Western Digital WDXT-GEN2 PLUS Installation Guide

READ THIS FIRST

INSTALLATION GUIDE

WDXT-GEN2 PLUS

Winchester Disk Controller Board

WESTERN DIGITAL

COPYRIGHT 1989 WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION

INFORMATION FURNISHED BY WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION IS BELIEVED TO
BE ACCURATE. HOWEVER, NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ASSUMED BY WESTERN DIGI­TAL CORPORATION FOR ITS USE; NOR FOR ANY INFRINGEMENT OF PATENTS OR
OTHER RIGHTS OF THIRD PARTIES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM ITS USE. NO
LICENSE IS GRANTED BY IMPLICATION OR OTHERWISE UNDER ANY PATENT OR
PATENT RIGHTS OF WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION. WESTERN DIGITAL COR­PORATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE SPECIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Trademarks used in this text:

FileCard is a registered trademark of Western

Digital Corporation.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corpora­tion. Seagate is a registered trademark of Seagate Technology. MS-DOS is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

CONTENTS

SOME PRELIMINARY STEPS

GATHER SUPPLIES
IDENTIFY DRIVE
IDENTIFY BOARD
AT&T COMPUTERS
JUMPERS

SET HARD DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION

CHECK COMPUTER (Incompatible System BIOS ROM)

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Do I Need To Change Any Jumpers?
Change Jumpers

Drive Settings
Control Cables (34-pin Connectors)
Set Drive Number
Set Drive Termination Resistor

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I -1
1-2
1-3
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1-5
1-5
1-6
1-7
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1-8
1-8

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CONTENTS

Read System BIOS ROM Date

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HOW TO INSTALL YOUR HARDWARE
HOW TO INSTALL YOUR SOFTWARE

Software Installation Summary
START LOW LEVEL FORMAT
USE PRE-SELECTED CONFIGURATIONS
USE DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION
FINAL STEPS

Partition Drive

FDISK Utility

Partition Second Disk Drive

High Level Format

FORMAT Switch "IS"

High Level Format Second Disk Drive

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II

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2-1

3-1

3-1
3-3
3-6

3-9
3-16
3-16
3-16
3-17
3-18
3-18
3-19

CONTENTS

High Level Format Multiple Disk Drives

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3-19

4

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5

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A

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HOW TO CHECK YOUR INSTALLATION

Start System From Hard Disk
Final Check
Installation Complete

HOW TO

If You Have a Problem

APPENDIX A

INSTALL A SECOND DRIVE ON AN EXISTING
CONTROLLER

INTERLEAVE FACTORS
VIRTUAL SPLIT

Select Virtual Split

CALCULATE CYLINDER NUMBER (VIRTUAL SPLIT)

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HANDLE PROBLEMS

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III

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A-1
A-5
A-5
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CONTENTS

B

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C

APPENDIX B

JUMPERS

Jumper Functions (W17 to W22 and W25 to W28)
Default Values
How to Change Jumpers

APPENDIX C

WESTERN DIGITAL BULLETIN BOARD

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B-2
B-3

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Limited Warranty
FCC Statement

iv

INTRODUCTION

The WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board is easy to install. The following is a summary
of the installation steps.

1.

Preliminary:

2.

Install hardware: drive, board, connect cables

3.

Install software:

4.

Check installation:

set jumpers, drive configuration

use debug, low level format, etc.

start system, use new board & drive

CAUTION

Handle the controller board
the chips are static sensitive and damage may occur
is incorrectly handled.

by the ends

of

the board. Some

if

the board

of

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Angle brackets

Enter key.

This guide was written using the IBM XT computer as a model. Sometimes
specific examples, such as errors, refer to the IBM error code numbers. There­fore if you have an XT-compatible computer, your error numbers may be dif­ferent.

About Menu Screens:

Because computer manufacturers are always updating their products, and this
installation guide covers installing WDXT-GEN2 PLUS controller boards in
many XT-compatible computers, some of the menu screens may not be exact­ly the same on your system. Always follow the instructions on your computer
screen.

< >refer to a key. Therefore the symbol

VI

<Enter>

refers to the

1

SOME PRELIMINARY STEPS

Before you begin the actual installation of the hardware and software, there
are some preliminary steps that you need to do.

GATHER SUPPLIES

The installation requires that you gather the following tools and supplies.

screwdriver

•
XT-compatible computer with space to hold the internal drive(s)t

•
MFM hard disk drive(s) with ST506 interface

•

•

interface cables (20-pin data cables & 34-pin control cable)

•

DOS version 2.0 or later (DOS 3.1 or later recommended)

•

installation manual for XT-compatible computer
installation manual for hard disk drive(s)

•

The WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board supports 2 hard disk drives.

1-1

IDENTIFY DRIVE

The WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board works with any hard disk drive that has the
ST506/412 drive interface and no more than 1024 cylinders and 16 heads. The
Seagate 225 hard disk drive unit is such a drive.

Look in your drive manual to verify that you have an ST5061412 MFM drive
or check with your dealer.

Then check the drive manual for the drive parameters, such as those listed in
Table 1-1. You'll need this information for the low level format.

Table 1-1. WDXT-GEN2 PLUS Default Drive Parameters

Formatted Number of Number of

Cylinders

Capacity Heads

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Pre-Comp/
RWC

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Step
Rate

21MB

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4

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This board can work with RLL drives, but does not provide 26 sec­tors/track. If you have an RLL drive, the WD1004-27X is a better choice.

615

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1-2

307/616

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751.Isec

IDENTIFY BOARD

Figure 1-1 shows the connector locations (J1, J2, J3, J4, and J5) on the WDXT­GEN2 PLUS board and the location of the jumpers (W17 to W22 and W25 to
W28). The (J4) drive power connector is on the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board
to connect power to FileCard® drives.

