=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0323E                 03-25-91

=============================================================================


                        AST-5250 SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY


The following information is to assist in proper utilization of AST 5250
products and software:

                 ASYNC                        AST         IBM PC
                DIAL-UP   CLUSTER  GATEWAY  FT/11-A    SUPPORT/PCFSU

5251/11+

1.0, 1.03         N/A       N/A      N/A       N/A     PCFSU: S/34-8 with
                                                       ASTVDI PC/SSPT 36-8
                                                       NOT SUPPORTED

1.12              N/A       N/A      N/A    1.10-1.12  PCFSU: S/34-8
(S/34/36)                                              with ASTVDI PC/SSPT
                                                       36-8 NOT SUPPORTED

1.12              N/A       N/A      N/A    1.20-1.21  PCFSU: S/34-8
(S/38)                                                 with ASTVDI PC/SSPT
                                                       36-8 NOT SUPPORTED

2.0, 2.01,        3.2       3.2      N/A       1.23    PC/SPPT 36
2.03, 2.04       (L.L.)                                with ASTROUTR
(S/34-8)                                               PCFSU: S/34-8 PC/SPPT
                                                       38 NOT SUPPORTED

3.0, 3.01         3.3       3.3      N/A       1.23    PC/SPPT 34-8
(S/34-8)         (L.L.)                                with STARTRTR PCFSU:
                                                       S/34-8

3.02              3.3       3.3      N/A       1.27    PC/SPPT 34-8
(S/34-8)         (L.L.)                       (S/38)   with STARTRTR PCFSU:
                                                       S/34-8

3.10              4.11      4.11     N/A       1.30    PC/SPPT 34-8
(S/34-8)         (AST)     (AST)                       with STARTRTR PCFSU:
                                                       S/34-8

3.13.*           4.11*     4.11*    4.13*      1.30    PC/SPPT 34-8
(2/34-8)                                               with STARTRTR PCFSU:
                                                       S/34-8

3.21              4.21      4.21     4.21      1.30    PC/SPPT 34-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8


3.22***           4.21      4.21     4.21      1.31    PC/SPPT 34-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8
                                                       AS/400 PC SPPT NOT
                                                       SUPPORTED

3.23              4.21      4.21     4.21      1.31    PC/SPPT 34-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8
                                                       AS/400 PC SPPT NOT
                                                       SUPPORTED

5251/12

1.0,1A,2.1,       N/A       N/A      N/A    SSI's ETU      N/A
3.3

3.50,3.53/4       N/A       N/A      N/A       1.23    PC/SPPT 36  with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8
                                                       PC/SPPT 38 NOT
                                                       SUPPORTED

4.0*             4.11*     4.11*    4.13*      1.30    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8

4.14              4.14      4.14     4.13      1.30    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8

4.21***           4.21      4.21     4.21      1.30    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8
                                                       AS/400 PC SPPT NOT
                                                       SUPPORTED

4.30              4.21      4.21     4.21      1.31    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8
                                                       AS/400 PC SPPT NOT
                                                       SUPPORTED

5251/11ENH+

4.01*            4.11*     4.11*      **      1.30*    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8

4.15              4.14      4.14     4.13      1.31    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8

4.21              4.21      4.21     4.21      1.31    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8

4.22***           4.21      4.21     4.21      1.31    PC/SPPT 36-8 with
                                                       STARTRTR PCFSU: S/34-8

4.23              4.23      4.23     4.21      1.31    PC/SPPT S/34-8
                                                       AS/400 PC SPPT NOT
                                                       SUPPORTED

4.30              4.23      4.23     4.21      1.33    PC/SPPT S/34-8
                                                       AS/400 PC SPPT NOT
                                                       SUPPORTED


AS/400 PC SPPT    Not       Not      Not       Not
Supported by      Sup-      Sup-     Sup-      Sup-
ASTWNAH.EXE       ported    ported   ported    ported

LEGEND:

N/A  =    Not Applicable

S/3X =    IBM System 34, 36 or 38

L.L. =    Laguna Labs

*    =    Version Listed or Greater

**   =    If IBM's Token Ring Network is used, AST5250 Gateway software
          maintenance release version 4.12.37 or 4.14 must be used

***  =    Supports IBM AS/400
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0428B                 04-04-90

=============================================================================


                   PREMIUM/286 AND 386 THIRD FLOPPY SUPPORT


The following summarizes installation considerations for a third floppy device
in AST Premium Computers:

PREMIUM/286 HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS

PREMIUM/286 systems equipped with part number 202143-003 or 202143-004 system
boards include embedded diskette drive controller circuitry that allows
support for a third floppy device.  The third floppy is connected to the 34
pin connector on the system board with an additional floppy drive controller
cable (AST part number 220085-001).  The cable is attached to the third floppy
device and the 34 pin connector J20 on the system board.

PREMIUM/386 HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS

All PREMIUM/386 system boards are built with embedded third floppy diskette
control circuitry.  The same cable (AST part number 220085-001) is required to
install the third floppy device.  This cable connects to the P4 connector on
the 386 system board.

SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS

Because the third floppy device is not directly recognized by the system BIOS,
two device drivers, DRIVER.SYS and ASTDSK.DRV, must be inserted into the
CONFIG.SYS file.

DRIVER.SYS is provided with MS-DOS Version 3.3 Release 1.3 and ASTDSK.DRV is
provided on the AST Utilities diskette shipped with all PREMIUM systems.

DOS VERSIONS

AST recommends and supports the use of AST MS-DOS Version 3.3 Release 1.3.
For best results, users of earlier DOS versions should upgrade to Version 3.3
Release 1.3.  Contact your local AST Service Center for additional
information.

INSTALLATION

The AST Utilities Diskette provides menu-driven automatic installation of the
third floppy device drivers into the CONFIG.SYS file.  The following are the
configuration commands for each of the possible hardware combinations.

The commands listed below are supported under DOS Version 3.2 and 3.3 unless
otherwise noted:

For 360 KB drive (5.25-inch diskettes)

    DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 0
    DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:0

For 720 KB drive (3.5-inch diskettes)

    DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 2
    DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:2

For 1.2 MB drive (5.25-inch diskettes)

    DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 1
    DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:1 /S:15

For 1.44 MB drive (3.5-inch diskettes)

    DEVICE=C:\DOS\ASTDSK.DRV 3
    DEVICE=C:\DOS\DRIVER.SYS /D:2 /F:7 /S:18
    (use /F:3 for DOS 3.2)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0429B                 01-02-90

=============================================================================


                PREMIUM/386 AND 386C DIAGNOSTICS AND UTILITIES


This bulletin contains reference charts which summarizes the contents of
diagnostics and utility software for the PREMIUM/386 and PREMIUM/386C.

                       TABLE OF CONTENTS

+-----------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                 |  CHART  |
|                   DESCRIPTION                   |   NO.   |
|-------------------------------------------------+---------|
|                                                 |         |
|  PREM/386 AND 386C RELEASE 5.0 UTILITIES/TEST   |    5    |
|                                                 |         |
|  PREM/386 RELEASE 4.1 UTILITIES/TEST            |    4    |
|                                                 |         |
|  PREM/386 RELEASE 4.0 UTILITIES/TEST            |    3    |
|                                                 |         |
|  PREM/386 RELEASE 3.4 UTILITIES/TEST            |    2    |
|                                                 |         |
|  PREM/386 RELEASE 3.3 UTILITIES/TEST            |    1    |
|                                                 |         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+

                                               CHART #5

     +----------------------------------------------+
     |  PREM/386 & 386C RELEASE 5.0 UTILITIES/TEST  |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |     TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 & 386C     |
     |        WITH AST BIOS ver 2.3 OR ABOVE        |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |      DISK        | REL#|     FILES    | VER  |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |P/386  UTILITIES  |     |              |      |
     |*P/N 910340-001   | 5.0 |  386TEST.EXE | 1.46 |
     |                  |     | ASTMENU1.EXE | 1.50 |
     |                  |     | ASTMENU2.COM | 1.40 |
     |                  |     | ASTMENU3.EXE | 1.63 |
     |                  |     |  ASTMENU.MEN | 1.81 |
     |                  |     |   ASTDSK.DRV | 1.12 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.41 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.41 |
     |                        |   ASTEMM.SYS | 4.08 |
     |                  |     | ASTSETUP.EXE | 2.01 |
     |                  |     |  FASTEGA.SYS | 3.22 |
     |                  |     | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.61 |
     |                  |     | HDFORMAT.EXE | 2.01 |
     |                  |     |    SPEED.EXE | 1.20 |
     |                  |     | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.72 |
     +----------------------------------------------+

     *This bootable diskette uses the AST Boot Loader Program and does
      not contain any MS-DOS system files.

                                               CHART #4

     +----------------------------------------------+
     |  PREM/386 & 386C RELEASE 4.1 UTILITIES/TEST  |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |    TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386 & 386C      |
     |       WITH AST BIOS ver 2.0, 2.1 & 2.2       |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |      DISK        | REL#|     FILES    | VER  |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |P/386 UTILITIES   |     |              |      |
     |P/N 910340-001    | 4.1 |  386TEST.EXE | 1.43 |
     |                  |     |  ASTMENU.EXE | 1.38 |
     |                  |     |  ASTMENU.MEN | 1.44 |
     |                  |     |   ASTDSK.DRV | 1.09 |
     |                  |     |  ASTUPDT.EXE | 1.39 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.19 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.32 |
     |                  |     |   ASTEMM.SYS | 2.67 |
     |                  |     |    ASTMS.EXE | 1.40 |
     |                  |     | ASTSETUP.EXE | 2.00 |
     |                  |     |  ASTSERV.SYS | 1.00 |
     |                  |     | ASTTUPDT.EXE | 1.39 |
     |                  |     |  FASTEGA.SYS | 2.00 |
     |                  |     | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 |
     |                  |     | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.70 |
     |                  |     |    SPEED.EXE | 1.15 |
     |                  |     | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 |
     +----------------------------------------------+

                                               CHART #3

     +----------------------------------------------+
     |     PREM/386 RELEASE 4.0 UTILITIES/TEST      |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |        TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386         |
     |    WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3, 2.0, 2.1 & 2.2     |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |      DISK        | REL#|     FILES    | VER  |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |P/386 UTILITIES   |     |              |      |
     |P/N 910266-001    | 4.0 |  386TEST.EXE | 2.00 |
     |                  |     |  ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 |
     |                  |     |   ASTDSK.DRV | 1.09 |
     |                  |     |    ASTMS.EXE | 1.24 |
     |                  |     |  ASTUPDT.EXE | 1.24 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.19 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.19 |
     |                  |     |   ASTEMM.SYS | 2.27 |
     |                  |     | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 |
     |                  |     |     AUTO.MEN | 1.14 |
     |                  |     |  FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A |
     |                  |     | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 |
     |                  |     | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.60 |
     |                  |     |     PARK.COM | 1.00 |
     |                  |     | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 |
     |                  |     |    SPEED.EXE | 1.10 |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |* P/386 H/W MAINT |     |              |      |
     | P/N 910294-001   | 2.2 |  386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 |
     +----------------------------------------------+

     * The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the Premium/386
       Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001).

                                               CHART #2

     +----------------------------------------------+
     |     PREM/386 RELEASE 3.4 UTILITIES/TEST      |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |        TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386         |
     |         WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3 ONLY           |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |      DISK        | REL#|     FILES    | VER  |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |P/386 UTILITIES   |     |              |      |
     |* P/N 910241-001  | 3.4 |  386TEST.EXE | 1.20 |
     |      910241-002  |     |  ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 |
     |                  |     |    ASTMS.EXE | 1.10 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.00 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.11 |
     |                  |     |   ASTEMM.SYS | 2.20 |
     |                  |     |   ASTEMM.COM | 2.20 |
     |                  |     | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 |
     |                  |     |     AUTO.MEN | 1.14 |
     |                  |     |  FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A |
     |                  |     | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 |
     |                  |     | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.50 |
     |                  |     | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 |
     |                  |     |    SPEED.EXE | 1.10 |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |**P/386 H/W MAINT |     |              |      |
     | P/N 910294-001   | 2.2 |  386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 |
     +----------------------------------------------+

     *  Premium/386 Utility Release 3.4 resides on two 360KB diskettes
        and includes the following AST MS-DOS files:

         COMMAND.COM   COUNTRY.SYS   FDISK.COM   FORMAT.COM
        KEYBOARD.SYS      MODE.COM  SELECT.COM    XCOPY.EXE

     ** The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the PREMIUM/386
        Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001).

                                               CHART #1

     +----------------------------------------------+
     |     PREM/386 RELEASE 3.3 UTILITIES/TEST      |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |        TO BE USED ON THE PREMIUM/386         |
     |          WITH AST BIOS ver 1.3 only          |
     |----------------------------------------------|
     |      DISK        | REL#|     FILES    |  VER |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |P/386 UTILITIES   |     |              |      |
     |* P/N 910241-001  | 3.3 |  386TEST.EXE | 1.10 |
     |      910241-002  |     |  ASTMENU.EXE | 1.24 |
     |                  |     |    ASTMS.EXE | 1.10 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.SYS | 2.00 |
     |                  |     | ASTCACHE.COM | 2.11 |
     |                  |     |   ASTEMM.SYS | 2.20 |
     |                  |     |   ASTEMM.COM | 2.20 |
     |                  |     | ASTSETUP.EXE | 1.10 |
     |                  |     |     AUTO.MEN | 1.14 |
     |                  |     |  FASTEGA.SYS | 1.7A |
     |                  |     | FASTDISK.SYS | 1.50 |
     |                  |     | HDFORMAT.EXE | 1.40 |
     |                  |     | SUPERSPL.COM | 1.10 |
     |                  |     |    SPEED.EXE | 1.10 |
     |------------------+-----+--------------+------|
     |**P/386 H/W MAINT |     |              |      |
     |  P/N 910294-001  | 2.2 |  386DIAG.EXE | 1.00 |
     +----------------------------------------------+

     *  Premium/386 Utility Release 3.3 resides on two 360KB diskettes and
        includes the following AST MS-DOS files:

         COMMAND.COM   COUNTRY.SYS   FDISK.COM   FORMAT.COM
        KEYBOARD.SYS      MODE.COM   SELECT.COM   XCOPY.EXE

     ** The 386DIAG diagnostic diskette is included in the PREMIUM/386
        Hardware Maintenance Kit (AST P/N 500568-001).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0435B                 10-06-92

=============================================================================


                          TURBOLASER PRINT QUALITY


PROBLEM:

Inconsistency of print quality occurring on various models of the AST
TurboLaser printer.  Some printers produce output with shadowing or ghosting
around characters and graphic drawings.

SOLUTION:

AST has recently qualified an additional toner manufacturer and recommends
that those customer experiencing the ghosting and or shadowing problem,
change to the new toner as soon as convenient.

The toner is manufactured by the Pelikan Corporation in accordance with AST's
specifications.  This toner should be purchased from Corporate Support
Technologies.

To order call:  Corporate Support Technologies


                               1-800-422-3792

                    (part number 500600-049) Kit A/Toner

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0457A                 02-21-90

=============================================================================


                      AST-3270/FTS-C FUNCTIONAL ISSUES


AST Product Marketing has reviewed all of the open issues relating to this
product.  They have made the decision that the following issues will not be
resolved.

This product has been discontinued by AST.  No further enhancements will be
made to this product.

These issues are:

    - User cannot upload files to a TSO host properly.  If the customer tries
      to upload information to an existing partitioned data set and a non-
      existing member, he receives the error message "UNABLE TO TERMINATE
      INPUT MODE".  If neither the data set nor the corresponding member
      exist on the host, the file transfer will work for the first member
      only.  (PR#A32006)

    - User cannot transmit more than one file to the host during a file
      transfer session.  The first file transfers okay, but after entering
      the second file name, the error message from the host "IKJ56712I-
      INVALID KEYWORD, LISTDS IKJ560703A-RE-ENTER" is displayed.  The file
      transfer software displays the message "Unable to open dataset".
      (PR#A32007)

    - With FTS-C version 1.31, user is reporting intermittent problems when
      attempting to upload files of greater than 64K in size.  The host is an
      IBM 4381 running CMS under VM/SP release 5.  When FTS-C attempts to
      close the uploaded file, the error message "NON-RECOVERABLE HOST ERROR,
      FTS ABORTED" is displayed.  (PR#A32011)

    - When attempting file transfer on an MVS/XA TSO/ACF2 host, the error
      message "Unable to list TSO profile" message is received when the file
      upload is commenced.  (PR#A32012)

    - When performing file uploads to the host, user says that FTS-C sends
      screens of data faster than the host can process them.  The software
      does wait for an acknowledgement from the host that the first screen
      was received, but does not wait to send ensuing screens of data.  The
      host is operating under MVS/XA TSO.  (PR#A32013)

    - When using FTS-C software with a mainframe configured with TSO/E
      version 3.0, downloading of files does not occur correctly.  Parts of
      records are either truncated or missing altogether.  Problem occurs
      with files of larger than 10K in size.  (PR#A32008)

    - "Unrecoverable host errors" occur on a host operating under VM
      release 5 with a multi-session manager called "VTERM" installed.
      Errors occur at end of file transfer session as files are being
      downloaded.  (PR#A32014)

    - Packed record formats are not supported with FTS-C.  When the
      software encounters the LRECL parameter value of "1024" (for packed
      files) the error message "record length greater than 255" is
      generated.  (PR#A32015)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0499A                 05/16/90

=============================================================================


                  AST-5250 ASYNC DIAL-UP FUNCTIONAL ISSUES


AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following
functional issues relating to the 5250 Async Dial-up product (part number
500307-001).  They have made the determination that these issues will not be
resolved for this product.

These issues are as follows:

    - The user is sharing one session between the master and slave systems.
      This device is also used as a sub-console.  When a change is made to
      the screen of the slave, such as a change of menu, the screen takes
      about 30 seconds to completely refresh on the slave.  (PR#A46011)

    - A job sent from the IBM System/36 to a printer attached to an Async
      Dial-up slave may appear to operate very slowly.  The printer will
      print two lines, pause, then print two more lines.  The Async Dial-up
      product is however, operating as designed.  (PR#A46015)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0500E                 11-14-90

=============================================================================


                   AST-5251/11 ENHANCED FUNCTIONAL ISSUES


AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following
functional issues relating to the 5251/11 Enhanced product (part number
500417-XXX).  They have made the determination that these issues will not be
resolved for this product.

These issues are as follows:

    - An application from IBM for use on the IBM AS/400, called "AS/400
      OFFICE", will not operate when used on a terminal which is configured
      using the Enhanced emulation software.  When the program is loaded,
      data on the screen is garbled.  (PR#A45129)

    - The 5251/11 Enhanced board does not function correctly when installed
      in a system with an Orchid "Tiny Turbo" card.  The 5251/11 software
      reports various errors such as "Internal stack overflow" and
      "Unidentified error".  (PR#A45059)

    - The user is printing a job sent from the System 36 to a printer
      attached to the PC which is emulating an IBM system printer.  If during
      the job the printer is powered down, upon re-starting the printer the
      rest of the printed data is unintelligible.  (PR#A45092)

    - The utility ASTKBD.EXE may corrupt the AST5251.KBD data file, if
      changes are made to the keyboard configuration and the changes are
      written over the existing AST5251.KBD file.  (PR#A45081)

    - The Enhanced card does not appear to operate correctly when installed
      on a line with the IBM 3197 terminal.  If the Enhanced card is the last
      device on the line, and the IBM 3197 terminals in front of it are
      operating then the system with the Enhanced card in it may lock up.
      (PR#A45101)

    - The 5251/11 Enhanced product does not operate in a Toshiba 5100 PC. The
      user gets a blank sign-on screen with "SA" highlighted. The emulation
      does not work at any system speed. (PR#A45036)

    - The keyboard mapping of the 11/Enhanced product does not work correctly
      on the Wyse Models 2200 and 2214. The keypad, cursor arrow keys, and
      right "control" key do not operate as they are supposed to. (PR#A45057)

    - Emulation does not function correctly in the Commodore PC-10 compatible
      computer. System locks up when more than one error message is received
      from the System 34. (PR#A45063)

    - The 11/Enhanced product does not work correctly in the DTK XT-clone
      system. It may be necessary to disable the PC's clock to allow
      emulation to operate. (PR#A45113)

    - With 11/Enhanced board operating in a Unisys PC with a Persyst CGA
      adapter, there is more than the normal amount of "snow" on the
      emulation screen. The "no snow" option in the configuration program
      does not have any affect on the problem. (PR#A45118)

    - The 5251/11 Enhanced software does not support the Keytronics 122-key
      keyboard.  The right hand "Control" key and the PC "Enter key" issue
      the same scan code in DOS.  For this reason these two keys cannot be
      mapped to different functions by the AST emulation software.
      (PR#A45116)

    - When running emulation program in EGA mode, all screen attributes that
      should appear as yellow on the screen actually appear as a shade of
      brown.  (PR#A45168)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0513F                 11-15-90

=============================================================================


                        AST-5251/11 FUNCTIONAL ISSUES


AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following
functional issues relating to the 5251/11 product (part number 500222-XXX).
They have made the determination that these issues will not be resolved for
this product.

These issues are as follows:

   - The user is attempting to use virtual print, to print a DisplayWrite 4
     document.  When trying to print to a 5219 printer, bold character codes
     are being interpreted as blank spaces.  (PR#A00147)

   - User has 5251/11 cards in IBM XT's and XT clones.  User has found that
     after signing on the System 38, the systems with these cards will
     randomly lock up.  Removing the hard disk and controller seems to
     resolve the problem.  (PR#A00154)

   - User has a VGA display adapter installed in conjunction with the 5251/11
     card.  During a cold boot of the system, the 5251/11 KERNEL program
     fails to load, with an error code "5".  However, during a warm boot
     KERNEL successfully loads.  (PR#A00181)

   - The use of the Hewlett Packard LaserJet II is not fully supported with
     the 5251/11 software.  This means that the LaserJet II cannot be used to
     emulate all functions of a true IBM System 3X printer when attached to a
     PC running the AST emulation program.  (PR#A00188)

   - The 5251/11 adapter does not operate in a Magitronics 12MHz AT clone.
     When emulation software is executed, only a blank sign-on screen
     appears.  The "SA" is not highlighted in the status area, and the cursor
     remains in the upper left-hand corner.  (PR#A00185)

   - 5251/11 does not support Epson LQ850 and LQ1050 printers because
     Vertical Motion Index units of n/60 are not recognized by the emulation
     software.  (PR#A00192)

   - Under 5251/11 emulation, a Hewlett Packard LaserJet II printer is
     configured as an IBM 5224 Model 1 printer.  When printing any system 36
     application, one or more blank pages (depending on the application) are
     ejected after every form feed, which is not normal operation for this
     type of printer.  (PR#A00171 and PR#A00196)

   - The 5251/11 emulation is installed in an "AT" type system which has
     Award 3.03 BIOS.  When loading the emulation software, an error code "2"
     or "3" is generated, and software cannot be executed.  (PR#A00189)

   - Displaywrite/36 documents do not print correctly through 5251/11
     emulation.  The PC printer emulating a host printer does not recognize
     the right margins of the Displaywrite/36 document.  Also, when printing
     a legal (8.5 by 14 inch) document, the PC printer does a form feed at 11
     inches.  (PR#A00150)

   - The "End" (number 122) key on a 122-key keyboard will not remap to
     another function in "shifted" or "caps lock" mode.  The same key can be
     remapped to another function in "lower case" mode.  (PR#A00194)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0547A                 03-22-90

=============================================================================


                     5250 FILE TRANSFER ON THE IBM AS/400


These requirements must be met before using AST 5250 File Transfer software
on the IBM AS/400:

    - The AS/400 library named QSYS38 provides the functions needed for the
      System/38 environment.  This library must be present and added to a
      user's library list before using the AST 5250 file transfer software.
      Without these functions the software will fail to initialize and
      generate function check errors.

    - A period occurring in the name of a file which is to be either uploaded
      to or downloaded from the AS/400 will cause the following error to
      occur:

                       ERROR 30 S/3X FILE(S) NOT FOUND

   Remove any periods found in file names before attempting to transfer on
   the AS/400.  It should be noted that periods are allowed in files
   transferred on the IBM System/36.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0550A                 03-06-90

=============================================================================


                   AST-3270 COAX II-CUT FUNCTIONAL ISSUES


AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following
functional issues relating to the 3270 COAX II-CUT product (part number
500564-001).  They have made the determination that these issues will not be
resolved for this product.

These issues are as follows:

    - Coax II board fails to operate in a Zenith model Z286LP.  When
      attempting to execute the loader software the user receives shared
      memory errors.  (PR#A60016)

    - The use of the PA3 function is not supported by the CoaxII-CUT
      software.  (PR#A60020)

    - A video adapter manufactured by Metheus, model number VGA1104,
      interferes with the operation of COAX II-CUT.  When attempting to
      load the CUT emulation software, the message "IRMA Mode I/O Address
      (0220-022FH) Conflict" is generated.  The COAX CUT program then
      aborts.  (PR#A60039)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0552A                 05/16/90

=============================================================================


                AST-3270 COAXII-CUT FTS-II FUNCTIONAL ISSUES


AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following
functional issues relating to the COAXII FTS-II product. They have made the
determination that these issues will not be resolved for this product.

These issues are as follows:

    - User has DOS/VSE/CICS installed on host and is running "VSE/SP
      Intelligent Workstation Support" facility.  When attempting a file
      transfer, the error message "INW0007I ERROR IN HOST TRANSFER FILE -
      TRANSFER TERMINATED" is generated.  The "Intelligent Workstation
      Support" facility is not supported with COAXII-CUT software or FTS-II.
      (PR#B41002)

    - When downloading files which have record lengths of 80 characters, the
      FTS-II software will either duplicate or omit some of the records at
      random places in the file. The host system where this occurs is running
      under VM/CMS Release 4. (PR#B41010)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0553A                 04-26-90

=============================================================================


                         AST-3780 FUNCTIONAL ISSUES


AST Data Comm Product Marketing has reviewed all aspects of the following
functional issue relating to the AST-3780 product (part number 500113-001).
They have made the determination that this issue will not be resolved for
this product.

This issue is as follows:

    - Records of data are duplicated when using the "P" command with CMDP
      mode.  After several repetitions of this action the file is received
      intact. (PR#A01056)

    - The 3780 IP program is not supported in an IBM Token Ring network
      environment.  The error message generated is "NET805": DEVICE NO LONGER
      EXISTS DRIVE XX.  Other systems on the network are no longer able to
      access this system after IP is invoked.  (PR#A01081)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0559A                 02-21-90

=============================================================================


                     SCO XENIX AND CONNER CP-344 DRIVES


When installing SCO Xenix on AST computers using Conner CP-344 embedded 40MB
hard drives, drive type 17 Translate Mode must be used.  AST computers using
Conner CP-344 hard drives are shipped in Native Mode as drive type 23.  AST
identifies Conner CP-344 drives by attaching a label next to the AST part
number, 230092-040, that reads, "23C".

Prior to installing any version of SCO Xenix, the drive type in AST Set-up
should be changed to 17.  Please refer to your AST's User's Manual for
information on changing your computer's set-up.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0573A                 04-19-90

=============================================================================


                  5251/12 AND SYSTEM 34 SESSION PARAMETERS


With Version 4.22 and below of AST-5251/12 emulation software, some System/34
session parameters may be deleted after running a procedure.  When signing on
to a subsequent session with the same workstation ID, the following
parameters will have been deleted (zeroed):

                         LIBRARY
                         SYSLIST DEVICE
                         FORMS
                         LINES PER PAGE

The KERNEL.EXE program can be patched to ensure that this does not happen.
The patch outlined in this document uses NORTON UTILITIES, but can be
modified to fit other debugging programs.

To alter KERNEL.EXE using NORTON UTILITIES do the following:

    1.  Enter the NORTON UTILITIES program.  From the "Main Menu" choose
        EXPLORE DISK.  From "Menu 1" choose the appropriate item.

    2.  From "Menu 1.1" change directory or drive designation as necessary to
        make sure that KERNEL.EXE (found on disk 1 of the emulation software)
        is available to the program.  Next, choose the FILE option "Menu
        1.1.3" and highlight KERNEL.EXE.

    3.  Return to "Menu 1" and take the SEARCH option, then from "Menu 1.4"
        choose TEXT TO SEARCH.  The next screen has two fields.  Tab to the
        HEX field and enter the hex string "B9 0B 00".  Return to the
        previous menu and choose START SEARCH.  The program will display a
        message that the string has been found.

    4.  Move the cursor over the hex digits "0B" and type in "09" over them
        and press <ENTER>.  A screen will appear with choices of action to
        take.  Choose WRITE CHANGE TO DISK.

    5.  When this operation is complete, repeat Step 3, with the exception of
        the hex data to enter.  This time, the string to enter is "B9 68 0B".

    6.  After the text is found, move the cursor over the "0B" and type in
        "09" over the top of these digits.  Repeat the process of saving the
        new data to disk.

    7.  Press <ESC> to return to the "Main Menu" and exit NORTON UTILITIES.
        Be sure to copy the "patched" KERNEL.EXE to the working directory or
        disk to be used when running emulation.

    8.  Enter Model 12 emulation and verify that the changes have the correct
        affect.

To alter KERNEL.EXE  using the MS-DOS DEBUG program, do the following:

    1.  Make sure the DEBUG program is available, then type the following:

        COPY KERNEL.EXE KERNEL.FIX<ENTER> {copy the kernel}

        DEBUG KERNEL.FIX<ENTER>           {make sure DEBUG
                                          is available}

        -S 0 FFFE B9 0B 00<ENTER>         {search for the opcodes}

        xxxx:yyyy                         {location of opcodes
                                          from DEBUG}

        -E xxxx:yyyy<ENTER>               {enter editing mode}

        xxxx:yyyy  B9.<SPACE> 0B.09<ENTER>{change 0B to 09 only}

        -S 0 FFFE B9 68 0B<ENTER>         {search for next string}

        aaaa:zzzz                         {DEBUG prints address on
                                          screen}

        -E aaaa:zzzz<ENTER>               {edit address supplied in
                                          previous step}

        aaaa:zzzz  B9.<SPACE> 68.<SPACE>  {change 0B to 09}
        0B.09<ENTER>

        -W                                {write the changes out
                                          to disk}

        -Q                                {quit the debugger}

    2.  If you would like to save a copy of the original kernel, type:

        REN KERNEL.EXE KERNEL.OLD
        REN KERNEL.FIX KERNEL.EXE

        If you do not want to save a copy of the original kernel, type:

        COPY KERNEL.FIX KERNEL.EXE
        DEL KERNEL.FIX

These changes should be performed only with those copies of 5251/12 emulation
that connect to the System/34.  They should never be made to any copy of
5251/12 that normally connects to a System/36 or System/38.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0599                  01-15-90

=============================================================================


                     AST PRODUCTS AND NOVELL NETWARE/386


The following items should be considered prior to installing Novell
Netware/386:

    1.  The AST 3G PLUS and 3G PLUS II display adapters are not compatible
        with Netware/386.  A different video card should be used, (such as
        the AST VGA or VGA PLUS).  Since the 3G PLUS and 3G PLUS II are no
        longer manufactured, no fixes are planned for this problem.

