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    AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1223                6-14-95

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    EXCESSIVE ERRORS ON BACKUP VERIFICATION ON AST DESKTOPS

    PROBLEM:

    When using a Conner TapeStor 850 or Iomega Ditto Insider 850 to back up a
    system that contains a Quantum Lightening series hard drive, an excessive
    number of errors may be encountered when attempting to verify the tape to
    the drive.  This may happen when using the Windows version of the Backup
    Exec software included with the tape drives.  When performing a verify
    with the DOS-based software, no problems are encountered.

    CAUSE:

    While in a Windows environment, some firmware revisions used on the
    Quantum Lightening series drives can result in data integrity problems.

    Refer to TB 1148 (on AST's BBS, TBS library) for additional information
    concerning other known symptoms associated with this older firmware.

    SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

    All AST Desktop systems using a Quantum Lightening series Hard Drive.

    SOLUTION

    Obtain a firmware flash update disk part number 911884-031 by calling
    AST Technical Support at (800) 727-1278, or download the self extracting
    zip file (11884031.EXE) and update the firmware on the offending drives.

    File 11884031.EXE can be located on AST's BBS (817) 230-6850, in the "Systems"
    file area.  AST's BBS supports modem speeds up to 28.8k bps.  The above file
    will also be posted on:

    CompuServe
    Go ASTSUPPORT

    AST Worldwide Web Site
    http://www.ast.com