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AST RESEARCH, INC.           TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1139              4-13-95

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		  SERIAL PORT DRIVER PATCH FOR WINDOWS FOR WORKGROUPS 3.11 


PROBLEM

After upgrading an Ascentia 9XXN system to Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 
3.11, the system is able to make one connection but subsequent connections 
fail or hang the system.  This happens if the serial port is being used for 
communications.

CAUSE

Drivers dated before 02-17-94.  The problem occurs when SERIAL.386 sends an 
extra NUL character through the port when the communications software calls 
the CloseComm application program interface (API) function.  While this 
normally does not cause problems, the second connection may fail with some 
modems.

SOLUTION

Download file WG1001.EXE from CompuServe or Microsoft's BBS.  This self 
extracting file contains the README instructions and the SERIAL.386 file 
(Dated 3/94) to upgrade the drivers. 

To access Microsoft's BBS, dial (206) 936-6735, select Windows for Workgroups 
Library #6, download file name WG1001.EXE, and follow the instructions in the 
README file.

Access CompuServe, type Go MSL-30 to access the software library, and download 
file name WG1001.EXE.  Follow the instructions in the README file.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED
AST PART NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION

All AST Ascentia 9XXN systems.