Look at Figure 1-1 and your WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board. Compare the loca­tions of the jumpers and connectors on your board with the diagram.

AT&T COMPUTERS

If you have an AT&T model 6300 or 6300 PLUS computer, you MUST dis­able the hard disk controller BIOS on your AT&T motherboard.

AT&T system manual for details or call your AT&T computer representative.

This is necessary for the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board to operate correctly with
these AT&T computers.

1-3

See your

FIGURE 1-1. WDXT-GEN2 PLUS CONNECTOR&JUMPER LOCATIONS

1-4

JUMPERS

Jumpers allow you to change certain functions on your controller board.
Western Digital set the jumpers for the most common applications. It is un­likely that you will need to change any of the jumper settings.

Appendix B contains a complete explanation of jumpers.

CAUTION

Handle the controller board by the ends of the board. Some of
the chips are static sensitive and damage may occur if the board
is incorrectly handled.

Do I Need To Change Any Jumpers?

No. Do NOT change any jumpers on the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board,

you have one of the following conditions:

• The WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board is your second hard disk controller
in the system.

1-5

unless

•

You have a host system which uses interrupt signal IRQ2 for the
hard disk drive.

•

You have a drive whose parameters are the same as one of the
non-default drive parameters in Table B-1.

Change Jumpers

When you have one of the special conditions listed above, you need to add a

jumper. In all other cases, do NOT add a jumper.

If the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board is the second controller, change

•
the controller address at W21 & W22. Check the first controller
manufacturer's manual for the addresses and also see Appendix B.

If your host system requires IRQ2, add a jumper at W27.

•

•

If the drive parameters match one of the non-default settings in
Table B-1, change the jumpers at W17 thru W20.

See Appendix B for information before you change any jumpers.

1-6

SET HARD DISK DRIVE CONFIGURATION

This section "Set Hard Disk Drive Configuration" refers to procedures that

you do to your hard disk drives and not to your WDXT-GEN2 PLUS control-

ler. Since the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board works with many hard disk drives,

you need to consult your drive manufacturer's manual for exact details.

You need to set the configuration for your hard disk drive unit before you in­stall the unit into your computer. You set your hard disk configuration by ad-

justing jumpers, switches, or termination resistors on the hard disk unit.

Drive Settings

The

two settings that you can change are:

•

drive number

•

drive termination resistor

You frequently don't have to modify the factory settings. The exact number
of settings that you change depends on your disk drive(s) and computer.

1-7

Control Cables (34-pin Connectors)

Setting the drive number depends on the type of control cable that connects
your drive to your controller board. The two types of cables are listed below.

•

without a twisted section

•

with a twisted section

Do NOT use cables from floppy drives. Hard disk cables are different!

First identify which cable you are going to use. Look at the control cable and
determine whether it is twisted. The control cable has the 34-pin connectors.

If you already have one hard disk attached to your WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board
and you plan to use the existing cable in your computer, you
computer case.

See your computer manufacturer's instructions.

must open the

Set Drive Number

When the 34-pin control cable has a twisted section, set the jumpers or switches
on both drives for drive select 2. See Figure 1-2, page 1-9.

1-8

-

-

Cable without a twist

-

-

Cable with a twist

Pin I

FIGURE 1-2.

CABLES WITH AND WITHOUT A TWISTED SECTION

1-9

When the 34-pin flat control cable has NO twisted section, set a jumper or
switch on the first drive for drive select 1 and the second for drive select 2.

Drives are usually set at the factory to the drive select 1 position. See the drive

manufacturer's manual for detailed instructions on how to set the drive num­ber.

Set Drive Termination Resistor

The drive termination resistor should only be on the drive, which is the last

physical drive installed in a daisy chain configuration. When you have two

hard disk drives, remove or disable the termination resistor from the drive,
which you plan to attach to the middle connector.

If you have only one fixed hard disk drive, do NOT change the termination

resistor.

See the drive manufacturer's manual for detailed instructions on how to

remove or disable the termination resistor.

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twisted cable

34 pin

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(to board)

no twist cable

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34 pin

2nd drive1 St drive

=Lai

jumper as

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jumper as

drive select 2 drive select 2

twist in cable

2nd drive1 St drive

(to board)

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jumper asjumper as

drive select 2 drive select 1

FIGURE 1-3. DRIVE SELECT CONFIGURATIONS

A daisy chain cable has three connectors. The electrical signal in a daisy

Note:

chain configuration moves from one connector to the next in sequence.

CHECK COMPUTER
(Incompatible System BIOS ROM)

Some early versions of IBM PC computerst have system BIOS ROMs that are
incompatible with your WDXT-GEN2 PLUS. Follow the instructions in the
next section, "Read System BIOS ROM Date" to determine if you have one
of these systems.

Read System BIOS ROM Date

DEBUG is a program which allows you to look at information in your com­puter on a fundamental level. You can enter the DEBUG program and use it
to read a portion of your computer's ROM (read only memory). By following
the steps below, you can determine the date the system BIOS ROM was created
for your computer.

The DEBUG program should be supplied on your DOS diskette. See your DOS
system manual for complete instructions on how to use the DEBUG program.

t•

This test ONLY works for IBM model PC computers.

1-12

Place the diskette containing the DEBUG program in drive A, then

At the prompt (A>),

1.

Type:

DEBUG

Press

<Enter>

2.

At the DEBUG prompt (-),

d f000:fff5 Me

Type:
Press

<Enter>

Date returned is (10/27/82) OR LATERt

3.

t

Only a date of 10/27/82 OR LATER is acceptable. If the date retumed is earlier than 10/27/82,
you need to update your system BIOS ROM before you can install your WDXT-GEN2 PLUS
board. Contact your computer dealer for information on upgrading your system BIOS ROM.

1-13

4. To exit DEBUG:

Type: q
Press

<Enter>

1-14

2

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR HARDWARE

This section tells you how to install the hardware portion of your WDXT­GEN2 PLUS controller board. You will install the controller board in an XT­compatible expansion slot.

