................................1-5

1-2 Connector Functions ......................................................................................1-6

1-3 System Error Messages................................................................................1-12

2-1 Settings for CPU Core/Bus Frequency Ratio (JP1)....................................2-3

2-2 Clock Settings (JP5) ........................................................................................2-3

2-3 Possible Memory Configurations.................................................................2-4

3-1 Drive Control Settings .................................................................................3-23

3-2 Serial Port 1 Settings ....................................................................................3-24

3-3 Serial Port 2 Settings ....................................................................................3-24

3-4 Parallel Port Settings....................................................................................3-25

3-5 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings......................................................3-26

4-1 Default Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices ...............................4-2

A-1 System Memory Map....................................................................................A-1

A-2 System I/O Address Map............................................................................A-2

A-3 Interrupt Channels........................................................................................A-4

A-4 PCI INT x# Map.............................................................................................A-5

A-5 System Security..............................................................................................A-6

B-1 Terminator Settings for Single-Channel Configuration ...........................B-9

B-2 Terminator Settings for Dual-Channel Configuration ........................... B-10

xiii

Chapter 1 System Board

1.1 Features

The AA9100 is a dual-processor system board that supports Intel Pentium II CPU's
through an add-in CPU board.

This high-performance 64-bit system board utilizes both the ISA and the PCI local
bus architecture. Two ISA and five PCI bus slots reside on the board to allow
installation of either master or slave devices.

A 50-pin SCSI interface and two 68-pin Ultra Wide SCSI interfaces come with the
system board to connect SCSI devices. External I/O interfaces include a parallel
port and a video port, RJ-45 and USB connectors, and keyboard and mouse ports.

The system board supports two server management features, ASM Pro and
Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM), that allow better server management. ASM
Pro detects problems in a CPU thermal condition, CPU working voltage detection
(±12V/±5V/3.3V/1.5V), and calculating PCI bus utiliza tion. It also detects if the
CPU fan or chassis fan malfunctions. RDM allows execution of the RDM diagnostic
program from a remote RDM station to fix detected problems or to reboot the
system.

Chapter 1 - System Board

1-1

1.2 Major Components

The system board is comprised of the following major components:

• CPU board slot

• Two ISA and five PCI bus slots

• 256-KB Flash ROM for system BIOS

• System clock/calendar with battery backup

• 50-pin SCSI and two 68-pin Ultra Wide SCSI interfaces

• On board 10/100 network interface

• Two 24-pin RDM interfaces

• E-IDE hard disk and diskette drive interfaces

• Onboard VRAM and VRAM sockets for video memory upgrade

• Power connector for redundant 420-watt system power supply

• Super I/O, VGA, memory, and Advanced Server Management (ASM)

controller chipsets

• External ports:

• PS/2-compatible keyboard port

• PS/2-compatible mouse port

• Parallel port

• Video port

• Serial ports 1 and 2

• RJ-45 connector

• Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

1-2

1.3 Layout

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Figure 1-1 shows the system board components.

1 Mouse port
2 Keyboard port
3 Parallel port
4 Video port
5 LAN connector
6 USB connector
7 CPU board slot
8 PCI slots
9 ISA slots
10 Flash ROM BIOS
11 Reserved

12 Ultra Wide SCSI connector 2
13 Ultra Wide SCSI connector 1
14 Narrow SCSI connector
15 Diskette drive connector
16 EIDE connector
17 Battery
18 RDM connectors
19 Power connectors
20 Power connector
21 Video expansion RAM

Figure 1-1 System Board Layout

Chapter 1 - System Board

1-3

1.4 Jumpers and Connectors

1.4.1 Jumper and Connector Locations

Figure 1-2 shows the jumper and connector locations on the system board.

Figure 1-2 System Board Jumper and Connector Locations

Jumpers are prefixed “JP”. Connectors are
prefixed “CN”. The blackened pin of a jumper
represents pin 1.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

1-4

1.4.2 Jumper Settings

Table 1-1 lists the system board jumpers with their corresponding settings and
functions.

Table 1-1 System Board Jumper Settings

Jumper Setting Function

Software Shutdown
Control for CN4

JP1 1-2

BIOS Type

JP2 1-2*

Password Security

JP3 1-2

SCSI Channel 1
High-Byte Termination

JP4 1-2

VGA Feature

JP5 1-2*

*

2-3

2-3

2-3*

2-3*
Open

2-3

Enabled
Disabled

Acer
Reserved

Check password
Bypass password

Terminator always set to ON
SCSI terminator set to ON or OFF
by software
Terminator set to OFF

Normal (Auto)
Onboard VGA always disabled

N

Default setting

Chapter 1 - System Board

1-5

1.4.3 Connector Functions

Table 1-2 lists the different connectors on the system board and their respective
functions.

Table 1-2 Connector Functions

Connector Function

CN1 COM 1

CN2, U3, U8 Power connectors

CN3 COM 2
CN4 Software shutdown connector for 420-watt SPS
CN7 PS/2 mouse/keyboard connectors
CN8 Power switch

CN9 Power LED and keylock connector
CN10 Monitor signal connector for redundant power supply
CN12 Software shutdown connector for redundant power supply
CN13 Backplane board LED connector
CN14 Printer port (above) / video port (below)
CN15 IDE connector
CN16 LAN connector
CN17 Diskette drive connector
CN18 Channel 1 narrow SCSI connector
CN19 Universal serial bus (USB) ports
CN22 Channel 1 wide SCSI connector
CN23 Hard disk LED connector
CN25 SMM connector
CN26 Channel 2 wide SCSI connector

CN27, CN28 RDM connectors

CNN3 Connector for chassis intrusion prevention

FA1, FA2, FA3 Fan connectors

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1-6

1.5 Installing Components on the System
Board

The following sections describe how to install components into the system board,
including how to install a CPU board and optional PCI card, and how to upgrade
system board video memory.

Before beginning the installation, please take a moment to read the sections below.
They contain important ESD precautions and pre- and post-installation
instructions.

1.5.1 ESD Precautions

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drives, expansion
boards, and other components. Always observe the following precautions before
you install a system component.

1. Do not remove a component from its protective packaging until you are ready
to install it.

2. Wear a wrist grounding strap and atta ch it to a metal part of the system unit
before handling components. If a wrist strap is not available, maintain contact
with the system unit throughout any procedure requiring ESD protection.

1.5.2 Pre-installation Instructions

Always observe the following before you install a system component:

1. Turn off the system power and all the peripherals connected to the unit before
opening it.

2. Open the system according to the instructions in Chapter 5, System Housing.

3. Follow the ESD precautions in section 1.5.1 before handling a system
component.

Chapter 1 - System Board

1-7

4. Remove any expa nsion boards or peripherals that block access to components
you are installing.

5. See the following sections for specific instructions on the component you wish
to install.

Do not attempt the procedures described in
the following sections unless you are a
qualified service technician.

1.5.3 Post-installation Instructions

Observe the following procedures after installing a system component:

1. See to it that the components are installed according to the instructions in their
respective sections.

2. Make sure you have set all the required jumpers. See section 1.4.2 for the
correct jumper settings.

3. Replace any expansion boards or peripherals that you removed earlier.

4. Replace the system cover.

5. Connect the necessary cables and turn on the system.

Always observe the following electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions before
installing a system component:

1. Do not remove a component from its antistatic pa ckaging until you are ready
to install it.

2. Wear a wrist grounding strap before handling electronic components. Wrist
grounding straps are available at most electronic component stores.

Do not attempt the procedures described in the
following sections unless you are a qualified
technician.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

1-8

1.6 Video Memory Upgrade

Larger video memory allows you to display higher resolutions and more colors.
The system board comes with a 1-MB video memory onboard upgradable to 2 MB.

Follow these steps to upgrade the video memory:

1. Locate the video DRAM upgrade sockets labeled U36 and U37 on the system
board. See Figure 1-1.

2. Gently insert a video chip into each of the upgrade sockets.

Make sure that the pin 1 indicator on the chip
matches the notched corner of the socket.

Figure 1-3 Installing a Video Memory Chip

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Chapter 1 - System Board

1-9

1.7 ASM Pro

The ASM Pro is a server management tool based on the Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP). It detects server problems related to a CPU
thermal condition, ±12V/±5V/3.3V/1.5V detection, or calculating PCI bus
utilization.

This feature is designed primarily for server supervisors and management
information system (MIS) personnel to help them detect errors or potential trouble
spots in their network servers through a single management station.

ASM Pro consists of two major parts:

• ASM-Station - a Windows-based monitoring station that communicates with

the ASM-Agents.

• ASM-Agent(s) - the individual servers managed by the ASM-Station.
Refer to the ASM Pro user’s manual for more information.

1.8 Remote Diagnostic Manager

The Remote Diagnostic Manager (RDM) is a network management tool that
utilizes modems and telephone lines to control a host of servers from a remote
station. It monitors and analyzes the server condition, updates the BIOS settings if
necessary, or reboots the server in the event of failure and quickly return it to
normal operation. This capability to execute the RDM program from a remote site
bridges the distance barrier in fixing server problems and reduces wasted time due
to system failure.

Refer to the RDM User’s Guide for detailed instructions on RDM installation.

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1.9 Error Messages

Do not continue using the computer if you receive an error message of any type.
Note the message and take corrective action. This section explains the different
types of error messages and corresponding corrective measures.

There are two general types of error messages:

• Software

• System

1.9.1 Software Error Messages

Software error messages are returned by your operating system or application.
These messages typically occur after you boot the operating system or when you
run your applications. If you receive this type of message, consult your application
or operating system manual for help.

1.9.2 System Error Messages

A system error message indicates a problem with the computer itself. A message
of this type normally appears during the power-on self-test, before the operating
system prompt appears.

Table 1-3 lists the system error messages.

