Adaptec Drivers Include BIOS Detection Code (114418)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
This article was previously published under Q114418

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation and Windows NT Server version 3.5 contain code that Adaptec AHA154x SCSI controllers use to detect BIOS conflicts with other network or video adapters.

MORE INFORMATION

BIOS conflicts are sometimes interpreted as driver problems. The driver uses the Adaptec code to report to the system where its BIOS appears in memory, and the system uses this information to detect conflicts with other cards.

When a conflict is detected, it may appear as though the driver caused the conflict because your computer performed normally before the conflict was detected or still does in MS-DOS. This is deceiving because many problems caused by BIOS conflicts are subtle and not noticed for months of operation. Following are some of the more noticeable symptoms:

  • A warm reboot causes the AHA154x to "go away."
  • The floppy drive doesn't work reliably, even on systems that use an internal non-Adaptec floppy controller.
  • The video driver's colors are incorrect.
  • Network transfer causes data corruption.
Detected BIOS conflicts are described in the event log, and conflicting cards are identified. Use the vendor's manual to adjust BIOS locations and eliminate conflicts.



The AHA154x line of SCSI controllers manufactured by Adaptec, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/28/2003
Keywords:kbother KB114418
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.