Do not attempt to install your hardware unless you have set the hard disk drive

configuration as explained on page 1-7 and set the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board

jumpers, if required.

The installation requires you to remove the cover from your computer. See
your PC manual for exact instructions on how to remove the cover.

If you are replacing an existing controller, then you also have to remove your
old hard disk controller.

2-1

If you want two hard disks on one controller, use a daisy chain cable to con­nect them onto one WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board. A daisy chain cable has 3 con­nectors.

1.

Turn your computer power switch to OFF and unplug the power cord.

2.

Use a screwdriver to loosen the cover screws. Then remove the computer
cover, so that you can see the expansion slots.

3.

Locate the drive media defect list which is on top of your drive case. Copy
the media defect list (cylinder # and head #) to a piece of paper. You will
need this list when you do the low level format in the next chapter.

If you can't locate the media defect list, contact the drive manufacturer.

4.

Place your hard disk drive unit(s) into the computer case and mount per
the manufacturer's installation instructions.t

t You may have to leave the fastening screws loosely connected, so that you can attach the cables.

2-2

5. Look and see which expansion slots are empty. You can use any empty
slot that has the same type of edge connectors as the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS
board, except as noted below.

Note: For IBM XT owners: DO NOT use the slot closest to the power supp­ly. Use an expansion slot at least one position removed from the power
supply.

Or if you are removing a controller, locate the slot which has the old con­troller in it. Use this expansion slot.

Note: You can also install a new fixed hard disk drive on an existing
WDXT-GEN2 PLUS controller. See Appendix A.

6A. If you are removing an old controller, loosen the screw which holds the

old controller board in place. Then slide the old board out of the expan­sion slot and remove the cables. Locate the old rear slot cover and place
it on your computer case. (You probably removed this old slot cover when
you installed your old controller board.)

2-3

6B. If you are using a "new" expansion slot, remove the screw, but keep the

rear slot cover in place. Save the screw to hold the new controller board.

7. Connect the 34-pin wide control cable to the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board.
Follow steps A or B. These instructions are for one or two drives on the
same controller.

A.

(for I drive only) Connect the 34-pin (wide control cable) connector
to J1 on the controller board. Attach Pin 1 of the cable connector to
Pin 1 on the controller board. See Figure 1-1 on page 1-4.

Pin 1 of the cable connector is marked and is on the color coded
edge of the cable. Do NOT force the cables and connectors.

B.

(for 2 drives only) If you are installing two hard disk drives on one
controller, use a daisy chain cable. A daisy chain cable has 3 connec­tors.

2-4

First Drive

Second Drive

Termination resistor

removed

34-Pin Connector

Shorter Cable Section

.--------------

Longer Cable Section

.----------

J1

34-Pin Connector

7

WDXT-GEN2 PLUS

FIGURE 2-1. DAISY CHAIN CABLE CONNECTIONS

2-5

Connect the 34-pin wide connector on the longer daisy chain cable
section to J1 on the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board. See Figure 1-1 and
Figure 2-1.

8. Connect the 34-pin wide control cable to the drive unit(s).

A.

(for 1 drive only) Connect the free end of the 34-pin control cable to
the hard disk drive.

B.

(for 2 drives only) Connect the end 34-pin connector on the shorter
daisy chain cable section to the first hard disk drive unit's 34-pin con­nector. See Figure 2-1.

C.

(for 2 drives only) Connect the middle 34-pin connector on the shorter
daisy chain cable section to the second hard disk drive unit's 34-pin
connector.

2-6

Remember: The second hard disk drive unit is the unit from
which you removed or disabled the termination resistor and
changed the drive number. See page 1-10.

9.

Connect the 20-pin data cable(s) to the drive unit(s) 20-pin connectors.
Attach one 20-pin data cable to the first hard disk drive unit.
installing a second drive attach the second 20-pin data cable to the second
hard disk drive unit.

Attach Pin 1 of the cable connector to Pin 1 on the drive unit. Pin 1
of the cable connector is marked and is on the color coded edge of the
cable. Do NOT force the cables and connectors.

10.

Connect 20-pin data cable(s) to the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board as
described below.

A. Connect the 20-pin data cable from the first drive to J2 on the con-

troller board. Attach Pin 1 on the cable to Pin
board. See Figure 1-1 on page 1-4.

2-7

1

If you are

on the controller

B. (for 2 drives only) If you install a second hard disk drive, connect the

second 20-pin data cable from the second drive to J3 on the control-

ler board. See Figure 1-1 on page 1-4.

11. Connect power from your computer's internal power supply to the
drive(s). Follow instructions for either A or B.

Locate the internal 4-pin power connector(s) on your computer.

A.

your computer manual.

to your new fixed hard disk drive unit's power connector plug.

(for 2 drives only) If you are installing 2 drives, you need either two

B.

internal power connectors on your computer or you need a "Y" adapt­er, which splits the power cable.

Connect the second drive unit to the second power connector plug or to
the "Y" adapter.

Connect this internal 4-pin power connector

See the manufacturer's manual.

2-8

See

Edge Connector

to Computer Motherboard

Figure 2-2. INSTALLING WDXT-GEN2 PLUS BOARD

WDXT-GEN2 PLUS

2-9

12.

Install the controller board into the expansion slot that you selected in step

5. The WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board's edge connectors (shown in Figure

1-1, page 1-4) fit firmly into the computer's motherboard.

See your com-

puter manual for the location of your computer's motherboard.

firmly on the board as you insert it into the expansion slot. Check that the
board is seated properly by pressing down firmly on both ends of the
board. See Figure 2-2 on the previous page.

CAUTION

Do not leave the rear of the computer case open. Be sure to
replace the slot cover. If you do not cover the slot opening, dust
may accumulate and damage your computer.

