Compaq HALs (Including Revision G) for Alpha with Windows NT 4.0 (239929)

SUMMARY

Updated hardware abstraction layers (HAL) have been released by Compaq to enhance compatibility for Windows NT 4.0 on Compaq/DIGITAL Alpha-based hardware platforms. The following changes have been made to Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6 to support the new Alpha HALs released by Compaq:

Enable Galaxy Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) 5.0 support for Tsunami chip set platforms.
Add Tsunami chip set Hardware Access List to Windows NT 4.0.
Enable TL to issue an IPL17 when needed.
Fix debug target's hangs when baud rates are mismatched.
Add support for System Management BIOS (SMBIOS) 2.1.
Add file to allow SX to build without warnings.
Add support to write to FRU EEPROM for Clipper platforms.
Add required serviceability changes.
Fix 16-bit sound card distortion.
Enable Remove command to use only the common header file.
Disable/enable system interrupt.
PALs have been updated to fix a problem where stopping a service traps with KiPanicException on Alpha. This is fixed by making the PAL not attempt to SYSRET in priviledged PAL mode. The process can still stop, but not take the system with it.

The updated HALs include the Revision G HAL released by Compaq.

RESOLUTION

Windows NT Server or Workstation 4.0

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/servicepacks/ -or-
152734how to obtain the latest windows nt 4.0 service pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory/overview.asp

Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition.

This problem was first corrected in Windows NT Server 4.0 Service Pack 6 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6.

MORE INFORMATION

The Windows NT Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) interfaces directly between the operating system and the computer hardware. Although the operating system code remains the same from platform to platform, a HAL must be designed for each type of computer hardware.

For information about the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and HAL on your computer, click Start, point to Programs, point to Administrative Tools, click Windows NT Diagnostics, and then click the System tab.

For more information about the HALs released by Compaq, please visit the following Compaq Web site:

http://www.compaq.com/support/files/alphant/firmware/

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