Chapter 1 - System Board

1-11

Table 1-3 System Error Messages

Message Action

CMOS Battery Error Replace the RTC chip or

contact your dealer.

CMOS Checksum Error Check the RTC chip and the

necessary jumper. If the
battery is still good, run

Setup.
Display Card Mismatch Run Setup.
Diskette Drive Controller

Error or Not Installed

Diskette Drive Error Diskette may be defective. If

Diskette Drive A Type
Mismatch

Diskette Drive B Type
Mismatch

Equipment Configuration
Error

Hard disk Controller Error Run Setup.
Hard disk 0 Error Check all cable connections.

Hard disk 1 Error Check all cable connections.

Keyboard Error or No
Keyboard Connected

Keyboard Interface Error Replace the keyboard or

Check and connect the

control cable to the diskette

controller.

not, replace the diskette drive.

Run Setup and select the

proper drive type.

Run Setup and select the

proper drive type.

Run Setup.

Replace hard disk.

Replace hard disk.

Check and connect the

keyboard to the system unit.

contact your dealer.

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Table 1-3 System Error Messages (continued)

Message Action

Memory Error at:
MMMM:SSSS:OOO
(W:XXXX, R:YYYY)

where:
M: MB, S: Segment,
O: Offset, X/Y: write/read
pattern

Memory Size Mismatch
CPU Clock Mismatch

Onboard Serial Port 1
Conflict

Onboard Serial Port 2
Conflict

Onboard Parallel Port Conflict Run Setup and disable the

Pointing Device Error Check and connect pointing

Pointing Device Interface
Error

Press F1 key to continue or
Ctrl-Alt-Esc for Setup

Real Time Clock Error Check the RTC chip. If it is still

CPU BIOS Code Mismatch Contact your dealer.

Check DIMMs on the CPU
board. Contact your dealer.

Run Setup. Check if the values
shown in the memory
parameters are correct. If
correct, exit Setup and reboot
the system. If the error
message reappears, seek
technical assistance.

Run Setup and disable the
port.

Run Setup and disable the
port.

port.

device.
Replace the pointing device or

contact your dealer.
Press

Setup.

good, run Setup. If not, replace
the RTC chip.

or

+ + to enter

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1.9.3 Correcting Error Conditions

As a general rule, if an error message says "Press F1 to continue," it is caused by a
configuration problem, which can be easily corrected. An equipment malfunction
is more likely to cause a fatal error, i.e., an error that causes complete system
failure.

Here are some corrective measures for error conditions:

1. Run Setup. You must know the correct configuration values for your system
before you enter Setup, which is why you should write them down when the
system is correctly configured. An incorrect configuration is a major cause of
power-on error messages, especially for a new system.

2. Remove the system unit cover. Check that the jumpers on the system board
and any expansion boards are set correctly.

3. Check that all connectors and boards are securely plugged in.

If you go through the corrective steps above and still receive an error message, the
cause may be an equipment malfunction.

If you are sure that your configuration values are correct and your battery is in
good condition, the problem may lie in a damaged or defective chip.

In either case, contact an authorized service center for assistance.

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Chapter 2 CPU Board

The CPU board carries two sockets to support a powerful dual-CPU configuration.
The sockets accommodate Intel Pentium II CPUs running at 266 MHz or 300 MHz
and incorporates the first-level and second-level cache and boasts a new
generation of power.

The board comes with four DRAM banks composed of four 168-pin dual-inline
memory module (DIMM) sockets that accommodate ECC/EDO (extended data
output) DIMMs.

Designed to work with Intel 440FX PCIset, the board includes the PCI
bridge/memory controller (PMC) and the data bus accelerator (DBX) chipsets.
The PMC provides bus control signals and address paths for transfers between the
host bus, PCI bus, and the main memory. The DBX supports multiple-bit error
detection and single-bit error correction through the ECC/parity feature.

Chapter 2 - CPU Board

2-1

2.1 Layout

Pentium II CPU Socket 1

Pentium II CPU Socket 2

Figure 2-1 CPU Board Layout

2.2 Jumper Locations

CPU Voltage Regulators

DIMM Sockets

Figure 2-2 Pentium II CPU Board Jumper Locations

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2.3 Jumper Settings

Table 2-1 Settings for CPU Core/Bus Frequency Ratio (JP1)

JP1 Settings

   

11112/1
11013/1
11104/1
11005/2
10017/2

0 - Pins open 1 - Pins Closed

Table 2-2 Clock Settings (JP5)

JP5 CPU

1-2 2-3 Clock Speed

1 0 66 MHz*
0 1 60 MHz

0 - Pins open 1 - Pins closed

CPU Core/Bus

Freq.

*

*

'HIDXOW VHWWLQJ

Chapter 2 - CPU Board

2-3

2.4 Memory Upgrade

The system board comes with four 168-pin sockets, labeled DIMM1 to DIMM4,
that accommodate single-density and double-density DIMMs. The sockets support
both fast-page mode and EDO DIMMs for a total of 512-MB system memory using
128-MB DIMMs. Table 2-3 lists some possible memory configurations.

2.4.1 Memory Configurations

Table 2-3 Possible Memory Configurations

DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4 Total Memory

32 MB 32 MB
32 MB 32 MB 64 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 96 MB
32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB 128 MB
32 MB 32 MB 64 MB 64 MB 192 MB
64 MB 64 MB
64 MB 64 MB 128 MB
64 MB 64 MB 64 MB 192 MB
64 MB 64 MB 64 MB 64 MB 256 MB
64 MB 64 MB 128 MB 128 MB 384 MB
128 MB 128 MB
128 MB 128 MB 256 MB
128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 384 MB
128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 512 MB

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The above configurations are only some of the
available memory combinations. When
upgrading memory, simply install DIMMs into
any of the empty sockets.

2.4.2 Installing a DIMM

To install a DIMM, align it with the socket and press it down until the holding clips
secure the DIMM in place.

The DIMM socket is slotted to ensure proper

installation. If you slip in a DIMM but does not
completely fit, you may have inserted it the
wrong way. Reverse the orientation of the
DIMM.

Figure 2-3 Installing a DIMM

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2-5

2.4.3 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM, press the holding clips on both sides of the socket outward to
release the DIMM.

Place your forefingers on the top of the DIMM
before you press the holding clips to gently
disengage the DIMM from the socket.

Figure 2-4 Removing a DIMM

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2.4.4 Reconfiguring the System

You may enter Setup after installing or removing a DIMM to reconfigure the
system.

Follow these steps to reconfigure the system:

1. Turn the system on. A memory error message may appear, indicating tha t the
total memory does not match the value stored in CMOS.

2. Press
indicating an incorrect memory configuration.

3. Press

The system boots with the new memory configuration.

+ + to enter Setup. A warning message appears

twice to exit and reboot the system.

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2-7

2.5 Installing the Processor Heat Sink
and Fan

The Pentium II processor module comes with holes on one side to hold the clips of
the heat sink and fan. The upper set of holes (near the latches) on the processor are
wider and should match the wider ends of the clips on the heat sink. The lower set
of holes are smaller and should match the narrow ends of the heat sink clips.

Wide clip ends

Wide holes

Narrow holes

Figure 2-5 Matching the Fan-Heat Sink Clips with the Holes on the Processor

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Follow these steps when installing the heat sink and fan to the Pentium II
processor module:

1. Remove the thermal tape protector at the back of the heat sink.

2. Insert the wide clip ends to the wide holes on the processor and the narrow
clip ends to the narrow holes.

Figure 2-6 Inserting the Clip Ends to the Processor Holes

3. Use a screwdriver to press and lock in the wide end of a clip first. Then
without lifting the screwdriver, point it downward to press and lock the
narrow end of the clip. See Figures 7 and 8 for the illustration of this step.

Chapter 2 - CPU Board

2-9

Figure 2-7 Locking a Wide Clip End

Figure 2-8 Locking a Narrow Clip End

4. Repeat step 3 to lock the other clip.

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2.6 Installing a Pentium II Processor

Follow these steps to install the Pentium II processor to the socket on the CPU
board.

1. Place the retention mechanism over the processor socket on the CPU board.
Secure it with the screws that came with the package.

Figure 2-9 Installing the Pentium II Retention Mechanism

2. With the processor module edge connectors pointing downward, align the
processor to the posts of the retention mechanism then lower it down. See
Figure 2-10.

The edge connectors of the Pentium II module

are slotted such that they only fit in one
direction. Make sure that module groove
matches the one on the processor socket.

Chapter 2 - CPU Board

2-11

When installing a second CPU in a single CPU

system, remove the CPU terminator. Please
see the CPU Upgrade Kit for further details.

3. Press down the processor module until the edge connectors completely fit into
the socket.

Figure 2-10 Installing a Pentium II Processor

4. Press the latches on the sides to lock the processor module into place.

Figure 2-11 Securing the Pentium II Processor

5. Connect the fan connectors.

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2.7 Removing a Pentium II Processor

Follow these steps to remove the Pentium II CPU module from the slot.

1. Remove the fan connections.

2. Unlock the latches the secure that processor module.

Figure 2-12 Unlocking the Module Latches

2. Firmly hold the processor module and pull it out of the socket.

Figure 2-13 Removing the Pentium II Processor

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2-13

2.8 CPU Board Installation

After setting the jumpers and installing memory modules and CPUs, install the
CPU board into the CPU board slot on the system board.

Follow these steps to install the CPU board:

1. Position the CPU board over the slot on the system board such that the
component side (CPU side) faces upward.

2. Gently insert the edge connector of the board into the slot.

Figure 2-14 Installing the CPU Board

Make sure that the CPU board is properly seated

in the slot.

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Chapter 3 BIOS Utility

Most systems are already configured by the manufacturer or the dealer. There is
no need to run Setup when starting the computer unless you get a Run Setup
message.