    2.  When installing Netware/386 on an AST Premium/386C, the motherboard
        must be equipped with the -007 or above keyboard controller chip.
        This chip is socketed at location U103 on the motherboard and is
        identified with AST part number 107210-007.  If this chip has a part
        number of 107210-005 or below, Netware/386 will not run.

To obtain the correct keyboard controller chip revision, it is necessary to
install an AST Premium/386-386C BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST P/N 500702-001.
Contact your nearest AST Authorized Service Center for additional
information.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0600                  01-16-90

=============================================================================


                   486/25 SETUP: COPROCESSOR INSTALLATION


The description of screen number two of the ASTSETUP program in the 486/25
User's manual (p/n 001054-001 A) is different than the actual screen as it
appears when ASTSETUP is run.

On page 3-10 of the manual, there are two fields described relating to
installation of a math coprocessor.  One field is labeled "Math Coprocessor",
the other "Math Coprocessor Type".

However, on screen number two of the setup utility (release 1.00 of the
486/25 BIOS, p/n's 107000-690A and -691A) there is only one field present.
It is labeled "Math Coprocessor Type".  This field will only display one of
two entries -  "None" and "Weitek" (for the Weitek 4167). The 486/25 will
automatically sense that a Weitek coprocessor is installed, and display
accordingly, otherwise the field will read  "None".
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0601                  01-19-90

=============================================================================


            REMOVAL OF NON-DOS PARTITIONS FROM AT EMBEDDED DRIVES


Because AST does not recommended using HDFORMAT (the low level formatting
program supplied with AST computers) on AST-supplied AT Embedded hard
drives, the removal of non-DOS partitions created on these drives can be
accomplished using either of the following methods:

    1.  Remove the partition using the utilities supplied with the non-DOS
        operating system that installed the partition in the first place.

    2.  Remove the partition with a low-level format using a hard disk
        utilities program, such as On Track's "Disk Manager".
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0602A                 02-26-90

=============================================================================


                      XFORMER/286 COMPATIBILITY ISSUES


AST EPM Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following
compatibility issues regarding the Xformer/286 (part number 202204-XXX).
They have determined that AST will not attempt to establish the cause of the
incompatibilities.

These issues are:

    - A conflict exists between the AST Rampage/286 card and an SMC Arcnet
      PC250 card when the two are installed together in the Xformer/286.  The
      system intermittently re-boots when a DOS command is entered from the
      keyboard.  (PR#B33016)

    - The Xformer/286 intermittently loses setup information stored in CMOS.
      (PR#B33020)

    - After a "warm boot" the <UP> and <DOWN> arrow keys (on an enhanced
      keyboard) perform the function of changing system speed.  This function
      is normally performed by using the <CTRL>-<ALT> key sequence in
      conjunction with either the <UP> or <DOWN> keys.  (PR#B33028)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0603A                 02-27-90

=============================================================================


            INSTALLING AST 3G PRODUCTS WITH OS/2 EXTENDED EDITION


To insure compatibility with AST OS/2 Extended Edition 1.10, the AST 3G Plus
(part number 202104-XXX) must have BIOS revision level "F" or above
installed.  The BIOS chip is located at U29.  The revision level can be read
directly from the label on the BIOS chip.

Likewise, the AST 3G Plus II adapter (part number 202161-XXX) must have BIOS
revision "D" or above installed.  The BIOS chip on the 3G Plus II is located
at U10.

In addition, Hercules emulation must be disabled for both of the above video
adapters when used with OS/2 Extended Edition.  Hercules emulation generates
non-maskable interrupts which conflict with OS/2 initialization.  Consult the
respective 3G adapter User's manual for the method of disabling Hercules
emulation.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0604                  01-29-90

=============================================================================


               AST DOS 3.3 AND IBM PC SUPPORT INSTALL UTILITY


The IBM AS/400 PC Support Install utility Release 1.02 Level 00 does not work
on a PC which uses MS-DOS instead of PC-DOS. The following is a method that
may be used to install the AS/400 PC Support software on an MS-DOS system
that has an AT-style bus and uses the IBM 5250 Enhanced Adapter card. If
using an Enhanced AST-5251/11, Enhanced AST-5251/11 Plus or Enhanced AST-
5251/11A Plus Adapter card, use the AST Twinax Adapter Handler for AS/400 PC
Support and its documentation.

This method assumes that the user is using two 360k diskettes on which to
install the PC Support system. If the user is using a hard disk or diskettes
with higher capacity, all of the files may be put on the single disk in a
single subdirectory.

1.  FORMAT THE DISKS:

    Format the first working disk and install the operating system on it.
    Label the disk AS/400 PC SUPPORT, FIRST WORKING DISK. An example of the
    command to use for formatting:

          format a: /s

    Format the second disk without the operating system. Label the disk
    AS/400 PC SUPPORT, SECOND WORKING DISK. An example of the command to use
    for formatting:

          format a:

    Copy COMMAND.COM onto the second disk root directory.

2.  CREATE CONFIG.SYS:

    Using a text editor such as edlin, create a CONFIG.SYS file in the root
    directory on the first working disk which contains the following lines:

          device=\pcs\eimpcs.sys
          device=\pcs\ecyddx.sys
          device=\pcs\fsdd.sys
          files=15

3.  CREATE PCS SUBDIRECTORY:

    On each working disk, create a PCS subdirectory using the command:

          mkdir \PCS

4.  CREATE CONFIG.PCS:

    This file is used by the PC Support system to get information on the
    "name" of the PC, the "name" of the host AS/400 and the station address
    that should be used to communicate to the AS/400. The CONFIG.PCS file
    should be created with a text editor and placed in the PCS subdirectory
    of the second working disk. Typical contents are:

          RTYP 5250
          RTLN APPN.Pcname
          EMLI Hostname,2

    Pcname is the name of the PC you are using. Each PC connected to the
    AS/400 via PC Support should have a different name. Hostname is the name
    that was given to the host AS/400 when setting up the system. The number
    2 indicates station address 2 is to be used to connect to the AS/400.
    This number ranges from 0 to 6 and should be unique for each station on a
    single twinax cable.

5.  CREATE PCS.BAT FILE:

    This batch file is used to start the AS/400 PC Support system. Using a
    text editor create a pcs.bat file on the second working disk in the root
    directory which contains the following lines:

          [d:]* \PCS\E5250AH
          [d:]* \PCS\STARTRTR \PCS\CONFIG.PCS
          [d:]* \PCS\FSPC ASSIGN I: QIWSFLR
          I:PCSUPDT I:\ \PCS
          I:STARTMSG \PCS\CONFIG.PCS
          I:VPRT
          I:WSF /T
          IF ERRORLEVEL 20 GOTO DONE
          IF NOT ERRORLEVEL 10 GOTO WORKSTRT
          I:STARTWSF 1
          :WORKSTRT
          I:PCO \PCS\CONFIG.PCS
          :DONE

    * Drive letter should designate drive where PCS subdirectory exists.

    This batch file may be customized to start only those features of PC
    Support that are desired.

6.  COPY THE FILES FROM THE IBM DISTRIBUTION DISKS TO WORKING DISKS:

    Copy the files from the IBM Distribution Disks to the subdirectory \PCS
    on the working disks using the DOS copy command. For example:

          copy a:eimpcs.sys b:\pcs\eimpcs.sys

    From IBM Distribution Disk 1 to working disk 1 subdirectory \PCS copy:

          EIMPCS.SYS
          ECYDDX.SYS
          FSDD.SYS

    From IBM Distribution Disk 1 to working disk 2 subdirectory \PCS copy:

          E5250AH.COM
          FSPC.EXE
          FSPC.HLP
          XXRTRS.MRI

    From IBM Distribution Disk 2 to working disk 2 subdirectory \PCS copy:

          STARTRTR.EXE
          E5250RTR.EXE
          STOPRTR.EXE

7.  REBOOT USING FIRST WORKING DISK:

    Insert the first working disk in drive A and reboot your computer.

8.  START PC SUPPORT:

    Insert the second working disk in the default drive or set the default
    drive to the drive which contains the second working disk. Type PCS to
    invoke the PCS.BAT batch file and start PC Support.

    Steps 7 and 8 may now be repeated to run AS/400 PC Support at future
    times.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0605                  01-29-90

=============================================================================


                  PREMIUM SYSTEMS AND LOGITECH MODULA 2/86


AST Premium/386 systems lock-up when running programs compiled from Logitech
Modula 2/86 software.

This problem has been resolved by Logitech in the form of a patch to the
Modula 2/86 software.  Customers experiencing this problem should contact
Logitech to obtain this fix.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0606                  01-29-90

=============================================================================


                     AST MS-DOS AND IOMEGA BERNOULLI BOX


There have been reported problems when booting from an Iomega Bernoulli Box
installed in an AST Premium computer and running MS-DOS.  "Bad Command.Com
Command Interpreter" error is reported when attempting to boot from the
Bernoulli Box and using an Iomega PC2 adapter.  This problem does not occur
when using PC-DOS.

The problem is caused by the Iomega Bernoulli Box's incompatibility with MS-
DOS.  Customers experiencing this problem should contact Iomega for
assistance.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0607                  01-29-90

=============================================================================


                       ASTCACHE AND 3.5" FLOPPY DRIVES


Premium computer users may encounter a "write protection error" message when
reading or writing to 720K or 1.44MB 3.5" floppy drives when using the
ASTCACHE program.

To correct this problem, use any of the following workarounds:

    1.  Disable advanced support for floppy writes either by adding the /D-
        parameter, or change the /D+ to /D-, to the ASTCACHE line in the
        AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

    2.  Enable Auto-slowdown.

    3.  Don't cache the 1.44MB floppy, using the /-B option, (assuming drive
        B is the 1.44MB drive, if drive A use the  /-A parameter), on the
        ASTCACHE line in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

For more detailed information, consult the AST Premium Utility Software User's
Manual.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0608A                 02-26-90

=============================================================================


                     ASTEMM.SYS AND MICROSOFT EXCEL 2.1


The device driver ASTEMM.SYS is included with the utilities of the
Advantage/2-386 (part number 910248-031).  It allows extended memory on the
board to be configured as expanded memory in an 80386 based system.

Microsoft Excel version 2.1 has the capability to utilize expanded memory.
Excel, however, will not recognize memory allocated as expanded memory by
certain versions of ASTEMM.SYS.

To give Excel version 2.1 the use of expanded memory which is allocated by
ASTEMM.SYS, version 4.06 or above of ASTEMM.SYS must be used.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0609A                 02-01-90

=============================================================================


                            REMM.SYS VERSION 4.50


The following incompatibilities and hardware conflicts can be resolved
through the use of REMM.SYS version 4.50 (or later):

    - The application "SAS" (version 6.03), which is a statistical package,
      cannot access expanded memory.

    - A conflict between REMM.SYS and a NEC GB-1 video adapter.  Data errors
      occur while REMM.SYS is initializing memory if both are installed in
      the system.

    - In a system which has a Hercules Plus card installed, WordPerfect does
      not work correctly when REMM.SYS is present.  The symptom exhibited is
      that there is no cursor present on the screen when WordPerfect is
      executed.

    - A word processing program from SAMNA does not operate when REMM.SYS is
      installed.  The system locks up as the word processor is executed.

    - With a Video Seven "VRAM" VGA adapter installed in the system, REMM.SYS
      would generate the error message "NO Logical Memory Pages Found", then
      abort.

      NOTE:  The Video Seven adapter runs in 16 bit mode, so the parameter
             "/M=5F" should be added to the REMM.SYS command line in the
             CONFIG.SYS file.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0610                  02-07-90

=============================================================================


                          SERIAL PORT PARITY ERRORS


Under certain circumstances, the serial ports on some Premium computers may
exhibit parity errors during serial data transmission.  The problem manifests
itself as a bad parity bit when transmitting data with 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit and
Even Parity.

The problem is caused by an anomaly in the Zymos 16C451 and 16C452 Dual UART
serial controller chips that were once used on some Premium motherboards.

Users experiencing this problem can resolve the problem in either of the
following ways:

    1. Change the data transmission parameters from; 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit, Even
       Parity, to; 8 Bits, 1 Stop Bit No Parity.

    2. Contact your AST Authorized Service Center and arrange for the
       replacement of the system's motherboard.

ASSEMBLIES AFFECTED:

Chip Identification:     Chips can be identified by observing the soldered-in
                         chips at the following locations. These chips will
                         be labeled either,  "ZYMOS 16C451"  or "ZYMOS
                         16C452".

                                    AST
DESCRIPTION                     PART NUMBER       CHIP LOCATION

PCB Premium Motherboard         202273-00X            U104
PCB Premium Motherboard         202356-00X            U104
PCB WS 386SX Motherboard        202276-00X            U123
PCB Bravo 386SX Motherboard     202343-00X            U9
PCB Bravo 286 Motherboard       202286-00X            U6
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0611                  02-08-90

=============================================================================


                WORKSTATION/286 WITH NETWORTH ETHERNEXT CARD


The EtherNext LAN adapter (16-bit) from NetWorth may not operate in a Premium
Workstation/286 running at 10 MHz.  Observable symptoms will be a failure to
gain access to a Novell-based network from the EtherNext based Workstation.
The symptoms are not present when the Workstation/286 is operating at 6 MHz.

According to NetWorth, there is a component on the adapter that must be
replaced in order for the adapter to function at the Workstation's 10 MHz
speed.  If the above symptoms are being experienced, it is recommended that
NetWorth be contacted directly to obtain the latest revision of the EtherNext
adapter.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0612                  02-14-90

=============================================================================


                 WORKSTATION/286 AND PROTEON PRONET 10 CARDS


The following items, when installed simultaneously in the Workstation/286,
will cause the system to hang:

    - a Proteon ProNet 10 Model P1303 network adapter,
    - Novell software version 2.15, and
    - REMM.SYS (all versions)

The system hangs when accessing applications over the network.

To resolve the above problem, new drivers from Proteon are required.  The
correct version to use with the P1303 adapter in this situation is 4.03.  To
obtain the correct version of the drivers, contact Proteon directly.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0613A                 04-19-90

=============================================================================


                    FASTBOARD 486/25 UPGRADE REQUIREMENTS


When upgrading any AST "CUPID" series Premium computer with a  FASTboard
486/25 Upgrade Kit, it is necessary to verify that the correct kit is used
and that the system's components meet the requirements listed below.

1.  UPGRADE KITS

    Follow the table below to identify which FASTboard 486/25 Upgrade Kit is
    required to upgrade your machine.

    +--------------------------------------------------------+
    |PRODUCT                 KIT REQUIRED         PART NUMBER|
    |--------------------------------------------------------|
    |Premium 386SX/16   FASTboard 386SX-486/25    500744-006 |
    |--------------------------------------------------------|
    |Premium 386/25     FASTboard 386-25/486-25   500744-002 |
    |--------------------------------------------------------|
    |Premium 386/33     FASTboard 386-33/486-25   500744-003 |
    +--------------------------------------------------------+


2.  SYSTEM BOARD

    Locate the part number on the front of the system board below the slot
    connectors.  You can install the FASTboard 486/25 if the system board
    matches the part numbers shown in the following table:

                   +-------------------------------------+
                   | PRODUCT   PART NUMBER   REVISION    |
                   |-------------------------------------|
                   | 386SX/16  202273-003    F or above  |
                   |           202356-001    F or above  |
                   |           202356-004    D or above  |
                   |-------------------------------------|
                   | 386/25    202273-001    N or above  |
                   |           202356-002    D or above  |
                   |           202356-004    D or above  |
                   |-------------------------------------|
                   | 386/33    202273-002    J or above  |
                   |           202356-003    D or above  |
                   |           202356-004    D or above  |
                   +-------------------------------------+

3.  MEMORY EXPANSION BOARD

    Locate the part number on the front of the memory expansion board.  You
    can install the FASTboard 486/25 if the memory expansion board matches
    the part numbers shown in the following table:

                   +-------------------------------------+
                   | PRODUCT    PART NUMBER   REVISION   |
                   |-------------------------------------|
                   | ALL        202275-004    A or above |
                   |            202275-006    A or above |
                   +-------------------------------------+

If your system does not contain the necessary components, contact your
nearest AST Authorized Reseller or Service Center.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0614                  03-02-90

=============================================================================


                PREVIEW I/O PARALLEL PORT ADDRESS CORRECTIONS


The Preview I/O Manual (000437-001) states that jumper E9 should be used to
set the board to LPT3 (I/O address 278h with another parallel port set at
3BCh).  The E9 jumper is actually I/O address 378h (LPT1 or LPT2) and E10 is
I/O address 278h (LPT2 or LPT3).  The affected pages are 2-10 and A-5.

                           DEBUG WITH E8 JUMPERED
C:\>debug
-d0:400
0000:0400  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-BC 03 00 00 00 00 00 00
                                   -----
0000:0410  31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16
0000:0420  67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B
0000:0430  0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00
0000:0440  77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00
0000:0450  00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0000:0460  0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00
0000:0470  00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01

                           DEBUG WITH E9 JUMPERED
C:\>debug
-d0:400
0000:0400  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-78 03 00 00 00 00 00 00
                                   -----
0000:0410  31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16
0000:0420  67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B
0000:0430  0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00
0000:0440  77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00
0000:0450  00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0000:0460  0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00
0000:0470  00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01

                           DEBUG WITH E10 JUMPERED
C:\>debug
-d0:400
0000:0400  00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00-78 02 00 00 00 00 00 00
                                   -----
0000:0410  31 42 FF 80 02 00 00 00-00 00 32 00 32 00 75 16
0000:0420  67 22 0D 1C 64 20 30 0B-3A 27 34 05 30 0B 30 0B
0000:0430  0D 1C 6C 26 73 1F 0D 1C-64 20 65 12 62 30 00 00
0000:0440  77 00 C0 00 00 00 00 00-00 07 50 00 00 40 00 00
0000:0450  00 0B 00 00 00 00 00 00-00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0000:0460  0C 0B 00 B4 03 29 20 08-04 7E 0C 00 30 A8 09 00
0000:0470  00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00-14 14 14 14 01 01 01 01
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0615                  03-02-90

=============================================================================


                  CONFIGURING FLOPPY DRIVES FOR AST SYSTEMS


To insure proper installation of a floppy drive into an AST computer system,
make sure the following conditions are met.  The AST diskette drive
specification calls for "frame" ground to be connected to "logic" ground.

On many floppy drives this is accomplished by the correct placement of a
jumper on the drive's control electronics printed circuit board.  Refer to
the instructions included with the drive to verify correct placement of the
grounding jumper.

In addition, the grounding strap from the power supply should be attached to
the drive's metal frame during installation.  It should be noted that it may
be necessary to move the ground strap from it's normal position on the
Premium computer's chassis to a position where the ground connection on the
floppy drive frame can be accessed.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0616                  03-07-90

=============================================================================


                        AST 3780 COMPATIBILITY ISSUES


Data Comm Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following
compatibility issue relating to AST 3780 (part number 500113-001).
They have made the determination that this issue will not be resolved
for this product.

This issue is as follows:

    - Neither mode of 3780 - IP.EXE nor CMDP.EXE - will operate in the OS/2
      operating system's DOS compatibility window.  The system locks up when
      the 3780 software tries to access the communications line.  This
      product is not meant to work under any version of OS/2.  (PR#A01052)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0617                  03-14-90

=============================================================================


                  PREMIUM/286 AND KEYTRONICS 3270 KEYBOARD


"Bad or Missing Keyboard" errors may occur when using a Keytronics 3270
Keyboard with some AST Premium/286 computers.  This problem does not occur on
systems equipped with AST BIOS v2.0 or above.

To obtain the correct version of AST BIOS, contact an AST Authorized Service
Center and order an AST Premium/286 BIOS Upgrade Kit, AST Part Number
500529-001.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0618                  03-14-90

=============================================================================


                    FASTBOARD 386 AND MICROSOFT WORKS 2.0


Random system lock-ups may occur when running Microsoft Works version 2.0 on
Premium/286 systems with PHOENIX BIOS and equipped with a Fastboard 386.
This problem occurs only when running Works version 2.0, earlier versions do
not exhibit this problem.

This problem can be corrected by upgrading the Premium/286 to AST BIOS
version 2.0 or above.  Customers experiencing the above problem should
contact an AST Authorized Service Center to obtain an AST Premium/286 BIOS
Upgrade Kit, AST Part Number 500529-001.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0619                  03-20-90

=============================================================================


                 RUNNING COMPATIBILITY TESTS ON THE VGA PLUS


The IBM VGA standard supports two methods of addressing monochrome and color
displays:

    - The VGA included on PS/2 systems allows software to address both
      monochrome and color monitors at the same time with no restrictions
      (colors in monochrome appear as shades of gray).

    - The VGA adapter for AT type systems allows software to address either
      color monitors or monochrome monitors, but not both.

The AST VGA Plus adapter is compatible with the VGA standard for the IBM AT
adapter.  This means that software used with the VGA Plus will only address a
color display in color mode or a monochrome display in monochrome mode.
Switching between display modes is accomplished through the use of the
ASTVGA.EXE utility included with the VGA Plus utilities.

The adapter, by design, will not pass diagnostics written to test VGA
monochrome modes while the adapter is in VGA color mode.  In particular,
tests from "PC Magazine" issue commands which are meant to test a PS/2 type
adapter and will fail on an adapter which follows the IBM AT adapter
standard.  This is normal operation for any VGA adapter which follows the IBM
AT VGA adapter standard.

Some compatibility tests may also fail because of a hardware conflict.  The
IBM AT VGA adapter supports the use of hardware interrupt IRQ2.  However, the
AST VGA Plus adapter does not.  The VGA Plus will fail tests such as one from
"PC Tech Journal" (test 13) which attempts to use IRQ2.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0620                  03-27-90

=============================================================================


                      BRAVO/386SX WITH TIARA LAN ADAPTERS


A Bravo/386SX may not function as a network workstation if a 16 bit LAN
adapter from Tiara (part number 0500671-100) is installed.  Running Novell
Netware 386 version 3.0, the message "File Server Not Found" is generated when
access to a server is attempted.

It has been verified that the problem lies with a component on the Tiara LAN
adapter, and not with the Bravo/386SX.

Tiara will update any LAN adapters (having the part number mentioned above)
which exhibit problems in the Bravo/386SX.   Tiara can be contacted directly
for assistance.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0621                  04-04-90

=============================================================================


             WD7000-ASC SCSI CARDS AND PREMIUM 386/25 AND 386/33


Problems have been reported when attempting to boot AST Premium 386/25 systems
using the Western Digital WD7000-ASC SCSI host adapter card.  Western Digital
has informed AST that the problem is caused by an incompatibility that exists
between the WD7000-ASC card and all systems that utilize "fast", (25MHz and
33MHz) microprocessors.

To resolve the problem, Western Digital plans a future release of a modified
version of the WD7000-ASC card.  User's of AST Premium 386/25 and 386/33
computers experiencing problems running the WD7000-ASC SCSI host adapter card
should contact Western Digital Technical Support for further assistance.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0622                  04-12-90

=============================================================================


               SOFTWARE TOOLWORKS PROGRAMS AND PREMIUM COMPUTERS


Problems have been reported when attempting to install Chessmaster 2100,  Gin
King/Cribbage King and Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor from the Software Toolworks
company on AST Premium computers.  The problem is caused by a conflict between
Software Toolworks' installation program and the Premium computer's Shadow Ram
feature.  The Shadow Ram feature determines whether or not the system BIOS is
copied to and executed from 32-bit RAM rather than 16-bit ROM during system
processing.

To resolve problems encountered during installation of Software Toolworks'
programs, disable the Premium computer's Shadow Ram feature before starting
the program's installation procedure. After completing installation, the
Shadow Ram feature may be enabled because the conflict occurs during
installation only and does not occur when running the program.  The User's
Manual supplied with each AST computer provides complete information on the
Shadow Ram option.
==============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0623A                  02-08-91

==============================================================================


          COMPUTONE INTELEPORT 8 CARDS AND PREMIUM 386/25 AND 386/33


In order for Computone Inteleport Advantage 8 Multiport Cards to function
correctly with the AST Premium 386/25 and 386/33 computers, the following
items are required:

    1.  Obtain a software patch from Computone for the Inteleport Advantage 8
        card for use with the Premium 386/25 and 386/33.

            - Version 4.58 for SCO UNIX

            - Version 4.54 for SCO XENIX

        Computone will provide this patch on request to customers who call
        (404) 475-2725.

    2.  In addition to the Computone patch, the 16th megabyte memory caching
        feature on the Premium 386/25 and 386/33 must be disabled.  Use
        ASTSETUP to disable this feature prior to installing the patch from
        Computone.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0624                  04-16-90

=============================================================================


             IBM OS/2 1.1, ESDI DRIVES AND PREMIUM 386C COMPUTERS


In order to install IBM OS/2 v1.1 on AST Premium 386C computers with an ESDI
hard drive and controller, the Premium 386C must be configured with the
Auto-Slowdown feature disabled and the system processing speed set to high.
Before installing IBM OS/2 v1.1 on the Premium 386C, use ASTSETUP to verify
that these items are set as described above.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0625A                 05/16/90

=============================================================================


                    AST 5250 GATEWAY COMPATIBILITY ISSUES


Data Comm Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following
compatibility issues relating to the AST 5250 Gateway product (part number
500399-001).  They have made the determination that these issues will not be
resolved for this product.

These issues are as follows:

    - The Gateway software will not function correctly when used on a DCA 10
      Net LAN.  The master and one slave will operate as a Gateway master and
      slave.  However, when a third node on the LAN tries to access one of
      these two (e.g., a workstation accessing a server), then all three
      systems lock up, requiring a cold boot of all the systems. (PR#A41040)

    - Under Novell Netware version 2.12 software, IBM Token Ring boards
      exhibit failures while running Gateway emulation.  Any of the slaves on
      the gateway will intermittently lock up or lose communication to the
      master PC.  (PR#A41044)

    - When running under Gateway emulation, a print job sent to a printer
      attached to a server using the Novell "CAPTURE" command does not print
      correctly.  Print data is shifted 3 or 4 columns in from the left
      margin.  (PR#A41051)

    - Under a configuration where the slaves are communicating with the
      master remotely via G-Remote Bridge (from Gateway Communications), the
      response time for communication between slaves and master is very slow.
      (PR#A41052)

    - The 5250 Gateway does not support an environment which uses IBM Token
      Ring cards running with Novell Netware 286 (all versions).  When
      operating under this type of environment, the slaves will lose
      communication with the Gateway master, and require a reset to continue
      the session.  (PR#A41023)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0626                  05-02-90

=============================================================================


             CONFIGURING AST 5251/11 ENHANCED AS A 3196 TERMINAL


The 3196-2 type terminal, selectable in the AST 5251/11 enhanced
configuration file, reflects a model A1 terminal on the host.  (PR#A45169)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0627                  05/31/90

=============================================================================


                   INCOMPATIBLE DRAMS FOR RAMPAGEPLUS/286


Memory errors in a system which can be attributed to a RampagePlus/286 (part
number 202349-001) being present may actually be caused by the use of certain
manufacturers DRAM chips on the SIMMS present on the board.

SIMMS which are used to upgrade memory on the RampagePlus/286 have AST part
numbers 202279-002, 202280-002, and 202320-002.   The DRAM chips which are
incompatible with the RampagePlus/286 are manufactured by Motorola and
Toshiba.  The memory chips are of the 256KX4 type (three IC's present on the
SIMMS).

If memory errors or system lock-ups are being experienced, remove all SIMMS
containing these DRAM chips and substitute with other SIMMS.  Other
manufacturers DRAM chips approved for the RampagePlus/286 are:

               Mitsubishi     M5M44256AP-10
               NEC            UPD4242556C-10
               OKI            MSM514256-10RS
               TI             TMS44C256-10N
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0628                  06-29-90

=============================================================================


                     USE OF ASTEMM.SYS WITH SUPERCALC 5


The application SuperCalc 5 has the ability to access expanded memory.
However, SuperCalc 5 will have problems accessing emulated expanded memory
created by certain versions of the driver ASTEMM.SYS.

ASTEMM.SYS version 4.08 (or above) must be used to allow  SuperCalc 5 to
function properly.  Earlier versions of ASTEMM.SYS cannot be guaranteed to
perform satisfactorily with this application.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0629                  06-27-90

=============================================================================


                    AUTOSENSING OPERATION OF THE VGA PLUS


When the AST VGA Plus (part number 202262-003) is configured to operate in 16
bit mode (switch position "two" = ON) the entire memory address range from
C0000h to DFFFFh is in 16 bit mode for all system memory accesses.  This is
due to the design of the IBM AT standard I/O bus.  This means that an 8 bit
adapter which is configured to reside in this region will not be recognized
by the system.

Version 3.0 of the VGA Plus BIOS (part numbers 107000-682 and 107000-683) has
the ability to detect the standard IBM ROM signature "AA 55".  If, when the
system is being initialized, the VGA BIOS detects this signature anywhere in
the 128K range where it resides, the VGA Plus will switch back to eight bit
operation to avoid conflicts.

The BIOS cannot detect the presence of RAM (e.g., shared memory) on an
adapter, however.  In order for adapters which have this type of memory
(e.g., IBM Token Ring II adapters) to be configured to operate in this
address range, the VGA Plus has to be manually switched back to 8 bit
operation (switch position "two" = OFF) to avoid conflicts.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0630                  07-01-90

=============================================================================


                         BRAVO 386SX/DEC DEPCA CARD


Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) Depca card will not boot locally or
perform a remote boot when installed in an AST Bravo 386SX.  The AST Bravo
386SX passes post test.  The Depca card will pass its self test.  The system
will lock up after all drives are initialized.

