On Fri, 27 Aug 1999 21:44:24 +0800, Raymond Tejano wrote:
> I was able to install the 250MB drive settings on a 286 bios
> (no autodetection and no drive info) by copying the CMOS Drive
> settings on my 486 machine
If the BIOS custom setup could accept it then shouldn't be the
problem. I don't have the docs on hand right now, but IIRC, the
BIOS HDD size limit on 286s is about 400MB. Beyond that, you'll
need HDD manager software like OnTrack.
BTW, what you see on the screen during boot? Any uncommon beeps?
If the POST (Power On System Test) passed, then the system stuck
after accessing the HDD, you might indeed have HDD-related
problem. In this case, a "FDISK /MBR" and "SYS C:" (from a
clean system floppy) will refresh the boot area and might fix
the problem.
> I have a question. Is it possible that the ROM (for 286
> machines) will malfunction if the computer is not give a
> warmboot or so for many months or years?
CMOS RAM usually powered by a chargeable capacitor-type
battery, so it's possible to loose CMOS data when the battery
fully discharged. But if you keep loosing CMOS data after short
period of power-off, then most likely the battery is damaged and
should be replaced. Some newer motherboard, however, powered by
a lithium (button-type) battery, which is not chargeable, and
should be replaced after cca. 2 years.
As someone else already pointed out, your problem might be
caused by loose component. Pull out socketed chips and cards
(if possible), then reinserting them back to their sockets with
a gently push usually fix the problem. This also apply to
socketed chips on extension cards. Been there, I've seen a 386
which won't start at all just because it's VGA card's BIOS ROM
not properly seated on it's socket <g>
--Eko
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