If you repeatedly receive Run Setup messages,
the battery may be bad. In this case, the system
cannot retain configuration values in CMOS.
Ask a qualified technician for assistance.

Before you run Setup, make sure that you have saved all open files. The system
reboots immediately after you exit Setup.

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3-1

3.1 Entering Setup

To enter Setup, press the key combination + +

.

You must press + + while the

system is booting. This key combination does
not work during any other time.

The BIOS Utilitymain menu then appears:

BIOS Utility

Basic System Configuration

Advanced System Configuration

PCI System Configuration

Remote Diagnostic Configuration

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, ↵ = Select, Esc = Exit and Reboot

System Security

Load Setup Default Settings

The parameters on the following screens show
default values. These values may not be the same
as those in your system.

The grayed items (denoted with asterisks) on the
following screens have fixed settings and are
non-configurable.

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3.2 Basic System Configuration

Select Basic System Configuration to input configuration values such as date, time,
and disk types.

The following screen shows the Basic System Configuration menu.

Basic System Configuration Page 1/2

Date ..................... [MM/DD/YY]

Time ..................... [HH:MM:SS]

Diskette Drive A ......... [1.44 MB 3.5-inch]

Diskette Drive B ......... [ None ]

Onboard IDE .............. [Disabled ]

Cylinder Head Sector

IDE Drive 0 ( 0 MB)..... [None]

IDE Drive 1 ( 0 MB)..... [None]

Total Memory ............. [ xxx] MB

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

The command line at the bottom of the menu tells you how to highlight items,
change settings, and move from one screen to another.

Press

Press

Press

Press

or on the cursor-edit keypad to highlight the desired parameter.

or to select the desired option for a parameter.

to move to the next page or to return to the previous page.

to exit the configuration menu.

The following screen shows page 2 of the Basic System Configuration menu.

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3-3

Basic System Configuration Page 2/2

Enhanced IDE Features

Hard Disk Block Mode .......... [Enabled ]

Advanced PIO Mode ............. [Enabled ]

Hard Disk Size > 504MB ........ [Enabled ]

Hard Disk 32-bit Access ....... [Enabled ]

Large Memory Support Mode ......... [Normal ]

Num Lock After Boot .............. [Enabled ]

Memory Test ...................... [Disabled]

Quiet Boot ....................... [Disabled]

Configuration Table .............. [Enabled ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

The following sections explain the different parameters and their settings.

3.2.1 Date and Time

The real-time clock keeps the system date and time. After setting the date and
time, you need not enter them every time you turn on the system. As long as the
internal battery remains good (approximately seven
clock continues to keep the date and time accurately even when the power is off.

years) and connected, the

Date

Highlight the items on the date parameter and press
following the month-day-year format.

Valid values for month, day, and year are:

• Month 1 to 12

• Day 1 to 31

• Year 00

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3-4

to

99

or to set the date

Time

Highlight the items on the time parameter and press
following the hour-minute-second format.

Valid values for hour, minute, and second are:

•

Hour 00 to 23

•

Minute 00 to 59

• Second 00 to 59

or to set the time

3.2.2 Diskette Drives

To enter the configuration value for the first diskette drive (drive A), highlight the
Diskette Drive A parameter. Press
appropriate value.

Possible settings for the Diskette Drive parameters:

• [ None ]

• [360 KB, 5.25-inch]

or key to view the options and select the

• [1.2 MB, 5.25-inch]

• [720 KB, 3.5-inch ]

• [1.44 MB, 3.5-inch]

• [2.88 MB, 3.5-inch]

Follow the same procedure for Diskette Drive B. Choose None if you do not have
a second diskette drive.

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3-5

3.2.3 Onboard IDE

When set to Enabled, this parameter enables the IDE drives installed in the system.
Setting to Disabled deactivates the IDE drives and grays the IDE Drive
parameters.

3.2.4 IDE Drives

Move the highlight bar to the IDE Drive 0 parameter to configure the first IDE
drive (drive C). Press
respective values. Select the type that corresponds to your drive. Follow the same
procedure for the other drives, if any. Choose None if you do not have other
drives.

Selecting the “Auto” Option

If you do not know the exact type of your IDE drive, select the option Auto.
During the power-on self-test (POST), when the system performs self-testing a nd
self-initialization before loading the operating system and applications, the BIOS
utility automatically determines your IDE drive type. You can see the drive type
and its values when you enter the BIOS Utility.

or to display the IDE hard disk types with their

Cylinder Head Sector

IDE Drive 0 (xx MB).... [Auto] xx xx xx

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If desired, you can save the values under the option User.

Cylinder Head Sector

IDE Drive 0 (xx MB).... [User] xx xx xx

The next time you boot the system, the BIOS utility does not have to auto-configure
your IDE drive as it detects the saved disk information during POST.

We recommend that you copy the IDE dis k drive

values and keep them in a safe place in case
you have to reconfigure the disk in the future.

Follow the same procedure to auto-configure other IDE drives.

Selecting the “User” Option

There are cases when you cannot use the option Auto, instead you have to select
User. Choose the User option when you have installed an hard disk that was

previously formatted but does not use the disk native parameters or structure, that
is, the disk type may be in the hard disk types list but the number of cylinders,
heads, and sectors differ.

Follow these steps to configure a hard disk with the User option:

1. Highlight an hard disk parameter.

2. Select the option User and press

.

3. Type in the number of cylinders, heads, and sectors of the drive under the
appropriate columns.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-7

Be sure to have the correct har d dis k information

beforehand.

4. Choose YES when asked if you want to save CMOS data.

3.2.5 Total Memory

The system automatically detects the total amount of onboard memory during the
POST and sets the memory parameters accordingly. If you install additional
memory, the system automatically adjusts this parameter to display the new
memory size.

3.2.6 Enhanced IDE Features

Hard Disk Block Mode

This function enhances disk performance depending on the hard disk in use. If
you set this parameter to Enabled, it allows data transfer in block (multiple
sectors) by increasing the data transfer rate to 256 bytes per cycle. If your system
does not boot after enabling this parameter, change the setting to Disabled. This
parameter is normally set to Enabled .

Advanced PIO Mode

Enabling this parameter improves system performance by allowing the use of
faster hard drives. If your hard disk does not support this function, set this
parameter to Disabled . The default if Enabled .

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Hard Disk Size > 504 MB

If enabled, BIOS allows you to use a hard disk with a capacity of more than
504 MB. This is made possible through the Logical Block Address (LBA) mode
translation. Other operating systems require this parameter to be set to Disabled .

To prevent data loss, set this parameter set to Enabled if you are using a hard disk
with more than 504 MB capacity that was previously configured through LBA
mode. If you use a hard disk configured through cylinder-head-sector (CHS)
mode, set this parameter to Disabled . The default is Enabled .

Hard Disk 32-bit Access

Enabling this parameter improves system performance by allowing the use of the
32-bit hard disk access. This enhanced IDE feature only works under DOS,
Windows 3.x, Windows 95, and Novell NetWare. If your software or hard disk
does not support this function, set this parameter to Disabled . The default is
Enabled .

3.2.7 Num Lock After Boot

This parameter allows you to activate the Num Lock function upon booting. The
default setting is Enabled.

3.2.8 Memory Test

When set to Enabled, this parameter allows the system to perform a RAM test
during the POST routine. When set to Disabled, the system detects only the
memory size and bypasses the test routine. The default setting is Disabled .

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3-9

3.2.9 Quiet Boot

This parameter enables or disables the quiet boot function. When set to Enabled,
BIOS is in graphical mode and displays only an identification logo during POST
and while booting. After which the screen displays the operating system prompt
(such as DOS) or logo (such as Windows 95). If any error occurred while booting,
the system automatically switches to text mode.

Even if your setting is Enabled, you may also switch to the text mode while
booting by pressing

after you hear a beep that indicates the activa tion of the

keyboard.

When set to Disabled, BIOS is in the conventional text mode where you see the
system initialization details on the screen. Default is Disabled.

3.2.10 Configuration Table

This parameter allows you to display the configuration table after POST but before
booting. The configuration table gives a summary of the hardware devices and
settings that BIOS detected during POST. Following is a sample configuration
table. Default is Enabled.

CPU ID :Pentium II
CPU Clock :xxx MHz
Math Coprocessor:Installed
IDE Drive 0 : xxx MB
IDE Drive 1 : xxx MB
Diskette Drive A: xx-MB, xx-inch
Diskette Drive B: None
ECC/Parity Mode: ECC
USB Host Controller: Disabled

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Base Memory: : xxx KB
Extended Memory: xxxx KB
Shadow RAM : xxx KB
Internal Cache : xxx KB, Enabled
External Cache : xxx KB, Enabled
Serial Port(s) : 3F8h, 2F8h
Parallel Port : 378h
Pointing Device: Installed
CPU L2 ECC : BSP, AP

3.3 Advanced System Configuration

The Advanced System Configuration option allows you to configure the ad vanced
system memory functions.

Do not change any settings in the Advanced

Configuration if you are not a qualified
technician to avoid damaging system.

The following screen shows page one of the Advanced System Configuration
parameters.

Advanced System Configuration Page 1/1

Internal Cache (CPU Cache) .......... [Enabled ]

External Cache (CPU Cache) ........... [Enabled ]

Cache Scheme ......................... [Write back]

ECC/Parity Mode Selection ........... [ ECC ]

Operation of ECC ................... [correction enable]

Memory at 15MB-16MB Reserved for ..... [ System ] Use

MP Fault Tolerance .................. [Enabled ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

3.3.1 Internal Cache (CPU Cache)

This parameter enables or disables the first-level cache memory integrated in the
Pentium II CPU.

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3-11

3.3.2 External Cache (CPU Cache)

This parameter enables or disables the second-level cache memory.

