AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1529          7-12-96 



TITLE: SCO OpenServer 5.0 with IDE HD > 2.1GB


SUMMARY

   SCO OpenServer, version 5.0, does not install onto a Western 
   Digital model WD32500 2.5GB drive.

   This issue applies to all systems regardless of manufacturer.


ISSUE

   During installation of SCO OpenServer, version 5.0, onto a Western 
   Digital model WD32500 IDE drive, the system generates the following 
   error message:

        WARNING: hd:  no root disk controller

   After continuing past this message, the system generates the 
   following error message:

        NOTICE: ram: No space on device 31/50

   At this point, the system aborts the installation and prompts the 
   user to turn OFF the system. 


BACKGROUND

   SCO does not support IDE hard drives larger than 2.1GB. 

   SCO has verified this limitation of the Unix Operating System and 
   will provide an updated IDE driver when development is complete.  
   The user is instructed to contact SCO for further information.


ACTION

   In the absence of the updated driver, the user has two options 
   to install SCO ODT on this particular Western Digital drive:

   1. Change the jumper settings on the hard disk to the 
      "Special Settings".  Refer to the label on the hard disk.  
      Place the jumpers on positions 1-2 AND 3-4 to reduces the hard 
      disk capacity from 2.5GB to 2.1GB.

   OR

   2. Do not change the jumper settings.  To install SCO, at boot time, 
      add "biosgeom" parameters.  (Please refer to SCO OpenServer 
      Handbook, part number AU20000P003, page 280).  This will override 
      the root disk geometry stored in BIOS.  Although  2.5GB full 
      capacity is calculated, and the value is input to biosgeom 
      parameter settings, SCO will still only recognize 2.1GB capacity
      during the installation.


NOTES

   N/A


TAN N/A

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