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      STACKER NOTE                                         STACKER NOTE
                              READ FAULT ERRORS
                      (Applies to Stacker version 4.0)
      STAC FAX  4710 (08-17-1994)
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      BACKGROUND
      
      A Read Fault is a DOS error. It is possible for you to receive
      this error on a Stacker drive or on an uncompressed drive. Read
      Faults may affect only a few files, or the entire drive. They are
      caused either by physical defects on the drive, an improperly
      connected device, or a memory conflict. The very nature of a Read
      Fault makes determination of the cause very difficult.
      
                                    Note
                 The best defense against a Read Fault error
                  is a good backup BEFORE the fault occurs.
      
      SOLUTION
      
      The solutions to Read Fault Errors on a Stacker drive are the
      same as on an uncompressed drive.
         - Repair any physical defects.
         - Remove any memory conflicts.
         - Properly connect all devices.
           
      Repair any physical defects.
      
      To repair bad sectors, run a disk repair utility having a surface
      scan capability. See StacFax 4411 for procedures on using surface
      scan utilities with Stacker.
      
      Remove any memory conflicts.
      
      Memory conflicts may involve multiple programs that are accessing
      the same areas of Upper or Expanded memory, or may result from
      logical (CHKDSK) errors on the drive. Items to look for:
      
       1.  If you are using MS-DOS 6.0, ensure that you are not using a
           Beta version. Your DOS system files should be dated 3-10-93
           or later.
       2.  Run a disk repair utility or CHKDSK on the drive to ensure
           there are no logical errors causing the Read Faults. If
           running the utility from the affected drive invokes a Read
           Fault, run the utility again from floppy diskette. See
           StacFax 4412 concerning running a disk repair utility on a
           Stacker drive.
       3.  If you are using the Stacker Expanded Memory option, try
           disabling it to see if the errors cease. Some programs that
           access the page frame incorrectly may be interfering with
           Stacker's use of EMS.
           Type:
           C:\STACKER\ED /I <Enter>
           The STACKER.INI file will be displayed. One line of the file
           will have the /EMS switch by itself. Delete that line, save
           the file, and restart your computer.
       4.  Disk cache conflicts are sometimes the source of read
           faults. Disable your disk cache to see if the read faults
           persist. If they are removed by disabling the cache, consult
           the cache's documentation or the manufacturer for
           information on reconfiguring the cache to avoid conflicts.
       5.  Other memory conflicts may take considerable effort and
           multiple reboots to pin down. Clean boot your system from a
           DOS diskette to see if the errors cease. You may try
           different settings on your memory manager, disabling memory-
           resident programs one at a time, changing the order in which
           programs load in your CONFIG.SYS, or reinstalling memory-
           resident programs such as device drivers.
           
      Properly connect all devices.
      
      You should check all connections and switch settings for external
      drives first, since they are the easiest to access. You may also
      need to reseat internal devices, such as internal modems, and
      make sure that all jumpers and switches are set properly. Consult
      the manufacturer's documentation for details on your devices.
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      Copyright 1994 Stac Electronics