Cache Scheme

This parameter allows you to select Write back or Write through for the cache
mode. Write back updates the cache but not the memory when there is a write
instruction. It updates the memory only when there is an inconsistency between
the cache and the memory. Write through updates both the cache and the
memory whenever there is a write instruction.

3.3.3 ECC/Parity Mode Selection

This parameter allows you to select ECC, Parity, or Disabled . The ECC option
allows single-bit error detection and automatic correction. The automatic
correction depends on the setting of the parameter Operation of ECC. See section

3.3.4 for details.

ECC also detects multiple-bit errors but does not correct them. Instead, it issues a
non-maskable interrupt (NMI) signaling the operating system of the multiple-bit
error detection.

The Parity option allows parity check. If it detects any parity errors, it sets up the
parity error flag in the chipset. This signals the operating system of the parity
error detection.

Fast-page mode DIMMs with parity support both ECC and parity mode. EDO
DIMMs with parity support only ECC mode.

Both the ECC and parity check features require
parity DIMMs. You must disable this parameter
if you installed DIMMs without parity.

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3.3.4 Operation of ECC

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the error correction function. In the
option Correction Enabled, ECC automatically corrects any single-bit errors
detected. For multiple-bit errors detected, ECC issues an NMI to signal the
operating system of the multiple-bit error detection.

In the option Correction Disabled, ECC detects both single-bit and multiple-bit
errors but does not correct a multiple-bit error; it issues an NMI to signal the
operating system of the error detection.

This parameter is grayed if the ECC/Parity Mode Selection parameter is set to
either Parity or Disabled . Refer to section 3.3.3.

3.3.5 Memory at 15MB-16MB

To prevent memory address conflicts between the system and expansion boards,
reserve this memory range for the use of either the system or an expansion board.
Before setting this parameter, check your add-on card manual to determine if your
add-on card needs this memory space. If not, set this parameter to System Use.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

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3.4 PCI System Configuration

The PCI System Configuration allows you to specify the settings for your PCI
devices.

PCI System Configuration Page 1/2

PCI IRQ Setting ...........[ Auto ]

PCI Slot 1 ............ [--] [--] [--] [--]

PCI Slot 2 ............ [--] [--] [--] [--]

PCI Slot 3 ............ [--] [--] [--] [--]

PCI Slot 4 ............ [--] [--] [--] [--]

PCI Slot 5 ............ [--] [--] [--] [--]

Onboard LAN ........... [--]

Onboard SCSI1 ......... [--]

Onboard SCSI2 ......... [--]

VGA Palette Snoop ..........[Disabled]

PCI Slot Latency Time ......[20]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

PCI System Configuration Page 2/2

INTA INTB INTC INTD

Onboard LAN ...............[Enabled ]

USB Host Controller ........[Disabled]

Onboard SCSI1 .............[Enabled ]

Boot SCSI1 Device ..... [Enabled ]

Onboard SCSI2 .............[Enabled ]

Boot SCSI2 Device ..... [Enabled ]

RAID Port Boot .............[Disabled]

PCI IRQ Sharing ............[No ]

Plug & Play OS .............[No ]

Reset Resources Assignment .[No ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

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3.4.1 PCI IRQ Setting

This parameter allows for Auto or Manual configuration of PCI devices. If you
use plug-and-play (PnP) devices, set this parameter to Auto. The system then
automatically assigns IRQ to the PnP devices. If your PCI device is not a PnP, you
can manually assign the interrupt for each device. Refer to your manual for
technical information about the PCI card.

When the PCI IRQ Setting is set to
IRQ setting fields become gray and non­configurable.

Auto

, all the

PCI Slots

These parameters allow you to specify the appropriate interrupt for each of the PCI
devices. You can assign IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5, IRQ7, IRQ9, IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ12,
IRQ14, or IRQ15 to the slots.

The items PCI Slot 4 and Onboard SCSI share the same IRQ. Setting an interrupt
for the former automatically sets that same interrupt for the latter.

Make sure that the interrupt you assign in any of
the PCI slots are not used by other devices to
avoid conflicts.

3.4.2 Onboard LAN

This item allows you to manually assign the interrupt for the onboard LAN when
the PCI IRQ Setting parameter is set to Manual . This parameter is grayed and not
user-configurable when the PCI IRQ Setting is set to Auto and when the Onboard
LAN parameter is set to Disabled .

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3.4.3 Onboard SCSI1/Onboard SCSI2

These items allow you to manually assign the interrupts for the onboard SCSI
controllers when the PCI IRQ Setting parameter is set to Manual. These
parameters are grayed and not user-configurable when the PCI IRQ Setting is set
to Auto and when the Onboard SCSI1 and Onboard SCSI2 parameters on page 2
are set to Disabled .

Make sure to assign an IRQ to this item if you

set the PCI IRQ Setting parameter to

Press or to move between fields. Press or to select options.

Manual

.

3.4.4 VGA Palette Snoop

This parameter permits you to use the palette snooping feature if you installed
more than one VGA card in the system.

The VGA palette snoop function allows the control palette register (CPR) to
manage and update the VGA RAM DAC (Digital Analog Converter, a color data
storage) of each VGA card installed in the system. The snooping process lets the
CPR send a signal to all the VGA cards so that they can update their individual
RAM DACs. The signal goes through the cards continuously until all RA M DAC
data has been updated. This allows display of multiple images on the screen.

Some VGA cards have required s ettings for this

feature. Check your VGA card manual before
setting this parameter.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

3-16

3.4.5 USB Host Controller

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the onboard USB host controller
and the external USB ports.

Onboard SCSI1

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the onboard SCSI1 device.

Boot SCSI1 Device

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the onboard SCSI1 as a boot device
priority.

Onboard SCSI2

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the onboard SCSI2 device.

Boot SCSI2 Device

This parameter allows you to enable or disable the onboard SCSI2 as a boot device
priority.

3.4.6 PCI IRQ Sharing

When set to Yes, this parameter allows you to assign the same IRQ to more than
one PCI device installed in the system. When set to No, you must assign different
IRQs to the PCI devices.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-17

3.4.7 Plug & Play OS

When this parameter is set to Yes, BIOS initializes only PnP boot devices such a s
SCSI cards. When set to No, BIOS initializes all PnP boot and non-boot devices
such as sound cards.

Set this parameter to
system is Windows 95.

Yes

only if your operating

3.4.8 Reset Resources Assignment

Set this parameter to Yes to avoid an IRQ conflict when installing non-PnP or PnP
ISA cards. This clears all resource assignments and allows BIOS to reassign
resources to all installed PnP devices the next time the system boots. After clearing
the resource data, the parameter resets to No.

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3-18

3.5 Power Saving Configuration

The Power Saving Configuration parameters are configurable when your system
and OS support the power management feature.

The following screens show the Power Saving Configuration parameters and their
default settings. Default is Disabled.

Power Saving Configuration Page 1/1

Power Management Mode ................[Disabled]

IDE Hard Disk Standby Timer .......[15] Minute(s)

System Standby Timer ..............[ 5] Minute(s)

System Suspend Timer ..............[15] Minutes

Monitored Activities

IRQ 0 ...... [Disabled] IRQ 8...... [Disabled]

IRQ 1 ...... [Enabled ] IRQ 9...... [Disabled]

IRQ 3 ...... [Disabled] IRQ 10..... [Disabled]

IRQ 4 ...... [Disabled] IRQ 11..... [Disabled]

IRQ 5 ...... [Disabled] IRQ 12..... [Enabled ]

IRQ 6 ...... [Enabled ] IRQ 13..... [Enabled ]

IRQ 7 ...... [Disabled] IRQ 14..... [Enabled ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

IRQ 15..... [Disabled]

All of the power saving options in the above

screen have no effect if the power management
mode is disabled.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-19

3.5.1 Power Management Mode

This parameter allows you to reduce power consumption. When this parameter is
set to Enabled, you can configure the system timers. Setting to Disabled
deactivates the power management feature and all the timers.

For system models with RDM module installed,

enabling the RDM feature disables the power
management parameters.

IDE Hard Disk Standby Timer

This parameter allows the hard disk to enter standby mode a fter inactivity of 1 to
15 minutes, depending on your setting. When you access the hard disk again,
allow 3 to 5 seconds (depending on the hard disk) for the disk to return to the
normal speed. Set this parameter to Off if your hard disk does not support this
function.

System Standby Timer

This parameter sets the system to a "fast-on" power saving mode. It a utomatically
enters the standby mode after a specified period of inactivity. Any keyboard or
mouse action, or any enabled monitored activities occurring through IRQ channels,
resume system operation.

System Suspend Timer

This parameter sets the system to a "fast-on" power saving mode. It a utomatically
enters the standby mode after a specified period of inactivity. Any keyboard or
mouse action, or any enabled monitored activities occurring through the IRQ
channels, resume system operation.

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3.5.2 Monitored Activities

This parameter allows you to monitor system activities occurring through the IRQ
and determine whether or not to enter power saving mode.

For example, if you assign IRQ3 to a fax/modem and you set this item to Enabled,
any fax/modem activity wakes up the system from suspend mode.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-21

3.6 System Security

The Setup program has a number of security features to prevent unauthorized
access to the system and its data.

Enter the Setup program and select System Security to display the following
screen.

System Security Page 1/1

Disk Drive Control

Diskette Drive ................ [ Normal ]

Hard Disk Drive ............... [ Normal ]

System Boot Drive ............. [Drive A then C]

Onboard Communication Ports

Serial Port 1 Base Address .... [ 3F8h ]

Serial Port 2 Base Address .... [ 2F8h ]

Parallel Port Base Address .... [3BCh (IRQ 7]

Operation Mode ............. [Standard & Bidirectional] Mode

*ECP DMA Channel ........ [-]

Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ12) ... [Enabled ]

Setup Password .................. [ None ]

Power On Password ............... [ None ]

↑↓ = Move Highlight Bar, → ← = Change Setting
PgDn/PgUp = Move Screen, F1 = Help, Esc = Exit

3.6.1 Disk Drive Control

The disk drive control features allow you to enable or disable the read/write
functions of a disk drive. These features can also control the diskette drive or the
hard disk drive boot function to prevent loading operating systems or other
programs from a certain drive while the other drives are operational.