13.

After the board is seated firmly in the expansion slot socket, secure the
board using the clip that is on the end of your board. Place the bracket
screw (which you removed in step 6) over the clip and rear slot cover.
Then screw the clip and slot cover to the computer case.

2-10

Press

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0,

CAUTION

When routing cables, be careful not to pinch them. Cables must
not get caught between the cover and the boards nor should they

obstruct any air flow path from fans or vents.

14.

Place extra cable lengths so that they are out of the way.l.

15.

Replace the computer cover. Then plug the power cord back into your

computer and wall outlet.

Your hardware controller installation is complete. However, your WDXT­GEN2 PLUS controller board is really a complex circuit composed of both

hardware and software, so that while the hardware installation is complete,
you still need to install the software. Proceed to the next section for the
software installation steps.

t Tighten hard disk unit(s) to computer case, etc. if not already done so in step 4.

2-11

•

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•

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•

3

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR SOFTWARE

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0

Now that you have installed the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS hardware, you need to
install the software that tells your computer how to use the hardware.

Software Installation Summary

The software installation consists of the following three procedures:

•

Low Level Format

use either pre-selected configurations (drive tables) or
dynamic configuration

•

Partition Hard Disk

use DOS FDISK utility program

•

High Level Format

use DOS FORMAT utility program

You will find it easier to install the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS software, if you first

read the complete set of instructions and

determine beforehand

which instal-

.

3-1

lation path you are going to use. During the low level format, you decide
whether to use the pre-selected configurations or the dynamic configuration.

The pre-selected configurations use factory supplied drive tables. A drive table
contains characteristics, which describe the hard disk to the computer. The fac­tory supplied drive tables for the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board have the charac­teristics listed in Table B-1. See Table B-1 on page B-2.

Alternately, during the low level format, you can choose the dynamic con­figuration. The dynamic configuration is a process whereby you type the disk
characteristics of your hard disk drive into the computer rather than using a
pre-set drive table.

If you use the dynamic configuration, you need to locate and enter parameters
for the drive(s). You will also need to decide whether to do a virtual split. Your
software installation ends by using the DOS utilities: FDISK and FORMAT.

Where the instructions require you to shift between the text in this chapter and
the Appendix, step numbers are kept consistent in both sections.

3-2

a

CAUTION

Do NOT start the low level format until you have a backup copy
of the information on your hard disk. This warning applies to
previously used hard disks.

When you have a new hard disk, you usually do not have
information to backup except in the case where your dealer has
installed some applications software on your unit.

START LOW LEVEL FORMAT

Before you start, place a DOS startup diskette in your computer and turn the
power to your computer ON. Then proceed to the A> prompt.

See your DOS manual if you need help getting to the A> prompt.

1. At the A> prompt, place a diskette with the DEBUG program in drive A,
then

3-3

Type: DEBUG

Press <Enter>

At the DEBUG prompt (-),

2.

Type:

g=c800:5

Press <Enter>

The low level format program displays the following:

3.

Super Bios Formatter II Rev.1.0 (C) Copyright Western Digital Corp.1988
Current Drive is C:, Select new Drive or RETURN for current.

Go to either step 3A or step 3B.

3A. Drive C is your first drive. To remain at C

Press <Enter>

3-4

Now go to step 3C.

3B. Drive D is your second drive. To change the drive from C to D

Type:

D

Press

<Enter>

This changes the drive you will format. Now go to step 3C.

3C. The system displays the following:

Current Interleave is 3, Select new Interleave or RETURN tor current.

Press

<Enter>

Go to either step 3D or 3E. See Appendix A for explanation of interleave.

3D. To change the current interleave value, type a new value and

Press

<Enter>

3-5

3E. To keep the current interleave value

Press

<Enter>

4. The following displays:

Are you dynamically configuring the drive - answer YIN

At this point you need to make a selection.

•

If

you have a drive with parameters that are the same as those in
TableB-1 or you changed jumpers W17-W20 to match your
drive, then go to section "Use Pre-Selected Configurations."

All other drives, go to section "Use Dynamic Configuration."

•

USE PRE-SELECTED CONFIGURATIONS

To use the pre-selected configuration, follow the instructions below.

4. When the prompt appears:

3-6

a

Are you dynamically configuring the drive - answer YIN

Type: N

Press <Enter>

The following prompt appears,t

begin formatting drive C with interleave 03

"y

to

.,

Press

CAUTION

Do NOT start the low level format until you have a backup copy
of the information on your hard disk. This warning applies to

previously used hard disks.

When you have a new hard disk, you usually do not have

information to backup except in the case where your dealer has

installed some applications software on your unit.

t Drive letter and interleave value will vary; they reflect the values that you entered

3-7

5.

To start the format for drive C with interleave 3,

Type: Y

Press <Enter>

Then follow the instructiQns on your computer screen. When the format
starts several messages may appear or you may see the word 'format­ting..

6.

The format process takes several minutes. The pre-selected configurations
do not allow you to select the virtual split option.

7.

At the prompt,

Do you want to format bad tracks - answer Y/N

Go to "Dynamic Configuration" step 7 on page 3-12 in this chapter.

3-8

USE DYNAMIC CONFIGURATION

To use the dynamic configuration and enter the disk drive parameters your­self, follow the instructions below.

4. When the prompt appears:

Are you dynamically configuring the drive - answer YIN

Type: Y

Press <Enter>

The following prompt displays:

Key in disk characteristics as follows: ccc h rrr ppp ee o
where:
ccc = total number of cylinders (1-4 digits)

h = number of heads (1-2 digits)
rrr = starting reduced write current cyliller 11-4 digits)

a

ppp write precomp cylinder (1-4 digits
ee = max correctable error burst length 1-2 digits), range (5-11 bits), default 11 bits
o ccb option byte, step rate select, (1 hex digit), range = 0 to 7, default = 5
refer to controller and drive specifications for step rates

3-9

The values for total number of cylinders, number of heads, starting reduced

write current cylinder, write precomp cylinder, and maximum correctable

error burst length which you will enter are available from your hard disk drive

manufacturer.

