jeff@uf.msc.umn.edu (Jeff Turner) (12/22/89)
I recently purchased a secondary floppy controller for my Zenith 241 (AT). My problem is that when I try and use it DOS complains that the previously formatted floppy I am using is a Non-DOS Diskette. This even happens when I format a new disk: DOS formats the whole disk and then gives me the message as it is finishing up. This newly formatted disk works fine when accessed via the primary controller. I remember some discussion about this a few months ago, unfortunately I did not save any of the articles. I believe it has something to do with length of magic number and how different types of BIOS look at it differently. I am looking for the specifics of where and what this magic number is (and what it should be) so that I can patch the firmware and then replace it with a newly burned controller eprom. Thanks much. --- Jeff Turner Minnesota Supercomputer Center, Inc. (612) 626-0544 1200 Washington Avenue South jeff@msc.umn.edu Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
aland@infmx.UUCP (Dr. Scump) (12/29/89)
In article <960@uc.msc.umn.edu> jeff@msc.umn.edu (Jeff Turner) writes: >I recently purchased a secondary floppy controller for my Zenith 241 (AT). >My problem is that when I try and use it DOS complains that the previously >formatted floppy I am using is a Non-DOS Diskette. This even happens when I >... I think this is due to the inability of the hard/floppy disk controller to coexist with any other floppy controller. The standard controller used in that machine is a slightly customized version of the Western Digital WA2 controller, I think. I'll check the next time I pop open my Z241. There are special floppy controllers made to get around this problem (e.g. the CompatiCard), though I have never tried one in the Zenith. >I remember some discussion about this a few months ago, unfortunately I did >not save any of the articles. I believe it has something to do with length >of magic number and how different types of BIOS look at it differently. BIOS shouldn't matter, *unless* you want to use 3.5" drives. For those, you will probably need a ROM upgrade, unless you have already upgraded your ROMs to 2.0 or 2.1 or so. (Hit CTRL-ALT-INS and look at the "MFM Monitor, version X.XXa" line at the top of the screen). Update ROMs are easy to get by phone -- I can give you the number. They are about $20-30, and you get other goodies like OS/2 support, more drive types, etc. >I am looking for the specifics of where and what this magic number is (and >what it should be) so that I can patch the firmware and then replace it with >a newly burned controller eprom. You're braver than I am, Gunga Din... >Thanks much. >Jeff Turner Minnesota Supercomputer Center, Inc. -- Alan S. Denney @ Informix Software, Inc. "We're homeward bound {pyramid|uunet}!infmx!aland ('tis a damn fine sound!) -------------------------------------------- with a good ship, taut & free Disclaimer: These opinions are mine alone. We don't give a damn, If I am caught or killed, the secretary when we drink our rum will disavow any knowledge of my actions. with the girls of old Maui."