Table 3-1 lists the drive control settings and their corresponding functions.

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3-22

Table 3-1 Drive Control Settings

Diskette Drive

Setting Description

Normal Diskette drive functions normally
Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors
Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on the boot

Disabled Disables all diskette functions

Hard Disk Drive

Setting Description

Normal Hard disk drive functions normally
Write Protect All Sectors Disables the write function on all sectors
Write Protect Boot Sector Disables the write function only on the boot

Disabled Disables all hard disk functions

System Boot Drive

Setting Description

Drive A then C The system checks drive A first. If there is a

Drive C then A The system checks drive C first. If there is a

C: The system always boots from drive C.
A: The system always boots from drive A.

sector

sector

diskette in the drive, the system boots from
drive A. Otherwise, it boots from drive C.

hard disk (drive C) installed, the system
boots from drive C. Otherwise, it boots from
drive A.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-23

3.6.2 Onboard Communication Ports

Serial Port 1 Base Address

This parameter allows you to set the serial port 1 logical base address.

Table 3-2 Serial Port 1 Settings

Setting Description

3F8h Serial port 1 with address 3F8h using IRQ4
2F8h Serial port 1 with address 2F8h using IRQ3
3E8h Serial port 1 with address 3E8h using IRQ4
2E8h Serial port 1 with address 2E8h using IRQ3
Disabled Disables serial port 1

Serial Port 2 Base Address

This parameter allows you to set the serial port 2 logical base address.

Table 3-3 Serial Port 2 Settings

Setting Description

3F8h Serial port 2 with address 3F8h using IRQ4
2F8h Serial port 2 with address 2F8h using IRQ3
3E8h Serial port 2 with address 3E8h using IRQ4
2E8h Serial port 2 with address 2E8h using IRQ3
Disabled Disables serial port 2

If you assign 3F8h to serial port 1, you may only
assign 2F8h or 2E8h to serial port 2.

If you assign 2F8h to serial port 1, you may only

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

3-24

assign 3F8h or 3E8h to serial port 2.

Parallel Port Base Address

The system has one parallel port. Table 3-4 lists the options for selecting the
parallel port address. You also have the option to disable the parallel port.

Table 3-4 Parallel Port Settings

Setting Function

3BCh (IRQ 7) Corresponds to the parallel port with

address 3BCh

378h (IRQ 7) Corresponds to the parallel port with

address 378h

278h (IRQ 5) Corresponds to the parallel port with

address 278h

Disabled Disables the parallel port

To deactivate the parallel port, select the Disabled option. If you install an add-on
card with a parallel port whose address conflicts with the onboard parallel port,
the system automatically disables the onboard functions.

Check the parallel port address on the add-on card and change the address to one
that does not conflict.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-25

Operation Mode

This item allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. Table 3- 5 lists
the different operation modes.

Table 3-5 Parallel Port Operation Mode Settings

Setting Function

Standard Parallel Port (SPP) Allows normal speed one-way

operation

Standard and Bidirectional Allows normal speed operation in

a two-way mode

Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) Allows bidirectional parallel port

operation at maximum speed

Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) Allows parallel port to operate in

bidirectional mode and at a speed
higher than the maximum data
transfer rate

ecp dma channel

This item becomes active only if you select Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) as
the operation mode. It allows you to select DMA channel 1 or DMA channel 3
depending on the available system resource.

3.6.3 Onboard PS/2 Mouse (IRQ12)

This parameter enables or disables the onboard PS/2 mouse. When set to
Enabled, it allows you to use the onboard PS/2 mouse assigned with IRQ12.
When set to Disabled, it deactivates the mouse and frees IRQ12 for the use of other
devices.

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3.6.4 Setup Password

The setup password prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS utility.

Setting a Setup Password

1. Make sure that jumper JP3 is set to pins 2-3 (bypass).

You cannot enter the BIOS utility if a setup
password does not exist and jumper JP3 is set
to pins 1-2 (check).

The jumper JP3 is set to pins 2-3 (bypass) by

default.

2. Enter BIOS utility and select System Security

3. Highlight the Setup Password parameter and press the
password prompt appears:

4. Type a password. The password may consist of up to seven characters.

Be very careful when typing your password

because the characters do not appear on the
screen.

5. Press . A prompt asks you to retype the password to verify your first
entry.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

or key. The

3-27

6. Retype the password then press .

After setting the password, the system automatically sets the Setup Password
parameter to Present.

7. Press

8. Press
save the CMOS data.

9. Select Yes to save the changes and reboot the system.

10. While rebooting, turn off the system then open the housing.

11. Set jumper JP3 to pins 1-2 to enable the password function.

The next time you want to enter the BIOS utility, you must key-in your Setup
password.

to exit the System Security screen and return to the main menu.

to exit the BIOS utility. A dialog box appears asking if you wa nt to

Changing or Removing the Setup Password

Should you want to change your setup password, do the following:

1. Enter the BIOS utility and select System Security.

2. Highlight the Setup Password parameter.

3. Press the
password.

or key to display the password prompt and key-in a new

or

Press the

4. Press

5. Press
save the CMOS data.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

3-28

or key and select None to remove the existing password.

to exit the System Security screen and return to the main menu.

to exit the BIOS utility. A dialog box appears asking if you want to

6. Select Yes to save the changes and reboot the system.

Bypassing the Setup Password

If you forget your setup password, you can bypass the password security feature
by hardware. Follow these steps to bypass the password:

1. Turn off and unplug the system.

2. Open the system housing and set JP3 to pins 2-3 to bypass the password
checking.

3. Turn on the system and enter the BIOS utility. This time the system does not
require you to type in a password.

You can either change the existing Setup

None

password or remove it by selecting
to the previous section for the procedure.

. Refer

3.6.5 Power On Password

The power on password secures your system against unauthorized use. Once you
set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system.

To set a power on password, highlight the Power On Password parameter and
follow the same procedure as in setting a setup password. See section 3.6.4.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-29

3.7 Load Setup Default Settings

Use this option to load the default settings for the optimized system configuration.
When you load the default settings, some of the parameters are grayed-out with
their fixed settings. These grayed parameters are not user-configurable.

The following dialog box appears when you select Load Setup Default Settings
from the main menu.

Load Setup Default Settings
Are you sure?

[Yes] [No]

Select [Yes] to load the default settings.

Some settings may differ from the factory
settings.

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3.8 Leaving Setup

Examine the system configuration values. When you are satisfied that all the
values are correct, write them down. Store the recorded values in a safe place. In
the future, if the battery loses power or the CM OS chip is damaged, you will know
what values to enter when you rerun Setup.

Press

Use the arrow keys to select your response. Select Yes to store the new data in
CMOS. Select No to retain the old configuration values. Press

to leave the system configuration setup. The following screen appears:

Do you want to save CMOS data?

[Yes] [No]

.

Chapter 3 - BIOS Utility

3-31

Chapter 4 SCSI

Utility

Select

Configuration

4.1 SCSI

The SCSISelect configuration utility allows you to change SCSI controller settings
without opening the computer or changing jumpers.

Select

Configuration Utility Overview

4.1.1 Default Values

Table 4-1 lists the settings you can change with the SCSISelect utility and the
default value for each setting. Some settings apply globally to the SCSI controller
and all SCSI devices on the bus; other settings apply individually to each device on
the bus.

The AcerAltos 9100 Series motherboard is
equipped with dual SCSI controllers, enhancing
your system's performance.

Chapter 4 - SCSISelect Configuration Utility

4-1

Table 4-1 Default Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices

Global Settings for SCSI Controller and All Devices Default Value

Host Adapter SCSI ID 7
SCSI Parity Checking Enabled
Host Adapter SCSI Termination Enabled
Boot Device Option 0 (zero)
Host Adapter BIOS
Support Removable Disks Under BIOS as Fixed Disks Boot only
Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1 Gbyte Enabled
Display <Ctrl-A> Message During BIOS Initialization Enabled
Multiple Lun Support Disabled
BIOS Support for Bootable CD-ROM Enabled
BIOS Support for Int13 Extensions Enabled
Support for Ultra SCSI Speed Enabled

Individual Settings for Each SCSI Device Default Value

Initiate Sync Negotiation Yes
Maximum Sync Transfer Rate 40 MBytes/sec.
Enable Disconnection Yes
Send Start Unit SCSI Command
Initiate Wide Negotiation Yes

1

Settings are valid only if host adapter BIOS is enabled.

2

Do not change this setting from the default.

1

1

Enabled

2

No

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4-2

4.1.2 When to Use the SCSI

Use the SCSISelect utility if you need to

• Change any of the default values listed in Table 4-1

• Check and/or change SCSI device settings that may conflict with those of

other devices (e.g., SCSI ID)

• Perform low-level formatting on new SCSI disk devices

Select

Utility

4.1.3 Running the SCSI

To start SCSISelect, press Ctrl+A when the following is displayed during power-up
or reset:

Press <Ctrl> <A> for SCSI

This message appears after BIOS and POST information displays, and after the
banner listing the Adaptec AIC-7880 version number.

Select

Select

 Utility!

Utility

Chapter 4 - SCSISelect Configuration Utility

4-3

4.2 SCSI

Select

Utility Options

When the SCSISelect utility detects the AIC-7880 SCSI controller in your computer,
it displays the Options menu shown in Figure 4-1.

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Would you like to configure the host adapter, or run the
SCSI disk utilities? Select the option and press <Enter>.
Press <F5> to switch between color and monochrome modes.