Check the literature supplied by your hard disk drive manufac-

turer for these values.

Table 3-1. Select ccb Option Byte

ccb

Step Rate

0

1
2
3

3 msec/step

51 pec/step

63 pec/step

12 pec/step

ccb

Step Rate

4
5
6
7

207 pec/step

7511sec/step
27 pec/step

121.1sec/step

To determine the ccb option byte value, find the step rate from your drive litera­ture and compare that step rate with Table 3-1. The ccb value is the single digit

(between 0 and 7) that corresponds to your drive's step rate as listed in Table
3-1. When in doubt, use the default ccb value of 5.

3-10

4

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5. Enter each value separated by a space and follow the completed entry by
pressing the

EXAMPLE:

<Enter>

key.

For a ST 225 (Seagate model 225 hard disk drive)
Type:

615 4 616 300 117

Press

<Enter>

After you enter these values, you have to make another choice.

•

do a virtual split

•

skip the virtual split

6. When the following prompt displays:

Are you virtually configuring the drive - answer YIN

See Appendix A section "Virtual Split" for more information on a virtual
split and instructions to select the virtual split.

To ignore the virtual split configuration,

3-11

Type: N

Press <Enter>

The system displays the following prompt:

Press "y" to begin formatting drive C with interleave 03

Type: Y

Press <Enter>

Then follow the instructions on your computer screen. When the format
starts several messages may appear or you may see the word "format­ting..."

7. At the prompt,

Do you want to format bad tracks - answer Y/N

3-12

The bad track list is usually located on the top of the disk drive case. You
located this list and recorded the information in Chapter 2 step 3.

Western Digital

strongly recommends

that you map your bad tracks to

maintain data integrity.

To map the bad tracks,

Type:

Y

The system displays the following prompt:

Key in bad track list as follows: ccc h...

where:

ccc=bad track cylinder number
h=bad track head number

Enter each value separated by a space and follow the completed entry by press­ing the

<Enter>

key.

3-13

EXAMPLE:

For a disk with a bad cylinder 160 on head 1 and bad cylinder 161 on head 3

160 1 161

Type:
Press <Enter>

3

The bad tracks program displays the following prompt.

More? Y/N

To enter additional bad tracks.

Type: Y

<Enter>

Press

and enter more bad tracks.

To terminate the bad tracks program,

Type: N

Press <Enter>

3-14

Then the following displays:

BAD TRACK MAP

TRACK ADDR



cccH



PROBLEM

USER-SUPPLIED

When the format is complete, the following message displays:

Format Successful

If you want to format a second drive, repeat the low level format steps. When
you format the second drive, be sure to follow step 3B to switch the current
drive from C to D.

Otherwise you are done with this phase of the installation and can go to the
next section, "Final Steps."

3-15

FINAL STEPS

After you complete the low level format on your hard disk drive, you need to
partition your drive and do a high level format before you can use your hard
disk for the first time. The DOS programs: FDISK and FORMAT do this.

FDISK and FORMAT are usually located on the supplemental DOS diskette.

Partition Drive

The FDISK program divides the drive into areas called partitions and prepares
your hard disk for use with an operating system, such as MS-DOS. You can
select one partition which takes up your entire disk or several partitions, each
occupying a portion of the disk. Each unit can have its own operating system.

FDISK Utility

If you just completed the low level format, the DOS diskette is in your com­puter and the A> prompt is on your screen.

To partition your hard disk with FDISK, follow the instructions below.

3-16

Make sure that the DOS diskette with FDISK is in drive A.

1.

2.

At the A> prompt,

Type:

FDISK

Press

<Enter>

FDISK displays a series of menus.

details.

Partition Second Disk Drive

If in doubt, use the default values.

See your operating system manual for

If you have two hard disk drives or created a virtual disk on your hard disk
drive, then you must partition each drive or virtual disk.

After you partition drive C, repeat the above steps. To partition drive D, select
partition second hard disk from the menu.

3-17

High Level Format

As the final step to the software installation, you need to use the DOS FOR­MAT utility, which prepares the hard disk to accept MS-DOS files. Be sure
that you format all drive partitions.

FORMAT Switch

FORMAT allows you to set certain "switches" which control various aspects
of the procedure. The /s switch copies the operating system from the disk in
the default drive (or the A drive) to the newly formatted disk.

This allows you to start your operating system from your hard disk.

To use the FORMAT utility and load the operating system onto your first in­stalled hard disk drive, follow the steps below.

Make sure that the diskette with FORMAT is in drive A.

1.

At the A> prompt

2.

"S"



3-18

.-

FORMAT C:/S

Type:

Press <Enter>

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

ing system manual for details.

See your operat-

At this point your hard disk is fully initialized and the system can start DOS
from your hard disk. Or if you have just installed a second hard disk drive, you
must also format the second hard drive.

High Level Format Second Disk Drive

If

you partitioned your hard disk drive into more than one virtual disk, you

must format each virtual disk.

After you format drive C, repeat the above steps to format drive D, except for
the following instructions:

3-19

At the A> prompt,

FORMAT D:

Type:

<Enter>

Press

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

ing system manual for details.

See your operat-

High Level Format Multiple Disk Drives

If you partition your drive with FDISK into more than two drives, then you
need to high level format each drive. Follow the instructions for the D drive,
except type E:, F:, etc.

You are now ready to go to the next chapter.

3-20

4

HOW TO CHECK YOUR INSTALLATION

After you complete the hardware installation, software installation, and use
the FDISK and FORMAT utilities, you are ready to start using your system.

Start System From Hard Disk

You are ready to start your system using your newly installed hard disk drive(s)
and WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board.

