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    AST RESEARCH, INC.           TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1139              4-13-95

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    		  SERIAL PORT DRIVER PATCH FOR WINDOWS FOR WORKGROUPS 3.11

    PROBLEM

    After upgrading an Ascentia 9XXN system to Microsoft Windows for Workgroups
    3.11, the system is able to make one connection but subsequent connections
    fail or hang the system.  This happens if the serial port is being used for
    communications.

    CAUSE

    Drivers dated before 02-17-94.  The problem occurs when SERIAL.386 sends an
    extra NUL character through the port when the communications software calls
    the CloseComm application program interface (API) function.  While this
    normally does not cause problems, the second connection may fail with some
    modems.

    SOLUTION

    Download file WG1001.EXE from CompuServe or Microsoft's BBS.  This self
    extracting file contains the README instructions and the SERIAL.386 file
    (Dated 3/94) to upgrade the drivers.

    To access Microsoft's BBS, dial (206) 936-6735, select Windows for Workgroups
    Library #6, download file name WG1001.EXE, and follow the instructions in the
    README file.

    Access CompuServe, type Go MSL-30 to access the software library, and download
    file name WG1001.EXE.  Follow the instructions in the README file.

    SYSTEMS AFFECTED
    AST PART NUMBER AND DESCRIPTION

    All AST Ascentia 9XXN systems.