[comp.sys.ibm.pc] Setup RAM information?

mhorne@tekfdi.FDI.TEK.COM (Michael T. Horne) (09/16/88)

Can anyone provide me with some information about the setup RAM in an AT
clone?  In particular, I'm curious about the data storage format, where
it is in memory (I/O?) space, etc.  Possibly a reference to a good book
describing the hardware of the AT would be helpful if the information is
lengthy.

I also need to know how the hard-disk-type information is stored.  When you
run a PC/AT setup program, it asks for a type of hard disk (type '2', for
example), which really represent different head/cylinder count configurations.
I need to know if the *number* is stored in the setup RAM, or if the
actual *head/cylinder count* information is stored  I'd like to think that
just the head/cylinder information is stored...

Finally, are there any really good hard disk formatting programs available for
the PC/AT?  I'm talking about one that knows about bad sector lists, checks
for error status from the controller, and can handle arbitrary head/cylinder
counts (not necessarily related to 'disk type' numbers like your average
run-of-the-mill formatting programs).  Any pointers would be appreciated.

Please E-mail, if possible.

Mike

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Michael Horne - KA7AXD      |  UUCP: tektronix!tekfdi!honda!mhorne
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