This problem has been resolved by DEC in a new release of the Depca board
hardware revision H3 and firmware version D1.  Customers reporting this issue
should be referred to contact DEC's Product Support.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0631                  07-06-90

=============================================================================


                      AST-TURBOSCAN COMPATIBILITY ISSUE


AST Product Marketing has considered all aspects of the following
compatibility issue regarding the TURBOSCAN.  They have determined that AST
will not attempt to establish the cause of this incompatibility.

This issue is:

    - Printing from Eyestar Plus version 2.04 to an AST Turbolaser/PS, only
      "Normal View" window is printed.  Suggest using Microtech's latest
      software.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0632                  08-13-90

=============================================================================


                      PREMIUM 386SX/16 AND VERSACAD 386


When executing a warm boot immediately after exiting the Versacad 386 program
on a Premium 386SX/16 with ASTVGA.EXE installed, the color graphic functions
appear to be lost.  A cold boot is then required to correct the problem.

The problem is resolved by adding the following two command lines to the
system's AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

          ASTVGA color
          ASTVGA lock


Note:  If using the ASTCACHE utility, the ASTVGA command lines must be issued
       before the ASTCACHE.COM line is executed.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0633                  08-15-90

=============================================================================


                  AST SYSTEMS/DIGITAL RESEARCH FlexOS V2.2


Running FlexOS V2.2 with several windows open simultaneously may cause the
hard disk to lock up.  The Digital Research FlexOS operating system cannot
handle fast hard drives.  The hard drives that exhibit the failure are
Miniscribe (model 8051A 40MB) and Conner (model CP 3044 40MB) when used with
the following computers:

               Bravo 286
               Bravo 386SX
               Premium 286
               Premium 386/25
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0634                  08-23-90

=============================================================================


                      AST SHADOW BIOS MEMORY ADDRESSES


The following information provides two methods of determining which memory
range is used to shadow the system and video BIOS on AST computers equipped
with the Shadow feature.  In addition to copying the system BIOS, AST Shadow
BIOS also has the option of copying the video BIOS.  However, the video
adapter must be an AST VGA adapter or on-board VGA.  The memory range used to
shadow the BIOS is based on the CPU type and system architecture.  The memory
locations on earlier Premium systems differ from those currently
manufactured.

To determine which memory locations are used by Shadow BIOS, it is necessary
to identify the system's CPU type either by the part number of the processor
board or using the DOS DEBUG program.

Listed below are the steps to identify the CPU using DEBUG and which memory
locations that system uses for Shadow BIOS.  Also included are processor
board part numbers as an alternative to running the DEBUG program.

DEBUG

At the DOS prompt, type: DEBUG and press the <enter> key.  <Enter> is a
prompt to press the "enter" key.  At the DEBUG prompt "-", type lines 1 and
2.

Line 1.   -OE0 7 <Enter>
Line 2.   -IE1   <Enter>
Line 3.   -nn

    Note:  The number displayed on the third line identifies the CPU type.
           If this value is a number between 12 and 18, Shadow BIOS uses the
           memory locations shown in Method #2.  Any other value identifies
           the use of memory locations shown in Method #1.  Enter Line 4 to
           leave DEBUG.

Line 4.   -q     <Enter>

METHOD #1

When this method is used, the system BIOS uses a 64KB block at F0000-FFFFF.
However, when the system BIOS is shadowed, the E0000-EFFFF range is also
reserved whether the video BIOS is shadowed or not.  If the video BIOS is
shadowed it resides in a 32KB block at E0000-E7FFF and the remaining 32KB of
that block is reserved.

      Block                            Reserved Area
      Size     Decimal   Hex Address   Between 640 - 1MB
    +------------------ +------------+ -----------------+
    | 64 KB    960 KB   |+++F0000++++|  SYSTEM BIOS     |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 64 KB    896 KB   |+++E0000++++|  VIDEO BIOS      |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 64 KB    832 KB   |   D0000    |                  |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 64 KB    768 KB   |   C0000    |                  |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 64 KB    704 KB   |   B0000    |                  |
    +------------------ |------------|                  |
               640 KB   |   A0000    |                  |
                        |------------| -----------------+
                        |   09FFF    |
                        |            |
                        |Base Memory |
                        |            |
                        |   00000    |
                        +------------+

The following AST computers use this method for Shadow BIOS:

    - All Premium 386 and Premium 386C Systems.
    - Premium 386SX/16 Systems with a 202337-001 Processor Board.
    - Premium 386/25 Systems with a 202274-001 Processor Board.
    - Premium 386/33 Systems with a 202347-002 Processor Board.

METHOD #2

The following method is used on all remaining AST computers.  When this
method is used, the system BIOS uses a 64KB block at F0000-FFFFF, the video
BIOS is shadowed in a 32KB block at C0000-C7FFF.

      Block                            Reserved Area
      Size     Decimal   Hex Address   Between 640 - 1MB
    +------------------ +------------+ -----------------+
    | 64 KB    960 KB   |+++F0000++++|  SYSTEM BIOS     |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 64 KB    896 KB   |   E0000    |                  |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 64 KB    832 KB   |   D0000    |                  |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 32 KB    800 KB   |   C8000    |                  |
    |                   |úúúúúúúúúúúú|                  |
    | 32 KB    768 KB   |+++C0000++++|  VIDEO BIOS      |
    |------------------ |------------|                  |
    | 64 KB    704 KB   |   B0000    |                  |
    +------------------ |------------|                  |
               640 KB   |   A0000    |                  |
                        |------------| -----------------+
                        |   09FFF    |
                        |            |
                        |Base Memory |
                        |            |
                        |   00000    |
                        +------------+
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0635                  09-17-90

=============================================================================


              PREMIUM 386C SYSTEMS WITH PHILLIPS CD ROM PLAYER


Running "Construction Antenna Base", from National Institute of Building
Sciences, with the Phillips CD ROM Player may exhibit RUNTIME ERROR R6003.
The failure occurs with the following computers:

                                 Premium/386
                                 Premium/386C

AST Marketing has made the determination that this issue will not be resolved
for the above products.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0636                  10-02-90

=============================================================================


              PREMIUM 486/25 - NOVELL AND IBM TOKEN RING CARDS


Problems have been reported with IBM Token Ring Adapter cards (full length, 8
bit) and Premium 486/25 systems with cache enabled when loading Novell's
IPX.COM.  The Token Ring Adapter card fails initialization when executing the
IPX.COM file.

The cause of the problem has been isolated to a software timing loop that
executes too fast for the Token Ring Adapter board to complete its
initialization before the driver times out and produces the error message.
The cause of the problem is the IBM Token Ring Adapters inability to
initialize fast enough on high performance systems such as the Premium
486/25.

The following options are available to customers experiencing the above
problem:

1.  Disable and enable the cache using AST's SPEED.COM program prior to
    executing IPX.COM by entering the following commands (in the order they
    appear) at the DOS prompt:

          > SPEED CACHE=DISABLE
          > IPX.COM
          > NETx
          > SPEED CACHE=ENABLE

2.  An alternate solution is to update the IBM Token Ring card to a short
    card (IBM part number 25f98XX) or a 16/4 (IBM part number 25f73XX) card.
    Customer should contact their IBM Dealer for information regarding these
    cards.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0637                  10-04-90

=============================================================================


                    AST COMPUTERS AND EVEREX TAPE DRIVES


When installing an Everex EV-811 tape backup with a QIC-02 tape controller in
an AST computer that uses an IDE interface controller, customers will
experience random lockups at different times during tape back operations.

Everex has confirmed that this problem is caused by a chip which is located
on the QIC-02 tape controller at location U10.  A Signetics or Texas
Instruments chip must be used for the tape unit to function properly with an
IDE interface controller.

Anyone experiencing this problem should contact Everex Product Support
directly and refer to "ECO 4188".
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0638                  10-10-90

=============================================================================


                 VGA PLUS AND WESTERN DIGITAL ETHERCARD PLUS


The Western Digital EtherCard PLUS 16 bit network adapter may not operate
reliably in a system where an AST VGA Plus adapter (AST part number
202262-002) is also installed (and operating in 16 bit mode).

Some versions of the Novell Netware driver supplied with the EtherCard PLUS
cannot operate in a memory address area being accessed in 16 bit mode.  This
is the situation that occurs when the VGA Plus is configured for 16 bit
operation.

For the EtherCard PLUS to operate in this environment, the network driver
supplied by Western Digital must be version 3.08A (or higher).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0639                  10-25-90

=============================================================================


                      SMC ARCNET AND 5251/11-A ENHANCED


When the SMC Micro-channel Arcnet card (PS110) and the AST 5251/11-A Enhanced
boards are installed in an IBM PS-2 model 60, and if the IPX.COM driver was
loaded, the KERNEL.EXE will fail with a "PC/Twinax memory test error".

The cause of this problem is due to IPX.COM using an area in memory which the
KERNEL.EXE is trying to use.

To resolve this problem, load the programs in the following order:

    1.  KERNEL.EXE
    2.  IPX.COM
    3.  APS.EXE
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0640                  11-05-90

=============================================================================


                   MULTIPLE IPX VERSIONS AND 5250 GATEWAY


When linking multiple file servers and operating systems, (particularly
Novell), the following problems may occur when trying to link workstations to
a gateway:

    -  Error message "unable to find master gateway".

    -  With sessions connected, "hang-up" or loss of connection to the
       gateway may occur.

The problems are caused by the various versions of IPX that use different
methods of addressing nodes and sending data packets.  There are significant
differences between IPX versions 2.XX and 3.XX.

To optimize performance and reliability, common versions of IPX must be used
on all nodes.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0641                  11-08-90

=============================================================================


                        NEW 386SX/16 PROCESSOR BOARD


The following information summarizes a compatibility problem with the new
386SX/16 processor board (part number 202380-001) and Cupid motherboards.
This new board replaces the original 386SX/16 processor board (part number
202337-001) and will be shipped with the Cupid enhanced motherboard in all
Premium 386SX/16 systems.

PROBLEM:

The new 386SX/16 processor board (part number 202380-001) is not compatible
with common Cupid motherboards using BIOS v1.01.  System lock-ups occur when
attempting to change the processor speed.  The problem occurs when using
either the keyboard method <Ctrl> <Alt> <Up Arrow> or the SPEED.COM program.
Lock-ups also occur during the processor speed change test when running the
confidence tests.

RESOLUTION:

In order to resolve the problem, a BIOS upgrade (from version 1.10 to 1.20)
on the Cupid motherboard is necessary.  This can be accomplished by using a
Cupid BIOS upgrade kit (part number 500775-001).

Listed below are the part numbers for the motherboards which require BIOS
upgrades:

     202356-001 rev F    202273-001 rev N
     202356-002 rev D    202273-002 rev J
     202356-003 rev D    202273-003 rev F
     202356-004 rev D
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0642                  11-12-90

=============================================================================


                   VGA MODES SUPPORTED ON AST VGA PRODUCTS


VGA is defined by IBM as a set of display modes up to and including 640 x 480
resolution in 16 colors.  "Super" VGA is a super set of VGA, defined by the
Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA) to be 800 x 600 resolution, 16
colors.

Other display modes are also called "Super" VGA or "Extended Mode" VGA,
depending on the manufacturer of the VGA hardware. These modes do not fall
under the above definition of "Super" VGA, even though they are sometimes
referred to as such.

AST VGA products (VGA Plus adapter and embedded VGA) support Super VGA as
defined in the first paragraph above, plus other high resolution modes.  The
following table summarizes the resolutions and color combinations supported
with AST VGA products:

                                +---------------------------------+
                                |           Embedded VGA          |
+-------------------------------+---------------------------------|
| Resolution | Color | VGA Plus | CUPID Enh. | Prem II | Bravo II |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
|  640 x 480 |   16  |   Yes    |    Yes     |  Yes    |  Yes     |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
|  800 x 600 |   16  |   Yes    |    Yes     |  Yes    |  Yes     |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
| 1024 x 768 |   16  |   No     |    No      |  No     |  No      |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
|  320 x 200 |  256  |   Yes    |    Yes     |  Yes    |  Yes     |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
|  640 x 400 |  256  |   Yes    |    Yes     |  No     |  No      |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
|  640 x 480 |  256* |   Yes    |    No      |  No     |  No      |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
|  800 x 600 |  256  |   No     |    No      |  No     |  No      |
|------------+-------+----------+------------+---------+----------|
| 1024 x 768 |  256  |   No     |    No      |  No     |  No      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
* Requires 256K upgrade
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0643                  11-06-90

=============================================================================


                    RAMPAGEPLUS/286 AND ZENITH COMPUTERS


The RampagePlus/286 (both part numbers 202247-XXX and 202349-XXX)
does not operate reliably when installed in Zenith 80286-based computer
systems.  Parity errors are generated by memory installed on the Rampage
board, either at the time of system boot up, or during the running of
an application.

This incompatibility exists as a result of the method by which the Zenith
system performs memory addressing.  The Zenith implementation of memory
read/write cycles does not allow enough time for data from the Rampage memory
to be stable, thus the parity errors.

Any hardware change made to the RampagePlus/286 to resolve this
incompatibility would prevent the board from operating in AST, IBM or IBM-
compatible systems.  Therefore, Zenith should be contacted directly for a
resolution.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0644                  11-12-90

=============================================================================


                   AST COMPUTERS AND CHECKIT V3.0 SOFTWARE


CHECKIT software is a diagnostic test program used to test the hardware of
MS-DOS compatible personal computers.  In addition to testing hardware
components, CHECKIT provides configuration information, memory usage and
performance evaluations and benchmark comparisons.

AST has tested and verified reliable operation of CHECKIT version 3.0
diagnostic software from Touchstone Software Company on the AST Premium
computers listed below.

CHECKIT successfully completed all hardware testing in stand alone test mode
on these systems.

+------------------------------------------------------+
|        SYSTEM         |     BIOS         |  VERSION  |
|-----------------------+------------------+-----------|
|  Premium 286          |  Phoenix         |   3.02    |
|  Premium 286          |  AST             |   2.00    |
|  Premium 386SX/16     |  CUPID           |   1.10    |
|  Premium 386SX/16     |  CUPID Enhanced  |   1.01    |
|  Premium 386C         |  AST             |   1.30    |
|  Premium 386/25       |  AST 386/25      |   1.20    |
|  Premium 486/25       |  CUPID           |   1.10    |
|  Premium 486/25       |  CUPID Enhanced  |   1.01    |
|  Premium 486/25T      |  TOWER           |   1.00    |
|  Premium II 386SX/20  |  Premium II      |   1.00    |
+------------------------------------------------------+
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0645                  11-13-90

=============================================================================


                            NOVELL NETBIOS ISSUES


Customers using our gateway products are experiencing the following problems:

    - Stations are intermittently locking up (especially when utilization
      increases).

    - Error occurs: "failed to initialize master gateway" upon linking to
      master gateway.

Novell has indicated that end-users may experience these or similar problems
with all revisions of their v2.15 NETBIOS.  All customers that are having
related problems should upgrade their NETBIOS version to v3.01.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0646                  11-15-90

=============================================================================


                        TAPE DRIVE MOUNTING PROBLEMS


Installation problems have been reported using AST external drive mounting
brackets (part number 200434-001) and certain tape drives in early Tower
systems.  The problem is caused by a mechanical alignment incompatibility
between these brackets and TechMar, Cipher Wangtek (model 5150E) and Archive
(model 2150S) tape drives.

AST has resolved this problem with a new design of external mounting
brackets (part number 200582-001), which are now shipped with all Premium
computers housed in the Tower chassis.  In addition, these brackets are
shipped with computers housed in the mid-size chassis (i.e., Premium II and
Bravo 486).

Users of AST Premium Computers experiencing problems, when installing any of
the above tape drives in AST Premium systems that require external drive
mounting brackets, should contact an AST Service Center or AST Product
Support to obtain new brackets.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0647                  10-11-90

=============================================================================


                      AST PREMIUM/386C WITH 16 MEGABYTES


AST Product Marketing has determined that the following issue dealing with
the AST Premium/386C will not be fixed.

This issue is:

    - The AST Premium/386C does not correctly count memory to 16 MBs, when
      conventional memory is set to 640 KB.  The system will only count to
      14,848KB.  (PR#B29151)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0648                  10-23-90

=============================================================================


                    BRAVO/286 WITH 3270 EMULATION SOFTWARE


Some keyboard keys will not function correctly when running IBM or Attachmate
3270 emulation software on AST Bravo/286 with NMB keyboard (AST part number
230098-XXX).

This issue is resolved by a new keyboard controller (AST part number
107210-008), located at U7 on all Bravo/286 motherboards.  This new keyboard
controller is available as a BIOS upgrade kit (AST part number 500740-001).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0649                  11-14-90

=============================================================================


                     WINDOWS 3.0 INSTALLATION INFORMATION


In order of priority, here are the things recommended when checking for an
unidentified problem:

    1.  Check the table below for obvious problems.

    2.  Try renaming CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT.  Reboot to see if problem
        persists.  If problem goes away, restore original CONFIG.SYS and
        AUTOEXEC.BAT, then identify conflicting driver/TSR by process of
        elimination.

    3.  Try removing all non-AST peripherals, drives, memory, bus cards,
        etc.  If problem goes away, restore system and identify problem
        by process of elimination.

Common Installation Problems and Fixes:

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Problem Category |        Symptom           |       Solution          |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|VGA BIOS          |Enters graphics display   |VGA BIOS must be version |
|                  |mode with blank screen.   |3.0 or later.            |
|                  |Windows 3.0 is still run- |                         |
|                  |ning or system may hang.  |                         |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|Install as AST    |Windows hangs system when |Select "AST" as computer |
|brand system.     |video caching is ON.      |type during install.     |
|                  |                          |This will add line       |
|(Only required    |                          |"EMMEXCLUDE=E000-EFFF"   |
|for some Cupid    |                          |to Windows SYSTEM.INI    |
|systems.)         |                          |file.                    |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|Fastboard/386     |Windows install puts      |Edit CONFIG.SYS and en-  |
|                  |HIMEM.SYS as first driver |sure FBMON.SYS is first  |
|                  |in CONFIG.SYS. This dis-  |device.                  |
|                  |ables the Fastboard.      |                         |
|                  |Windows cannot run in 386 |                         |
|                  |enhanced mode.            |                         |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|ASTCACHE          |System hangs periodically.|ASTCACHE is not Windows  |
|                  |                          |3.0 compatible. Remove   |
|(to be upgraded)  |                          |ASTCACHE and replace with|
|                  |                          |SMARTDRIVE. The Windows  |
|                  |                          |3.0 installation program |
|                  |                          |will attempt to install  |
|                  |                          |SMARTDRIVE.              |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|ASTEMM            |Depending upon system con-|ASTEMM is not Windows 3.0|
|                  |figuration and ASTEMM     |compatible. Windows 3.0  |
|(to be upgraded)  |installation parameters:  |can provide its own LIM  |
|                  |1. System hangs periodi-  |4.0 memory management if |
|                  |   cally.                 |in 386 enhanced mode.    |
|                  |2. Windows 3.0 will not   |Otherwise, use Microsoft |
|                  |   install.               |EMM386.SYS or compatible |
|                  |3. Windows 3.0 will only  |third party memory       |
|                  |   run in real mode.      |manager.                 |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|DOS mouse driver  |Cursor does not display   |Windows 3.0 does not need|
|missing.          |in DOS applications.      |a mouse driver in        |
|                  |                          |CONFIG.SYS, but DOS ap-  |
|                  |                          |plications running under |
|                  |                          |Windows 3.0 does. Install|
|                  |                          |mouse driver before run- |
|                  |                          |ning Windows.            |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|DOS mouse driver  |Cursor does not display   |Some older version mouse |
|incompatible.     |in Windows or DOS appli-  |drivers are incompatible |
|                  |cations. System hangs     |with protected mode.     |
|                  |intermittently.           |Replace with Windows 3.0 |
|                  |                          |compatible driver.       |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|EISA SCSI         |Unknown.                  |Windows 3.0 swap file may|
|                  |                          |not be located on SCSI   |
|                  |                          |drive. Run SWAP.EXE to   |
|                  |                          |relocate file to non-SCSI|
|                  |                          |drive.                   |
|------------------+--------------------------+-------------------------|
|DOS program will  |Various.                  |1. DOS programs cannot be|
|not run under     |                          |   multitasked except in |
|Windows.          |                          |   386 enhanced mode.    |
|                  |                          |2. Some DOS programs em- |
|                  |                          |   ploy incompatible mem-|
|                  |                          |   ory management, or    |
|                  |                          |   DOS-extender, schemes.|
|                  |                          |3. Try creating a PIF    |
|                  |                          |   file.                 |
|                  |                          |4. Some programs will not|
|                  |                          |   run under Windows 3.0.|
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0650                  11-26-90

=============================================================================


                      AST PREMIUM WORKSTATION/286 MEMORY


AST Product Marketing has determined that the following issue dealing with
the AST Premium WorkStation/286 will not be fixed.

This issue is:

    - Programs such as Sleuth and Check-it will not identify extended memory
      on the Premium WorkStation/286 even though the size of extended memory
      is specified within set-up under the system's extended memory field.
      (PR#B37041)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0651                  12-03-90

=============================================================================


                          BRAVO/386SX - SEAGATE 157A


Bravo/386SX systems which have the AST part number 500801-XXX may have
Seagate ST-157A hard drives installed.  The AST part number for this drive is
230119-001.  These drives are 40MB IDE type drives, which are configured as
drive type "17" in the Bravo's CMOS setup.

The following items are important for proper operation of the system but are
not documented by AST:

    1. These drives are configured to operate as the main hard drive in a
       system.  They are not to be configured, and will not operate as a
       "slave" to another hard drive which is installed as a "master" in this
       system.

    2. There is a jumper block on the control PCB labeled "J2". It is located
       at the left rear of the board when viewing the drive from it's front
       panel.  It is comprised of three pairs of 2-pin headers labeled "1"
       through "6".  For use in this system the pair labeled "1" and "2" must
       have a jumper installed.  This configures the drive for a single drive
       system.  Also, the pair labeled "5" and "6" must have a jumper
       installed.  This enables the "external LED", sending the drive
       activity signal to the front panel of the Bravo/386SX.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0652                  12-11-90

=============================================================================


                  STARTEC BALUN HUB WITH AST5251/11 EMULATION


The following problems have been reported using Startec Balun Hub devices
with all AST5251/11 emulation cards:

    - Intermittent dropping of sessions.

    - Inability to get a sign-on screen when connecting to the Balun Hub.

Startec has made modifications to resolve these problems, incorporating the
changes at serial number 37000 and above. Customers with hub devices below
serial number 37000 should contact Startec at (508) 393-9393.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0653                  12-14-90

=============================================================================


                           BRAVO/486 CONFIDENCE TEST


Corruption of the display occurs during the execution of the Confidence test
ASTTEST.EXE.  This test is included with the Bravo Utilities (AST part number
910402-XXX).

During the portion of the test called "System Board Test", random characters
are displayed on the screen, distorting informational text regarding the
test.

This occurs due to an incompatibility between the system BIOS and version of
utilities in use.  When version "X1" of the Bravo utilities is used on a
system with version 1.01 (or later) of the BIOS (AST part numbers 230807-001
and -002) installed, the above symptoms will appear.  Use revision "A" (or
later) of the utilities with this BIOS version.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0654                  12-21-90

=============================================================================


                     PREMIUM 386/16 WITH MATH CO-PROCESSOR


Erratic operation may occur when using a math co-processor in the Premium
386/16.  This condition was first observed when running AutoCAD Release 9 and
10.  The system may lock up when running software that uses the math co-
processor after the system has warmed up (anywhere from immediately to 30
minutes).  The failure is encountered consistently after re-booting until the
system has been shut off and allowed to cool down.

The cause of the problem is a contention with the 87BUSY* signal from the
math co-processor.  The contention situation is eliminated by lifting or
cutting pin 16 on the chip at location U34 on the Premium 386/16 processor
board (AST Part Number 202323-001).  Denoted after the part number is a
revision letter (i.e., 202323-001C).  Use the following list to determine the
appropriate action to be taken:

Revision                      Action

C or earlier        You should return the board to AST for modification.

D                   Modification may be performed by an AST Authorized
                    Service Center.

E or later          Modification has already been implemented, and no action
                    is required.

WARNING: This operation is meant to be performed on Premium 386/16 processor
         boards only (AST Part Number 202323-001), NOT on Premium 386SX/16 or
         386SX/20 processor boards.  All modifications should be performed by
         an AST Authorized Service Center.
==============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0655A                  02-04-91

==============================================================================


            AST MS OS/2 VERSION 1.2 AND MONOCHROME VIDEO ADAPTERS


When installing AST MS OS/2 Version 1.2, the menu will display
"MONOCHROME/PRINTER ADAPTER."  To select this option, the user must have an
EGA monochrome, CGA or VGA adapter.

User will experience a blank screen if a standard monochrome adapter is
installed.
==============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0656A                  02-04-91

==============================================================================


           CATAMOUNT ATC-16 TAPE CONTROLLER AND CUPID SYSTEMS WITH
                         CHIPS & TECHNOLOGY CHIP SET


Slow and unreliable DMA transfers (resulting in data errors or system lock
ups) may be experienced with the following configuration:

    - Catamount ATC-16 tape controller revision B.

    - Catamount software release 3.2 revision F.

    - Cupid motherboard (AST part number 202356-004 Revison A and above) with
      "Chips and Technology" chip set (location U85, part number 82C206.)

Catamount is not compatible with "Chips and Technology" chip set.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0657                  01/17/91

=============================================================================


                           PC SUPPORT VERSION 2.0


Customers have experienced problems when trying to run PC Support version 2.0
(AS/400) running under DOS version 4.X.

While running the ASTPCS.BAT file to initiate PC Support, the following errors
may occur:

    5118
    5042

To resolve this problem customers should check the AS/400 for the device
description.  If the device description is the default, "5251 model 11", this
must be changed to "5150 model 1".
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0658                  01-21-91

=============================================================================


                           VGA PLUS - IRQ 2 CONFLICTS


The VGA Plus adapter, part number 202262-003 revisions A or B, causes a
conflict with other adapters in the computer that requires the use of IRQ 2.
Such adapters include the IBM 3270 emulation adapter, or networking adapters
which may be configured to use IRQ 2.

This conflict is due to the VGA Plus seizing IRQ 2 on the system bus and
preventing any other adapter from utilizing this signal.

To resolve this incompatibility, replace this VGA Plus adapter with one that
carries the part number 202262-003 revision C (or above).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0659                  01-30-91

=============================================================================


                        RUNNING 3270 FTS UNDER PROFS


When trying to invoke the 3270 FTS File Transfer program, the initial File
Transfer screen would be displayed, then the system would hang.  The customer
also noted that he was unable to get the system to a "ready prompt".

The problem occurs when running PROFS (an electronic mail package) which is
interfering with our File Transfer program.

To run AST's FTS program with PROFS, you must do the following:

    1.  Back out of PROFS by hitting the PF12 key twice.
       (Do not attempt to use any other method.)

    2.  Hot-key to DOS using the LSHIFT + RSHIFT keys.

    3.  Execute AST's FTS (File Transfer program).

    4.  Once the File Transfer is finished, re-initialize the PROFS system.
        This is done by typing:

                     I CMS (from the Host command line)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0660                  01-30-91

=============================================================================


               AST 3270 COAX II WITH WEITEK MATH CO-PROCESSOR


When trying to invoke the FTSII File Transfer program with a Weitek math co-
processor installed, the File Transfer initialization screen will appear and
then hang.

To resolve the problem, change the API Vector Address in the 3270CNF
configuration program from 7A to 2D.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0661                  01-30-91

=============================================================================


              AST COAX II-CUT AND WD-1007A CONTROLLER CONFLICT


A Coax Adapter Board (CAB) Error 9 may occur while trying to load the AST
COAX II-Cut Emulation software.  (Reference Technical Bulletin #0453:  Error
9 is defined as "Reserved".)

Any error that is listed as "Reserved" typically is the result of a hardware
conflict between an AST card and another card in the machine.  The
specifications for a Western Digital WD-1007A ESDI Controller states that it
uses a shared memory address of C800H.  Western Digital has indicated that a
potential problem may occur.

To resolve this problem, move Jumper W1 on the controller from 2-3 to 1-2.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0662                  01-31-91

=============================================================================


                   PREMIUM COMPUTER WITH NASHUA DISKETTES


A "Not ready error reading drive, Abort, Retry, Fail?" will occur when trying
to read a Nashua high density (1.2MB) diskette on Premium Computers.

This problem is caused by the vinyl that Nashua uses for jackets on their
diskettes.  Currently, Nashua is shipping a thicker type of vinyl for their
high density diskettes.  Customers experiencing this problem should contact
Nashua.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0663                  02-01-91

=============================================================================


                       BRAVO/386SX AND KEYBOARD ERRORS


When using the Bravo/386SX in various software environments, keyboard errors
may occur.  For example, when using IBM's Attachment 3270 emulation software,
the left-hand control key does not function at all.  In Lotus and SCO UNIX,
the function 5 key generates erroneous characters.  In Novell environments,
the down arrow cursor key will act as a shift-lock or will not function at
all.

To resolve these problems, replace the existing keyboard with an NMB keyboard
revision C (AST part number 230098-001).
==============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0664                   02-08-91

==============================================================================


                PREMIUM COMPUTERS AND MICROSPEED PC-TRACKBALL


Problems may occur when attaching MicroSpeed PC-Trackball, which is PS/2
compatible, on an AST Premium Computer.  The system will lock-up at the system
password prompt with a asterisk and a blinking cursor.  If the system password
is disabled, the system will lock-up at a C:> prompt.

This problem is resolved by upgrading to version 1.8 of MicroSpeed's PAL
(Micro Coder) chip.  Customers experiencing this problem should contact
MicroSpeed's Technical Support to obtain this upgrade.
==============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0665                   02-14-91

==============================================================================


                GUIDELINES FOR USING NOVELL'S COMPSURF UTILITY


The following are some general guidelines that should be followed when using
Novell's compsurf utility:

    NEVER use the format option in COMPSURF when:

      - Using a SCSI drive.

      - Using a drive over 1024 cylinders.

      - Using a WD1007A-XXX hard drive controller.

      - Hard drive manufacturer forbids it.


    To successfully prepare a hard drive (over 1024 cylinders) for Novell, do
    the following:

      - Set drive type in CMOS per manufacturers recommendations.

