ECO NUMBER:     ALPDRIV10_062
             PRODUCT:        OpenVMS Alpha OPERATING SYSTEM 6.2
             UPDATE PRODUCT: OpenVMS Alpha OPERATING SYSTEM 6.2




                                COVER LETTER


1  KIT NAME:

     ALPDRIV10_062


2  KITS SUPERSEDED BY THIS KIT:

     None


3  KIT DESCRIPTION:

     3.1  Version(s) of OpenVMS to which this kit may be applied:

     OpenVMS Alpha V6.2, V6.2-1H1, V6.2-1H2, V6.2-1H3


     3.2  In order to receive the full fixes  listed  in  this  kit  the
          following remedial kits also need to be installed:

     None


     3.3  Files patched or replaced


      o  [SYS$LDR]SYS$GQADRIVER.EXE (new image)

      o  [SYS$LDR]SYS$IKBDRIVER.EXE {patch or image}



4  PROBLEMS ADDRESSED IN ALPDRIV10_062 KIT


      o  On the AlphaServer 2100,  the  potential  for  data  corruption
         exists  when  using  DECwindows and the Compaq Qvision EISA bus
         graphics adapter.  This  problem  occurs  in  conjunction  with
         information  being  displayed  on  the  console window.  It may
         happen if the Qvision (EISA) graphics adapter is not left in  a
         predictable    state    before   switching   between   graphics
         (DECwindows) and text (console) modes.

         This switching of modes can be initiated  by  another  software
         product  running  on  the  system (e.g.  a layered product that
         wants to display  error  or  warning  messages  on  the  system
         console).   It  may  also be initiated by the console operator,
         using the Ctrl-F2 key combination.

         This problem has only been seen  using  the  Qvision  EISA  bus
         graphics   adapter  (PB2GA-AA).   The  Qvision  PCI  (PB2GA-HA)
         graphics adapters do not have this problem.

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                                                           7 July 1997


         Displaying the system operator console window (e.g by  pressing
         Ctrl-F2)  has  been disabled.  Support for the operator console
         is now provided using  a  Motif-based  window  option  that  is
         enabled  during  DECwindows  startup.   In addition, the images
         provided ensure that the graphics engine is reset (i.e.  set to
         a predictable state) prior to switching modes.

         Note, the console  window  may  become  visible  under  certain
         unusual   or   fatal   error  conditions  [e.g.   ioc$broadcast
         messages, console puts(), getc()  calls  or  if  a  channel  is
         assigned  to  device  OPA0 and data output directed there].  In
         this case, using the Ctrl-F2 combination will  close  down  the
         console window and return to X11 windows.



5  KIT INSTALLATION RATING:

     The following kit  installation  rating,  based  upon  current  CLD
     information,  is provided to serve as a guide as to which customers
     should apply this remedial kit.  (Reference attached Disclaimer  of
     Warranty and Limitation of Liability Statement)

     INSTALLATION RATING:

     INSTALL_3 : To  be  installed  by  customers  experiencing  the  problems
     corrected.


6  INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

     Install this kit with the VMSINSTAL utility  by  logging  into  the
     SYSTEM account, and typing the following at the DCL prompt:

         @SYS$UPDATE:VMSINSTAL ALPDRIV10_062 [location of the saveset]

     The saveset location may be a tape drive, or a disk directory  that
     contains the kit saveset.

     System should be rebooted after successful installation of the kit.
     If  you  have  other  nodes in your VMScluster, they should also be
     rebooted in order to make use of the new image(s).


     Copyright  (c)  Digital  Equipment  Corporation,  1997  All  Rights
     Reserved.   Unpublished rights reserved under the copyright laws of
     the United States.

     The software contained on this media is proprietary to and embodies
     the  confidential  technology  of  Digital  Equipment  Corporation.
     Possession, use, or dissemination of  the  software  and  media  is
     authorized  only  pursuant  to a valid written license from Digital
     Equipment Corporation.

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                                                           7 July 1997


     DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

     THIS PATCH IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF  ANY  KIND.   ALL
     EXPRESS  OR  IMPLIED  CONDITIONS,  REPRESENTATIONS  AND WARRANTIES,
     INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED  WARRANTY  OF  MERCHANTABILITY,  FITNESS  FOR
     PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED TO THE
     EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.  IN NO EVENT  WILL  DIGITAL  BE
     LIABLE  FOR  ANY  LOST REVENUE OR PROFIT, OR FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
     CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, HOWEVER  CAUSED  AND
     REGARDLESS  OF  THE  THEORY OF LIABILITY, WITH RESPECT TO ANY PATCH
     MADE AVAILABLE HERE OR TO THE USE OF SUCH PATCH.