🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1993Jan5.003438.28559@rhrk.uni-kl.de> GLO92420@acuvax.acu.edu (Ohlhausen Gaylan Leon) writes:
>At work we have one PC that keeps locking up.  The wierd thing is that it does
>this only in some applications always and in others sometimes and in others not
>at all.  When it does lock up, we cannot fix the problem with a CTRL-ALT-DEL or
>a Reset - when we do this, we get the following message(after HARD reset (turn
>off power) and before memory check)
>
>8042 GATE - A20 ERROR
>SYSTEM HALTED
>
>Programs that make the computer hang include 123 R31 and CXI3278C (an IBM 3278
>Emulator program)
>
>In windows when it hangs (only on some programs) I will get a "dump" across the
>top of the screen with (inbetween trash) words like CLOCK, AUX, TIMER, etc.
>
>Does anyone know what might be the probem here?  And how can I fix it?
>
>286-20 w/ 4MB ram
>AMI BIOS (I can get the date if it is needed)
>

According to BYTE magazine, this is due to old AMI BIOS.  Fixed in newer
versions.  A20 is hardware address line 20 on the ISA bus.  Toggles between
PC/XT 1MB memory mode and PC/AT 16MBish memory mode.  Wasn't really a problem
until newer software came along.  Upgrade to 386SX motherboard (one with recent
BIOS) if you can afford it.  Lots of options in Computer Shopper (US).


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