Options

Configure/View Host Adapter settings

SCSI Disk Utilities

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit (

=default)

Figure 4-1 Options Menu Screen

Use the ↑ and ↓ keys and the Enter key to make selections in the SCSISelect utility.
Press Esc at any time to return to the previous menu.

You can press F5 to toggle the display between
color and monochrome modes. (This feature
may not work on some kinds of monitors.)

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4-4

4.2.1 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Menu

The Configure/View Host Adapter Settings menu lists three settings under SCSI
Bus Interface Definitions and three additional options, as shown in Figure 4-2:

• Host Adapter SCSI ID: changes the host controller SCSI ID from its default
value of 7

• SCSI Parity Checking: enables or disables host controller SCSI parity checking

• Host Adapter SCSI Termination: configures host controller SCSI termination

Advanced users can access Boot Device Options, SCSI Device Configuration, and
Advanced Configuration Options through the following menu:

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

You have more than one AIC 7880 Ultra/Ultra
host adapter in your system. Move the
cursor to the bus:device of the one
to be configured and press <Enter>.

<F5> - Toggle color/monochrome

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

BUS Device

01:06h
01:0Ah

Figure 4-2 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen (1 of 2)

Chapter 4 - SCSISelect Configuration Utility

4-5

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Configuration
SCSI Bus Interface Definitions

Host Adapter SCSI ID ................................7

SCSI Parity Checking.................................Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI Termination.................Enabled

Additional Options

Boot Device Options..................................Press <Enter>

SCSI Device Configuration.........................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options................Press <Enter>

<F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

Figure 4-2 Configure/View Host Adapter Settings Screen (2 of 2)

Use the cursor (↑ ↓) to move to your selection. Press Enter to display a pop-up
menu of choices or to make selections. Press Esc at any time to return to the
previous menu.

Press F6 to reset all settings to the SCSI
controller defaults. SCSI controller default
settings are marked with an asterisk (*)
throughout the selection submenus.

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4-6

Host Adapter SCSI ID

This option allows you to change the host controller SCSI ID. Figure 4-3 shows the
available IDs for use with the AIC-7880. The default setting is SCSI ID 7. (We
recommend that you not change this setting.) Some operating system software
will not run unless the SCSI controller ID is set at ID 7.

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Configuration
SCSI Bus Interface Definitions

Host Adapter SCSI ID ................................7

SCSI Parity Checking.................................Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI Termination.................Enabled

Additional Options

Boot Device Options..................................Press <Enter>

SCSI Device Configuration.........................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options................Press <Enter>

<F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

0
1
2
3
4
5
6

7

*

8

9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Figure 4-3 Host Adapter SCSI ID Selection Screen for AIC-7880

Each SCSI device on the SCSI bus, including the SCSI controller, must be set to a
unique SCSI ID. The SCSI ID serves two purposes: it uniquely identifies each SCSI
device on the bus, and it determines the device's priority on the bus during the
Arbitration phase. The Arbitration phase determines which device controls the bus
when two or more devices request use of it.

Use the cursor (↑ ↓) and Enter keys to select the SCSI ID, if you need to change it.
Press Esc at any time to return to the previous menu.

Chapter 4 - SCSISelect Configuration Utility

4-7

SCSI Parity Checking

Select this option to enable or disable SCSI Parity Checking on the SCSI controller.
Figure 4-4 displays your choices. The default setting is Enabled.

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Configuration
SCSI Bus Interface Definitions

Host Adapter SCSI ID ................................7

SCSI Parity Checking.................................Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI Termination.................Enabled

Additional Options

Boot Device Options..................................Press <Enter>

SCSI Device Configuration.........................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options................Press <Enter>

<F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

Enabled

*

Disabled

Figure 4-4 SCSI Parity Checking Selection

The SCSI controller always checks parity when reading from the SCSI bus to verify
the correct transmission of data from your SCSI devices. You should disable SCSI
Parity Checking if any attached SCSI devices do not support SCSI parity. (Most
currently available SCSI devices do support SCSI parity.)

Use the cursor (↑ ↓) and Enter keys to make selections. Press Esc at any time to
return to the previous menu.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

4-8

Host Adapter SCSI Termination

This option allows you to configure host controller SCSI termination. Figure 4-5
shows the choices available if you have an AIC-7880. The default setting is Low
OFF/High ON.

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Configuration
SCSI Bus Interface Definitions

Host Adapter SCSI ID ................................7

SCSI Parity Checking.................................Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI Termination.................Enabled

Additional Options

Boot Device Options..................................Press <Enter>

SCSI Device Configuration.........................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options................Press <Enter>

<F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

* Enabled
Disabled

Figure 4-5 Host Adapter SCSI Termination Selection for AIC-7880

Use the cursor (↑ ↓) and Enter keys to make your selection.

Since the system contains both UltraWide (68­pin) SCSI devices and narrow (50-pin) SCSI
devices, termination must be set to allow each
section of the SCSI bus to be terminated. The
narrow device in this system is terminated,
causing the LOW byte on the motherboard to be
turned off. On the other end, the back panel
terminates both bytes (Low OFF/High ON).

Chapter 4 - SCSISelect Configuration Utility

4-9

Boot Device Options

This option shows the target ID of the device you are booting from. The default
setting is 0 (zero). We recommend that you not change this setting. Some
operating systems will not run unless the boot device is set at zero.

Figure 4-6 shows the Boot Device Options screen.

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Configuration
SCSI Bus Interface Definitions

Host Adapter SCSI ID ................................7

SCSI Parity Checking.................................Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI Termination.................Low ON/High ON

Additional Options

Run SCSI Disk Utilities to get devices

Boot Device Options..................................Press <Enter>

in your system

SCSI Device Configuration.........................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options................Press <Enter>

Boot Target ID.............................................................................0

-----------Options Listed Below Have NO EFFECT if M ultiple Lun Support is Disabled------------

Boot Lun Number.........................................................................0

Boot Device Configuration

<F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

Figure 4-6 Boot Device Options Screen

SCSI Device Configuration

This option allows you to configure certain parameters of each SCSI device on the
SCSI bus. A screen similar to Figure 4-7 appears. The screen shows a column of
information for each SCSI ID, even if some SCSI IDs are not assigned to a device.
To configure a specific SCSI device, you need to know which SCSI ID it uses. See
SCSI Disk Utilities later in this section to learn how to determine which SCSI ID is
used by which device.

AcerAltos 9100 Series User’s Guide

4-10

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Configuration

SCSI Device ID

Initiate Sync Negotiation ............. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

Maximum Sync Transfer Rate.....40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0

Enable Disconnection ................. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

Initiate Wide Negotiation............. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

--------------------Options Listed Below Have NO EFFECT if t he BIOS is Disabled -----------------

Send Start Unit Command...........no no no no no no no no

Include in BIOS Scan.................. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

SCSI Device ID

Initiate Sync Negotiation ............. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

Maximum Sync Transfer Rate.....40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0

Enable Disconnection ................. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

Initiate Wide Negotiation............. yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

--------------------Options Listed Below Have NO EFFECT if t he BIOS is Disabled -----------------

Send Start Unit Command...........no no no no no no no no

Include in BIOS Scan yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

#0 #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7

SCSI Bus Interface Definitions

Host Adapter SCSI ID ................................7

SCSI Parity Checking.................................Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI Termination.................Low ON/High ON

Additional Options

Boot Device Options..................................Press <Enter>

SCSI Device Configuration.........................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options................Press <Enter>

#8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15

SCSI Device Configuration

SCSI Device Configuration

<F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults

Figure 4-7 SCSI Device Configuration Screen for AIC-7880

Use the cursor keys (↑ ↓) to move between options. Press Enter to display a pop­up menu with a selection of values. Use the cursor keys (↑ ↓) to select a value, and
press Enter to make your selection.

Initiate Sync Negotiation

This option determines whether the SCSI controller initiates synchronous
negotiation with the SCSI device.

When set to yes, the SCSI controller initiates synchronous negotiation with the
SCSI device. When set to no, the SCSI controller does not initiate synchronous
negotiation. The SCSI controller, however, always responds to synchronous
negotiation if the SCSI device initiates it. The default setting is yes.

Chapter 4 - SCSISelect Configuration Utility

4-11

Data is transferred in asynchronous mode if neither the SCSI controller nor the
SCSI peripheral negotiates for synchronous data transfers.

Some older SCSI-1 devices do not support
synchronous negotiation. This may cause your
computer to operate erratically or hang if Initiate
Sync Negotiation is enabled. Set Initiate Sync
Negotiation to no for these devices.

Maximum Sync Transfer Rate

This option determines the maximum synchronous data transfer rate that the SCS I
controller can support. The SCSI controller supports rates up to the UltraWide
SCSI maximum of 40.0 MBytes/sec. The default value is 40.0.

In most cases, you can use the maximum value of 40.0. If the S CSI controller is set
not to negotiate for synchronous data transfer (i.e., Initiate Sync Negotiation is set
to no), then the value selected here is the maximum rate that the SCSI controller
accepts from the device during negotiation. (This is standard SCSI protocol.)

Some older SCSI-1 devices do not support Fast
SCSI data transfer rates. This may cause your
computer to operate erratically or hang if the
transfer rate is set too high. Set Initiate Sync
Negotiation to no for these devices.

Enable Disconnection

This option determines whether the SCSI controller allows a SCSI device to
disconnect from the SCSI bus (sometimes called Disconnect/Reconnect).
Disconnect/Reconnect allows the SCSI controller to perform other operations on
the SCSI bus while the SCSI device is temporarily disconnected.

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When set to yes, the SCSI device may disconnect from the SCSI bus. The SCSI
device, however, may choose not to disconnect, even if permitted by the SCSI
controller (this can usually be configured on the SCSI device). When set to no, the
SCSI device is not allowed to disconnect from the SCSI bus. The default setting is
yes.