      - Low-level format using the manufacturers format utility (i.e.,
        HDFORMAT for an AST drive).

      - If the drive requires the Novell compsurf "stamp", run compsurf but DO
        NOT take the format option.

      - As soon as the compsurf utility starts, it will check track 0.
        Immediately after the track 0 test is completed (usually within 45
        seconds), hit the ALT + F10 keys twice.  This should stop the compsurf
        utility and "stamp" the drive.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0666                  02-13-91

=============================================================================


                      NOVELL COMPSURF WITH ESDI DRIVES


Problems may occur when running Novell's Compsurf Utility with AST's OEM
version of the WD1007 ESDI controller (AST part number 240018-001) and the
Maxtor 4380 320 MB hard drive (AST part number 230055-320).  Examples of some
errors are as follows:

    - Abend:  Disk Channel 0 could not reset controller

    - Unable to access Sector 14

    - Unable to read bad block table

To resolve the above problems, you must do the following:

    - Do a low-level format using the manufacturer's utility software (i.e.,
      HDFORMAT.EXE for an AST drive).

    - Run Novell utility ESDIDISK.EXE.  (Do not attempt more than three
      passes.)

NOTE:  The Novell utility ESDIDISK.EXE is available on Novell's Bulletin
       Board (NETWIRE) and is listed as ESDIDR.ZIP in Library 6, Forum A.
       This utility will:

       - Check track zero.

       - Scan the hard drive surface.

       - Put the COMPSURF "stamp" on the drive.

       - Create a bad block table that Novell can use.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0667                  02-18-91

=============================================================================


                      PROTEON 16/4MB TOKEN RING ADAPTER
                            (MODEL 1390) AND OS/2


With a Proteon 1390 (16/4MB) Token Ring board, running in the UTP mode
(unshielded twisted pair) installed in a Premium II 386SX-20, errors may
occur when trying to run OS/2 version 1.21 or LAN MAN with Proteon's software
driver version 2.07.

The problem has been resolved by Proteon.  All customers experiencing this
problem should contact Proteon for a software upgrade.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0668                  03-06-91

=============================================================================


                   PREMIUM EXEC BATTERY PACK PRESSURE PAD


Problems have been reported with battery packs that will not charge or hold a
full charge on some Premium Exec 386SX/20 systems.

The problem is caused by the contacts on the motherboard not making reliable
contact with the battery pack terminals due to compression of the battery
pack pressure pad.  Under certain circumstances, the battery pressure pad,
located on the inside of the battery compartment door, may compress causing a
reduction in the amount of pressure applied to the battery pack.

This problem is resolved by replacing the battery pressure pad located on the
inside of the battery compartment door.

Customers experiencing the above problem should contact AST Product Support
and request a battery pressure pad replacement, AST part number 200366-002.
The new pad can be easily installed by either peeling off the original pad
and replacing it with the new pad or by placing the new pad next to the
original pad.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0669                  03-08-91

=============================================================================


               PREMIUM 386SX-16 WITH PARADISE 8514/A PLUS CARD


When installing a Paradise 8514/A video card in a Premium 386SX-16 system,
certain errors may be experienced.  These errors are:

    - When the Premium 386SX-16 computer is "powered on", the system will go
      through post test and, at the memory count, the monitor will go blank
      and the system will give one long beep.

    - The second error will occur while running the WDAI.EXE program.  This
      program initializes the video adapter.  However, during the
      initialization of the video card, WDAI.EXE does not recognize that the
      Paradise 8514/A video card is installed in the Premium 386SX-16
      computer system.

Customers should verify what Premium 386SX-16 processor board is in the
system by removing the cover.  If the Premium 386SX-16 processor board has
AST's part number 202337-001, it needs to be replaced with AST's part number
202380-001.  Customers who are experiencing the above problem should contact
an AST Authorized Service Center for replacement.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0670                  03-25-91

=============================================================================


                    BRAVO/386SX AND THOMAS CONARD TC 4035


For reliable operation of the Thomas Conard Network card model TC 4035 on a
AST Bravo/386SX.  Version 1.04 of Thomas Conard Network software must be
used.

Earlier version of Thomas Conard Network software will intermittently give
write errors writing to the local hard drive.  The error "abort, retry,
ignore?" will be encountered when copying files from the file server to a
local drive (C:> drive).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0671                  04-05-91

=============================================================================


               PREMIUM II WITH IBM'S 3270 ENTRY LEVEL PROGRAM


When using IBM 3270 Coax Board (IBM part number 56X4928) and IBM's PC3270
Emulation program, Entry Level software version 1.1 or 1.21 in a Premium II.
The Screen displays characters that are chopped in half, also the usable
vertical screen area is chopped in half.

The problem has been corrected by IBM.  Customers experiencing this problem
should contact IBM at (800) 237-5511 and ask for Maintenance software patch
IR80382.  To insure proper installation of the maintenance software patch,
customers should follow the process outlined on page 8-33 of the Entry Level
User's Manual.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0672                  04-15-91

=============================================================================


                             BRAVO/486 WITH SQL


When trying to access SQL (Software Products International) from an icon
under Windows 3.0 on a Bravo/486-25, an hour glass will appear and the system
will freeze.

Software Products International has resolved the problem with a software
patch.  Customers experiencing this problem should contact Software Products
International to obtain this patch.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0673                  05-02-91

=============================================================================


                      DEPCA DE-200A CARD AND ASTEMM 4.0


When using ASTEMM.SYS version 4.0 expanded memory manager, an error message
"decnet error:  attempt to start line failed" is displayed.

The ASTEMM 4.10 released with the Premium II Utilities, part number
910429-001 will resolve this problem.  Use only the ASTEMM.SYS file on this
diskette.  The remaining files may not be compatible with Premium systems.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0674                  05-02-91

=============================================================================


                     AST PREMIUM II 386SX/20 WITH ORACLE


When starting Oracle version 5.1A the system hangs with the following message
displayed:

          Loading Oracle into Extended Memory.

To recover from this hang, the system must be rebooted or powered off then
back on.

Customers experiencing this problem should contact Oracle for an updated
version of their registered software.

          Oracle Corporation
          20 Davis Drive
          Belmont, CA 94002
          (415) 341-4333
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0675                  05-02-91

=============================================================================


                  CONFIGURATION FILES FOR ISA OPTION BOARDS


The following is a list of the configuration files which currently ship on
AST's EISA configuration diskettes.

The files are listed alphabetically by company with a description of the
adapter and the corresponding CFG file names:

Company/Description:                             CFGfile:   Category:

3Com Corporation
   Etherlink 3C500B, ASM 34-0780                 ISA8C02      NET
   Etherlink 3C501, ASM 1221                     ISA8C01      NET
   Etherlink II 3C503                            ISA8C03      NET
   Etherlink Plus 3C505-2012, 16-bit             ISA8C00      NET
   Etherlink Plus 3C505-2012, 8-bit              ISA8C06      NET
   Tokenlink 3C603, 16-bit                       ISA8C04      NET
   Tokenlink 3C603, 8-bit                        ISA8C08      NET
   Tokenlink Plus 3C605-2065, 16-bit             ISA8C07      NET
   Tokenlink Plus 3C605-2065, 8-bit              ISA8C05      NET

Alloy
   FTFA Tape and Floppy Controller               ISABA03      OTH
   IMP2 Multiuser Port Controller                ISABA00      COM
   IMP8 Multiuser Port Controller                ISABA01      COM
   PC-HIA XBUS Controller                        ISABA02      OTH

American Megatrends, Inc.
   Smart Pack 2 with PAL 5.1                     ISAD800      MEM
   Smart Pack 2 with PAL 6.1                     ISAD801      MEM
   Smart Pack 2 with PAL 6.2                     ISAD802      MEM

Anvil
   Stallion Intelligent I/O Controller           ISAB000      COM

Archive
   SC499R Tape Controller                        ISAB800      MSD
   VP402 Tape Adapter                            ISAB801      MSD

Arnet
   Modular SMARTPORT Card                        ISAAE02      COM
   SMARTPORT 16 Card                             ISAAE03      COM
   SMARTPORT Card                                ISAAE01      COM

AST Research
   3270/Coax II Rev. X4                          ISA8200      COM
   5251/11 Enhanced Plus                         ISA8201      COM
   Rampage 286                                   ISA8203      MEM
   RAMvantage                                    ISA8204      MEM
   SixPackPlus, version A                        ISA8202      MEM

AT&T
   Starlan Network Adapter                       ISA8F00      NET
   Truevision Image Capture                      ISA8F01      VID

ATI Technologies
    EGA Wonder                                   ISAAC00      VID
    VGA Wonder                                   ISAAC01      VID

Atronics
   Professional Image Board Plus                 ISACF00      VID

Attachmate
   3270 Coax Adapter (long board)                ISA8100      COM
   Advanced 3270 Coax Adapter (short board)      ISA8101      COM
   SDLC Adapter                                  ISA8103      COM
   SDLC/Autolink Adapter                         ISA8102      COM

Banyan
   Intelligent Communications Adapter            ISAB500      COM

Bell Technologis
   ACE Multiport Serial Card                     ISAC100      COM

Bi-Tech Enterprises, Inc.
   SCSI 2110 HD/Tape Controller                  ISAD000      MSD
   SCSI 2200 Controller                          ISAD001      MSD

BICC
   ISOLAN Ethernet Adapter                       ISAA600      NET

BIT3
   403/404/405 Bus Communication Adapters        ISABB00      OTH

BlueLynx
   BlueLynx 3270 Enhanced Coax                   ISAC304      COM
   BlueLynx 3270 Remote                          ISAC302      COM
   BlueLynx 5250                                 ISAC301      COM
   BlueLynx 5251-12                              ISAC300      COM
   BlueLynx Enhanced 5251-11                     ISAC303      COM

Boca Research, Inc.
   Bocaram/AT Plus                               ISABC00      MEM
   I/O Master AT                                 ISABC01      OTH

Capital Equipment Corporation
   PC 488 IEEE Printer Controller                ISAC500      OTH

Chase Research
   AT4/AT8/AT16                                  ISADD00      COM

Codonol
   Codenet 3051                                  ISAA800      NET

Computer Peripherals
   Graphmaster Plus EGA                          ISAB602      VID
   Monographic Video                             ISAB600      VID
   Vision Master VGA                             ISAB601      VID

Computone
   IntelliPort ATCC Cluster Controller           ISAAF01      COM
   IntelliPort Multiport Serial Card             ISAAF00      COM

Comtrol Corporation
   SMART HOSTESS Multiport Serial Card           ISAD200      COM

Control Systems
   Artist 10                                     ISAA700      VID
   Artist XJ10                                   ISAA701      VID

Core International, Inc
   CNT-ATP ESDI Internal FD Controller           ISAC400      MSD

Corollary
   8x4 Mux (Jumpers)                             ISAC000      COM
   8x4 Mux (Rotary Switches)                     ISAC001      COM

Digital Comm. Associates
   10 Net Adapter                                ISA8507      NET
   IRMA 3278 Emulation Adapter                   ISA8501      COM
   IRMA 3279 Graphics Adapter                    ISA8502      COM
   IRMA2 3279 Graphics Adapter                   ISA8508      COM
   IRMA2 Adapter                                 ISA8500      COM
   IRMA3 Convertible Adapter                     ISA8503      COM
   SDLC Adapter                                  ISA8506      COM
   Smart Alec 5250                               ISA8505      COM

Digital Equipment Corporation
   DEPCA EtherLink Adapter, Rev D1               ISA8B00      NET
   DEPCA EtherLink Adapter, Rev E, F             ISA8B01      NET

DigiBoard
   DigiBoard Com/8s                              ISAB904      COM
   DigiChannel PC/8                              ISAB905      COM
   DigiChannel PC/8e                             ISAB903      COM
   DigiChannel PC/8i                             ISAB901      COM
   DigiChannel PC/Xe                             ISAB900      COM

Digital Storage Systems
   ARC6000                                       ISACD00      MSD

Emerald
   3XPlus 5250 Remote                            ISAB101      COM
   3XPlus 5250 Twinax                            ISAB100      COM

Emulex
   MPC-II Comm Controller                        ISAD300      COM

Eotron
   EOgraph Plus                                  ISABF00      OTH

Equinox Systems
   Megaport Board                                ISAD100      COM

Everex
   Evercom 24 2400 Baud Modem                    ISAB200      COM

Excelan
   EXOS 205E                                     ISAA400      NET
   EXOS 205T 16-bit                              ISAA401      NET

GammaLink
   GammaFax CP                                   ISAD501      COM
   GammaFax NA                                   ISAD500      COM

Gateway
   G/Ethernet 8-bit PC                           ISA9401      NET
   G/Ethernet AT                                 ISA9400      NET
   G/Net LNIM                                    ISA9405      NET
   G/Net VS                                      ISA9404      NET
   G/Token Ring 8-bit                            ISA9402      NET
   G/Token Ring AT                               ISA9403      NET

Genoa Systems Corporation
   QIC-02 Tape Controller                        ISA9F07      MSD
   Super VGA, 16-bit                             ISA9F00      VID
   SuperEGA HiRes+                               ISA9F03      VID
   SuperSpectrum Model 4640                      ISA9F05      VID
   SuperSpectrum Model 4650                      ISA9F04      VID
   SuperVGA                                      ISA9F02      VID

Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
   Smartmodem 1200B                              ISAAB00      COM
   Smartmodem 2400B                              ISAAB01      COM

Hercules Computer Technology
   GB222 InColor Card                            ISA9000      VID
   Graphics Card Plus                            ISA9001      VID
   VGA Card                                      ISA9002      VID

Hewlett Packard Company
   Dual Serial Interface Board (24541B)          HWP1400      COM
   Enhanced Graphics Adapter Board (45983A)      HWP0030      VID
   HP 82328A Intelligent Graphics Controller     ISA9B00      VID
   HP Serial/Parallel Interface Board (24540B)   HWP1C00      COM
   HP-IB Interface (82335A)                      HWP1420      OTH
   Internal 1200 Baud Modem (24550A)             HWP1450      COM
   Internal 2400 Baud Modem (24551A)             HWP1410      COM
   Monochrome Plus Video Board (35732A)          HWP0000      VID
   Multimode Color Adapter Board (45984A)        HWP0020      VID
   Multimode Video Adapter (45981A)              HWP0010      VID
   Scanjet Plus Interface (88290A)               HWP1460      COM
   ThinLAN Interface Card (27210B)               HWP1810      NET

Hughes Lan Systems
   4140 Ethernet Board                           ISAD700      NET
   6130 Broadband Network Card                   ISAD702      NET
   6140 Token Ring Network                       ISAD702      NET

IBM
   Advanced 3278/79 Adapter                      ISA8303      COM
   Enhanced 5250 Emulator                        ISA8300      COM
   Enhanced 5250 Emulator, Rev B                 ISA8301      COM
   Enhanced Graphic Adapter                      ISA839C      VID
   Monochrome Adapter                            ISA8308      VID
   PC Network                                    ISA8305      NET
   PGA                                           ISA830D      VID
   SDLC (3270 or 5250 Remote)                    ISA8302      COM
   Serial/Parallel Adapter                       ISA8304      OTH
   Token Ring Adapter I                          ISA8306      NET
   Token Ring Adapter II                         ISA8307      NET
   Token Ring Adapter, 4/16                      ISA830B      NET
   Token Ring II Adapter, Short Card             ISA830A      NET
   VGA Display Adapter                           ISA8309      VID

Idea
   5250/Remote                                   ISA8400      COM
   5251 Twinax Plus, Rev D                       ISA8401      COM
   IDEAcomm 5251 Twinax Plus, Rev C              ISA8402      COM
   IDEAcomm 5251 Twinax, Rev A, B, C             ISA8403      COM

Ideatech, Inc
   Ideaphone Input Device                        ISACE00      OTH

IMC Networks Corporation
   PCnic, 16-bit NIC                             ISA9700      NET

Intel Corporation
   Above Board 286 (no Piggyback)                ISA9202      MEM
   Above Board 286 with 2MB Piggyback            ISA9203      MEM
   Above Board Plus 8 (including 6MB Piggyback)  ISA9206      MEM
   Above Board PS/286 (no Piggyback)             ISA9204      MEM
   Above Board PS/286 with 2MB Piggyback         ISA9205      MEM
   Above Board/AT (no Piggyback)                 ISA9200      MEM
   Above Board/AT with 2MB Piggyback             ISA9201      MEM
   Visual Edge Printing Enhancement System       ISA9207      OTH

Iomega Corporation
   Bernoulli Host Adapter Board                  ISAB700      OTH

Konan
   TNT-1050 Caching Disk Controller              ISACB00      MSD

LSE Electronics
   Platinum VGA 16 Card                          ISAC701      VID
   YC808 Color Graphics Printer Adapter          ISAC700      OTH

Madge
   AT Ring Node                                  ISA9600      NET

Matrox
   PG-1024                                       ISA9C02      VID
   PG-1281                                       ISA9C01      VID
   PG-641                                        ISA9C03      VID

Metheus
   UGA 1104 Graphics Controller                  MET1104      VID
   UGA 1124/1128 Graphics Controller             MET1128      VID

Micom-Interlan
   NI5210/16 Ethernet                            ISA9303      NET
   NI5210/8 Ethernet Adapter                     ISA9302      NET
   NP600A Ethernet Adapter, 16-bit               ISA9300      NET

Micro Integration
   PC-MICOAX                                     ISAC201      COM
   PC-STWINAX                                    ISAC200      COM

Microsoft Corporation
   Mouse Controller                              ISA8E00      OTH

National Instruments
   AT-GPIB                                       ISACA01      OTH
   GPIB-PC                                       ISACA02      OTH
   GPIB-PCIIA                                    ISACA00      OTH

NEC
   Multisync Graphics Board GB-1                 ISAD900      VID

Nestar
   ARCNET Plan 2000                              ISA8A00      NET

Novell
   Coax Adapter 3270 Connection                  ISA8700      COM
   Coax Graphics, Rev A                          ISA8701      COM
   NE1000 Ethernet Adapter                       ISA8711      NET
   NE2000 Ethernet Adapter                       ISA8712      NET
   RX-Net, Rev B, C, D Network Interface         ISA8713      NET
   RX-Net, Rev E, F, G Network Interface         ISA8714      NET
   Twinax 5250                                   ISA8702      COM

Nth Graphics
   Nth Engine                                    ISADC00      VID

Orchid
   Enhanced Board OM                             ISAA102      MEM
   Enhanced Board w/IO                           ISAA103      MEM
   ProDesigner VGA/VGA+                          ISAA101      VID
   Turbo PGA                                     ISAA100      VID

Packard Bell
   PB 3270 Coad                                  ISACC00      COM

Paradise Systems
   Autoswitch EGA                                ISAA202      VID
   VGA Plus, 8-bit                               ISAA201      VID
   VGA Professional, 16-bit                      ISAA200      VID

Pixel Works
   Micro Clipper Graphics                        ISA9E00      VID
   Ultra Clipper Graphics                        ISA9E01      VID

Practical Peripherals
   Practical Modem 2400                          ISAAB300     COM

Pure Data
   PDI508 ArcNet                                 ISAA501      NET
   PDI8025 Token Ring                            ISAA500      NET

Qua Tech
   DS-201 Dual Channel RS-422                    ISABE04      OTH
   DSDO-402 Dual Serial/Dual Parallel            ISABE06      OTH
   ES-100 8 Channel Asynchronous                 ISABE01      COM
   MXI-100 IEEE 488 GPIB                         ISABE03      OTH
   PXB-1608 Parallel Expansion Board             ISABE00      OTH
   PXB-721 Parallel Expansion                    ISABE05      OTH
   QS-100M 4 Channel Asynchronous                ISABE02      COM
   SmartLynx Multiport Adapter                   ISABE08      COM
   WSB-10 Waveform Synthesizer                   ISABE07      OTH

Quadram
   QuadEGA+                                      ISA9100      VID
   QuadMeg-AT                                    ISA9102      MEM
   QuadRAM+ w/IO                                 ISA9102      MEM
   QuadVGA Video Adapter                         ISA9101      VID

Rabbit Software
   RB14 X.25 Adapter                             ISADB00      COM
   RB24 Multi-Protocol Comm                      ISADB01      COM

Racal-Interlan
   NI5210/16 Ethernet                            ISABD03      NET
   NI5210/8 Ethernet                             ISABD02      NET
   NP600A Ethernet 16-bit                        ISABD00      NET

Renaissance
   Rendition I                                   ISA9D00      VID
   Rendition II Intelligent Graphics Controller  ISA9D01      VID

Sigma Designs
   SigmaVGA or VGA/HP8                           ISA9901      VID
   VGA-PC-HP160/162                              ISA9900      VID

SIIG, Inc.
   ARCLAN-100 Arcnet Network Board               ISAC900      NET

SMC
   ARCNET PC                                     ISA8900      NET
   ARCNET PC100                                  ISA8901      NET
   ARCNET PC110                                  ISA8902      NET
   ARCNET PC130/E                                ISA8903      NET
   ARCNET PC220/120                              ISA8904      NET
   ARCNET PC270/E                                ISA8905      NET
   ARCNET PC500                                  ISA8906      NET
   Ethernet PC510                                ISA8907      NET

STB Systems
   Chauffer HT                                   ISAB402      VID
   EGA MultiRes                                  ISAB404      VID
   EGA Plus                                      ISAB401      VID
   VGA Extra                                     ISAB403      VID

Street Electronics Corporation
   ECHO PC+ Speech Synthesizer                   ISAC800      OTH

Sun Micro Systmes
   TOPS Flashcard                                ISAAD00      COM

Tecmar
   EGA Master 480/800                            ISA8804      VID
   Maestro AT                                    ISA8805      MEM
   QIC PC36 Tapee Controller                     TEC8001      MSD
   QIC60 Host Adapter                            TEC8000      MSD
   QT Host Adapter                               TEC8002      MSD
   QT PC36 Tape Controller                       TEC8003      MSD

The Complete PC, Inc.
   FAX/9600                                      ISAD600      COM

Thomas-Conrad Corporation
   TC6042 ARC-Card/CE                            TCC030D      NET
   TC6045 ARC-Card/AT                            TCC010C      NET
   TC6142 ARC-Card/CE                            TCC040B      NET

Tiara
   LanCard/A, Rev B                              ISA8D00      NET
   LanCard/E PC 16                               ISA8D01      NET

Torus
   Ethernet Adapter                              ISADA00      NET
   Ethernet Adapter/SB                           ISADA01      NET

Truevision
   ATVista ICB                                   ISAA300      VID

Ungerman-Bass, Inc.
   3270 NIUpc                                    UBIB200      NET
   NIC                                           UBIC100      NET
   NIUpc                                         UBIB100      NET
   NIUpc / Token Ring                            UBID100      NET
   Personal NIU                                  UBIA100      NET
   Personal NIU/ex                               UBIA200      NET

Vector International
   SCC Async/BSC/SDLC                            ISAC600      COM

Vermont Micro Systems
   Cobra                                         VMI0211      VID
   Cobra Plus                                    VMI0E01      VID
   Image Manager 1024                            VMI0201      VID
   Image Manager 640                             VMI0601      VID
   Page Manager 100                              ISAA000      VID

Verticom, Inc.
   M16/M256E                                     ISA9A00      VID
   MX16/AT & MX256/AT                            ISA9A01      VID

Video Seven
   FastWrite VGA Video Adapter                   ISA9802      VID
   V-RAM VGA                                     ISA9800      VID
   Vega Deluxe EGA Adapter                       ISA9801      VID

Western Digital Corporation
   EtherCard + 8003EB 61-600090-00               WDC03E4      NET
   EtherCard + 8003EB 61-600245-02               WDC03E2      NET
   EtherCard Plus 16 8013EBT                     WDC13E0      NET
   EtherCard Plus 8003E                          WDC03E0      NET
   EtherCard Plus TP 8003WT                      WDC03E3      NET
   EtherCard Plus w/Boot 8003EBT                 WDC03E1      NET
   StarCard Plus 8003S                           WDC0300      NET
   StarLink Plus 8003SH                          WDC0301      NET
   TokenCard 8005TR/8005TRWS                     WDC0510      NET
   WD1004A-WX1 Controller                        ISAD400      MSD
   WD1006V-MM2 Winchester/Floppy Controller      ISAD401      MSD
   WD1006V-SR2 Winchester/Floppy Controller      ISAD402      MSD

Total Released ISA Option files:                 273
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0676                  05-02-91

=============================================================================


                     PREMIUM/386-C SERIAL PORT CONFLICT


When using the Premium/386-C BIOS version 3.01 and Hayes modem or IBM
serial/parallel card, the following conflict error my occur at boot time:

               "On-board serial port in conflict with Add-on expansion card".

Customers experiencing the above error should obtain a copy of the BIOS
release 2.30 kit number 500702-001 to resolve this problem.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0677                  05-02-91

=============================================================================


               GIGATREND TAPE BACK-UP UNIT AND PREMIUM 386/33


The Gigatrend Model 1235 tape back-up unit is not compatible with the Premium
386/33 Cupid system.  When attempting back-up the following error message
will be displayed:

          RAM Parity errors - offending segment XXXX

There is no resolution at this time and Marketing has determined that this
problem will not be fixed.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0678A                 02-05-92

=============================================================================


                 PREMIUM EXEC BATTERY MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER


Under certain circumstances, some Premium Exec 386SX/20 computers may exhibit
one or more of the following problems when connected to the AC adapter after
the battery has been completely discharged:

    - Battery will not charge completely.

    - Over charge of battery.

    - Erroneous battery charge level indicators (LED) when connected to the
      AC Adapter.

    - Low battery alarm when connected to the AC Adapter.

    - Intermittent loss of display when booting.

To resolve these problems, it is necessary to reset the Battery Management
Controller (BMC) chip.  To accomplish this, follow the steps listed below:

    1.  Power off the Premium Exec.

    2.  Disconnect the AC Adapter from the Premium Exec.

    3.  Wait approximately 10 to 15 seconds, reconnect the AC Adapter to the
        Premium Exec.

    4.  Power the Premium Exec back on.

If this does not resolve the problem, the system may have a defective BMC
chip.  Contact AST or your nearest AST Authorized Service Center to have this
chip replaced (re: Field Change Notice #0058).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0679                  05-08-91

=============================================================================


                    PREMIUM EXEC, QEMM AND DESQVIEW 2.26


Under certain circumstances, Premium Exec computers with the QEMM Expanded
Memory Manager version 5.11 loaded, may take up to 1 1/4 minutes to load
Desqview version 2.26.

This problem is resolved by adding the following parameter to the QEMM
statement in the CONFIG.SYS file:

               DEVICE=QEMM.SYS IA
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0680                  05-08-91

=============================================================================


                     ETHERNEXT LAN CARD AND PREMIUM/286


The Ethernext LAN card is not compatible with the Premium/286 when configured
with a 3G Plus card and the system memory is set for zero wait states.

When attempting to run application programs from the Novell 2.15 shell
environment, a blank screen may appear.

There is no resolution for this problem and Marketing has determined that
this problem will not be resolved.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0681                  05-17-91

=============================================================================


                PREMIUM EXEC SUSPEND/RESUME AND PROTECTED MODE


The Premium Exec 386SX Suspend/Resume feature will not function when running
software that requires Protected Mode operation.  This includes applications,
such as Windows 3.0 and extended memory managers (i.e., QEMM and ASTEMM).

This problem is caused by the 386SX microprocessor's requirement for
applications or memory managers using extended memory to run in protected mode
only.  All 386SX "notebook" type computers, equipped with a Suspend/Resume
feature, exhibit this anomaly and to date, there are no known resolutions.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0682                  05-06-91

=============================================================================


         AST PREMIUM SYSTEMS WITH BUILT-IN MOUSE PORTS AND ADIC'S DCB


When installing two ADIC DCB controller cards, Channel 1 and Channel 2 in an
AST computer, errors will occur on the second DCB controller which is Channel
2, (i.e., Channel 2 will fail to initialize under Novell Netware environment
and will also fail ADIC diagnostics).

The problem lies with IRQ12, which supports the PS/2 mouse port.  ADIC's DCB
controller card Channel 2 is hard wired, this cannot be changed.  (IRQ12 is
accepted as Industry Standard for PS/2 mouse port).  ADIC's Technical Support
recommends that the customer using the DCB Channel 2, switch and use DCB
controller Channel 3 which uses IRQ10.  Customers experiencing the above
problem should contact ADIC's Technical Support to exchange DCB controller
cards.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0683                  05-08-91

=============================================================================


                    SUN RIVER CARD AND AST PREMIUM/386-33TE


When using the Sun River Fiber Optics Host adapter card, model HA-40, with
the AST Premium/386-33TE with greater than 15MB total memory the following
error message will be displayed at boot time:

          "Sun River card not found".

The above error message will only occur when RAM is installed in the 16MB
space.  The Sun River card uses the 16MB space for I/O addressing their card,
which conflicts with the processor memory addressing.

If this problem occurs, configure the system with 14MB or less of memory.
Marketing has determined that this problem will not be fixed.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0684                  05-21-91

=============================================================================


                NOVELL 386 WITH AST DESK TOP AND TOWER SYSTEMS


The following problems are occurring with AST Cupid desktop and Cupid Tower
systems configured with more than 16MB of RAM with Novell Netware 386 version
3.10:

    - System will lock up after attempting to mount the drives

    - Intermittent memory parity errors occur

    - Intermittent lock-ups occur

The above problems occur because the Novell operating system has not been
made aware of any memory above 16MB.  This problem can be resolved by
registering the memory with the Novell operating system so that it knows how
to access the memory.  To accomplish this, edit the AUTOEXEC.NCF file within
the Novell install option as follows:

REGISTER MEMORY [START(hex)] [LENGTH(hex)].

Using the chart below replace the [START(hex)] and [LENGTH(hex)] with the
appropriate parameter.

+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| TOTAL MEMORY           START(hex)          LENGTH(hex)    |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   20MB                 1000000             400000         |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   24MB                 1000000             800000         |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   28MB                 1000000             C00000         |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   32MB                 1000000             1000000        |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   36MB                 1000000             1400000        |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   40MB                 1000000             1800000        |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   44MB                 1000000             1C00000        |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   48MB                 1000000             2000000        |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|   52MB                 1000000             2400000        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------+
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0685                  05-24-91

=============================================================================


                  THE SUPER VGA MONITOR WITH AST VGA ADAPTERS


In January of 1991, the "dot clock" frequency of the AST Super VGA monitor
(part number 500783-XXX) became 36 megahertz in order to comply with industry
standards.  This is designated by the characters "36MHZ" on the back of the
monitor.

This change causes an incompatibility with AST VGA display adapters in
certain display modes.  The symptoms appear when the "Enhanced Text Mode"
(132 characters by 25 lines or 132 characters by 43 lines) is chosen for the
display mode.  The monitor will display only horizontal scan lines instead of
readable text.

The following table describes the revision level of a given VGA display
adapter required to maintain compatibility with the "36MHz" Super VGA
adapter.

Description              Part Number          Revision Level

VGA Adapter (8 bit)      202249-005            C or above
VGA Plus Adapter         202262-003            D or above
CUPID System Board       202360-001            S or above
DSX-16 VGA Adapter       20H004-001            X4 or above
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0686                  05-28-91

=============================================================================


                   BRAVO 386/SX-16 AND NOVELL'S NE2000 CARD


When using a Bravo 386SX (part number 500736-XXX) with a Novell NE2000 LAN
card installed, random characters may appear on the right edge of the screen
with normal operation while attached to a server.

This problem can be resolved by removing the jumper W16 on the Novell NE2000
card.  This jumper is used to maintain Bus compatibility.

For a detailed description of the usage of W16 see "Novell's Ethernet
installation supplement" part number 100-000708-001 revision 1.01.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0687                  05-30-91

=============================================================================


                 PREMIUM/386-25, 33 AND CORE TAPE BACK UP UNIT


It has been reported that the Core Tape backup unit, configured with a
Archive model 2060L tape drive and a SCSI Everex model
EV-811 controller will not function properly in a Premium/386-25 and a
Premium/386-33.

The user may experience system hang-ups when attempting a backup, or the
message "communication timeout" will be displayed on the screen.

The problem lies within the Core Tape back-up unit not operating correctly
with processor speeds above 20MHz.

Customers experiencing this problem should contact Core Technical Support at
(407) 997-6033.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0688                  05-31-91

=============================================================================


                 PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND GEO WORKS ENSEMBLE


When using Geo Works Ensemble version 1.0 on a Premium Exec 386SX/20 the
customer is unable to print through the parallel port.  This problem only
occurs with this version of the software application.

Customers experiencing the above problem should contact Geo Works for a file
called PARALLEL.GEO.  This software patch will correct the problem of
printing through the parallel port.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0689                  04-30-91

=============================================================================


                  PREMIUM II SYSTEM BIOS AUTOSENSE FEATURE


The Premium II BIOS (version 2.0 and above, AST part numbers 237826-001A and
237827-001A) supports a feature known as "Autosense".  This feature allows
the BIOS to automatically sense, and use, optimized parameters which take
advantage of the full capacity of IDE type hard drives.

Prior to this feature, the parameters for a particular drive had been
determined by entering a discrete value (e.g. "17") in SETUP.  This value had
to operate with drives from several vendors, so these parameters were not
always optimal for a particular drive.

This means that the same drive configured by these two methods will have two
different sets of parameters, particularly the number of cylinders.

Therefore, a drive which has been partitioned and formatted under a discrete
drive type may have to be re-partitioned and re-formatted when configured by
the autosense feature.  Make sure the following steps are taken before using
autosense to configure a drive:

    - Save the data currently on the drive.  Save only files and directories,
      not partition information.

    - Run SETUP and choose "AUTO" for drive type.  A set of parameters will
      be returned for the installed drive.  Save the configuration and exit
      SETUP.

    - Re-partition and re-format the drive under the new configuration, and
      restore the original data.

Note: The Conner CP-3000 40MB drive (AST part number 230092-040) cannot be
      configured via the autosense feature.  This drive must be manually
      configured as type "17" in the SETUP program.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0690                  06-18-91

=============================================================================


                    EXCESSIVE HEAT IN TOWER EISA SYSTEMS


Tower EISA systems with 80486 processor boards installed exhibit intermittent
failures under certain operating environments.  Normally under these
conditions there are one or more Host Bus Adapters (HBA's) or multiple
network interface cards installed in the system as well as the processor
card.  The failures exhibited are:

    - Complete system halts, forcing a reset of the system,

    - Error messages generated by the operating system in use.

The cause of these intermittent failures has been proven to be caused by
excessive heat buildup in the tower enclosure due to improper placement or
installation of the enclosure itself.  To insure proper operation of Tower
EISA systems in all operating environments, the following guidelines must be
met:

    1.  Proper ventilation must be supplied for the Tower enclosure

    2.  Ambient air temperature must be within the specifications stated in
        the Tower User's Manual.

    3.  All system covers, including drive bay covers, must be installed
        while the system is operating.  These enclosures are designed for
        optimal air flow with the covers in place.

    4.  The processor board installed in the system must be a particular
        revision level.  The processor boards listed below have a vented
        bracket (AST part number 200412-001) installed which aids air flow.

          Processor Board     Part Number    Revision

              486-25           202361-002        N
              486-33           202361-004        D
              486-25           202361-005        D
              486-25           202361-006        B
              486-33           202361-007        B
              486-25           202397-001        X3
              486-33           202397-002        B

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0691                  06-19-91

=============================================================================


                       PREMIUM II ILLEGAL CMOS VALUES


Premium II systems, while running Power On Self Test (POST), may display the
status of cache memory as "Disabled", but CMOS SETUP displays cache as
"Enabled".  These contrary indications are caused by two bits in CMOS memory
being set to illegal values.  Systems affected are those with version 2.00
BIOS (part numbers 237826-001 A and 237827-001 A) installed.

The illegal setting can be verified by entering SETUP and using the PAGE DOWN
key (instead of using the TAB key) to view the status of "Cache Memory".
With the illegal values set, this field will show that neither "Enable" or
"Disable" has actually been selected.

To insure that the cache feature is properly enabled and functioning, perform
the following steps:

    1.  Enter the SETUP program as described in the Premium II User's Manual.

    2.  TAB down to the "Cache Memory" field and use the ARROW keys to choose
        "Disable".

    3.  TAB to the next field down, then SHIFT-TAB immediately back to the
        "Cache Memory" field and choose "Enable".

    4.  Save the new configuration upon exiting the SETUP program.

The system will boot and display "TESTING CACHE ......ENABLED" during POST,
and the cache feature will function normally.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0692                  07-12-91

=============================================================================


                PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND XIRCOM MULTIPLEXOR


When the Xircom Ethernet adapter is used with the Xircom Multiplexor attached
to the Exec 386SX/20 parallel port, the following error message will be
displayed when attempting to connect to the Network:

    "Adapter not found or power is off"

This problem occurs only on the following Premium Exec motherboards:

Part Number         Revision Level

202390-001          X17 or below
202390-002          X3  or below

The revision level can be found on a label affixed to the motherboard and is
clearly visible after removing the Accessory Door.

Customers experiencing this failure should contact AST or an authorized AST
Service Provider for arrangements to have the unit exchanged.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0693                  06-20-91

=============================================================================


          PREMIUM/386-25 PARALLEL PORT AND INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS UNIX


The following represents a problem as reported from the field:

SYMPTOM:

If the system is "powered on" and the printer is "not applied", the console
is rendered inoperative.

CONFIGURATION:

Premium/386-25
Unix System version 2.2.1, running Multi-User mode.
Printer attached to parallel port on 386/25.

CAUSE:

This is a known problem with Interactive Systems Unix operating system.

SOLUTION:

There is no known resolution at this time.  Customers experiencing the above
problem should contact the manufacture Interactive Systems for details.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0694                  06-28-91

=============================================================================


                       AST PREMIUM 386SX-16 AND ALSYS


When running AlsyComp, from Alsys, Inc. on a Premium 386SX-16 system with a
Cupid Enhanced motherboard (part number 202360-XXX), customer will experience
system lock-ups.  This problem only occurs when the math-coprocessor is
enabled.

Customers experiencing this problem should contact Alsys, Inc.  They have the
following software patches VSTACK87.OBJ and STARTUP.OBJ available to resolve
the problem.  (PR#B66097)
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0695                  07-18-91

=============================================================================


              DESQVIEW AND AST SYSTEMS WITH BUILT-IN MOUSE PORT


PROBLEM:       AST systems lock-up when using DESQview, with a mouse
               connected to the mouse port.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM BOARD:  All system boards with integrated mouse port and the following
               part numbers:

               202273-001, 202343-001, 202343-003, 202351-002 202352-001,
               202360-001, 202373-001, 202377-001, 202385-001,

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between DESQview release 2.31, and AST's
               implementation of the mouse port.

SOLUTION:      A permanent solution will be the next release of DESQview.
               However, a temporary patch can be made by following the
               directions below.

               NOTE:  All zeroes in the following text are underlined for
                      readers reference only.

Step 1:        On the root directory of your Hard Drive create a file named
               DVFIX.DBG using DOS's COPY CON command or any ASCII text
               editor.  The file should contain the following:

               E 40:0F
               F0
               Q

Step 2:        Add the following line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT:

               DEBUG <DVFIX.DBG

The above instructions assume that the MS-DOS DEBUG.COM is accessible from
the root directory of your boot disk.  If it is not, copy DEBUG.COM to the
root directory or make sure it is pointed to in your PATH statement.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0696A                 08-16-91

=============================================================================


              SCO UNIX BOOT FAILURE WITH MEMORY EXPANSION BOARD


PROBLEM:         Under SCO UNIX 3.2 version 2.0, system will hang
                 intermittently during boot if memory expansion board is
                 present, AST part number 202387-001.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM BOARDS:   All system boards with the following part numbers:

                 202356-004 and 202360-001

CAUSE:           During UNIX installation the software will check for known
                 devices and will activate a driver for that device.  UNIX
                 mistakenly identifies a device that is not present, and
                 activates a driver for it.  This causes the system to hang,
                 with the following error message:

                 WDHA-OUT: command byte 01 rejected
                 WDHA-OUT: command byte 07 rejected

SOLUTION:        The new release of SCO UNIX 3.2 version 3.0 resolves this
                 problem and is scheduled to be released by SCO in July,
                 1991.

                 NOTE: A temporary solution would be to slow the system down
                       during the boot process, and resume normal speed after
                       completion of boot sequence, which would be the login
                       prompt.  This can be accomplished by using the <CTRL>
                       <ALT> <DOWN ARROW> and <CTRL> <ALT> <UP ARROW>
                       sequence.  For further information on speed commands,
                       please refer to your systems user manual.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0697A                 08-19-91

=============================================================================


              SIMULATION SCIENCES SOFTWARE AND AST 486 SYSTEMS


PROBLEM:       Systems using the 80486 microprocessor will not recognize the
               hardware security key, causing Simulation Sciences Inc's
               Software Process version 4.01 to stop execution.  This problem
               exists on all manufacturers 80486 systems, including AST's
               that have a parallel port implemented on the motherboard.

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve. However, AST
               systems can be made to operate by disabling cache in system
               setup.  This is a temporary work around and the customer
               should contact Simulation Sciences Inc. at (714) 579-0412 for
               proper corrective action.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0698A                 08-16-91

=============================================================================


             INTELLI-TREND SOFTWARE AND AST PREMIUM/386 SYSTEMS


PROBLEM:       AST systems will lock-up when using Intelli-Trend software.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM BOARDS: All AST Premium/386 systems boards with the following part
               numbers:

               202273-001     202360-001     202373-001

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between Intelli-Trend software and AST
               systems.

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  Customers
               experiencing this problem should contact Intelli-Trend for
               more information.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0699                  08-05-91

=============================================================================


                         AST KEYBOARD AND BRAVO 486/25


PROBLEM:       The NumLock status and indicator are always off or inactive
               (after booting) regardless of how the system is configured
               during setup.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        Bravo 486/25 using part number 230098-001 revision "C"
               keyboards.

CAUSE:         Keyboard BIOS improperly handling keyboard functions.

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing this problem should have their
               keyboards part number 230098-001 upgraded to revision "D" or
               "E".
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0700A                 08-16-91

=============================================================================


               PREMIUM 386SX/16 AND COLORADO 120MB TAPE DRIVE


PROBLEM:       When a Wang emulation board is installed in a Premium 386SX/16
               and connected to a Wang computer, the Colorado 120MB tape
               drive revision FW63 fails to initialize.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        AST Premium 386SX/16 with the following system board part
               number:

               202360-001

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between Colorado 120MB tape drive, revision
               FW63 and AST's Premium 386SX/16 and the Wang emulation board.

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  The Colorado 120MB
               tape drive, revision FW40 does operate correctly.  Customers
               experiencing this problem should contact Colorado's Technical
               Support for more information.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0701                  08-07-91

=============================================================================


                  PREMIUM EXEC SERIAL MOUSE/BACKLIGHT TIMEOUT


When the "Mouse Connected to.." field is set for "Serial Mouse" in the
Premium Exec CMOS setup, the Backlight Timeout feature will function
correctly only if a mouse driver is installed in the CONFIG.SYS or
AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

This anomaly is caused by a Hardware/Software Interrupt conflict that occurs
when the Serial Mouse field is set and no mouse driver is installed.  To
correct this problem, install the correct mouse driver in your CONFIG.SYS
file or execute the correct mouse driver command either at the DOS prompt or
in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0702                  09-17-91

=============================================================================


                     AST ETHERNODE REMOTE BOOT AND DOS 5.00


SYMPTOM:       The remote boot feature on the AST Ethernode network card does
               not work with DOS 5.0.  Workstations attempting to attach to
               the file server will hang during the remote boot process.

PROBLEM:       The boot image file (NET$DOS.SYS) is not designed to work with
               DOS 5.0.

SOLUTION:      A file called RPLFIX.COM is available through Novell or on
               Compuserve's "Novell Netwire" forum.  This program patches the
               NET$DOS.SYS boot image file that the Novell utility DOSGEN.EXE
               produces.  Please consult the Netware manuals for more
               information on the DOSGEN utility.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0703                  09-17-91

=============================================================================


             PREMIUM/486-33TE AND WESTERN DIGITAL'S ELITE 16 COMBO


PROBLEM:         Banyan Vines version 4.10 network software driver will not
                 initialize Western Digital's Elite 16 Combo network card, in
                 a Premium/486-33TE computer system.  The error that occurs
                 is "Controller Failure", and at this point the workstation
                 is unable to connect to the file server.

SOLUTION:        This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  Currently,
                 Banyan Vines software version 4.10 does not support Western
                 Digital Elite 16 Combo card.  At this time Banyan Vines and
                 Western Digital are working together on a software driver
                 that will support Western Digital's Elite 16 combo card.

WORKAROUND:      Banyan Vines and Western Digital Technical Support, both
                 agree that the NDS software driver should be selected when
                 installing the network card.  Also, the AST VGA Plus must be
                 forced to 8-bit mode.  If the AST VGA Plus is set for 16-bit
                 mode the system will not boot.  The reason for this error is
                 the software drivers that are supported in Banyan Vines
                 software are for the older Western Digital 8-bit network
                 cards.  The older software drivers are doing 8-bit writes.

CONFIGURATION:   P/486-33TE
                 WD's Elite 16 Combo (AutoSwitching)
                 AST's VGA Plus (AutoSwitching)
                 Banyan Vines 4.10 (Operating System)
                 DOS 3.3
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0704                  09-06-91

=============================================================================


                   AST 5251/12 REMOTE GATEWAY INSTALLATION


PURPOSE:       To remotely attach multiple network nodes to an IBM mini (IBM
               System 34, 36, 38 and AS/400) while only installing one
               emulation card.

REASON:        Cost effective way to have multiple nodes access emulation
               while only having one emulation card and additional gateway
               software.

HARDWARE
REQUIREMENTS:  AST 5251/12 (CC-432 Adapter) Emulation Package.  A NETBIOS
               Compatible Local Area Network already installed and
               operational.  Synchronous Modems (NOT HAYES COMPATIBLE)

SOFTWARE
REQUIREMENTS:  5251/12 Emulation Version 4.30 (part number 910408-001,
               910408-002 and 910408-003).  5250 Gateway Option Version 4.30
               (part number 910411-001)

               NOTE:  Versions of both 5251/12 Emulation Software and 5250
                      Gateway Software may be updated in the future.

HARDWARE
SET UP:        AST 5251/12 Adapter IRQ=2; I/O=300-30F (DEFAULT)

               The above settings are factory default.  If a conflict arises
               with other hardware in the PC, the user should consult with
               the conflicting hardware's reference manual for the settings
               and change the AST hardware and software, or vice versa, in
               order to resolve the conflict.

               For installing and connecting the two Synchronous Modems
               please refer to the Modem Manual, the AST 5251/12 User's
               Manual (part number 000427-001A) and the AST CC-432 User's
               Manual (part number 000140-001E) for more information.

               Note:  This document assumes that the user is qualified to
                      establish a successful Modem connection with the IBM
                      Host.

INSTALLATION:  The Master PC contains the AST CC-432 Synchronous
               Communications Adapter, the 5251/12 Emulation program, the
               5250GATE.EXE program which is attached to the network.  The
               Slave PC contains the KERNELGW.EXE program which is attached
               to the network.

     A.   MASTER PC CONFIGURATION

          1.  Type the following at the DOS prompt for the directory that
              contains the AST 5251/12 Emulation Software:

                    C:\AST> CFG5251 [Enter]

          This assumes that the subdirectory name is AST and is located on
          the C: Drive.

          2.   Answer (n)o for MASTER CLUSTER.

          3.   Answer (n)o for ASYNC DIAL UP.

          4.   Answer (y)es for MASTER GATEWAY.

          5.   Answer (n)o for QUICK START.

          6.   From the AST 5251/12 Configuration Program (CFG5251.EXE) menu,
               highlight EDIT and press [Enter].

          7.   Answer (y)es to modify the configuration file, AST5251.CFG.

          8.   The EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu will appear with the
               following options:

                    HARDWARE  KEYBOARD  STATION  SECURITY  VDISK  CUSTOMIZE
                    CLUSTER  GATEWAY  QUIT

          9.   Highlight HARDWARE and press [Enter].  These options will
               appear:

                    HARDWARE  DSP_ADAPTER  QUIT

          10.  Select HARDWARE again.  This is the HARDWARE selection.  All
               the options in this section pertain to how the emulation
               adapter and communication line is configured.

                    IRQ  BPS  NRZI  I/O_ADR  TRACE  SDLC  QUIT

          11.  The BPS, NRZI, TRACE and SDLC options are not set from AST
               (default factory settings).  The user must set each option
               accordingly.

          12.  The BPS option pertains to the baud rate of the Synchronous
               Modem that the user is connecting to the AST CC-432 (AST
               5251/12) Communications Adapter.  Under this option the
               following list will appear and the user should select the
               correct rate:

                    1200  2400  3600  4800  6000  7200  8000  9600  QUIT

          13.  The NRZI option is host (IBM System 34, 36, 38 or AS/400)
               controlled.  This is IBM's error correction detection system.
               It is either ON or OFF.  The user must verify this parameter
               with the host's system operator.

          14.  Under the TRACE option these options will be displayed:

                    NONE  SNA  SDLC  QUIT

               Note:  It is recommended that the TRACE option be used as this
                      is a good trouble shooting tool.  With this option
                      selected the user will observe a fixed set of numbers
                      followed by incremental numbers on the bottom left and
                      right hand corners of the display during emulation.
                      The numbers on the left bottom corner indicate that the
                      AST package is receiving data from the Modem and the
                      numbers on the right bottom corner indicate that the
                      AST adapter is transmitting data to the Modem.

                      If there are no numbers at either corner then it
                      indicates that the Modem is not communicating with the
                      AST CC-432 Adapter.  Several probable causes for this
                      occurring are as follows:

               A.  Bad or wrong type of cable connecting the Modem to the AST
                   CC-432 Adapter.  User could be using a standard
                   asynchronous null Modem RS-232 cable that does not have
                   pin 15 (transmit clock) and pin 17 (receive clock)
                   connected.

               B.  IRQ or I/O_ADR conflict between other hardware in the PC
                   with the AST Adapters.

               C.  Memory resident (TSR) programs such as; fixed disk
                   organizers, menu programs, keyboard macro programs, and
                   etc., that may conflict with the AST 5251/12 Software.

               D.  The NRZI option does not match between the host and AST
                   5251/12 Emulation.

          15.  Highlight SDLC and press [Enter].  This is the controller
               station address configured at the host (IBM System 34, 36, 38
               or AS/400) site.  The user must verify this parameter with the
               host's system operator.  It is a hexidecimal value and ranges
               from 01 through FE.  Enter the appropriate value and press
               [Enter].

          16.  Press the ESC key and then highlight DSP_ADAPTER and press
               [Enter].  Highlight DSP_ADAPTER on the next screen and press
               [Enter].  Next highlight the type of display adapter you are
               using and press [Enter].  Example: "Color".

          17.  Press ESC until you return to the EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION
               menu.  Highlight STATION and press [Enter], the following list
               will appear:

                    0   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   QUIT

          18.  Station Address 0 will always be configured as a 5251/12
               display type.  This cannot be changed.  Station Address 1 is
               reserved for SNA and is not available.  The address scheme for
               the AST 5251/12 Station Addresses and the IBM Host Addresses
               are as follows:

               STATION option (AST)     0  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9
               Ports on IBM             0  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8

               Respectively for an IBM 5251/12 (what AST is emulating) remote
               controller where all device codes are configured for
               workstation address 0.  Page 3-12 of the AST 5251/12 User's
               Manual (AST part number 000427-001) displays this scheme in
               more detail.

          19.  Highlight STATION Address 2 and press [Enter].  These options
               will appear:

                    DISPLAY  PRINTER  CLUS_DISPLAY  CLUS_PRINTER
                    GATE_DISPLAY  GATE_PRINTER  QUIT

          20.  Highlight GATE_DISPLAY and press [Enter].

          21.  Highlight 5251/11 (can also select 5291-1 or 5292-1 but will
               use a 5251/11 for this example) and press [Enter].  Press the
               ESC key when asked to "enter new session name for station
               address 2".  For this configuration, session names will not be
               used.

          22.  Repeat steps 19 through 21 as many times as needed to
               configure all the station addresses that will be given to the
               Gateway.  In this example a total of seven sessions are
               configured.  Make sure that the number of sessions configured
               on the AST 5251/12 software matches the number that the IBM
               host will be allocating to the Gateway.

          23.  Highlight the other addresses and select the appropriate
               DEVICE TYPE and press [Enter].  Configure the station
               addresses as follow:

               ADDRESS 0 - 5251/12 DISPLAY IBM-API: OFF
               ADDRESS 2 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
               ADDRESS 3 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
               ADDRESS 4 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
               ADDRESS 5 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
               ADDRESS 6 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)
               ADDRESS 7 - 5251-1* GATE DISPLAY (NO SESSION NAME)

               *The type of display can vary depending on what the host is
               configured for.  The other device types that can be emulated
               by the AST 5251/12 software or the 5291-1 and the 5292-1.

               Note:  This sample is configured so the Slave PCs will be
                      assigned an address/session on a first-come first-serve
                      basis which is called "session bidding".

          24.  When all the required addresses are selected press ESC until
               you reach the AST 5250 CONFIGURATION PROGRAM menu.  Now save
               the MASTER/PASSTHROUGH configuration settings and exit to DOS.

          25.  Highlight SAVE and press [Enter].

          26.  The program will ask "Save configuration file: AST5251.CFG
               (Y/N)?" Respond "yes" and press [Enter].

               This concludes the configuration of the MASTER PC.

     B.   SLAVE PC CONFIGURATION

          You can use one configuration file for all the network node SLAVES
          provided that all the Slaves have the same type of display.  The
          slave software when executed will look at the master configuration
          software to see what gateway displays are available.

          1.   Type the following at the DOS prompt for the directory that
               contains the AST 5250 Gateway Software:

                    C:\GATE\CFG5251G [Enter]

               This assumes that the software is located in a subdirectory
               named GATE which is on the C: Drive.

          2.   Answer (n)o for QUICK START

          3.   From the AST 5250 CONFIGURATION PROGRAM menu, highlight EDIT
               and press [Enter].

          4.   Answer (y)es to modify the configuration file, AST5251G.CFG.

          5.   The EDIT 5250 CONFIGURATION menu will appear with the
               following options:

                    HARDWARE  KEYBOARD  STATION  SECURITY  VDISK  CUSTOMIZE
                    CLUSTER  GATEWAY  QUIT

          6.   Highlight HARDWARE and press [Enter].  Highlight DSP_ADAPTER
               and press [Enter].  Highlight DSP_ADAPTER again and press
               [Enter].  Select the appropriate display adapter for this
               particular SLAVE PC (Mono or Color).

               NOTE:  If the Slaves on the network have various types of
                      displays (i.e., monochrome and color), different
                      configuration files (AST5251G.CFG) will need to be
                      created to match each type of display.

          7.   Press the ESC key until you return to the EDIT 5250
               CONFIGURATION menu.  Highlight STATION and press [Enter].

          8.   STATION ADDRESS 0 is already configured for you.

               ADDRESS 0 - 5251/11* DISPLAY IBM-API: OFF
                           (NO SESSION NAME)

               *The device type can also be a 5291-1 or a 5292-1.

               For this setup you do not need to delete or reconfigure.
               Address 0 on the MASTER PC is taken by the 5251/12 Controller
               so this SLAVE PC configuration would then go to the next
               available session on the MASTER PC which would be address 2.

               Note:  We are setting this up for "session bidding", therefore
                      we do not need to configure the exact station address
                      for the slave.  When the slave software is executed, it
                      looks at the master configuration to see which gateway
                      display is available.  This is called session bidding.
                      This is how all the slave configurations should be set
                      up for session bidding.

          9.   Press the ESC key until you return to the AST 5250
               CONFIGURATION menu.  The user will now save the SLAVE PC
               configuration settings and exit to DOS.

          10.  Highlight SAVE and press [Enter].

          11.  The program will ask "Save configuration file: AST5251G.CFG
               (Y/N)?"  Respond (y)es and press [Enter].

          12.  Highlight QUIT and press [Enter].

          13.  Repeat Steps 1 through 12 at each SLAVE PC as needed.

               This concludes the configuration procedure for the SLAVE PC.

     C.   ENHANCED KEYBOARD CONFIGURATION

          If you have an Enhanced Keyboard (Function Keys located across the
          top), you need to run an additional configuration program.  Without
          running emulation, insert the AST5251/12 Terminal Emulation
          Diskette 2 of 3.

          1.  Type: A:[Enter]

          2.  Type: ASTKBD [Enter]

          3.  Use your down arrow key to highlight the COUNTRY selection.

          4.  Use your left arrow key to highlight the UNITED STATES as
              country type.

          5.  Use your down arrow key to highlight the KEYBOARD selection.

          6.  Use your left arrow key to highlight the ENHANCED-LIKE for the
              keyboard type.

          7.  Use the down arrow key to go to the PROCEED option and press
              [Enter].

          8.  Type the drive letter and subdirectory where the KERNEL.EXE
              file is located for the MASTER PC or where the KERNELGW.EXE
              file is located for the SLAVE PC

          9.  Use your down arrow key to get to the EXIT TO DOS option and
              press [Enter].

              This should be done for each machine that has the enhanced
              keyboard.

     D.   STEPS FOR PROPER EXECUTION

          The following steps will show the proper sequence of loading the
          emulation and gateway programs:

          1.   MASTER PC

               A.  Load your network programs.

               B.  Load NETBIOS.

               C.  Execute KERNEL.EXE.

               D.  Execute GATE5251.EXE.

               E.  Execute APS.EXE.

          2.   SLAVE PC

               A.  Load your network programs.

               B.  Load NETBIOS.

               C.  Execute KERNELGW.EXE.

               D.  Execute APS.EXE.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0705                  09-17-91

=============================================================================


                      PREMIUM EXEC AND LCD BORDER COLOR


Customers have noticed different border colors on the Premium Exec 386SX/20.
These colors are blue and black and are only observed by looking at the edges
of the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) on the Premium Exec 386SX/20.

AST's Portable Marketing department has concluded that this is not a problem.
All three (3) LCD's that AST sources for use in the Premium Exec have a
unique border color.  The reason for the color difference is only possible to
note when looking at the edges of the LCD, since the color beyond the edges
is reversed out to white.  Most importantly, AST has not compromised the
quality of the Premium Exec 386SX/20 in any way by using multiple LCD
sources.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0706                  09-25-91

=============================================================================


           IBM PS/PC SOFTWARE AND PREMIUM EXEC INTERNAL DATA MODEM


PROBLEM:       IBM Personal Services/PC (PS/PC) software does not operate
               correctly with the Premium Exec Internal Data Modem.  When
               attempting to make a connection, the modem handshakes but will
               not link to the mainframe.

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between IBM PS/PC software version 1.3 release
               PSPC13003 and the Premium Exec Internal Data Modem.

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  IBM PS/PC software
               version 1.3 release PSPC13006 resolves this problem.
               Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM to
               obtain the above release of the PS/PC software.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0707                  10-10-91

=============================================================================


                PREMIUM II 486SX/20 AND LOTUS 123 RELEASE 3.1


SYMPTOM:       Unable to input numeric values into the Lotus 3.1 worksheet.
               The numeric values appear only as zeros while alphanumeric
               values are fine.

PROBLEM:       Lotus 3.1 recognizes that the system has a 80486 Processor and
               assumes that there is a Math Coprocessor available.  This is
               true for the 80486DX Intel Chip but not for the 80486SX.  When
               a Math Coprocessor is present, Lotus passes on the tasks of
               numeric calculations to the Math Coprocessor which is not
               available in the Premium II 486SX/20 as a standard option.
               This can be checked by accessing the Worksheet Status Menu
               option which will show the system information such as;
               Available memory, Processor type, Math Coprocessor type and
               other Lotus configuration information.

SOLUTION:      By typing "123 -s" at the Lotus 3.1 prompt the Premium II
               486SX/20 system will be recognized as a 80386 system with no
               Math Coprocessor, enabling Lotus to handle the numeric
               calculations.  The   "-s" switch instructs Lotus that the
               system has a 386 Processor with no Math Coprocessor instead of
               a 486 Processor.  This will allow the Premium II 486SX/20 to
               be able to input numeric data.

               Lotus is also aware of this issue and customers can  contact
               Lotus at (800) 343-5414 and order the Lotus 3.1 update which
               resolves this problem.  With this update the Lotus program
               will no longer assume that the 80486 Processor has a built-in
               Math Coprocessor and the "-s" parameter will no longer be
               necessary.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0708                  10-14-91

=============================================================================


               AST PREMIUM EXEC AND TOSHIBA EXPRESSWRITER 301


PROBLEM:       When using a Toshiba ExpressWriter 301 portable printer on the
               Premium Exec Notebook errors occur when attempting to print
               through the parallel port (i.e., "write fault error on device
               LPT1:: when copying files directly to the parallel port).

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        AST Premium Exec Notebook 386/SX-20

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  Toshiba has
               provided a software patch (INT17.COM) which may be added to
               the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to resolve this problem.  Customers
               experiencing this problem should contact Toshiba's Technical
               Support for more information.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0709                  10-14-91

=============================================================================


                       AST SYSTEMS WITH IBM'S OS/2 EE


PROBLEM:       When installing IBM's OS/2 Extended Edition 1.30.1 on an AST
               system, the following error will occur:

                   "Invalid Configuration"
                   [50.09] diskette drives or types mismatch error.  Run
                   setup...  Press F1 key to continue or Ctrl-Alt-Esc for
                   setup.

               The above error indicates that the system configuration is
               lost and setup must be performed for the system to boot
               properly.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      All AST systems

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  The problem has
               been corrected by IBM.  Customers experiencing this problem
               should contact IBM at (800) 237-5511 and ask for either CSD
               5016 or APAR JR04280.  To insure proper installation of the
               CSD or APAR, customers should follow the process outlined by
               the IBM readme files.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0710A                 10-28-91

=============================================================================


                   SCO OPEN DESKTOP IN 800X600 VIDEO MODE


PROBLEM:     When using the Open Desktop release 1.0 and 1.11 in SuperVGA
             (800x600x16) mode, vertical bars and multiple horizontal images
             are displayed on the screen.  The 640x480 and 640x350 modes work
             fine.

CAUSE:       The "grafinfo" file for the video contains some additional
             information which is only required for the AST VGA Plus card.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:    All systems with integrated video.

SOLUTION:    To fix this problem complete the following steps:
             (Lines starting with the # sign indicate commands that should be
             entered at the root prompt).

             1) Bring the system down to single user mode (init 1).
             2) # cd /usr/lib/grafinfo/paradise.
             3) # cp vgaplus.xgi vgaplus.orig (you are saving the
                file vgaplus.xgi as vgaplus.orig).
             4) Edit the file vgaplus.xgi.
             5) Search for, and remove the following two lines
                from the file:

             out (0x3CE,0x0B); out(0x3CF,0x44); / *256k 16 bit */
             out (0x3CE,0x0C); out(0x3CF,0);

             6) Save the file and exit you editor.
             7) # mkdev graphics.
             8) Select "update" from the main menu.
             9) Choose the Paradise VGA Plus from the list of
                Adapters.
            10) Choose the VGA 800x600 16-color option from the
                list of Modes.
            11) Press return twice to accept the Default
                configuration, and accept the current setting.
            12) Choose "Quit" from the main menu, then "save".
                (This will update the grafinfo database to reflect
                the changes you have made to the file).

The system does not need to be re-booted, just go back to multiuser mode and
ODT will now work in 800x600 mode.  This updated file will work correctly on
the regular VGA Plus board also.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0711                  10-28-91

=============================================================================


                 PREMIUM EXEC 386SX20 AND AST MODEM SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       When the ASTMODEM.EXE program is used to turn the modem off,
               the suspend feature does not function.

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between the ASTMODEM.EXE, and the suspend
               feature.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        AST Premium Exec 386SX/20

SOLUTION:      The new version of ASTMODEM.EXE (1.01) resolves this problem,
               and can be downloaded from the AST BBS at (714) 727-4723.  The
               file name is ASTMODEM.ZIP, and can be found under the "System"
               file area.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0712A                 10-28-91

=============================================================================


                PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-20 AND XIRCOM MULTIPLEXOR


PROBLEM:       When a Xircom Parallel port Multiplexor is attached to the
               Premium Exec 386SX-20 parallel port, the Xircom Pocket
               Ethernet adapter reports the following error messages while
               operating under Novell 386 OS:

                  "Pocket Ethernet failed memory test"
                  "Network error on server"

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 system.

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between Xircom's Parallel Port Multiplexor and
               AST's Premium 386SX-20 system.

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  Customers
               experiencing this problem should contact Xircom for a
               Multiplexor upgrade that will resolve this problem.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0713                  10-31-91

=============================================================================


        AST PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-20 AND TAYLOR SOFTWARE FOR MODICON 884


PROBLEM:       While running Taylor's software on Modicon's 884 PLC
               programmer, the following problem occurs when operating on
               line through the serial port.

               The page down key operates erratically.  One out of three
               keystrokes may be recognized which results in uncontrolled
               page selections.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 systems

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between Taylor for Modicon 884 software and
               AST's Premium 386SX-20 system.

SOLUTION:      This is not a issue that AST can resolve.  Marketing has
               determined that this problem will not be investigated any
               further.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0714A                 12-20-91

=============================================================================


                    PREMIUM EXEC 386SX AND LOSS OF SETUP


Loss of CMOS setup or Password Enabled error messages have been reported on
some new Premium Exec 386SX systems.  This problem occurs because the Premium
Exec is designed with a rechargeable Ni-Cad CMOS backup battery that has a
shelf life of approximately 42 days (worst case) from the date of
manufactured.

Under some circumstances when CMOS has been lost, the message "PLEASE ENTER
PASSWORD:" may appear prior to any of the error messages listed below.  If
this occurs, it will be necessary to toggle the Password Override Switch to
override the password prior to running ASTSETUP.  Please consult the Premium
Exec User's Manual for additional information on this procedure.

The problems are resolved by simply powering up the system using the AC
Adapter and pressing Ctrl-Alt-Esc to run ASTSETUP after the following
messages appear:

    40.08 TESTING CMOS CHECKSUM CHECKSUM...FAILED
    40.01 CMOS RAM ERROR CHECK BATTERY AND RUN SETUP
    20.03 MEMORY SIZE ERROR - RUN SETUP
    PRESS F1 TO CONTINUE OR CTRL ALT ESC FOR SETUP

Please Note: If the F1 key is pressed, the system will attempt to boot first,
             from the floppy drive, then the hard drive. If no floppy disk is
             present, the system will display "Disk Boot Error, Please Insert
             a System Disk and press Enter".   If this occurs insert the
             Premium Utilities Diskette in drive A: and hit the Enter key and
             choose "Run System Setup" from the menu that appears on the
             screen.

To assure complete charging of the backup battery, it is recommended that
after running ASTSETUP, that the system remain plugged into the AC Adapter
for approximately 8 hours.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0715                  11-05-91

=============================================================================


                     AST PREMIUM EXEC 286/12 AND DOS 5.0


PROBLEM:       When installing Microsoft or AST's version of DOS 5.0 on the
               Premium Exec 286/12, an error will occur.  The error is a
               blinking cursor on the upper left hand corner of the screen
               and the drive A:> light remains on.  When this error occurs,
               the system will lock up.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      Premium Exec 286/12

CAUSE:         This problem is caused only when the Suspend mode is enabled.

SOLUTION:      Currently, AST's Portable Marketing group has determined that
               this problem will not be fixed.  However, there is a
               workaround for this problem.  Before installing DOS 5.0, run
               the Premium Exec 286/12 setup program and disable Suspend
               mode.  then proceed with the installation.  When the
               installation for DOS 5.0 is completed, re-run setup and enable
               the Suspend mode.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0716                  10-28-91

=============================================================================


            AST PREMIUM II 386SX-20 AND TRAK ENGINEERING SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       The TRAK Engineering application software "Fuel Management
               System" will not communicate with TRAK's custom control box
               through the Premium II 386SX-20 Com port.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Premium II 386SX-20 with the following system board part
               number:

               202373-003     Revision X4 and below

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between TRAK Engineering software and control
               box and AST's Com port on the Premium II 386SX-20 system.

SOLUTION:      This problem has been resolved.  Customers experiencing this
               problem should contact AST and have their system board
               upgraded to revision X5 or above.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0717                  10-22-91

=============================================================================


      PREMIUM II UTILITIES WITH MIS-IDENTIFICATION OF 386/33 PROCESSOR


PROBLEM:       When running Premium II utilities version 2.00 confidence test
               the "view system configuration" option reports the 386/33
               processor as a 386/25.  The mis-identification during the AST
               confidence test is an error in the identification process
               only, the board is fully functional at the full 386-33 speed.

CAUSE:         The component on the processor board, that identifies the
               386/33 processor is incorrect.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All processor boards with part numbers 202403-002 with
               revision X7 or lower and 202403-003 revision X8 or lower.

SOLUTION:      This problem is fixed on the next revision level of the
               Processor boards, X8 or X9 respectively.  This is not a
               mandatory change and is not covered under warranty.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0718                  10-09-91

=============================================================================


                      AST's SVGA MONITOR AND OS/2 1.21


SYMPTOM:       Various screen problems may occur with AST systems using the
               800x600 resolution mode under AST OS/2 version 1.21 with the
               AST SVGA monitor.  Some of the problems experienced are as
               follows:

                   Shaking of the screen.
                   Slight shift of the screen.
                   A line down the center of the screen.
                   A loss of the screen when switching between video modes.

PROBLEM:       The current BVHVGA.DLL driver under AST OS/2 version 1.21
               instructs the video chip on the AST system board to generate
               an output of 34.4 kHz instead of the VESA (Video Electronics
               Standard Association) specified horizontal frequency of 35.2
               kHz for SVGA monitors.  The AST SVGA monitors follow the VESA
               specifications for the horizontal frequency.

SOLUTION:      A driver called BVHVGA.DLL with the byte size of 37994 is
               available on the AST BBS under the file name of OS2-VGA.ZIP
               which is located in the file area called SYSTEMS.  This driver
               sets the video chip output to match the VESA specified SVGA
               horizontal frequency of 35.2 kHz for the AST SVGA monitor.
               This new driver will be incorporated in AST OS/2 version 1.3.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0719                  11-07-91

=============================================================================


                  AST ETHERNODE AND SMC CONCENTRATORS/HUBS


PROBLEM:       When connecting multiple NetWare servers using SMC's (Standard
               Microsystems Corporation) Concentrators/hubs, the error "file
               server not found" is displayed on the workstation.  If only
               one file server is connected, a connection can be made.

CAUSE:         SMC has a documented bug which does not allow connecting
               multiple servers via their earlier concentrators/hubs.

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing this problem should contact SMC for an
               upgrade to a revision G or higher.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0720                  11-12-91

=============================================================================


              AST PREMIUM 486/33 TOWER EISA AND DPTFMT PROGRAM


PROBLEM:       When installing SCO UNIX software on a Premium 486/33 Tower
               EISA system with the DPT Host Bus adapter provided by AST, the
               following error will be displayed during installation:

               "WARNING: No Configuration Information for SDisk Unit 0."

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Premium 486/33 Tower EISA with the following system board:

               202377-001

CAUSE:         AST's DPTFMT program does not configure the hard drive type
               properly.

SOLUTION:      This problem has been resolved with release 1.01 of AST's
               Driver Support Diskette.  Customers experiencing this problem
               should contact AST and order the following Software upgrade
               and Installation Reference document:

               PART NUMBER       DESCRIPTION

               910452-005     Software upgrade Revision A Release 1.01
               001436-001A    Installation Reference document
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0721A                 12-16-91

=============================================================================


                         PREMIUM EXEC AND EMM386.EXE


MS-DOS version 5.0 includes an expanded memory emulator, EMM386.EXE.  Memory
addressing conflicts may occur when running this program on the Premium Exec.

The problem is a result of  EMM386.EXE and the Premium Exec System BIOS
attempting to load at the same memory address.

To prevent EMM386.EXE from using memory that is already used by the Premium
Exec System BIOS, add the following parameter to the device statement in the
system's CONFIG.SYS file:

    DEVICE=EMM386.EXE   x=C000-CFFF
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0722                  11-01-91

=============================================================================


                              ADVANCED FASTRAM


PROBLEM:       Several customers have reported being unable to use the
               Advanced FastRam board.  The failure has been isolated to a
               Improperly programmed smart switch device on the FastRam card
               (IC U65 107000-642).

SYMPTOM:       The Advanced FastRam is not being seen by the FastRam
               software.  The machine boots, but the I/O and starting address
               is not recognized by the Configuration Utility software
               (910314-301 revision A).

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Advanced FastRam card with the following part number:

               202253-001 or 500565-001

SOLUTION:      Any customers reporting this problem should contact their
               local AST Service Center to have the defective IC,
               (107000-642B) replaced.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0723                  12-02-91

=============================================================================


           AST PREMIUM/386 TOWER EISA DETECTING RAM MEMORY AT 512K


PROBLEM:       When the system is configured with 512K of base memory the
               system BIOS may incorrectly identify LAN cards RAM memory as
               system memory.  This problem will occur when the LAN card RAM
               has a starting address of 512K.

               When the system is re-booted via CNTL-ALT-DEL the following
               error message is displayed:

               [20.30] Memory size error - Run EISA config utility.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium/386 Tower EISA system board with the following part
               number:

               202377-002 Revision "D" and below.

CAUSE:         System BIOS incorrectly testing memory in the
               512K - 640K range.

SOLUTION:      This problem has been resolved with a new release of the
               system BIOS.  Customers experiencing this problem should have
               the system BIOS upgraded to version 1.14, see Field Change
               Notice #0046B.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0724                  12-10-91

=============================================================================


              AST SYSTEMS AND IBM ENTRY LEVEL 3270 VERSION 2.0


PROBLEM:       When running IBM's Entry Level 3270 version 2.0 on AST systems
               the computer will hang showing a blank screen.

SYMPTOM:       The system hangs with a blank screen.  To recover from this
               problem a cold boot is required.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST systems.

SOLUTION:      This is not an AST problem.  Customers experiencing this
               problem should contact IBM Support at 800-237-5511 and ask for
               Patch Number IR96328.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0725                  12-16-91

=============================================================================


                    PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/25 AND NUMLOCK KEY


Problems have been reported with the Numlock key being toggled to the wrong
state with some Premium Exec 386SX/25 systems.  The problem is that the
Numlock is enabled when the system boots even if it has been set to "off at
Boot" in setup.

The problem is caused by an incorrect line in the system's AUTOEXEC.BAT file
that results in an erroneously configured keyboard.

The problem is resolved by removing the following line from the AUTOEXEC.BAT
file:

    KEYB US,,C:\DOS\KEYBOARD.SYS
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0726                  12-16-91

=============================================================================


             PREMIUM EXEC, MS-DOS 5.0 DOSSHELL AND TASK SWAPPING


Problems may occur with the Premium Exec 386SX/20 and 386SX/25 when
attempting to use the Task Swapping feature under the MS-DOS 5.0 DOSSHELL.
When attempting to swap between tasks, the computer will beep and continue to
run without swapping.  This problem does not occur when running AST's version
of MS-DOS 5.0.

The problem is caused by the MS-DOS 5.0 installation program installing a
driver for VGA mono operation (vgamono.grb) when an LCD display is sensed.
The Premium Exec's LCD has been designed to emulate VGA color modes and is
not completely compatible with the vgamono.grb driver.  AST's version of MS-
DOS 5.0 installation program has been modified to install the VGA color
driver (vga.grb) that corrects this problem.

If running MS-DOS 5.0 on a Premium Exec, the problem can be resolved by
manually installing the vga.grb driver supplied with the MS-DOS Distribution
Diskettes.  Complete each of the steps listed below in order to install this
driver:

    1. Insert MS-DOS 5.0 Distribution Diskette #1 in drive A:

    2. At the DOS prompt, enter the following command:

        Copy A:VGA.GRB C:\DOS\DOSSHELL.GRB

    3. Hit the ENTER key.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0727                  12-17-91

=============================================================================


                   AST 5251/11 ENHANCED WITH P.C. SUPPORT


PROBLEM:       When sending large print jobs using the virtual print feature
               within P.C. Support, the system locks up.

               Customer is unable to get P.C. Support version 1.3 or higher
               to initialize.

CAUSE:         The AST Twinax Adapter Handler (ASTTWNAH.EXE) version 1.01 did
               not handle the print functions properly.  The 1.01 version of
               the adapter handler was not designed to  work with version 1.3
               or version 2.1 of P.C. Support.

SOLUTION:      The new version of the Twinax Adapter Handler version 1.20
               fixes all of the above problems.  The part numbers are as
               follows:

               910395-002     5.25" diskette
               910395-032     3.50" diskette
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0728                  12-26-91

=============================================================================


               AST BRAVO 486/25 VIDEO BIOS ERRORS DURING POST


PROBLEM:       When using a third party video card as the primary video in an
               AST Bravo 486/25, the following error message will be
               displayed during POST:

               "Cannot shadow video BIOS in shadow ram"
               "Press F1 key to continue or CTRL-ALT-ESC to setup"

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Bravo 486/25 system board with the following part number:

               202385-001

CAUSE:         System BIOS Rel 1.10 does not have the option to disable the
               shadow BIOS.

SOLUTION:      This problem has been resolved with release 1.20 of the system
               BIOS.  This system BIOS consist of two chips, part number
               237801-003 and 237802-003 revision A.  Customers experiencing
               the above problem should have the system BIOS upgraded.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0729                  01-03-92

=============================================================================


                AST PREMIUM II 386SX-20 AND DEC PCSA SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       System will not remote boot with DEC's PCSA revision 4.0E
               software.  The system will hang during the execution of the
               CONFIG.SYS file.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        AST Premium II 386SX-20 system.

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between DEC's PCSA revision 4.0E software and
               AST's Premium II 386SX-20 system.

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing this problem should contact DEC for a
               software upgrade, PCSA revision 4.1 will resolve this problem.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0730                  01-06-92

=============================================================================


        AST SYSTEMS WITH PS/2 MOUSE PORT AND CH PRODUCTS ROLLER MOUSE


PROBLEM:       When a CH Products Roller Mouse is attached to the AST PS/2
               type mouse port , it will lock up the keyboard or display the
               following error message after POST:

               "Mouse not installed"

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between CH Products Roller Mouse and AST's
               PS/2 mouse port.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        AST Premium 386SX-20 and Bravo 486-25 with the following
               system board part numbers:

               202382-002 and 202385-001

SOLUTION:      This problem has been resolved with release 1.02.01 of the
               keyboard controller, part number 237002-002 revision A.
               Customers experiencing this problem should have their keyboard
               controller upgraded.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0731                  01-06-92

=============================================================================


                     AST 486 SYSTEMS AND MICROSOFT EXCEL


PROBLEM:       When running Microsoft Excel version 3.0 with a Postscript
               printer and doing a "Print Preview" in landscape mode with the
               print expanded 150%, the software will generate the following
               error message:

               "NON-RECOVERABLE APPLICATION ERROR"

SYMPTOM:       All AST 486 based systems experience "NON-RECOVERABLE
               APPLICATION ERRORS" (UAE).  A system reset is required to
               recover from this problem.  The UAE's will not occur while
               printing, only when doing a print preview.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST 486 models.

SOLUTION:      This is not a problem that AST can resolve.  Microsoft Windows
               version 3.1 (BETA) has been tested by AST and does not
               experience the same problem.  Customers experiencing the above
               problem should contact Microsoft Product Support at (206) 637-
               7098 for a resolution.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0732                  11-04-91

=============================================================================


         AST PREMIUM II WITH 387SX MATH CO-PROCESSOR AND WINDOWS 3.0


PROBLEM:       Running Windows 3.0 in Standard mode with a 80387SX math co-
               processor installed may cause the system to hang and display
               the error message:

                  "Not ready error drive C:, abort, retry, ignore, fail?"

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Systems with the following motherboards installed:

                  AST
               PART NUMBER        DESCRIPTION         LOCATION

               202356-00X     CUPID Motherboard         U85
               202360-00X     CLEM Motherboard          U29
               202373-00X     MS CLEM Motherboard       U22

CAUSE:         When a Texas Instruments or I.M.P. 82C206 Interrupt Controller
               is used on the above motherboards, the INTR signal is left
               set, causing the system to hang.  This failure is only noticed
               when running Windows version 3.0 in the Standard mode with an
               80387SX math co-processor installed.

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing this failure should have their system
               motherboard returned to AST for replacement of the 82C206 IC
               (AST part number 106000-619).

               NOTE:  The repair/replacement order for the motherboard
                      obtained from AST must specify that the disqualified
                      component at location U?? be replaced.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0733                  01-06-92

=============================================================================


                      WINFAX ERRORS AND MICROSOFT WORKS


PROBLEM:       When faxing/printing documents with Microsoft Works the
               software reports the following error message:

               "The page size and orientation settings for your printer do
               not match the page size settings in your document".

               This is an error in the software only.  To get around this
               problem select the "continue" option in the dialog box.

CAUSE:         Microsoft Works for Windows does not read the page orientation
               settings correctly.  This problem occurs when running Works
               for Windows only.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST systems running Windows 3.0, Works for Windows and
               Winfax 2.0 from Delrina Technology, Inc.

SOLUTION:      This is not an issue that AST can resolve.  Customers
               experiencing this problem should contact Microsoft Works for
               Windows technical support at (206) 635-7130 for a resolution.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0734                  01-06-92

=============================================================================


                      BRAVO 386SX-20 AND MICROSOFT WORD


PROBLEM:       When using Microsoft Word version 5.0 and 5.5 on a Bravo
               386SX-20 with a PS/2 compatible mouse the system will lock up.
               The system will lock up when WORD is typed at the DOS prompt
               and the enter key is pressed or when trying to access WORD
               through Windows 3.0.  This lock up occurs when the mouse
               driver is installed.

CAUSE:         This problem is caused by Microsoft's file called SCREEN.VID,
               which contains the video and keyboard drivers used for Word.

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        Bravo 386SX-20 and Premium II 386SX-20

SOLUTION:      This is not a problem that AST can resolve.  Customers
               experiencing this problem should contact Microsoft's Technical
               Support for a new copy of SCREEN.VID to resolve the problem.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0735                  01-16-92

=============================================================================


                        FASTBOARD 386 AND DR-DOS 6.0


PROBLEM:       When installing the driver FB386.SYS under Digital Research's
               DR-DOS 6.0, the FB386.SYS driver will fail to load and display
               the following error message:

               "FB386.SYS not loaded - illegal parameter specified".

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between the FB386.SYS release 1.2 and Digital
               Research DOS 6.0

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Fastboard 386

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing this problem should upgrade their
               FB386.SYS driver to version 1.22 or later.  This driver is
               available on the AST On-Line! BBS and also on the Fastboard
               386 driver diskette (AST part number 910281-001 revision E).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0736                  01-21-92

=============================================================================


                      PREMIUM 486/25 AND IMSI PET MOUSE


PROBLEM:       When using a Pet Mouse, a PS/2 compatible mouse manufactured
               by Imsi on a Premium 486-25 the following errors will occur:

               - The system will lock up with the Pet Mouse plugged into the
                 mouse port (motherboard part number 202360-001).

               - If the system passes its POST test the Pet Mouse will be
                 recognized as a serial mouse connect to COM1: IRQ: 4 I/O:
                 3F8, instead of a PS/2 mouse.

CAUSE:         The cause of this problem is the keyboard controller revision
               1.01, which is located at U15.

SYSTEM
AFFECTED:      All systems that have motherboard part number 202360-001.

SOLUTION:      This problem is resolved by replacing the revision 1.01
               keyboard controller with revision 1.02.  This keyboard
               controller (part number 237002-002) can be ordered through
               AST's Product Support Department.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0737                  01-23-92

=============================================================================


                    PREMIUM EXEC AND MICROSOFT PS/2 MOUSE


Problems have been reported with some Microsoft PS/2 Serial and PS/2 Mice
when attached to the mouse port of AST Premium Exec 386SX-20 and 386SX-25
systems.  The mouse may exhibit either intermittent operation or a failure to
initialize after executing the mouse driver.  This problem does not occur if
the same mouse is attached to the Premium Exec's serial port.

The cause of the problem is that some Microsoft Mice release the clock and
data lines too quickly when the system is first powered on.  The problem has
been resolved on Premium Exec 386SX-20 systems with version 1.05 of the
Keyboard BIOS and on Premium Exec 386SX/25 systems with version 1.15 System
BIOS.

Premium Exec users experiencing this problem should contact an AST Authorized
Service Center and obtain the following:

       PRODUCT                   DESCRIPTION           PART NUMBER

    Premium Exec 386SX-20    BIOS Upgrade 1.07/1.05    500892-001
    Premium Exec 386SX-25    System BIOS 1.15          237838-005
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0738                  01-23-92

=============================================================================


                 PREMIUM EXEC AND MICROSOFT BALLPOINT MOUSE


Incorrect operation of the Suspend/Resume Feature may occur when using a
Microsoft Ballpoint Mouse connected to the Premium Exec's Keyboard/Mouse
Port.  The system will lock up when attempting to return from the suspend
mode.

This problem occurs only when using version 8.0 and version 8.1 of Microsoft
device drivers (MOUSE.COM & MOUSE.SYS).  Earlier versions of this device
driver do not exhibit this problem.  In order to resolve the problem,
substitute an earlier version of the device driver.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0739                  11-11-91

=============================================================================


                   AST PREMIUM 486/33 WITH GERMAN KEYBOARD


An incompatibility was discovered with AST German Keyboard ("AST230098-
004C"), KEYB.COM (DOS versions 3.3 and 4.01) and  486/33 processors.  When
KEYB.COM is loaded, "^@" will be displayed on the screen.  The Alt-GR (third-
shift-key) will not function properly.

KEYB.COM, revision 3.30E6 will resolve the problem with DOS versions 3.3 and
4.01.  The file name is KEYB.ZIP and can be found on AST's On-Line! Bulletin
Board System.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0740                  01-15-92

=============================================================================


              AST PREMIUM EXEC WITH PC HF WEATHER FAX SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       Software Systems Consulting (SSC) produces a PC HF Weather Fax
               software package that is incompatible with the core logic used
               in the AST Premium Exec notebooks.  The Western Digital
               WD76C10 device is not unique to AST notebooks.  The PC HF
               Facsimile version 5.0 does not properly display the weather
               satellite images.

CAUSE:         The Western Digital WD76C10 is not compatible with the
               software timing of the Software Systems HF Weather Fax.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST Premium Exec notebooks, as well as all other vendors
               notebooks that utilize the Western Digital WD76C10 device.

SOLUTION:      There is no solution to this problem.  SSC has agreed to give
               any customers using their software on such a system a refund.
               Customers reporting this problem should contact SSC at (714)
               498-5784.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0741                  01-22-92

=============================================================================


                      PREMIUM EXEC WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL


PROBLEM:       During the installation process, the EXECEL.EXE file does not
               fully copy onto the hard drive.  This results in an incomplete
               installation of Excel.

SYMPTOM:       When "double clicking" on the Excel Icon, the following
               message appears:

               "System error: Divide by Zero error".

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium Exec 386SX/25

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing this problem should upgrade the BIOS to
               revision 1.12 or higher.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0742                  01-24-92

=============================================================================


                MICROSOFT WINDOWS 3.0 AND ENHANCED VGA MODES


PROBLEM:       When running the application WordPerfect 5.1 in 132x43 column
               text mode under Windows 3.0 (Real, Standard, or Enhanced
               modes) and switching between tasks using the <ALT> + <TAB> key
               sequence, or using the Task List, when the user switches away
               from and then back to the WordPerfect session the screen is
               blank with only a flashing cursor on the screen.

CAUSE:         Microsoft has advised AST that Windows does not support DOS
               applications (WordPerfect and others) running in extended
               graphics modes such as 132x43 column text mode or 640x400x256
               graphics mode.  Windows will only support standard VGA text
               and graphics modes for these applications.

SOLUTION:      Run DOS applications in standard VGA modes only.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0743                  01-24-92

=============================================================================


                AST PREMIUM EXEC 386 AND HEALTHDYNE SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       When the Healthdyne database software accesses the math co-
               processor in a Premium Exec 386/SX-20 the following error
               message "Stack Frame Error" displays and then returns to a dos
               prompt.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium Exec 386/SX-20 and Premium Exec 386SX-25

CAUSE:         The software when started with a batch file "GO 1" mis-
               identifies the L.C.D. screen and the environment created is
               incorrect.  The correct environment is created by the software
               if the screen is identified as color CGA, EGA, or VGA display.

SOLUTION:      Revision "B" of the software has been released by Healthdyne
               that detects the display attached thereby correcting the above
               problem.  A temporary solution is to start the program with
               the "GO 2" batch file, which identifies the screen as a VGA
               display.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0744A                 03-04-92

=============================================================================


              AST 486 BASED SYSTEMS WITH ADAPTEC 1540 AND 1542B


PROBLEM:       AST 486 based systems using an Adaptec 1540 and 1542B SCSI HBA
               shows a significant loss of performance by Checkit and
               Sprinrite.  Data transfer rates are reduced by 33 percent when
               compared to a Premium/386-33 or a Premium 386SX-16 system.

CAUSE:         Adaptec's controller request for the bus are being held off
               while the 486 completes code fetch sequences from Adaptec's
               byte-wide BIOS ROM.  This results in 16 accesses to the ROM
               over the bus, because the 486 processor fetches 128 bits at a
               time then releases the bus.  The 386 processor fetches 32 bits
               then releases the bus.  Since the 486 processor holds Adaptec
               controller off the bus longer during this access, the overall
               performance is significantly reduced as compared to the 386
               based system.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST 486 based systems

SOLUTION:      It has been determined that this problem will not be fixed.
               Customers experiencing this problem should use QEMM-386
               version 5.1 or equivalent as a workaround.  This application
               will allow shadowing of the Adaptec BIOS which will resolve
               the problem.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0745                  01-30-92

=============================================================================


           AST SYSTEMS AND AST 5251/11 TERMINAL EMULATION PROGRAM


PROBLEM:       Customers using AST-5251/11 Terminal Emulation program version
               4.40 or earlier, may experience intermittently displayed
               characters (2,4,6,8) while using the stand alone cursor keys
               on a 101 enhanced keyboard.  When a cursor key is depressed
               and held down a number will be inserted on the screen if
               immediately preceding the depressing of the shift key.

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between AST 101 enhanced keyboard part number
               230098-001 revision "C", and AST-5251/11 Terminal Emulation
               program.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST systems using 101 enhanced keyboards, part number
               230098-001 revision "C" .

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing this problem should have their keyboard
               part number 230098-001 upgraded to revision "D" or higher.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0746                  02-20-92

=============================================================================


                     AST SYSTEMS WITH DPTDDL.SYS DRIVER


PROBLEM:       When loading the DPTDDL.SYS driver for the DPT hard disk
               controller the following error message is displayed:

               "Warning: SCSI BIOS ROM version is later than the driver
               version".

AFFECTED
SYSTEM:        All AST systems.

CAUSE:         The DPTDDL.SYS provided by AST only supports SmartRom version
               prior to revision "C".

SOLUTION:      If the DPT HBA (Host Bus Adapter) PM2012 has revision "C" or
               later of the SmartRom then the DPTDDL.SYS required can be
               downloaded from DPT Bulletin Board Service (B.B.S.), telephone
               number 407-831-6432.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0747                  02-21-92

=============================================================================


                    RAMPAGEPLUS/MC AND DCA 3270/MC BOARD


PROBLEM:       When installing a DCA 3270/MC board in an IBM PS/2 system with
               a RampagePlus/MC board already installed, after completing the
               DCA 3270 installation, the memory previously supplied by the
               RampagePlus/MC board will no longer be counted during post.

CAUSE:         The ASTART.EXE program supplied with the RampagePlus/MC board
               does not correctly register memory on the IBM reference disk,
               which allows the DCA 3270/MC board to corrupt the
               RampagePlus/MC memory configuration.

SOLUTION:      Use the ASTART.EXE (version 1.21.01) available on the AST On-
               Line! BBS.  (This is not an AST released driver, and AST makes
               no warranty regarding the usability of this driver).
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0748                  03-18-92

=============================================================================


                        BIOS SHADOWING IN AST SYSTEMS


This document presents information on the topic of BIOS shadowing.
Persistent misinformation and rumors abound on BIOS shadowing.  If properly
informed most users should view shadowing as a positive and significant
performance enhancer rather than a feature to be avoided.

Performance:

System BIOS and video BIOS shadowing is done to improve performance. This is
done by executing the BIOS code out of RAM rather than ROM.  A performance
gain is achieved by executing out of RAM because it has a much faster
response time than the ROM.  The slower response time of the ROM acts as a
barrier to today's higher speed processors.

Shadowing Location:

During POST the system BIOS copies an image of itself as well as an image of
the video BIOS into RAM.  The location where this image is copied depends on
the vendor's philosophies as well as hardware capabilities.  The AST
philosophy is to follow the strategy of "in-place" shadowing.  What in-place
shadowing means is that the system BIOS will be copied into RAM located at
F000:0 and the video BIOS will be copied into RAM located at C000:0.  For
those familiar with the PC architecture, in-place shadowing locates the
shadowed BIOS at the same location as the ROM version (unshadowed BIOS).

Early in AST's systems history, the hardware was not able to support the in-
place shadowing strategy.  The very early systems would shadow the system
BIOS at F000:0 but the video BIOS had to be shadowed at E000:0.  Progress in
AST's hardware development made in-place shadowing possible for systems
starting in the latter part of 1989.  The choice of shadowing in-place or not
is limited by hardware and is not a BIOS design issue.

Advantages of In-place:

Shadowing in-place has the significant advantage of conserving valuable upper
memory addresses.  A typical unshadowed system will utilize a total of 96K
bytes of valuable address space between the 640K and 1M region.  This is
allocated as 64K bytes at F000:0 for the system BIOS and 32K bytes at C000:0
for the VGA BIOS.  The AST strategy of in-place shadowing utilizes exactly
96K bytes of this valuable address space when shadowing is activated.  A
different shadowing strategy commonly utilizes 160K bytes of this address
space between 640K and 1M.

The chart below illustrates how the in-place shadowing strategy conserves
valuable upper memory addresses.

Upper Memory Address Utilization:

               No Shadow      In-Place       Other Scheme
C0000-C7FFF    VGA BIOS       VGA BIOS       VGA BIOS (ROM)
E0000-EFFFF    not used       not used       VGA BIOS (Shadowed)
F0000-FFFFF    system BIOS    system BIOS    system BIOS
total space    96K bytes      96K bytes      160K bytes

The second significant advantage of in-place shadowing is that it presents
the same characteristics as the typical unshadowed system. For programs which
"sniff" or search the 640K - 1M region, a system which has in-place shadowing
has the video BIOS and system BIOS in exactly the same locations as the
typical unshadowed system.  There is no anomaly as in other shadowing
strategies which have a video BIOS located at C000:0 (the ROM image) as well
as at E000:0 (the shadow image).

Reserved Memory:

All current AST systems as well as all new AST designs have 128K bytes of
reserved memory set aside to support shadowing.  All memory except this 128K
bytes is available to the user.  The reserved memory is used as the shadow
RAM.  There has been no attempt to design systems where only 96K is reserved
rather than 128K.  Providing this extra 32K to the user would significantly
increase hardware costs.

There are a few exceptions to the 128K reserved memory rule.  The Bravo
286/16 is an example of a system which gives reserved memory back to the
user.  This extra 128K is available if shadowing is turned off in specific
memory configurations.  Because of the costs and complications involved to
provide an extra 128K bytes of memory for the minority of users who wish to
disable shadowing, AST systems will continue with the 128K reserved memory
rule.

Write Protection:

Write protecting the shadowed BIOS is important as it prevents program bugs
or poorly designed programs from destroying the video or system BIOS images
in RAM.  This issue affects AST as well as all system vendors.  This write
protection attribute coupled with the in-place shadowing yields the perfect
shadowing scheme.

Systems with cache can present a wrinkle in write protecting the shadow RAM.
Until very recently, AST systems with cache did not provide the hardware
capability to write protect the video BIOS shadow area.  Write protection of
the video BIOS shadow area was complicated by the fact that the cache was
caching the video BIOS addresses.  (The system BIOS area has been write
protected as the cache does not cover the system BIOS addresses.)  With the
exception of 486 based systems, recent AST designs now fully write protect
the shadowed BIOS areas.

The internal cache of the 486 chip presents a challenge to write protection
schemes which AST as well as all other vendors are faced with.  Essentially
there are no hooks in the 486 which allow hardware designers to implement
write protection of shadowed areas which are covered by the 486's cache.
While full write protection could be achieved by preventing the 486 cache
from covering the video BIOS area, this results in a significant performance
degradation in video benchmarks.

The AST solution to the write protection dilemma of 486 systems is to write
protect the shadow RAM.  While this does not prevent the cached copy of the
video BIOS from being overwritten, the cache will always be able to fetch a
correct copy from the protected shadow RAM whenever a cache load cycle is
done.  This pseudo write protection of the video BIOS presents a much smaller
window of vulnerability to program bugs.

Permanent Shadowing:

All new AST systems and recent BIOS updates provide a feature called
permanent shadowing.  This feature no longer provides the user with the
option to disable shadowing.  With in-place shadowing and write protection of
the shadowed BIOS, there is little reason to disable shadowing.  Disabling
shadowing only provides the user with a slower system.  As mentioned earlier
the reserved memory is typically not returned back to the user when shadowing
is disabled.

Summary:

This paper has attempted to answer many of the persistent questions
surrounding shadowing.  It has also reiterated the long term AST strategy
which, when implemented, results in the perfect shadowing scheme.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0749                  03-27-92

=============================================================================


            INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER SETS AND EXTENDED TEXT MODES


PROBLEM:       When using extended video text modes such as 132x25 or 132x43
               on the AST Bravo 386SX-20 using AST DOS 5.0, in conjunction
               with an international code page such as Hebrew, the Bravo will
               revert to the US code page.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All systems using AST DOS 5.0

SOLUTION:      AST Product Marketing has determined that this problem will
               not be fixed.  Only the US character set will be supported in
               extended text modes at this time.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0750                  04-01-92

=============================================================================


                   PREMIUM EXEC NI-CAD BATTERY INFORMATION


PROBLEM:       All Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) rechargeable batteries have the
               inherent "memory" property that can cause early low voltage
               indications and premature system shutdown.

CAUSE:         When a Ni-Cad battery is put through repeated partial-
               discharge / recharge cycles, and is drained to approximately
               the same level each time - down to half capacity, for example
               - it develops a "memory" of this point in the discharge
               process.  Once established, Ni-Cad memory distorts the
               battery's voltage output profile.  The battery will produce a
               normal voltage until drained to the memorized location, but
               thereafter its voltage output abruptly sags to a sub-normal
               value, and stays below normal until actual battery depletion.
               The voltage depression can be deep enough to cause the
               Notebook to prematurely issue the low battery warning (audible
               beep and lighted amber LED) or battery fail warning (audible
               beep and blinking amber LED.)

SOLUTION:      The Ni-Cad battery "memory" effect can be corrected by
               "conditioning" the battery, a process which simply consists of
               fully discharging the battery before recharging.

               The battery pack should never be disturbed while the system is
               in use or while the battery is being charged.  To remove or
               install a battery, the system should be powered down and the
               AC adapter removed.

               AST recommends conditioning the battery pack monthly to
               promote optimum performance.  Conditioning of new, out-of-the-
               box Ni-Cad battery pack is also strongly recommended. Listed
               below are the steps required to correctly condition the
               Premium Exec Ni-Cad battery:

               1. Charge the Ni-Cad battery up to full capacity.

               2. Disconnect the AC adapter.

               3. Configure the Notebook's Setup Menu as shown below.

IMPORTANT:     Note that Suspend must be ENABLED!

               Default Speed:       HIGH
               Backlight Timeout:   0
               Hard Disk Timeout:   0
               Suspend:             ENABLE
               Software Timeout:    0
               (Exec SX-25 and
               SX-25 color only)
               Turbo Mode:          ON AT BOOT
               Speaker:             ENABLE
               Other Parameters:    Don't care

This configuration results in a near-maximum load on the battery during the
first part of the conditioning process. Suspend mode then prevents an
excessive drain rate as the battery nears depletion.

               4. Store  the setup  menu setting  and exit.   The system will
                  reboot and the screen will display the DOS prompt.

               5. Keep  the Notebook powered up with its LCD display open for
                  12 TO 24 HOURS.

Most will find that overnight conditioning of the battery is the most
convenient method.

It is safe to use the Notebook in the normal fashion during the conditioning
process.  However, the following precautions must be observed:

                  a. Save your work and exit all applications back to the DOS
                     prompt immediately after the first low battery warning.
                     Allow the Notebook to remain powered up with the LCD
                     display open, however.

                  b. A full 12 hours of on-time will insure complete battery
                     discharge even with premature suspend activation caused
                     by the "memory" effect.

               6. After 12 hours, turn the Notebook off.  Recharge the
                  battery by attaching the AC adapter.  Connect the AC
                  adapter to the Notebook before plugging the adapter into
                  the AC socket.  Connecting the AC adapter in this sequence
                  insures that the Notebook battery management system senses
                  all signals on the DIN connector appropriately.

NOTE:  After completing a "fast discharge", wait at least 5 minutes before
connecting the AC Adapter/Charger to recharge the battery.  If this is not
done, the AC Adapter/Charger could switch to Trickle Charge mode instead of
Fast Charge mode.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0751                  04-06-92

=============================================================================


                           HARD DRIVE OPTION KITS


The following Drive Option Kits are partitioned/formatted improperly and
contain incorrect documentation:

500747-080:    The drive was not accessible due to a "NON-DOS Partition"
               ERROR.  Initially, the drive was formatted/partitioned with
               DOS 5.0, it is not accessible by users of earlier versions of
               DOS.

               The user should contact AST and have the hard drive replaced.

500747-110:    This Drive Option Kit contained a Western Digital drive with a
               CDC Installation Guide.

               The correct documentation is available in the Configuration
               Guide Manual (part number 001237-001) for the 110MB hard drive.

500747-200:    This Drive Option Kit contained Maxtor drives with Western
               Digital jumper settings and documentation.

               The correct documentation is available in the Configuration
               Guide Manual (part number 001532-001) for the 200MB hard drive.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0752                  04-08-92

=============================================================================


                     VGA DRIVER SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS 3.1


PROBLEM:       VGA drivers distributed with the AST systems do not support
               Microsoft Windows 3.1.  The following two problems will occur
               when attempting to load these drivers under Windows 3.1:

               1) The Windows 3.1 logo will be overwritten with a 3.0 logo.

               2) The 256 color drivers for both the 800x600 and 640x480
                  resolutions operate slowly and with considerable flicker.

               The video drivers experiencing problems are contained on the
               following diskettes:

               DESCRIPTION                        PART NUMBER

          Premium II Integrated VGA drivers       910403-003/033
          Bravo Integrated VGA drivers            910524-031
          Advantage Integrated VGA drivers        910527-031

CAUSE:         These drivers were written to support Windows 3.0 and were not
               meant to support Windows 3.1.

SOLUTION:      There is no solution for the above problems until drivers for
               Windows 3.1 have been released.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0753                  04-20-92

=============================================================================


                  PREMIUM II 386/33 WITH BARR/3 SDLC BOARD


PROBLEM:       When using a Premium II 386/33, the BARR/3 SDLC board from
               BARR Systems will not function in DMA mode.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium II 386/33 Systems with Processor card (part number
               202403-002).

CAUSE:         Incompatibility with the BARR/3 SDLC card.

SOLUTION:      BARR Systems has modified their existing BARR/3 SDLC board,
               revision 1A, which functions correctly under DMA mode.
               Contact BARR Systems for upgrade information.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0754                  05-20-92

=============================================================================


                AST OFFICE ADVANTAGE 386SX/20 AND WINDOWS 3.0


PROBLEM:       When using the AST Office Advantage 386SX/20 with a factory
               installed copy of Windows 3.0, Windows will not, by default,
               run in 386 enhanced mode.  By selecting "help" - "about" from
               the Program Manager menu, Windows will show that it is
               operating in "Standard Mode".

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Office Advantage 386SX/20

SOLUTION:      Enter the system set-up screen by pressing and holding <CTRL>
               + <ALT> + <ESC> as the system boots.  Following the
               instructions on the set-up screen for moving the highlight
               bar, move to the "Shadow BIOS" field and select "Disable".
               Save the system configuration and reboot the system.  By
               disabling Shadow BIOS, an additional 128K of extended RAM will
               be available for Windows.  This additional extended RAM will
               be sufficient to allow Windows 3.0 to operate in 386 Enhanced
               Mode without any other modifications.  Alternately, adding
               additional memory to the system will also allow Windows 3.0 to
               run in Enhanced Mode.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0755                  05-28-92

=============================================================================


                THIRD FLOPPY DRIVE SUPPORT UNDER IBM OS/2 2.0


The system does not recognize the third physically installed floppy drive
under IBM OS/2 version 2.0.  However, the system recognizes the drive under
DOS.  The statement BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD in the IBM OS/2 2.0 CONFIG.SYS file
is the default configuration for two floppy drive support in a non-IBM
system.  To have the third floppy drive supported under IBM OS/2 modify the
BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD statement so that the file appears as follows:

                    BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD /UNIT:2 /F:1.2*
                                                   or
                                                 /F:1.44

*Select the appropriate format for the third floppy drive which would be
either a 1.2MB 5.25" (1.2) drive or a 1.44MB 3.5" (1.44) drive.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0756                  06-01-92

=============================================================================


                   PREMIUM EXEC 386SX/20 AND BATTERY WATCH


PROBLEM:       When using a Microsoft PS/2 mouse connected to a Premium Exec
               with MS-DOS 5.0 and Battery Watch software, the mouse cursor
               will behave erratically when using the mouse in applications
               such as the MS-DOS Shell, Central Point PC Shell, etc.

CAUSE:         This problem is caused by a conflict between Battery Watch and
               the Premium Exec keyboard controller.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium Exec systems shipped with the Traveling software
               Utilities disk (part number 910413-032).

SOLUTION:      AST Portable Systems Engineering has determined that Battery
               Watch will not be upgraded to resolve this problem.  As a work
               around, AST suggests either attaching the mouse to the serial
               port using the appropriate PS/2-serial adapter or removing
               Battery Watch from the systems AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0757                  06-09-92

=============================================================================


                     AST PREMIUM 486/33 WITH SQL SERVER


PROBLEM:       SQL Server version 4.2 hangs during installation or log-on
               while using the system administrators facility (SAF) with a
               486DX processor card.  This error occurs either in an ISA or
               EISA system.

CAUSE:         The problem has been isolated to the current version of BIOS.
               If CMOS byte 41, bit 4 is high (co-processor disabled), SQL
               Administrator will hang.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       486DX/25 or 33 ISA or EISA.

SOLUTION:      The following are two solutions available until a new version
               of BIOS is released:

               1) Using Debug type in the following instructions to determine
                  the status of the byte 41:

                  o 70 41    ;point to byte 41
                  i 71       ;get the byte

               Then adjust the value so that bit 4 is low (example: F8h
               becomes E8h).  Write the new value back to CMOS using the
               following instructions:

                  o 70 41     ;point to the byte
                  o 71 xx     ;xx=new value in hex

               2) Temporarily install a 386DX or SX processor board. Boot and
                  go into setup.  Tab down to the field for Enable/Disable
                  Co-processor.  Set to enable.  Save and  exit.  Then,
                  reinstall the 486 processor board.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0758                  05-27-92

=============================================================================


             AST PREMIUM EXEC AND THE WESTERN DIGITAL 60MB DRIVE


PROBLEM:       The following symptoms occur in Premium Exec systems which
               have a Western Digital WDAH-260-00 model drive installed:

               - An "ERROR INITIALIZING HARD DRIVE" occurs upon booting the
                 system.

               - The hard drive will spin down on its own.

               - The drive cannot be accessed for 25-30 seconds after
                 returning from SUSPEND operation.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All Premium Exec systems.

CAUSE:         This is a firmware problem with the Western Digital drives.
               The version of the firmware can be identified by the "CCC"
               (Customer Configuration Code) which is part of the
               manufacturer's configuration information displayed on the
               label.  Drives with a CCC of "D6" will exhibit the above
               symptoms.  To view the label, the keyboard must be removed.

                                  CAUTION:

               This operation should be performed by a qualified service
               technician.  It is strongly recommended that it be completed
               by an AST Authorized Service Center.  In no case will AST
               Research, Inc. be liable for damage to the system and its
               components or loss of data caused by improper modification.

SOLUTION:      The hard drive should be replaced with a drive having a CCC
               code designated "B2".  The model number for this drive is
               WDAH260-02.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0759B                12-15-92

=============================================================================


                                 SIMM MATRIX


The ensuing chart list the appropriate part numbers for SIMMs to be used with
the AST line of computers.  Please note the appropriate speed and memory size
for the SIMM to be used.

Note:  As a portion of the data is in pictorial form, it is not included
       here.  To obtain a complete copy of this techncial bulletin, contact:

                             AST RESEARCH, INC.
                             16215 ALTON PARKWAY
                              IRVINE, CA 92718

                         ATTENTION:  PRODUCT SUPPORT

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0760                  06-10-92

=============================================================================


               ASTIVGA.EXE ON THE PREMIUM II AND BRAVO SYSTEMS


PROBLEM:       The Premium II User's Manual (AST part number 001129-001
               revision X), refers to using a video utility called
               ASTIVGA.EXE.  When trying to access ASTIVGA.EXE, an error
               occurs indicating that this file is not found.  The problem is
               a result of an upgrade to the System Utilities disk for DOS
               5.0 support.

EFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium II and BRAVO

RESOLUTION:    AST combined the ASTIVGA.EXE module with the ASTMENU.EXE
               module.  Unfortunately, the documentation does not reflect
               the  changes to the section regarding the proper use of the new
               ASTIVGA.EXE.  These additional commands were not added.
               However, the following mode instructions will enable specific
               mode commands to be entered from either the command line or from
               within a batch file.  These commands are not upper or lower case
               sensitive.

SYNTAX:        ASTMENU ASTIVGA <mode> [<option>]

PARAMETERS:    <mode>
               COLOR, MONO, EGA, CGA, MDA, HERC0, HERC1, 13225C, 13225M,
               13243C, 13243M, 800C, 800M, LOCK, REBOOT
               [<option>]
               LOCK, REBOOT

               The LOCK and REBOOT options may also be implemented as a <mode>
               statement.  LOCK maintains the selected mode through a
               warm-boot, but is reset by a cold-boot, system reset, or if the
               ASTIVGA.EXE program is repeated.  The REBOOT option is used to
               reboot the system into a particular mode.  This option is
               typically used to warm boot the system into a non-VGA environment.
               If the selected mode is 800x or 132xxx, the REBOOT option will
               revert back to the monitor's native mode.

EXAMPLES:      ASTMENU ASTIVGA CGA REBOOT
               ASTMENU ASTIVGA MONO LOCK
               ASTMENU REBOOT
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0761                  06-24-92

=============================================================================


     AST PREMIUM EXEC 386SX-25 AND CARRIER CORP. SOFTWARE PROTECTION KEY


PROBLEM:       When using the application "Building Supervisor III" from
               Carrier Corp. on the Premium Exec 386SX-25, the application
               will fail to load and display the error message "Access key
               not attached!"

CAUSE:         This problem is caused by an incompatibility between the
               Carrier Corp. software protection key and the parallel port
               implementation of the Premium Exec.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium Exec 386SX-20 (All models)
               Premium Exec 386SX-25 (All models)
               Premium Exec 386SX-25C (All models)

SOLUTION:      AST Sustaining Engineering has determined that this problem
               will not be fixed on the Premium Exec.  Carrier Corp. has
               advised AST that a software patch may be available which eases
               the timing requirements for accessing the security key.
               Customers experiencing this problem should contact Carrier
               Corp. and request the software patch for AST notebooks.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0762                  07-01-92

=============================================================================


        AST 5251/11 ENHANCED AND PC GUARDIAN "VIRUS PREVENTION PLUS"


PROBLEM:       When using the application "Virus Prevention Plus" from PC
               Guardian Security Products, with AST 5251/11 Enhanced
               emulation software, any attempt to unload emulation from
               memory will result in a system lock-up.

CAUSE:         With "Virus Prevention Plus" resident in memory, AST 5251/11
               Enhanced emulation will not unload correctly because its
               software interrupt vectors have been changed by the PC
               Guardian software.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST 5251/11 Enhanced

SOLUTION:      AST EPD Marketing has determined that this problem will not be
               fixed.  The AST 5251/11 Enhanced emulation product is working
               as designed.  To force emulation to unload after its software
               interrupt vectors have been changed may corrupt the interrupt
               vector chain and cause failures with other DOS applications.
               As a work around, AST recommends either not loading "Virus
               Prevention Plus" when using 5251/11 Enhanced emulation or
               rebooting the system to unload emulation.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0763                  07-16-92

=============================================================================


                         AST MONOCHROME VGA MONITORS


PROBLEM:       When using the AST Monochrome VGA monitor near fluorescent
               lighting, the display may flicker slightly, especially when
               turning on fluorescent lights.

CAUSE:         The flicker is caused by the frequency difference between the
               fluorescent light (60Hz) and the scanning frequency of the
               monitor (50Hz).

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Monochrome VGA monitors.


SOLUTION:      It is recommended that any fluorescent lighting, such as that
               found in modular workstations, be located at least 20" or more
               from the rear of the monitor to prevent flickering.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0764                  07-17-92

=============================================================================


        AST POWER PREMIUM SYSTEMS AND HARDWARE CURSOR IMPLEMENTATION


PROBLEM:       When using the AST Power Premium with Windows 3.X running in
               32K color video modes, such as 640x480x32K, the mouse cursor
               will blink when placed over areas of the Windows desktop that
               are being redrawn.

CAUSE:         The Western Digital 90C31 VGA controller is not specifically
               designed to utilize the hardware cursor in 32K (16 bit) color
               modes.  This limitation is not a problem with the Western
               Digital controller, but is caused by the lack of a color
               palette in 32K color mode.  In addition, mouse cursor width
               and color availability would be adversely affected.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST  Power Premium systems.


SOLUTION:      Due to the limitations outlined above, a hardware cursor is
               not implemented in 32K color mode.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0765                  07-20-92

=============================================================================


                       AST SYSTEMS AND NORTON DESKTOP


PROBLEM:       When running Norton Desktop under Windows 3.1 in 800x600 video
               mode, the screen does not refresh correctly and all colors are
               not displayed.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Various AST 486 and 386 systems.

CAUSE:         The problem occurs when the software tries to identify the
               video controller and define a new color palette.  It falsely
               identifies our video as an EGA and hence we see the problem.

SOLUTION:      The software has an undocumented switch that fixes this
               problem.

               The following line should be entered into the NDW.INI file,
               which is located in the Windows directory.

                    [SYSTEM INFORMATION]
                    skipvideo=1

               The editing should be done using a text editor such as the
               Windows Notepad.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0766                  07-21-92

=============================================================================


                  AST POWER PREMIUM AND PEN POINT SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       After running Pen Point software from GO Corp when the system
               is re-booted the CMOS information is corrupted.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST Power Premium systems

CAUSE:         The problem is caused by a bug in the software due to which an
               I/O write of F0h is executed to I/O port 816h, this is an
               address at which EISA CMOS resides.

SOLUTION:      A file named MIL.INI contained in the \penpoint\boot directory
               should be modified as indicated below:

                    1. At line 145 change LPT1=true to LPT1=false
                    2. At line 147 change LPT2=true to LPT2=false

NOTE:  For further information customers can contact GO Corp and reference
       bug# 29273.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0767                  07-17-92

=============================================================================


           ADVANTAGE/BRAVO SYSTEMS AND AST/WINDOWS 3.1 LOGO SCREEN


Some AST Advantage and Bravo systems are shipped from the factory with
Microsoft Windows 3.1 pre-installed on the hard drive.  The initial logo
screen which is displayed when Windows is started is a special logo, which is
a combination Microsoft and AST banner.  When the Windows SETUP program is
used to change the default display driver from "VGA" to another type of
display driver, the "dual" logo is overwritten by the standard Microsoft-only
logo.

To restore the original "dual" logo, perform the following steps, first
making sure that Windows is not loaded:

    1.  From the DOS prompt, change directories to "n:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM", where
        "n" is the drive where Windows is installed.

    2.  Using the DOS COPY command, copy the file ASTWLGO4.RLE to
        VGALOGO.RLE.

    3.  Change directories to n:\WINDOWS.

    4.  Run SETUP and select DISPLAY from the "System Information" list.

    5.  Use the arrow keys to select VGA.

    6.  Accept this configuration.

    7.  Choose "use current driver" when prompted by SETUP, and exit SETUP.

The next time Windows is started, the logo screen should be as it was shipped
from the factory.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0768                  07-23-92

=============================================================================


              AST PREMIUM II 386/33 AND TORUS ETHERNET ADAPTER


PROBLEM:       When using the AST Premium II 386/33 with the Torus Ethernet
               Adapter in a Microsoft LAN Manager 2.X environment, the system
               will fail to map drives or access files on the file server and
               will display the error message "DOS Error 5."

CAUSE:         The Torus Ethernet is a bus-mastering card that is not
               compatible with the Premium II, Premium CLEM, and Bravo 486
               series of computers.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST  Premium II systems.
               AST Premium CLEM systems.
               AST Bravo 486 systems.

SOLUTION:      AST Sustaining Engineering has determined that this problem
               will not be fixed.  AST suggests using an alternate network
               interface card.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0769A                 11-10-92

=============================================================================


                     AST SVGA 14" LOW RADIATION MONITOR


PROBLEM:       When using the 1024x768 mode on the SVGA 14" low radiation
               monitor, the picture will shift to the left.

CAUSE:         This is due to a timing issue within the monitor itself.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       SVGA 14" low radiation monitor part number  500902-XXX
               revision A.

SOLUTION:      Replace revision A monitor with a revision B monitor part
               number 500902-001, 002, or 003.

NOTE:  The part number 500902-XXX on the packing box will remain revision A.
       However, the part number on the monitor itself will change to 230253-
       XXX revision B.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0770                  07-28-92

=============================================================================


        PREMIUM EXEC DATA FAX\SEND RECEIVE MODEM AND BITFAX SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       Unable to receive facsimiles while using BITFAX version
               3.07.03, by Bit Software Inc., on a Premium Exec with a Data
               FAX/Send Receive Modem.  May also display error message: "COM2
               not functional--Try another COM port", if the "Test Fax Modem"
               option is selected under BFtest.

CAUSE:         The modem needs to be initialized before connecting the
               Premium Exec to a facsimile machine.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All Premium Exec systems using the BITFAX software with a Data
               FAX/Send Receive Modem with one of the following part numbers:

                       230175-002 or 230175-003

SOLUTION:      Execute the "ASTMODEM ON" file which is included with the Data
               FAX/Send Receive Modem package before the BITFAX software is
               executed.  This file can either be executed from the
               AUTOEXEC.BAT file or from a DOS command prompt.  Use "ASTMODEM
               OFF" to disable the modem.  The "Internal Adapter" option
               under SYSTEM SETUP should also be set to "ENABLE".
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0771                  08-12-92

=============================================================================


                           AT&T UNIX AND AST SYSTEMS


PROBLEM:       Cannot boot with AT&T UNIX System V/386 Release 4.0 Version
               2.1.

CAUSE:         AT&T UNIX interprets an SMC floppy controller as a 82077
               controller when in fact it is a 37C65. This puts the 37C65
               part into an invalid mode causing a "panic error".

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      All systems using an SMC floppy controller.

SOLUTION:      AT&T only supports AT&T machines with AT&T UNIX.  Therefore,
               AST cannot support the Operating System and recommends that
               customers use SCO UNIX System version 3.2.4, Microport SVR4 or
               other upcoming UNIX's which will support AST systems.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0772                  08-17-92

=============================================================================


              BRAVO 386SX/16 SYSTEMS HANG ON DOS 5.0 INSTALLATION


PROBLEM:       AST DOS 5.0 hangs during installation when using keyboard
               part number 230098-001 revision E, E1 and G.

               The AST DOS 5.0 installation will complete using keyboard
               part number 230098-001 Revision D.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Bravo 386SX/16

SOLUTION:      If Revision E, E1 or G keyboards are being used, you must
               disable NUMLOCK in the CMOS setup before attempting to
               install AST DOS 5.0.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0773                  08-25-92

=============================================================================


                     3COM COMPATIBILITY IN AST EISA SYSTEMS


PROBLEM:       There is a bus timing problem with 3COM's 3C507 Coax board
               previous to modification 11, revision B and on the 3C507 TP
               board modification 4, revision B.

CAUSE:         When 3COM 3C507 Coax and 3C507 TP network interface cards are
               installed in AST EISA based systems, the following symptoms
               will occur:

               - Intermittent lock ups
               - Unreliable performance
               - ABEND (NetWare)
               - Trap Errors (OS/2)

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      386 Tower EISA, 486 Tower EISA, Premium SE, Power Premium, and
               486 Desktop EISA.

SOLUTION:      The following revisions must be installed to fix the problem:

               The 3C507 Coax board must be a modification 11 or higher and
               of revision B or higher.  This information is located in the
               upper right hand column of the board and is displayed as
               follows:

               ASSY 6750-11 REV B

               The 3C507 TP board must be a modification 04 or higher and of
               revision B or higher.  This information is located in the
               upper right hand column of the board and is displayed as
               follows:

               ASSY 7508-04 REV B

               Customers with the above problem should call 3COM's RMA
               department for an upgrade at (800) 876-3266.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0774                  09-01-92

=============================================================================


           AST POWER PREMIUM AND PAGEMAKER 4.0 IN 800X600X32K MODE


                 This Technical Bulletin has been cancelled.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0775                  09-01-92

=============================================================================


                 AST BRAVO 386/486 SYSTEMS AND BOOT FAILURES


PROBLEM:       When a BRAVO 386 or 486 system is booted up an error message
               "Auto sense parameters too large" is displayed.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST BRAVO 3/25s and 4/33 systems model 83B, Part Numbers
               500859-005 and 500882-009.

CAUSE:         The problem has been attributed to the Quantum 80 MB hard
               drive Model LPS85AT.

               If the System BIOS is set to Auto and the system has 2MB of
               RAM then the drive does not initialize fast enough.  This
               problem does not occur with 4MB of RAM.

SOLUTION:      Set the System BIOS to Drive Type 16 and the error will not
               occur.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0776                  09-15-92

=============================================================================


             UPGRADING THE BRAVO-II 486/XX BIOS TO VERSION 1.22


PROBLEM:       When upgrading the system BIOS to version 1.22, the auto drive
               type is not saved.

CAUSE:         Version 1.22 does not have an option to enable or disable the
               shadow BIOS area.  This area is where the auto drive type (97)
               is stored.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      All Bravo-II 486/XX

SOLUTION:      Before upgrading the BIOS, enable the shadow BIOS region, so
               the auto option is supported.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0777                  09-15-92

=============================================================================


         AST 5250 MCA ADAPTERS AND IBM MODEL P70 PORTABLE COMPUTERS


PROBLEM:       When using an AST Micro Channel 5250 adapter in certain IBM
               systems the system locks up.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       IBM Model P70-121, 386/20MHZ IBM P/N: 40857312
               IBM Model P70-061, 386/20MHZ IBM P/N: 518573061

SOLUTION:      These portable hardware platforms were introduced after
               implementation of the AST 5250 adapter.  The AST 5250 MCA
               Adapter has been tested in IBM's existing desktop Micro
               Channel product line and conforms to specification.  AST has
               therefore determined that this problem will not be fixed.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0778                  09-22-92

=============================================================================


         BRAVO LC MEMORY UPGRADES WITH APPROVED VENDORS/PART NUMBERS


The following is a list of the approved vendors and part numbers for Memory
Upgrades to be used with the Bravo LC computers.

BRAVO LC 3/33s

1 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-173)  - 60ns, 30-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
8-bit

    MANUFACTURER     PART NUMBER

    Goldstar         GMM781000NS-60
    Micron           MT2D18M-6
    Mitsubishi       MH1M08A0AJ-6
    Motorola         MCM814305-60
    NMB              MM1M0J8S-06C
    Samsung          KMM581000BN-6
    TI               TM124GU8A-6
    Toshiba          THM81070AS-60

4 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-178)   - 60ns, 30-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
8-bit

    MANUFACTURER     PART NUMBER

    TBD              TBD

BRAVO LC 486

1 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-163)    - 70ns, 72-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
32-bit

    MANUFACTURER     PART NUMBER

    Fujitsu          MB85331-70PSG
    Micron           MT8D25632G-7

4 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-171)    - 70ns, 72-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
32-bit

    MANUFACTURER     PART NUMBER

    Hitachi          HB56D132BR-7A
    Micron           MT8D132G-7
    Toshiba          THM321000ASG-70

16 MB SIMMs (P/N 104000-165)   - 70ns, 72-pin, Fast Page Mode JEDEC SIMMs,
32-bit

    MANUFACTURER     PART NUMBER

    HITACHI          HB56A432B-7

INTEGRATED VGA MEMORY FOR BRAVO LC

256KB (P/N 230223-002)         - 70ns, 256K x 4, 20-pin DIP

    MANUFACTURER     PART NUMBER

    Fujitsu          MB81C4256A-60P
    Micron           MT4C4256-7
    Motorola         MCM514256AP70
    NMB              AAA1M304P-07
    Siemens          HYB514256B-70
    Toshiba          TC514256AP-70
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0779                  09-25-92

=============================================================================


              PREMIUM SE 4/33 AND MAYNARD INTERNAL TAPE ADAPTER


PROBLEM:       When using a Maynard (2000 DAT) Tape Backup with a 16-bit
               internal Maynard SCSI adapter the system hangs.

CAUSE:         The problem is caused by the Maynard SCSI controller cards
               (part number 08-9-6010000 revision 3) that uses an AMD 33C93
               chip at location U12.  This chip generates noise which results
               in an un-requested interrupt causing a system hang.

               Maynard controllers shipping with a WD 33C93A chip at location
               U12 do not have this problem.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium SE and Premium TE systems with EISA motherboards (part
               number 202377-00X).

SOLUTION:      Contact Maynard Technical Support at 800-227-6296 for further
               information and resolution.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0780                  10-28-92

=============================================================================


                    PREMIUM EXEC AND ULTRACOM 9600 MODEM


PROBLEM:       The modem for the Exec will not sync down to 2400 BAUD while
               communicating with an UltraCom 9600 modem.  The message "no
               carrier" appears on the screen and no connection is made.

CAUSE:         The Rockwell modem firmware contains an error, creating this
               condition.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      All models of the Premium Exec notebook.

SOLUTION:      Replace modem, part number 230175-002 revision C with a
               revision D.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0781                  11-02-92

=============================================================================


                PREMIUM 486/33E AND COGENT DATA TECHNOLOGIES
                     E/MASTER II-AT/TP ETHERNET ADAPTER


PROBLEM:       Access to an Asynchronous Server fails using Netware
               Asynchronous Services Interface (NASI) with a Cogent Data
               Technologies E/Master II-AT/TP bus-mastering Ethernet adapter
               (IPX shell version 2.32) installed in an AST Premium 486/33E
               system.

CAUSE:         The problem is attributed to an incompatibility with the
               Ethernet Adapter IPX shell and the Premium 486/33E system.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      Premium 486/33 EISA

SOLUTION:      To resolve this problem, customers should upgrade their Cogent
               Data Technologies E/Master II Ethernet Adapter IPX shell to
               version 2.41.  To obtain this IPX shell contact Cogent Data
               Technologies Technical Support at (206) 378-2929.
=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0782                  11-05-92

=============================================================================


                       ADVANTAGE! PLUS SETUP ANOMALIES


Manufacturing has experienced CMOS Setup problems with motherboard (part
number 202529-XXX) on the Advantage! Plus Mini-Tower systems.  Changes in
Setup do not always take effect the first time.  If this problem presents
itself, Setup should be run twice to ensure that changes will take effect.
Examples under which this problem may occur are:

1.  When replacing the motherboard.

2.  When adding or changing memory.

3.  When changing the existing hard drive with another type.

4.  When adding a second hard drive.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0783B                01-11-93

=============================================================================


             POWER EXEC WITH FILE TRANSFER AND LAPLINK SOFTWARE


Time-out problems have been reported during file transfers when running
Laplink version 3.00 on the AST Power Exec product in the maximum battery
life power management mode.

These problems can be resolved by changing the Power Exec's Power Management
mode to "Max Performance" during file transfers.  The problem can also be
resolved by upgrading the Laplink software to version 3.00A or to Laplink
Pro.  Contact Traveling Software for information regarding Laplink software.

The recommended file transfer method between your Power Exec and other
computer systems is the supplied utility INTERLINK.EXE and INTERSRV.EXE.
Other programs utilize communication methods which often disrupt the Power
Exec's Intelligent Power Management by attempting to directly control
hardware components.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0784                  11-06-92

=============================================================================


      AST PREMIUM EXEC DATA/FAX INTERNATIONAL MODEMS AND WINFAXPRO 2.0


PROBLEM:       When sending a fax thru the AST Data/Fax modem (International
               Only) using the WinFax Pro software version 2.0 for Windows
               the system hangs displaying an Unrecoverable Application
               Error.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All Premium Exec Systems  with motherboard part number
               202390-004 rev x30 or below using an International Data/Fax
               Modem part number  230208-XXX.

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between the modem firmware and the system.

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing the above problem should upgrade the
               motherboard to rev x31 or above and replace the modem.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0785                  11-06-92

=============================================================================


                        FASTRAM MEMORY BOARD FAILURES


PROBLEM:       It has been reported that the AST FASTRAM memory board for the
               Premium 286 may fail after a few years of successful
               operation.

CAUSE:         This is due to a possible defective capacitor located at one
               or all of the following locations on the FASTRAM memory board;
               C1-C3, C6, C11-C13, C20 and C34.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST FASTRAM Memory Boards with part number 202146-003 and
               202146-004.

               The suspect FASTRAM boards can be identified by the above part
               number and by the capacitors.  The capacitor is a cylinder 5
               millimeters high and 5 millimeters in diameter.  The color
               scheme is dark blue with a light blue vertical stripe, except
               for the top that is exposed aluminum metal.

SOLUTION:      Customers experiencing problems on the above boards should
               contact AST Research Technical Support for a Return
               Authorization Number (RAN) to have the board repaired.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0786                  11-16-92

=============================================================================


                      POWER EXEC AND FLASH BIOS UPDATE


When updating the Power Exec's Flash BIOS, be sure that no devices are
attached to the Power Exec's parallel port.  Certain devices, (e.g., parallel
port loopback plug), attached to the parallel port during the BIOS update
will cause the BIOS loader to fail and issue a beep error code, (Floppy disk
controller error) of 2 long and 3 short beeps.

If this error occurs, be sure to remove any device or loopback plug attached
to the Power Exec's parallel port and repeat the BIOS update.  If the problem
persists, follow the corrective actions indicated in the AST Power Exec
Hardware Maintenance Manual (AST part number 001617-001).

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0787                  11-10-92

=============================================================================


                      PREMIUM EXEC SYSTEMS AND IBM OS/2


AST Premium Exec monochrome systems using IBM OS/2 version 2.0 may experience
lock-ups during operation.  Any attempt to open an application in a DOS
window will cause the operating system to generate a "SYS 3176" error, and
then lock up, forcing a power-off or reset to recover.

Customers experiencing this problem should contact IBM at 1-800-3-IBMOS2 and
request the Corrective Service Diskettes (CSD) update that will bring the
OS/2 operating system to CSD level "XR 06055".

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0788                  11-17-92

=============================================================================


               AST 486 SYSTEMS WITH IBM'S 5250 EMULATION CARD


If an IBM 5250 adapter is installed in an AST 80486-based system, errors may
occur while accessing a high-density floppy drive.  The DOS error generated
is "FAILURE READING DRIVE X: ABORT, RETRY, IGNORE, FAIL", where "X" is the
drive to which access is being attempted.

The problem occurs because the IBM 5250 emulation card, which defaults to
using IRQ 5, interferes with the operation of the floppy controller (at IRQ
6), causing DMA overruns.

To resolve this problem the following change needs to be made to the
configuration of the PC Support program.

     In the STARTPCS batch file, at the line "E5250AH.COM" add the switch
     "/L7".  The command line should read "E5250AH /L7". A capital "L" must
     be used.

This effectively changes the IRQ used by the IBM5250 adapter board
to 7.  Note that no other device in the system should be using this
interrupt.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0789                  11-19-92

=============================================================================


         PREMIUM 486/25 SYSTEMS AND NOVELL NON-DEDICATED NETWARE 2.2


PROBLEM:       After installing an Intel Overdrive processor (ODPR486DX-25)
               into an AST Premium 486/25 system configured with Novell Non-
               Dedicated Netware 2.2, the system will briefly display the
               message "ABEND: Double Exception Interrupt" and then reboot
               when attempting to start the server.

CAUSE:         Novell Netware 2.2 uses timing dependent loops when toggling
               the status of the GATEA20 line.  With the Intel Overdrive chip
               installed, this loop executes so quickly that the GATEA20 line
               is not set to the proper state before Netware begins accessing
               extended memory.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST CUPID Desktop Systems (motherboard part number 202356-00X
               & 202337-00X).

SOLUTION:      The file NET$OS.EXE may be patched to increase the length of
               the timing dependent loops.  The following procedure uses the
               DOS DEBUG command to implement this fix:

               c:\>copy net$os.exe net$os.bin<cr>

               debug net$os.bin
               - s 100 FFFF 8B 0E 71 05<cr>
               xxxx:yyyy
               - e xxxx:yyyy<cr>
               xxxx:yyyy  8B.B9<space> 0E.C0<space> 71.00<space> 05.90<cr>
               - s (x+1)xxx:0000 FFFF 8B 0E C8 4B
               XXXX:YYYY
               - e XXXX:YYYY
               XXXX:YYYY  8B.B9<space> 0E.C0<space> C8.00<space> 4B.90<cr>
               -w<cr>
               Writing zzzzz bytes
               -q<cr>

               C:\>copy net$os.exe net$os.old<cr>
               1 file(s) copied

               C:\>copy net$os.bin net$os.exe<cr>
               1 file(s) copied

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0790                  12-01-92

=============================================================================


                  BRAVO 4/33 LC AND IRWIN TAPE BACKUP UNIT


PROBLEM:       Bravo 4/33 LC fails to recognize an Irwin A250EP Parallel Port
               Tape Backup Unit.  The EZ-Tape software that is provided with
               the unit is unable to detect the tape drive connected to the
               parallel port.  This generates the error message "No tape
               drive found."

CAUSE:         The EZ-Tape software has several delay loops that are executed
               too quickly on the Bravo 4/33 LC.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All Bravo 4/33 LC systems.

SOLUTION:      By patching the software and increasing the delay loops, the
               EZ-Tape software can run properly on the Bravo 4/33 systems.
               These delays can be added by manipulating an environment
               string as follows:

                           SET PPCFDC=O:12,I:18

               This string represents the environment for the Parallel Port
               Controller Floppy Disk Controller (PPCFDC) to have an Output
               delay factor of 12 (O:12) and an Input delay factor of 18
               (I:18).  These values were found to provide the best results
               for the software to function properly.  This environment
               string can be typed at a DOS prompt before executing the EZ-
               Tape software or by adding this line to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

               This string will not decrease the functionality of the
               software or system.  The delay factors are only providing the
               normal delay that would be done on systems that the software
               was originally designed for.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0791                  11-20-92

=============================================================================


            ADVANTAGE! PLUS MINI-TOWER AND I/O PORT CONFIGURATION


PROBLEMS:      Customers may experience one or more of the following problems
               with the Advantage! Plus Mini Tower and/or I/O port
               configuration.

               - No label on back panel for Com Port 1 or Com Port 2.

               - No label on back panel for Parallel Port.

               - A reversed internal serial cabling which would cause a
                 problem while attempting to connect the mouse to Com 1.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Advantage! Plus Mini-Tower.

SOLUTION:      Make sure that the mouse is connected to the bottom connector,
               which is Com 1.

Note:  Not all systems will exhibit this problem.  This is more of an FYI,
       since all systems have been corrected.  Com Port 2 is disabled since
       it is in use by the Data/Fax Modem.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0792                  12-04-92

=============================================================================


               PREMIUM EXEC 3/25C AND CENTRAL POINT PC COMMUTE


PROBLEM:       When using the AST Premium Exec 3/25C and Central Point PC
               Commute, the system will hang for 5 to 10 minutes before
               returning an error indicating that PC Commute is not loaded.

CAUSE:         The Suspend mode feature of the Premium Exec Color system does
               not work with PC Commute.
AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Premium Exec 3/25C systems.

SOLUTION:      When running on battery power, disable the Suspend mode option
               in setup.  When operating on AC power, Suspend mode is
               automatically disabled.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0793                  12-08-92

=============================================================================


                    FASTBOARD/386 WITH RAM PARITY ERRORS


PROBLEM:       Certain three chip configuration 1MB SIMM modules for the
               FastBoard/386 cause ram parity errors when used.

CAUSE:         Incompatibility between the three chip 1MB SIMM configuration
               and the FastBoard/386.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      FastBoard/386 boards with the following part numbers:

                    202196-001 or 202323-001

SOLUTION:      To resolve this problem use the nine chip configuration 1MB
               SIMM modules.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0794                  12-09-92

=============================================================================


                POWER PREMIUM AND DALLAS SEMICONDUCTOR DS1255


PROBLEM:       When running the application View386 from Lavenir Technology,
               the software displays the error message "software key not
               found".

CAUSE:         The Intel 82351 Local I/O EISA chip used on the Power Premium
               systems has a minor functional difference with the AT parallel
               port design which prevents it from working with the Dallas
               Semiconductor DS1255 Keyring.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All Power Premium systems.

SOLUTION:      This is not a problem that AST can resolve.  As a work around,
               the following options are available:

               1) Install a third party I/O card.

               2) Lavenir technology has been advised of the problem, along
                  with a possible workaround which may be implemented through
                  software modification. Contact Lavenir for a possible
                  update.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0795                  12-10-92

=============================================================================


                 PREMIUM II 386SX/20 AND XENIX 2.3 VERSION 4

PROBLEM:       When installing Xenix 2.3 version 4 the process will take up
               to ten minutes to get through the first diskette.

SYMPTOM:       The duration it takes to get through the install diskette
               should be two minutes.  At the end of the install cycle the
               system will appear to hang and after about six minutes it will
               then prompt the user for the next diskette.

CAUSE:         The problem stems from a timing error with the CPU card.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Premium II 386sx/20

SOLUTION:      This lapse of time only occurs on the Spitfire CPU card part
               number 202438-001.  Replace the Spitfire CPU card with part
               number 202380-002 to resolve the problem.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0796                  12-09-92

=============================================================================


                      PREMIUM 386C WITH 386 TO THE MAX


PROBLEM:       When installing "386 To The Max" on a Premium 386C the system
               will hang during the second stage of the optimization process.
               At this point there is no response from the keyboard and the
               system must be rebooted.  As a result the software does not
               complete the installation.  The BIOS version that demonstrates
               the conflict is 3.01.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Premium 386C.

CAUSE:         Engineering has determined this to be a BIOS conflict with the
               software.

SOLUTION:      BIOS version 2.30 part number 500702-001 resolves the issue.
               This is a downgrade in BIOS versions and will only function on
               a Premium 386C motherboard part number 202184-001.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0797                  12-16-92

=============================================================================


                      POWER PREMIUM AND MICROSOFT C/C++


PROBLEM:       Microsoft C/C++ version 7.0 fails to install under DOS.

CAUSE:         Failure with the "get video mode" function call on the Video
               BIOS.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All systems that utilize the Western Digital 90C31 Accelerator
               Chip.  Power Premium and Server EISA with motherboard part
               number 202472-001.

SOLUTION:      A work around for the customer is to run VESA.EXE in the
               AUTOEXEC.BAT or from the command line, before installing
               Microsoft C/C++.  VESA.EXE can be found on the AST Bulletin
               Board System under the filename VGA-1DWA.ZIP.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0798                  12-21-92

=============================================================================


                 ADVANTAGE! SYSTEMS AND MICROSOFT PUBLISHER


PROBLEM:       When installing Microsoft Publisher on an AST Advantage!
               system, using the diskettes provided by AST, an error message
               is displayed after the user is prompted to enter his name and
               company, stating that the diskettes must not be write
               protected.  (PR#C07002)

CAUSE:         The installation diskette (AST part number 910574-001) is
               write protected.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST Advantage systems shipped with Microsoft Publisher.

SOLUTION:      Replace the original installation diskette (AST part number
               910574-001 Revision A) with a new installation diskette (AST
               part number 910574-001 Revision B).

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0799                 12-16-92

=============================================================================


                      BRAVO AND ADVANTAGE MEMORY ACCESS


The Bravo and Advantage computers utilize a memory addressing architecture
known as "interleaved", or "bank switched".  Instead of placing sequential
memory addresses one after the other within the same bank of memory,
sequential memory addresses are interleaved between banks of memory.  In the
case of 80386 systems, for example, the first 32-bit address is in Bank 0,
the second is in bank 1, and so forth for the number of banks installed.

Interleaving speeds memory access by enabling subsequent memory banks to be
prepared (precharged) for access while the data is being retrieved from the
current bank (address).  Under normal operation, in a system with one bank
populated with memory, memory access is slower than when compared to a system
with two or more memory banks populated.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0800                 12-30-62

=============================================================================


                 POWER EXEC WITH STACKER AND NORTON DESKTOP


PROBLEM:       Difficuties have been oberved when using Stacker 2.0 with
               Norton Desktop version 2.0.  The problems obseved are being
               unable to access setup after Stacker is installed as well as
               disabling the Norton Anti-Virus option inside of Desktop.
               There may be other sporadic problems under DOS as well as
               Windows.

CAUSE:         The failures observed stem from Stacker 2.0.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       The errors were observed on a Power Exec. But errors can be
               seen on any system using this software configuration.

SOLUTION:      A version 3.0 of Stacker is availble and released. If a
               customer wants to know what the fixes are they will have to be
               referred to Stack Electronics for more information.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0801                 01-06-93

=============================================================================


                    BRAVO 486/33 AND PIXEL WORKS RA-1280


PROBLEM:       When using the AST Bravo II 486/33 with the Pixel Works RA-
               1280 graphics board installed, the diagnostic software bundled
               with the RA-1280 may hang when running board tests, requiring
               a cold boot to restart the system.

CAUSE:         The RA-1280 is a bus-mastering card that is not compatible
               with the Premium II, Premium CLEM, and Bravo II 486 series of
               computers.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Premium II systems.
               AST Premium CLEM systems.
               AST Bravo II 486 systems.

SOLUTION:      AST Sustaining Engineering has determined that this problem
               will not be fixed.  AST suggests using an alternate graphics
               adapter.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0802                 01-04-93

=============================================================================


                  POWER EXEC MODEM SOFTWARE AND EMM386.EXE


PROBLEM:       Communication software used for modems may experience problems
               on the Power Exec if EMM386.EXE is used along with the Card
               Configuration Utility (CCU.EXE) program, part number
               910717-031 release 1.0.  This currently occurs with all
               versions  of EMM386.

CAUSE:         Both the EMM386 program and the CCU program load into memory
               at the same D000h memory location.  CCU.EXE takes two 16KB
               memory windows; one at DC00h for PCMCIA common memory and one
               at D800h for attribute memory.  Also CCU will establish a
               memory window at D000-D400h for network adapters which is
               documented in the Power Exec User's Guide, part number
               001492-001.

SYSTEMS
AFFECTED:      All Power Exec systems.

SOLUTION:      Exclude the D000h-DFFFh memory range in EMM386.  This will
               prevent EMM386.EXE from using this memory range and allow the
               CCU program to use the memory range.

               For example;

               DEVICE=C:\EMM386.EXE X=D000-DFFF

               For more information on EMM386 and the exclude switch, please
               consult your MS-DOS manual.  Make sure the appropriate files
               are backed up before modifying this statement.

CAUTION:       In no case will AST Research, Inc. be liable for damage to the
               system or loss of data caused by improper or faulty
               installation of this file.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0803                 12-30-92

=============================================================================


                  EISA SYSTEMS WITH THE RACAL INTERLAN CARD


PROBLEM:       The drivers shipped with the RACAL Interlan card, used in the
               AST SE system and sold as an option kit for other EISA
               systems, do not support either PBurst or ODI capability.  The
               Burst Mode protocol is a new technology for expediting large
               file reads and writes over wide area network links.  The ODI
               protocol allows multiple protocols to link to one card,
               (i.e., IPX and TCP-IP).

CAUSE:         The advanced PBurst and ODI capabilities of the RACAL card not
               supported by the drivers that were supplied by RACAL and
               originally shipped with AST systems up to 12-18-92.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       Any system using a RACAL Interlan adapter AST part number
               500875-001 or 230214-001.

SOLUTION:      Obtain the diskette of drivers released on 12-18-92 using AST
               part number 910462-004 release 1.02 from RACAL.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0804                 01-11-93

=============================================================================


                POWER EXEC WITH SUSPEND AND PARALLEL PRINTERS


The Power Exec may be unable to recognize the mouse when resuming from
Suspend if a printer attached to the parallel port is powered on.  When
placing a Premium Exec or Power Exec system into suspend, make sure that the
printer that is hooked up to the parallel port is not powered up before
suspending your system.

The printer has its own power supply which is still connected to your
portable computer.  This power supply leaks current into the peripheral
control area of the suspended system.  This does not pose any serious
problems to the electronics inside the computer, but when the computer
resumes from suspend, the peripheral controller will not be able to
distinguish a PS/2 mouse or a SmartPoint trackball until any current
applications are reset.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0805                 01-11-93

=============================================================================


                POWER EXEC AND "MOUSE CONNECTED TO..." FIELD


The Power Exec's System Setup field "Mouse Connected To" is how the system
keeps track of a mouse connected to a serial port.  The serial port may be on
the Power Exec, the EasyPort or PowerStation.

If you change the type of mouse to SmartPoint or PS/2, and forget to change
the "Mouse Connected To" field in System Setup, there will be no effects to
the correct operation of your system.

If you remove the mouse hardware completely, be sure to set "Mouse Connected
To" to "None" so that the system will know that your keyboard mouse may bring
the video backlight back after it has timed out.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0806                 01-11-93

=============================================================================


                POWER EXEC AND RECEIVING DATA COMMUNICATIONS


Set your Power Management option in System Setup to Max. Performance when
receiving data or FAX communications at 4800 Baud or greater and powered only
by the system battery.

Many software communications programs are dependent upon a fixed speed of the
CPU.  One of the Power Exec's many power management attributes is its ability
to slow the CPU below the speed of a traditional desktop system.  Any
communications software program which exhibits correctable errors or retries
is likely to be slaved to the CPU speed.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0807                 01-11-93

=============================================================================


           POWER EXEC, EXTERNAL KEYBOARDS AND DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAMS


When running some diagnostic programs on the Power Exec with an external
keyboard attached, the external keyboard 'lock indicators' will not function.

The indicators on the Power Exec system unit will however operate correctly.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0808                 01-11-93

=============================================================================


                    POWER EXEC SL AND 12:05 ERROR MESSAGE


If the Power Exec computer is configured for Max Performance, and is allowed
to fully discharge the NiMH battery, after booting, an error message may
appear: [12:05].  The computer cannot identify the hard disk.

If this occurs, enter SETUP, ( use <Fn><F2> ) then exit and save changes.
The system will boot normally.

To avoid this condition, select "Max Battery Life" in SETUP when discharging
the NiMH battery.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0809                01-11-93

=============================================================================


                     POWER EXEC SL COM PORT COMBINATIONS


Due to a design limitation of the Intel 360SL, (the peripheral controller
chip for the 386SL and 486SL processor), the Power Exec does not support
sharing of interrupts 3 and 4.  This means that only certain configurations
are supported.  Listed below are the configurations supported by the Power
Exec:

     COM1 alone
     COM2 alone (PCMCIA configured as 2 or serial device using a Dock Box or
     Docking station)
     COM3 alone (PCMCIA card)
     COM4 alone (PCMCIA card)
     COM1 and COM2
     COM1 and COM4 (PCMCIA)
     COM2 (Dock Box or Docking Station) and COM3 (PCMCIA)

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0810                 01-11-93

=============================================================================


                        POWER EXEC AND FULL POST TEST


In order to avoid errors when initiating the full post tests on the Power
Exec:

Wait 2 seconds after the AST logo appears at boot-up before using <Fn><F7> to
cause a complete Power On Self Test (POST.)  Do not repeatedly enter <Fn><F7>
after the AST logo appears.  During the crucial machine startup timing, one
to three entries of the hot key suffice.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0811                 01-11-93

=============================================================================


                       POWER EXEC SETUP FIELD CHANGES


Beginning with the Power Exec BIOS version 2.0, the System Setup fields used
to enter password input and verification no longer display a moving cursor or
asterisk while typing.

AST, in compliance with an evolving international security implementation
specification has adopted this practice.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0812                 01-21-93

=============================================================================


              PREMIUM EXEC SUSPEND MODE AND BITFAX SOFTWARE


PROBLEM:       When sending a fax using BitFAX software, the Premium Exec
               will not suspend.

SYMPTOM:       Without user intervention, suspend mode is disabled after
               sending a fax using BitFAX software.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       All AST Premium Exec Systems.

SOLUTION:      Reinitialize the modem.  This is performed by using the
               command "astmodem" and involves toggling the modem off  and
               then on.  The commands can be executed from the DOS command
               line or from a batch file.

Command Line Example:

After the faxes have been sent and the BitFAX program has been exited, enter
the following two commands at the DOS prompt:

astmodem off
astmodem on

Batch File Example:

Include the following three entries in a batch file:

bitfax
astmodem off
astmodem on

Then execute the batch file.  Upon exiting the BitFAX program, the commands
"astmodem off" and "astmodem on" are executed automatically.

Note:  These examples assume the DOS path statement is pathed to these two
       commands.

=============================================================================

AST RESEARCH, INC.         TECHNICAL BULLETIN #0813                 02-02-93

=============================================================================


         CUPID 486/33 SYSTEMS AND INTEL OVERDRIVE PROCESSOR UPGRADES


PROBLEM:       After installing an Intel OverDrive processor (ODPR486DX-33)
               into an AST Cupid 486/33 system, POST errors indicating memory
               parity or memory verify errors may occur.

CAUSE:         The problem has been traced to the high input capacitance of
               the Signetics 74F543 transceiver part.  The Signetics chip
               input capacitance causes exaggerated signal reflections on the
               data lines between the P-Bus and the microprocessor, resulting
               in distorted waveforms and data errors when the ODPR486DX-33
               accesses the P-Bus.

AFFECTED
SYSTEMS:       AST Cupid 486/33 Processor boards (part number 202397-0XX).

SOLUTION:      Contact AST Technical Support at 1-800-727-1278 and request
               the Overdrive Termination Module Kit (part number 501182-001).