Remember: You must remove the diskette from drive A or else the sys­tem will start from drive A.

To start the system

1. Simultaneously press the

<Ctrl> <Alt> <Del>

4-1

keys.

2. The system should respond, several screens may flash, and finally the C>
prompt will appear.

You may have to enter the date and time before the C> prompt appears.

This depends on how your system is set.

Final Check

As a final check, you will start the system after the power has been turned off.

1.

Turn the computer OFF and wait 30 seconds.

Turn the computer power ON.

2.

The system should respond, several screens may flash, and finally the C>

3.
prompt will appear.

You may again have to enter the date and time before the C> prompt appears.
This depends on how your system is set.



4-2

.

-



-

Installation Complete

You are now done. You can now start your system from the hard disk.

4-3

•3

CT1

CID

C

5

HOW TO

If you had a problem with your system, first re-read the instructions to be sure
that you followed them correctly. Check that you typed the information EX­ACTLY as instructed.

Repeat the procedure a second time to verify that you get the same error, then
check the next section, "If You Have a Problem."

If You Have a Problem

First check your physical installation. Check for reversed cables, an over­loaded system power supply, incorrect drive selection, etc.

HANDLE PROBLEMS

CAUTION

Turn the power OFF before you open the computer case and
attempt to reverse the cables, etc.

5-1

This section lists some common problems and possible solutions to try if you
have problems when you install your controller.



.

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

No response or blank screen during installation.

Change cables. Do

Winchester activity LED on front of drive is always on.

Check cable connections. Check that pin 1 is connected to
pin 1. Replace cables. Check whether the drive has
malfunctioned.

"Nothing done exit" appears when you start the low level
format program.

You did not press the
step 1.

use floppy cables.

NOT

<Y>

key. Restart low level format at

5-2

PROBLEM:

"Error Reading Fixed Disk" when starting the system.

SOLUTION:

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

DOS partition not active. See FDISK instructions in your
DOS manual.

"Hard Disk Drive Not Ready" or "01" Error Code.

System BIOS ROM does not support Winchester
(WDXT-GEN2 PLUS) controller and drive. Update
system BIOS ROM. Overloaded power supply. Update
system power supply.

5-3

PROBLEM:

Error code "80" while doing the low level format

SOLUTION:

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

Drive select jumper on the hard disk drive unit is set
incorrectly (see Chapter 1), or the cables are backwards,
i.e., Pins 1 & 34 switched or connector cables J2 & J3
switched. Also bad cables, no power to drive, or bad drive.
Correct these problems.

Error code "40" or "20" appears on screen.

Check cable connections. Check that pin 1 is connected to

pin 1. Replace cables. Check whether the drive has

malfunctioned.

5-4

PROBLEM:

After you do a high level format (Format), the message

"Insert disk and press ENTER." appears. The system

thinks drive C is a floppy disk drive.

SOLUTION:

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

Computer motherboard switches are set for the incorrect
number of floppy disk drives. Check to see if RAM disk
drivers are present.

"Bad Track 0" using DOS 3.1.

Make a config.sys file with BUFFERS=99. Reboot to load
the configuration.

"Bad Track 0" using DOS 2.1. (DOS 2.1 cannot support
bad tracks beyond the 16.7 MB segment)

Upgrade system to DOS 3.1 or LATER.

5-5

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:

I changed the interleave factor on my system from 3 to 6
during the low level format, step 3C. But when I returned
to the start of the low level format to check, the interleave
value still shows 3. What's wrong?



Nothing. Notice that this is a pre-programmed question.

The default value will always be 3. However, if your

system completed the low level format, then the interleave

value will be 6. See Appendix A for more information on

interleave.

PROBLEM:

SOLUTION:



None of the suggestions seem to help.

Call your dealer.

5-6

A

INSTALL A SECOND DRIVE ON

This section tells you how to install a second fixed hard disk drive on an existing WDXT-GEN2
PLUS controller board. You do not have to remove the existing WDXT-GEN2 PLUS controller
board,

t

but you may have to remove the fixed hard disk so that you can remove the termination

resistor. (This depends on the location of the fixed disk and the termination resistor.)

Do not attempt to install your hardware unless you have compared your drive against the default
drive parameters on page 1-2, and set the drive number and removed a termination resistor as ex­plained starting on page 1-7.

This installation requires you to remove the cover from your computer.

for exact instructions on how to remove the cover.

You need a 34-pin hard disk control cable in a daisy chain configuration and you also need a
second 20-pin data cable.

t

XT hardware limits you to two fixed hard disks. If you are installing a second drive on the WDXT­GEN2 PLUS board, then the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board must be the only hard disk controller in
your system.

AN EXISTING CONTROLLER

See your computer manual

A-1

Turn your computer power switch to OFF and unplug the power cord.

1.

Use a screwdriver to loosen the cover screws. Then remove the computer cover, so that you

2.
can see the expansion slots.

Locate the drive media defect list which is on top of your drive case. Copy the media defect

3.
list (cylinder # and head #) to a piece of paper. You will need this list when you do the low
level format in the Chapter 3.

manufacturer.

Place the new hard disk drive unit into the computer case and mount per the manufacturer's

4.

installation instructions!'

Look and see which expansion slot has the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board. You may have to

5.

lift the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board out of the slot to access the connectors.

Check if your existing 34-pin wide control cable is a daisy chain cable. A daisy chain cable

6.

has 3 connectors. If the cable is not a daisy chain cable, then remove the 34-pin wide con­trol cable from the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board and the existing hard disk drive unit. You
will replace this cable with a daisy chain cable in the next step.

Leave the 20-pin cable attached to the board and the existing drive unit.

t

You may have to leave the fastening screws on the drive case loose to connect the cables.

can't locate the media defect list, contact the drive

If you

A-2

7.



Connect the cables to the new hard disk drive unit. Follow steps A, B, and C.