You should leave Enable Disconnection set to yes if two or more SCSI devices are
connected to the SCSI controller. This optimizes SCSI bus performance. If only one
SCSI device is connected to the SCSI controller, set Enable Disconnection to no to
achieve slightly better performance.

Initiate Wide Negotiation

This option allows communication between all devices (lower 8-bit or upper 8-bit)
on the wide (16-bit) SCSI bus. When set to yes, each device can connect on the bus.
When set to no (disabled), communication ca n only occur on the lowe r 8 -bits of the
16-bit SCSI bus. The default setting is yes.

Send Start Unit Command

This option, which is supported by some SCSI devices, determines whether the
Start Unit Command (SCSI command 1B) is sent to the SC SI device (most devices
do not require this). Enabling this option reduces the load on your computer's
power supply by allowing the SCSI controller to power-up SCSI devices one-at-a­time when you boot your computer. Otherwise, the devices all power-up at the
same time. Most devices require you to set a jumper before they can respond to
this command.

When set to yes, the Start Unit Command is sent to the SCSI device during bootup.
When set to no, each SCSI device powers-up in its normal fashion. The default
setting is no.

The Send Start Unit Command setting is valid
only if the host adapter BIOS is enabled.

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If this option is enabled for more than one SCSI device, the Start Unit Command is
sent first to the device with the lowest SCSI ID. When this device responds to the
SCSI controller, the Start Unit Command is sent to the next highest SCSI ID with a
setting of yes. The process continues until all supported devices respond to the
SCSI controller.

If many drives are set to

yes

for Send Start Unit
Command, the boot time varies depending on
how long it takes each drive to spin up.

Advanced Configuration Options

When you select Advanced Configuration Options, a screen similar to Figure 4-8
appears. Do not change these options unless absolutely necessary.

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Configuration
SCSI Bus Interface Definitions

Reset SCSI BUS at IC Initialization ..............................................................Enabled

--------------Options Listed Below Have NO EFFECT if t he BIOS is Disabled--------------

Host Adapter BIOS (Configuration Utility Reserves BIOS Space)..................Enabled

Support Removable Disks Under BIOS as Fixed Disks .................................Boot Only

Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1Gbyte...................................Enabled

Display <Ctrl-A> Message During BIOS Initialization..................................... Enabled

Multiple Lun Support .....................................................................................Disabled

BIOS Support for Bootable CD-ROM.............................................................Enabled

BIOS Support for Int13 Extensions................................................................Enabled

Support for Ultra SCSI Speed........................................................................ Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI ID ................................7

SCSI Parity Checking.................................Enabled

Host Adapter SCSI Termination.................Low ON/High ON

Additional Options

Boot Device Options..................................Press <Enter>

SCSI Device Configuration.........................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options................Press <Enter>

Advanced Configuration Options

<F6> - Reset to Host Adapter Defaults

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

Figure 4-8 Advanced Configuration Options Screen

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Use the cursor keys (↑ ↓) to move between options. Press Enter to display a pop­up menu with a selection of options. Use the cursor keys ( ↑ ↓) to select an option,
and press Enter to make your selection.

Host Adapter BIOS

This option enables or disables the SCSI controller BIOS. Default is Enabled.
The SCSI controller BIOS must be enabled if you want the computer to boot from a

SCSI hard disk drive connected to the SCSI controller. Several SCSISelect options
cannot be used unless the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled.

Support Removable Disks Under BIOS as Fixed Disks

This option allows you to control which removable-media drives are supported by
the SCSI controller BIOS. It is only valid if the SCSI controller BIOS is enabled. The
default setting is Boot Only. The following choices are available:

• Boot Only – Only the removable-media drive designated as the boot device

are treated as a hard disk drive.

• All Disks – All removable-media drives supported by the BIOS are treated as

hard disk drives.

• Disabled – No removable-media drives are treated as hard disk drives. In this

situation, software drivers are needed because the drives are not controlled by
the BIOS.

Support for removable-media drives means only
that the SCSI controller BIOS

allows

you to use
a removable-media drive as if it were a hard disk
drive; it does

not

mean you can remove the disk
media during operation. If a removable-media
SCSI device is controlled by the SCSI controller

do not

BIOS,

remove the media while the drive
is powered-on or you may lose data! If you want
to be able to remove media while the power is
on, install the removable-media device driver
and set this option to

Disabled

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.

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Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1 GByte

This option allows you to enable or disable extended translation for SCSI hard
disks with a capacity greater than 1 GByte. It is only valid if the SCSI controller
BIOS is enabled. The default setting is Enabled. Do not change this setting from
the default.

If this option is enabled, the following translation schemes are used:

• SCSI hard disks < 1 GByte use a translation scheme of 64 hea ds, 32 sectors per

track

• SCSI hard disks > 1 GByte use a translation scheme of 255 heads, 63 sectors per

track

Display <Ctrl-A> Message During BIOS Initialization

This option allows entering the SCSI Select utility during BIOS initialization. The
default setting is Enabled.

Multiple Lun Support

This option allows access to multiple logical unit numbers per SCSI ID. The
default setting is Disabled.

BIOS Support for Bootable CD-ROM

When this option is enabled, a bootable CD-ROM device may be used to directly
load an operating system. The default setting is Enabled.

BIOS Support for Int13 Extensions

This option allows access to attached SCSI devices through BIOS Int13 functions.
The default setting is Enabled.

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Support for Ultra SCSI Speed

This option enables UltraWide SCSI data transfers at 40 MB/sec. If enabled, be
sure the device is capable of running at this rate. The default setting is Enabled.

4.2.2 SCSI Disk Utilities

When you select SCSI Disk Utilities from the Options menu the SCSISelect utility
scans the SCSI bus and lists all SCSI devices installed on the SCSI bus. You will see
a screen similar to Figure 4-9. You can easily determine from this screen which
SCSI ID is assigned to each device on the SCSI bus.

Adaptec AIC7880 Ultra/Ultra W SCSISelect (TM) Utility

AIC-7880 Ultra/Ultra W at Bus:Device 01:06h

Select SCSI Disk and press <Enter>

SCSI ID #0: IBM DORS-32160W
SCSI ID #1: No device
SCSI ID #2: No device
SCSI ID #3: No device
SCSI ID #4: Sony CD-ROM CDU-76S
SCSI ID #5: No device
SCSI ID #6: No device
SCSI ID #7: AIC-7880 Ultra/Ul tra W
SCSI ID #8: No device
SCSI ID #9: No device
SCSI ID #10: No device
SCSI ID #11: No device
SCSI ID #12: IBM DORS-32160W
SCSI ID #13: No device
SCSI ID #14: No device
SCSI ID #15: No device

Arrow keys to move cursor, <Enter> to select option, <Esc> to exit ( =default)

Figure 4-9 SCSI Disk Utilities Screen for AIC-7880

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When you highlight a disk device by moving to it with the cursor keys a nd press

Enter, a small menu window appears. You then select Format Disk or Verify
Media from this menu.

Use the cursor keys (↑ ↓) to move between options. Press Enter to display a pop­up menu with a selection of values. Use the cursor keys (↑ ↓) to select a value, and
press Enter to make your -selection.

Format Disk

The Format Disk utility performs a low-level format on disk devices.

Most SCSI disk devices are preformatted and do not need to be formatted again.
The Adaptec Format Disk utility is compatible with the vast majority of SCSI disk
drives. Run it on hard disk drives or removable-media drives that were previously
used with a non-Adaptec SCSI controller.

A low-level format destroys all data on the drive.
Be sure to back up your data before performing
this operation. You
format once it is started.

cannot

abort a low-level

Verify Disk Media

The Ve rify Disk Media utility scans the selected device's media for defects. If the
utility finds bad blocks, it prompts you to reassign them; if you select yes, those
blocks will no longer be used.

You can press

Verify Disk Media

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4-18

Esc

at any time to abort the

utility.

4.3 Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers

The AHA-2940/W/UW SCSI controller is used as
an example in the following discussion.

To use multiple PCI SCSI controllers, do the following:

• Install the boot SCSI controller in the lowest PCI Device number. The Device

number is determined by the slot number on the PCI bus.
To find out the Device number of the AHA-2940 SCSI controller(s), run the

SCSISelect utility (by pressing the key combination Ctrl + A when it is
displayed onscreen at bootup). Look on the first screen of SCSISelect in the
upper right hand corner for Bus:Device xx:xxh (given in hex).

If the Device number is high, move the AHA-2940 to a PCI slot at the other
end of the motherboard and rerun SCSISelect to see if the number is lower.

This step is a recommended solution for most
PCI motherboards. You can also simply switch
the AHA-2940 SCSI controller into another PCI
slot if the boot order is not what is desired.

• If you are booting from the AHA-2940 and using ISA/EISA-based host

adapters as secondary devices, you must disable the BIOS on all ISA/EISA­based SCSI controllers.

• If you are booting from ISA/EISA-based SCSI controllers and using the AHA-

2940 as a secondary device, see your ISA/EISA-based SCSI controller
documentation to ensure the SCSI controller is at the lowest BIOS base
address. ISA/EISA-based SCSI controllers which have their BIOS enabled boot
before the AHA-2940.

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4.4 Disk Drives Over 1 Gbyte

4.4.1 Extended Translation

Adaptec SCSI controllers have always supported the full range of disk drive
capacities under all major operating systems. As disk drives have recently grown
beyond 1 GByte in formatted capacity, they have run up against the DOS 1024­cylinder limit.

To continue its support for all SCSI disk drive capacities under DOS, Adaptec has
included an extended translation scheme for the AIC-7880 SCSI controllers. This
feature supports disk drives of up to 8 GBytes capacity under DOS. Extended BIOS
Translation for DOS Drives > 1 GByte in this chapter explains how to change the
setting of this option in the SCSISelect utility.

