swh@hpcupt1.HP.COM (Steve Harrold) (01/17/90)
Getting MINIX to run on an HP Vectra ==================================== The following describes how to get MINIX V1.2 to execute on the HP Vectra ES/12 (a 286 machine) and RS/25C (a 386 machine). 1. Turnoff HP's Extended BIOS ============================= Use the SETUP program provided with the system, and get to the main menu. Instead of entering a numeric code as requested, enter the four character string "yada" (minus the quote marks, of course). If "yada" doesn't work, try "xbios". You should now see the "HP Support Personnel Configuration Screen". Select option "1", to turn EX_BIOS OFF. When the "current" setting on the screen says "OFF" for this choice, exit the screen; and then exit the program. By exiting, the system will probably re-boot. 2. Re-boot with the MINIX boot diskette. ======================================== Insert the Boot Diskette supplied with MINIX version 1.2, into drive A: and hit [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del] (the 3-fingered salute). After a short delay, you will be presented with MINIX's opening menu and instructions. 3a. ES/12 only ============== Follow the on-screen instructions to load the appropriate MINIX diskettes until you get to the "login:" prompt. 3b. RS/25C only =============== Before hitting the "=" key as directed on the MINIX opening menu, you have to make the RS run at a slower CPU speed. Do this now by hitting the following three keys simultaneously: [Ctrl]+[Alt]+"\" (the backslash key). One short beep will be emitted by HP firmware to indicate that the CPU speed is temporarily reduced. After slowing the CPU, follow the on-screen instructions as for the ES/12. Failure to slow the CPU will cause spurious I/O errors to be interpreted from the floppy drive; this seems to occur with non-HP machines as well. When the "login:" prompt appears, reset the CPU's speed by hitting [Ctrl]+[Alt]+"\" one more time (two short beeps will be emitted). 4. Perform the login and enjoy. =============================== At the "login:" prompt you must enter "ast" (Andy Tannenbaum's initials). At the "password:" prompt, enter "Wachtwoord" (watch the spelling and case). From this point onward, you are on your own to enjoy and explore the MINIX operating system. CAVEATS, etc. ============= The methods described above are known to work with the HP Vectra models ES/12 and RS/25C, with MINIX version 1.2, as published by Prentice-Hall. These same instructions can be adapted to other HP Vectra models and will probably succeed, but have not been tested. Perhaps later versions of MINIX will obviate this kind of preparation activity. You may leave the HP Extended BIOS permanently disabled IF AND ONLY IF you do not need its services. The most likely service you might want is if you are using an HP HIL mouse (it will not function when EX_BIOS is off). I use the Microsoft mouse instead. The information with respect to the "Support Personnel" screen can no longer be considered confidential to HP. The public documentation for HP's NewWave gives instructions for performing this very disablement when installing the NewWave product on an HP Vectra. I have operated an ES/12 for over a year with EX_BIOS off with zero ill effects. I have two months of identical experience with a Vectra RS/25C. These experiences are with MSDOS and OS/2. DISCLAIMER ========== These instructions are the result of my personal research, and are not endorsed in any way by the Hewlett-Packard Co. You, the end user, must make your own evaluation as to the suitability of these instructions and the effects of their application on your computing facilities, programs, files, and data. Neither HP nor I will accept any liability for any damages, however caused, that your use of these instructions may cause. --- Steve Harrold (408) 447-5580