    =

    AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1466                3-15-96

    =

    		    Bravo MS-T Adaptec AHA-2940 and AHA-2940UW

    PROBLEM

    When a warm boot is performed on the Bravo MS-T system, the error message
    "Memory Error, Press any Key" may be displayed on the monitor's screen.
    When this symptom occurs, the system locks up.

    CAUSE

    The BIOS in the Adaptec AHA-2940 Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is below revision
    level 1.23.

    BACKGROUND INFORMATION

    BIOS versions 1.20 and 1.21 for the AHA-2940 HBA were created to resolve
    a compatibility issue.  These BIOS releases were modified to search for an
    empty portion of lower memory to decompress into.  The BIOS identified an
    empty portion of memory by checking for a segment that contains all zeros.
    Some computer systems do not zero out the lower memory range when a
    warm boot is performed ().  If the BIOS can not find an
    empty segment, it will clear the screen and print the message "Memory Error,
    Press Any Key" on the monitor.

    SOLUTION

    Two solutions are available.

    1.  Performing a cold boot resolves the problem.  A cold boot is accomplished
        by turning power OFF to the computer and then turning it ON again.

    2.  Upgrading the BIOS on the AHA-2940 HBA to revision 1.23 or higher
        resolves the problem.  To receive a BIOS upgrade, contact the reseller
        where the AHA-2940 HBA was purchased.  Alternatively, Adaptec's
        Technical Support team in the United States can be contacted at
        (408) 934-7274.  When contacting the reseller or support team, reference
        Adaptec's bulletin titled "2940 V1.21".

    SYSTEMS AFFECTED
    AST Part Number and Description

    501658-001      Bravo MS-T 4/66d
    501777-301      Bravo MS-T P/100

    Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.