4.4.2 The DOS 1 GByte Limit

All current versions of DOS are limited to 1024 cylinders per drive. The standard
translation scheme for SCSI host controllers, using 64 heads and 32 sectors,
provides a maximum accessible capacity of 1 GByte.

To eliminate the 1 GByte limit, Adaptec's extended translation feature uses 255
heads and 63 sectors, extending the disk drive capacity limit under DOS to 8
GBytes.

If you have already partitioned a large disk drive
with one translation method, conversion to
another method will make your data unusable.
Be sure to
change in the translation method used.

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back up

your disk drive prior to any

4.4.3 When to Use Extended Translation

Drives With Mixed Partitions

Use standard translation, not extended translation, on drives formatted with two
or more partitions for different operating systems. Partitions for UNIX and
NetWare can be larger than 1 GByte when using standard translation.

The term UNIX, as used here, includes all
versions of AT&T/USL UNIX, SCO v3.2.4 (or
later), and ISC v3.0 (or later).

Using Fdisk

To install a new disk, or to re-partition an existing disk, use the fdisk DOS utility as
you normally would. The cylinder size increases to 8 MBytes when you enable
extended translation. The size of the partition you request must therefore be a
multiple of 8 MBytes. If you request a partition size that is not a multiple of 8
MBytes, fdisk rounds up to the nearest whole multiple of 8 MBytes.

Questions and Answers About Extended Translation

What happens if I enable extended translation with SCSI drives that are less than 1
GByte in capacity?

Drives handled by the BIOS use extended translation if their formatted capacity is
greater than 1 GByte. Drives with less than 1 GByte of formatted capacity use
standard translation regardless of whether extended translation is enabled.

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4.5 SCSI Troubleshooting Checklist

The AIC-7880 SCSI controller has been tested for compatibility with a wide range
of SCSI devices. Most problems that occur during installation result from errors in
preparing and connecting devices on the SCSI bus.

Answer these questions first if a problem occurs during installation:

• Are the power cables and SCSI interface cables properly connected?

Connect internal SCSI devices to your computer's power supply. Connect the
power cables of external SCSI devices to a grounded line power outlet. Follow
the instructions in the computer and SCSI device documentation.

• Is pin-1 orientation maintained throughout the SCSI bus?

• Are the PCI bus and slot parameters set correctly in your computer's Setup

program?
The PCI bus is designed to assign IRQ, port address, and BIOS address settings

automatically to the SCSI controller. But you may need to assign some of these
values manually in the Setup program.

• Is each SCSI device, including the SCSI controller, set to a unique SCSI ID?

• Is SCSI termination set correctly?

If your problem is still not resolved, continue with the next section.

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4.6 BIOS Startup Messages

After you have configured your SCSI controller, the SCSI controller BIOS displays
a message when you boot your computer. Normally, this message lists the SCSI ID,
manufacturer, model number and other information for each SCSI device that the
BIOS detects.

If an initialization failure occurs, however, the SCSI controller BIOS displays a
specific error message followed by a BIOS Installation Failure message. Here are
some of these error messages and their meaning:

WARNING!!!

A drive larger than 1 gigabyte has been detected with 64 head / 32 sector
partitioning. This drive is not compatible with the 255 head / 63 sector
translation which has been enabled on this adapter. Data could be
corrupted! Please check your system setup!

Press any key to continue.

This message occurs only if Extended BIOS Translation is enabled in the SCSISelect
utility. It means that the BIOS detected a large capacity drive with invalid pa rtition
information in the master boot record.

If you are using a drive larger than 1 GByte under MS-DOS 5.0 or above and this
message appears, do the following:

1. Run the SCSISelect utility and set Extended BIOS Translation to Disabled. (See

Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1 GByte in the Advanced
Configuration Options section)

2. Exit from the SCSISelect utility and back up the data on the disk drive, if you
want to save it.

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3. Perform a SCSI low-level format with the Format Disk utility under SCSI Disk

Utilities in the SCSISelect utility.

All data on the target drive will be lost when you
run the

Format Disk

utility. Back up your data

before you run it!

4. In the SCSISelect Advanced Configuration Options menu, set Extended BIOS -

Translation to Enabled.

5. Partition the drive again.

6. Restore data to the drive, if necessary.

4.6.1 Device connected, but not ready

This message appears if the SCSI controller receives no answer when it requests
data from an installed SCSI device. The SCSI controller skips this device and
moves on to the next device on the bus.

Do the following if you see this message when you request data from a SCSI drive:

1. Run the SCSISelect utility and access SCSI Device Configuration. Locate the

host controller's SCSI ID and set Send Start Unit Command to yes.

2. Exit the SCSISelect utility and request data from the drive again.

3. If the message still appears, follow the drive manufacturer's instructions to
make sure the drive is set to spin-up when the power is switched ON.

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4.6.2 Start unit request failed

The BIOS was unable to send a Start Unit Command to the device. Run the
SCSISelect utility and disable Send Start Unit Command for the device.

Time-out failure during SCSI Inquiry command!

or

Time-out failure during SCSI Test Unit Ready command!

or

Time-out failure during Start Unit command!

An unexpected time-out occurred. Check SCSI bus termination. Try disconnecting
the SCSI peripheral cables from the SCSI controller and then starting the computer.
If the computer successfully restarts, check SCSI bus termination and cable
connections. One of the devices on the SCSI bus may be defective.

4.6.3 Disk Drive Configuration Problems

This section describes situations that may occur if your computer has multiple disk
drives, including combinations of standard disk drives and SCSI disk drives.

“Standard disk drive” means a disk drive
attached to the computer through a standard
ISA/EISA, non-SCSI disk controller—for
example, an IDE drive.

Standard hard disk drives can be set to the installed or not installed state by the
Setup program supplied with the host computer. The Setup program allows you
to select the number of standard hard disks that are recognized by the computer,
regardless of whether they are physically installed. SCSI drives are not controlled
through the Setup program.

If both SCSI and non-SCSI disk drives are installed, then the non-SCSI disk drive is
always the boot device.

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Booting the Computer from a SCSI Drive

The following items may apply for multiple SCSI
controller configurations. See the section
“Configuring Multiple SCSI Controllers” for more
detailed information.

• Be sure that both standard hard disks are mapped out of the computer using
the Setup program by setting the Setup program to Onboard IDE-Disabled.

• Be sure that the SCSI boot drive is set to SCSI ID 0 and that there are no SCSI
ID conflicts. Check the drive installation manual for information ab out setting
the SCSI ID for that device. You can use the SCSISelect utility to determine the
SCSI IDs of devices on the SCSI bus.

• Be sure that parity checking is consistently enabled or disabled on all devices
on the SCSI bus. See the section “SCSI Parity Checking”.

• Try enabling Include in BIOS Scan in the SCSI Device Configuration option of
the SCSISelect utility. See the section “SCSI Device Configuration”.

• Be sure to cycle the power OFF and ON after changing any values on a SCSI
controller, in a Setup program, or on a SCSI device. Doing this ensures that the
new initial values are loaded.

• Be sure that the SCSI bus is properly terminated. See the section “Setting SCSI
Bus Termination”.

• Be sure that the intended boot disk has an active partition and has been
formatted.

• Check cable connections and pin-1 orientation.

Using a Standard Drive as C and a SCSI Drive as D

• Use the Setup program to map the second standard hard disk (if one exists)
out of the configuration.

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• Disable Onboard SCSI Boot in Setup.

• Be sure that the SCSI drive to be used as drive D is set to SCSI ID 0. Check the

drive manual for information on setting the SCSI ID for that device. You can
also use the SCSISelect utility to determine the SCSI addresses of peripherals
on the SCSI bus.

• Be sure that SCSI parity checking is consistently enabled or disabled on all

devices on the SCSI bus.

• Verify that the SCSI controller and the SCSI devices are properly configured

and installed.

• Be sure to cycle the power OFF and ON after changing any values on a SCSI

controller, in a Setup program, or on a SCSI device. Doing this ensures that the
new initial values are loaded.

• Be sure that the SCSI bus is properly terminated.

• Be sure that the disk is formatted and has a partition.

• Check cable connections and pin-1 orientation.

Using a SCSI Drive as C and Another SCSI Drive as D

• Make sure your computer's CMOS Setup is set to Onboard IDE-Disabled, as

is required for SCSI host controllers. Also ensure Onboard SCSI Boot is
Enabled.

• Be sure that the SCSI drive to be used as drive C is set to SCSI ID 0. Check the

disk drive manual for information on setting the SCSI ID for tha t device. You
can also use the SCSISelect utility to determine the SCSI addresses of
peripherals on the SCSI bus.

• Set the SCSI drive to be used as drive D to SCSI ID 1. Check the drive manual

for information on setting the SCSI ID for that device.

• Try enabling Include in BIOS Scan in the SCSI Device Configuration option of

the SCSISelect utility. See the section “SCSI Device Configuration”.

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• Be sure to cycle the power OFF and ON after changing any values on a SCSI
controller, in a Setup program, or on a SCSI device. This ensures that the new
initial values are loaded.

• Be sure that SCSI parity checking is consistently enabled or disabled on all
devices on the SCSI bus.

• Verify that the SCSI controllers and the SCSI devices are properly configured
and installed.

• Be sure that the SCSI bus is properly terminated.

• Be sure that, if necessary, the disk has a partition and is formatted.

Computer Hangs, or SCSI Controller Cannot Always Find the

Drives

• Check SCSI parity for consistency and be sure SCSI termination is set correctly.

• Check cable length and integrity. Check pin-1 orientation.

• If the SCSI controller LED remains on when the computer hangs, the host

adapter may be interfering with your computer's operation. It may be installed
in a motherboard slot that does not support First-Party DMA (i.e., Bus Master)
data transfers. See your computer documentation.

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