Remember: Connect Pin 1 to Pin 1. Pin 1 of the cable connector is marked and is on
the color coded edge of the cable. Pin 1 on the controller board

A.

(Omit this step if you are using an existing daisy chain cable)
Connect the 34-pin (daisy chain wide control cable) end connector on the shorter cable
section to the first hard disk drive unit's 34-pin connector.

B.

Connect the 34-pin middle connector on the shorter daisy chain cable section to the
second hard disk drive unit's 34-pin connector.

The longer cable section is unattached for now.

C.

Connect the second 20-pin data cable to the second hard disk drive unit's 20-pin con­nector.

is shown

in Figure 1-1.

8. Locate the intemal 4-pin power connector(s) on your computer.
You need either two intemal power connectors on your computer or you need a "Y" adapt­er to split the power cable.

Connect the second drive unit to the second power connector plug or to the"Y" adapter.

See your computer manual.

A-3

9.

Connect the free end of the 34-pin (wide control cable) connector to J1 on the controller
board. Attach Pin 1 of the cable connector to Pin 1 on the controller board.

Note: Pin 1 on the controller board is shown in Figure 1-1.

Connect the free end of the 20-pin data cable from the second drive to J3 on the WDXT-

10.
GEN2 PLUS controller board. Attach Pin 1 on the cable to Pin 1 on the controller board.

Place extra cable lengths so that they are out of the way.i

11.

CAUTION

Do NOT pinch the cables when you arrange them inside your
computer case. Do not let the cables lay between the cover and
an internal board. Do not obstruct air flow from fans or vents.

Replace the computer cover, then the power cord. Your hardware controller installation is

12.
complete. However, your WDXT-GEN2 PLUS controller board is really a complex circuit
composed of both hardware and software, so that while the hardware installation is com­plete, you still need to install the software. Proceed to Chapter 3 for the software installa­tion steps.

Tighten hard disk unit to computer case, if not already done so in step 4.

1.

A-4

INTERLEAVE FACTORS

Interleave is a technique that allows the computer to read or write more than one sector per track
during a single disk rotation.
3 times, the computer has accessed all the information on a track.

The interleave factor is system dependent. For WDXT-GEN2 PLUS boards and XT-compatible
computers an interleave factor of 3 is the default. Do not select an interleave value less than 3 with
the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS,poard.

Example:

An interleave factor of 3:1 means that after the disk rotates

VIRTUAL SPLIT

A virtual split is an "imaginary" dividing of the disk drive. When you do a virtual format, you
make one physical drive appear as two disks to the system.

DOS 2.0 allows a maximum of 16 megabytes per drive and DOS 2.1 permits 32 megabytes per
drive. No DOS version under 4.0 recognizes a drive greater than 32 megabytes. Therefore a 40
megabyte drive must be virtually split in order to use all 40 megabytes.

If

you have two physical hard disks, do not use the virtual split format.

Select Virtual Split

6.



To select the virtual configuration for your drive, answer the prompt,

A-5

Are you virtually configuring the drive - answer Y/N

Type: Y

Press <Enter>

The following prompt displays:

Key in cylinder number for virtual drive split as ww...

where:vvvv = number of cylinders for drive C: (1-4 digits)

Enter the number of cylinders for drive C. (To calculate the cylinders, see page A-8.)

key.

Follow the completed entry by pressing the

The number you entered represents the number of cylinders on drive C. The remaining
cylinders are assigned to drive D during the virtual split process.

The system displays the following prompt:

Press "y" to begin formatting drive C with interleave 03

<Enter>

A-6

Type: Y

Press <Enter>



7.

When the prompt to enter bad tracks displays, return to Chapter 3, step 7 on page 3-12.

CAUTION

Do not use the low level format program on the second "virtual"
drive. The virtual drive is formatted when you select the virtual

format option.

A-7

CALCULATE CYLINDER NUMBER (VIRTUAL SPLIT)

Frequently, when you do a virtual split on a drive you have the desire to control the size of each
virtual drive. In order to do this, you need to know the number of cylinders in each drive. But since
you plan to divide the drive into only two sections, you only need to know the size of the first
drive.

The size of the first disk or disk drive capacity is defined as the number of bytes available for a

disk drive. Mathematically the drive capacity is defined as follows:

where:

drive capacity = (#cyl)(#heads)(#sectorsitrack)(sector size)

# cyl = determined from the manufacturer or is calculated for virtual drives
# heads = determined from the manufacturer
#sectors = 17
sector size = 512 bytes

EXAMPLE:

To split a 30 megabyte disk drive with 615 cylinders and 6 heads into a 20 megabyte drive and a

10 megabyte drive, you need to calculate the number of cylinders in a 20 megabyte drive.

For a 20 megabyte drive:

drive capacity = 20 megabytes = (20 megabytes) (1,048,576 bytes/ 1 megabyte)
drive capacity = 20,971,520 bytes

A-8

To calculate the number of cylinders for a drive, solve the drive capacity formula shown above
for the number of cylinders. Be sure to use the correct units when you do your calculations.

Calculation:

(

1) = 

#c

Y

For the example 20 megabyte drive with 6 heads, 17 sectors/track, and 512 bytes/sector

(20)(1.048.576)

(#cYI)

= 402

Thus to split the example 30 megabyte drive into a virtual 20 megabyte drive, enter 402 as the
number of cylinders. It is not necessary to enter the number of cylinders for the 1
they are automatically calculated.

(#heads)(#sectors/track)(sector size)

(6)(17)(512)

drive capacity

.

0 megabyte drive;

CAUTION

Do NOT run IBM Diagnostics on the first logical drive. If you do,
then you will DESTROY all information on the second logical
drive.

A-9

.-3

CT1

cA

0

;,..

0:-

o

JUMPERS

The WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board has a row of jumper posts at W17 to W22 and W25 to W28. Ad­ding a jumper shorting plug or bar at any of these locations, selects a hardware configurations that
is different from the default value selected by Western Digital.

