CD-ROM Problems with Windows 95 On New Pentiums

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

19981004: CD-ROM Problems with Windows 95 On New Pentiums

October/1998
Tech Note #4

This is actually an update to Tech Note #2 in the October/97 Tech Notes. Pentium motherboards manufactured in the past two or three years, utilizing the latest Intel PCI chipsets, are not properly detected by Windows 95, since they did not exist at the time Windows 95 was written. In order for the IDE devices to have full functionality in Windows 95, you require one or more updated drivers for the device. The most noticeable problem technicians will encounter when the correct drivers are lacking is with the ATAPI CD-ROM drive, but there may also be a degradation in hard drive performance.

On recent Asus motherboards using one of the Intel PIIX4 chipsets, you should run the Windows 95 patch which is provided with the motherboard. We also have a copy of this patch, v2.2, ("PX4PATCH") on the shop ftp site.

After installing the patch, you will probably still need to install the bus master driver in order to enable IDE bus mastering for hard drive I/O. This driver is provided with the Asus motherboards mentioned above, and we also have a copy of this (v3.01) posted on the shop ftp site.

If you have any problems with that bus master driver, Intel has a Bus Master Home Page containing their latest bus master driver update.

You may also require Microsoft's "Removable IDE Device Update". Although designed originally to patch the lack of support for removable IDE drives in the Windows 95 operating system, this fix also addresses some issues pertaining to Ultra DMA controllers. This Microsoft update is not fully endorsed by Microsoft and is recommended only as a "last resort" measure. For further information on this update, see Microsoft Technical Articles Q153471, Q171353, Q161642, Q160800, Q154976, Q154436, and Q154435.

If you still have problems, get your chicken checked.

DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.

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2001 June 9

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