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AST RESEARCH, INC.         SOFTWARE BULLETIN # 0255          04/15/97

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TITLE:  Adv! 8100P Series BIOS 1.00.06 BTOQ
FILENAME(S) / PART NUMBER(S) / DESCRIPTION(S):
   05559032.EXE / 905559-032
   Adv! 8100P Series BIOS 1.00.06 BTOQ 

SUMMARY

   File 05559032.EXE contains version 1.00.06 BTOQ of the Advantage! 
   8100P/8120P/8133P flash BIOS. 
   
   This software applies to the following systems: 501714, 501785, 
   and 501823.

   
RESOLUTIONS

   Version 1.00.06  BT0Q, release 6.0, contains the following 
   problem resolutions:
   
   Fixed PIIX errata which causes CD-ROM detection failure.
   
   Corrected a problem where the flash BIOS was left write-enabled 
   when a valid copy of the ESCD was found  through post.
   
   Fixed problem of disabled devices indicating they are using 
   resources when in fact, they are not.
   
   Round up post BIOS size to 2KB boundary.  IBM Lan Streamer PCI 
   card had post init size of 1Fh*512 bytes. This caused next option 
   ROM to be installed off a 2KB boundary.
   
   Fixed problem with static version of mouse code. A NodeInit 
   needed to be added to access chipset hooks used by some 
   platforms.
   
   Fixed problem with setup hanging when parallel port was set to 
   port 278h, and ECP mode.
   
   Rewrote the memory size routine to support the maximum size 
   configured.
   
   Fixed problem where some PCI video cards would not work behind a 
   bridge. Fixed video cards with built-in bridges like Matrox 
   Pulsar. Note:  This DOES NOT fix those video cards that use I/O 
   addresses other than 3B0h-3BBh & 3C0h-3DFh and don't reserve 
   those address in one of the base address registers.  Those are 
   the only addresses automatically forwarded over the bus for VGA.
   
   Fixed problem in which ESCD was written without valid signature.
   
   Fixed problem where setup could disable primary or secondary but 
   resources were still allocated.   


ENHANCEMENTS

   Version 1.00.06  BT0Q, release 6.0, contains the following 
   problem enhancements:
   
   Added PCI enumeration code.
   
   Updated ATA/ATAPI drive detection code.
   
   Updated CPU speed detection code.
   
   Video Palette Snoop defaults to disabled;  STB dual screen card 
   fixed.
   
   Changed interfaces to CD-Boot support code.  Added the support 
   for release of IRQ 14/15 when respective IDE controller is 
   disabled.
   
   Moved POST scratch buffer above 1MB so add-in cards that search 
   for free memory can find some.
   
   Allow for option ROMS greater than 64KB.
   
   Added capability to preserve the state of the power supply.
   
   Added code to clear system RAM just prior to boot.  Non-clear RAM 
   caused NOVELL UNIX NETWARE to not boot properly.   


PREVIOUS RELEASE(S)

   N/A


NOTES

   N/A

=====================================================================
   For information on installing this update, please view the 
   README.TXT file that accompanies the update.

   You can download this file from the following services:

   AST WWW Site:  http://www.ast.com
   AST On-Line! BBS*:  See IB0001.TXT
   CompuServe:  GO: ASTFORUM

   * Refer to IB0001.TXT for a list of AST's international BBS 
   numbers.

   To decompress this file, create a temporary directory on your
   hard drive, copy the downloaded file to that directory, and run
   the file. 

TAN N/A

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or use of this material. This material contains information protected
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