Thus you can change these jumper settings to match your special hardware configuration.

Jumper Functions (W17 to W22 and W25 to W28)

The following list explains the jumper functions.

•

WI7 & W18 selects factory drive tables for the first hard disk

•

W19 & W20 selects factory drive tables for the second hard disk

•

W21 and W22 select the controller and BIOS address ranges
W25 and W26 always OUT

•

•

W27 sets the hardware interrupt (IRQ) value for the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS controller
board

•

W28 allows the controller to operate with an XT computer when the jumper is OUT

B-1

Default Values

Tables B-1 through B-3 list the jumper settings. Default factory settings are marked with a

symbol.

Table B-1. Pre-selected Drive Tables

Table
Number

0

1
2
3

t

First Drive
W17 W18

in

in

out

in

in

out

out

out

Second Drive
W19 W20

in in
out
in
out

in
out 10MB
out

Capacity HeadsCylinders

21MB

10MB 4

21MB

4

612
306

2

4

615
615

Table B-2. Select Controller and BIOS Ranges

W21

out

in

out

in

t

W22

out
out
in
in

Controller

t

320-323
324-327
328-32B
32C-32F

BIOS

C8000-C9FFF
CA000-CBFFF
CC000-CDFFF
CE000-CFFFF

B-2

"t"

Table B-3. Select Hardware Interrupt (IRQ)

W27



Select IRQ



in
out



selects IRQ2
selects IRQ5

How To Change Jumpers

To change a jumper, you need to either add or remove a tiny jumper plug or bar.

These jumper plugs or bars are not supplied by Western Digital. You need to purchase them

separately. The jumper plugs are available at most electrical suppliers. A typical jumper plug is
Berg P/N 76438-101.

Note that the factory default settings have the jumpers out (i.e., not installed).

B-3

EXAMPLE

The WDXT-GEN2 PLUS controller board is set for IRQ5. If you have a system that requires

for the hard disk controller, then you will have to change the WDXT-GEN2 PLUS board's

IRQ2t
IRQ value. You do this by changing the W27 jumper setting from the default value IRQ5 to IRQ2.
See Table B-3.

To change the jumper setting to select IRQ2 rather than the default IRQ5 value, requires that you
first obtain a tiny jumper plug.

To change the jumper setting from the default value at W27(out), take the jumper plug and place
it across the jumper posts at W27 (in).

t See your computer hardware and peripheral manuals. Most XT-compatible computers reserve
IRQ5 for the hard disk controller.

B-4

C

WESTERN DIGITAL BULLETIN BOARD

Western Digital has an electronic bulletin board for your convenience. The bulletin board con­tains additional product information.

To access the bulletin board you need:

•

Hayes compatible modem

•

1200 or 2400 baud rate

•

format: 8 data bits, I stop bit, no parity

The Bulletin Board number is [phone]. The Bulletin Board will ask you some preliminary
questions about your modem setup and the type of system you are calling from before sending
you to the main menu.

Refer to your modem manual for instructions on proper modem setup.

On screen Help (H) is available, if you have problems using the Bulletin Board. For live assis­tance, contact Technical Support at [phone].

1

C-

LIMITED WARRANTY

WESTERN DIGITAL CORPORATION (WDC) expressly warrants that it will either
repair or replace, on the terms described below, this WDC Peripheral Product, if it
proves to be defective in design, material, or workmanship in the course of its normal
use, within one (1) year from the Buyer's date of purchase from an authorized WDC
dealer.

For warranty repair or replacement, the defective Product must be returned within one
(1) year to the WDC service center either in person or by insured mail, packaged in the
original container and accompanied by proof of purchase. A repaired or replacement
Product shall be warranted as above for the balance of the original product Warranty
Period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longest.

The normal intended use of the Product is as computer peripheral equipment in accord­ance with the functional, environmental, and operational standards published by WDC
or generally accepted in the industry. WDC shall have no obligation with respect to any
Product which has been modified or altered, or with respect to lost data or data con­tained in any Product placed in its possession. WDC's liability to Buyer or anyone
claiming through or on behalf of Buyer with respect to any claim or loss arising out of
this transaction or alleged to have resulted from an act or omission of WDC shall in no

event exceed the purchase price of the Product with respect to which such liability is
claimed. IN NO EVENT SHALL WDC BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, LOSSES, OR EXPENSES ARISING OUT OF THIS TRANSACTION.
THE RETURN OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OR THE REPAIR OR REPLACE­MENT OF THE PRODUCT SHALL BE THE BUYER'S SOLE REMEDY
HEREUNDER. All claims hereunder must be presented to WDC within ninety (90)
days following discovery of an alleged defect in the Product.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS WDC'S SOLE WARRANTY. WDC MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED BY WDC.

In the United States, some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the limitation above may not apply to you. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.

Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This Western Digital product has been verified to comply with the limits for a Class
B computing device pursuant to subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules. This does not
guarantee that interference will not occur in individual installations. Westem Digital
is not responsible for any television, radio, or other interference caused by unauthorized
modifications of this product.

If interference problems do occur, please consult the system equipment owner's
manual for suggestions. Some of these suggestions include relocation of the computer

system away from the television or radio or placing the computer AC power connec-

tion on a different circuit or outlet.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise for digital ap­paratus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.

Le present appareil numèrique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils num6riques de la classe B prescrites dans le
Reglement sur le brouillage radioëlectrique edicte par le ministere des Communica­tions du Canada.

Part No. 79-000446

Western Digital
2445 McCabe Way
Irvine, CA 92714
[phone] [phone]
FAX [phone] TLX 910-595-1139

Technical Support [phone]

Bulletin Board Support [phone]

WD0107S-9/89

If

you require further information or other technical support,

please contact your authorized dealer: