ERC 6 errors with non-supported PC's.

While trying CTOS on a "non-supported" PC's, I found that I could reproduce an ERC 6 under the following conditions:

• use vClstrLfs.img
• attempt to write to the local [F0] from the server volume.  Restore Archive is a good test.

The Executive Reference Manual notes that SEQ errors and Timeout errors are related and "...On an EISA/ISA-bus system, timeout errors typically occur because of DMA contention between a floppy drive and the cluster..."

Further information indicates that the problem is:
Newer PC floppy controllers buffer their reads, increasing response to the floppy driver, and thus performance of the floppy disk.  The driver in turn "steals" more processor time, leaving less time for the clustercard.  This can cause the workstation to "drop" off the cluster.

In qualified CTOS machines, the floppy controller buffer was disabled.
 

Solution
None known.

A possible solution, if your BIOS supports "Bus Priority", is to select ISA.  This may work.

Workaround

• Don't use vClstrLfs.
• If you need to, don't write to the local floppy disk.

---

This page hosted by  Get your own Free Home Page