    AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1543          8-06-96

    TITLE:  Bravo MS-T Password Hangs System

    SUMMARY

       The Bravo MS-T system locks up when the user selects an
       8 character password.

       This issue applies to the following systems: 501951, 501952,
       501954, 501955, 501956, 501972, 503028, 503029, 503027, 503067,
       and 503043.

    ISSUE

       When a user selects an 8 character password under the Security
       feature in System Setup, the password is accepted but the keyboard
       locks up and the system hangs.

    BACKGROUND

       Once the system has been set with an 8 character password and SETUP
       saved, it is impossible to enter the SETUP menu again, unless
       the CLEAR PASSWORD jumper on the motherboard is changed.

       The Bravo MS-T hardware supports a maximum of 7 characters for the
       PASSWORD.

    ACTION:

       Clear the passord, and update the system with BIOS 1.02 (AST part
       number 905579-036) or later.  This BIOS revision changed the
       password Setup menu to accept a maximum of 7 characters.

       1.  Erase the 8 character password.  With the power off, remove
           the system cover, and change the jumper at J4L1(A) from 1-2
           to 2-3.  Turn the power on, and after five seconds, turn the
           power off.

           If you wish to re-enter a password later, return the jumper
           to position 1-2.  Replace the system cover.

       2.  Download the BIOS update.  Details on this procedure are
           documented below.

       3.  Update the BIOS.  Details on this procedure are documented in
           the README.TXT file that is included with the downloaded file.

       File 05579036.EXE is available from any of the following AST On-Line!
       services:

       AST WWW Site:  http://www.ast.com
       AST On-Line! BBS*:  See IB0001.TXT
       CompuServe:  GO: ASTFORUM
       Prodigy: Jump: astsupport

       * Refer to IB0001.TXT for a list of AST's international BBS
         numbers.

       To decompress this file, create a temporary directory on your
       hard drive, copy the downloaded file to that directory, and run
       the file.

       For additional information on the Bravo MS-T system BIOS, see
       Software Bulletin 0285 (filename 0285SB.TXT) on any of AST's
       On-Line! services.

    NOTES

       If the user selects 7 characters, the password is recognized and
       operation is normal.

    TAN 000235AH

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