AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1545          08-16-96 
 
 
 
TITLE:  Manh S/6200 Dual CPU Fails w/NT 3.51 SP4
 
 
SUMMARY 
 
   Manhattan S/6200 systems with dual CPUs and DPT PM/3224W RAID 
   Controllers may fail with Microsoft Windows NT Server, version 3.51,
   and Service Pack 4.  Under heavy swap loads, the system may fail 
   with the message KERNEL_STACK_INPAGE_ERROR fault.

   The issues affects the following system: 501832-3XX.
 
 
ISSUE 
 
   An update to the file SCSIDISK.SYS made in Service Pack 4 for 
   Microsoft NT Server, version 3.51, causes the Manhattan S/6200 
   server to fail when it is configured with dual processors and a 
   DPT PM/3224W RAID controller.  The error will most often be 
   generated during heavy swap loads, for example during intense 
   Standard Query Language (SQL) transactions.  The error message 
   displayed by the system is:  KERNEL_STACK_INPAGE_ERROR fault.

   This issue will not occur with the Adaptec 2940W PCI SCSI 
   Controller shipped with some Manhattan S/6200 systems.  This issue
   will not occur when using older versions of the file SCSIDISK.SYS,
   such as those shipped with the Microsoft Windows NT Server, 
   version 3.51, distribution CD-ROM discs.  The error can be corrected
   by using the earlier versions of this file.  See the ACTION section 
   below for more information on replacing this file.
 
 
BACKGROUND 
 
   The SCSIDISK.SYS file was modified in the Microsoft Service Pack 4 
   for Windows NT Server, version 3.51.  The modification led to the 
   issue documented in this bulletin.

   The failing version of the SCSIDISK.SYS file is dated 3-6-96 and is
   21,808 bytes in size.

   The operational version of the SCSIDISK.SYS file is dated 5-26-95 
   and is 19,952 bytes in size.

   An update to the firmware on the DPT PM/3224W SCSI RAID controller 
   also resolves this issue.  The newer version of the firmware ensures
   that the cache is not disabled by the SCSIDISK.SYS file.  
   If the firmware has been updated, it is not necessary to replace the 
   SCSIDISK.SYS file.

   The failing version of the DPT firmware is 7G2.

   The updated version of the DPT firmware is 7GM. 
 
 
ACTION 
 
   This issue can be corrected by replacing the Service Pack 4 version
   of the SCSIDISK.SYS file with an older version.  The problem is also 
   corrected with an updated version of the DPT PM/3224W firmware. 
   Follow the instructions below to resolve this issue.  

   REPLACING THE SCSIDISK.SYS FILE
   
   Replace the SCSIDISK.SYS file from Service Pack 4 with the 
   SCSIDISK.SYS file included with the Microsoft Windows NT Server, 
   version 3.51, distribution CD-ROM disc.

   To replace the SCSIDISK.SYS file, follow the instructions below:
   
   1. Insert the Microsoft Windows NT Server, version 3.51, CD-ROM 
      disc in the CD-ROM drive of the server.

   2. Using the File Manager application, rename the file SCSIDISK.SYS
      in the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS directory to SCSIDISK.TMP.

   3. Copy the file SCSIDISK.SYS from the \I386 directory of the CD-ROM
      drive to the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS directory on the server.

   4. The file on the CD-ROM should have the date 5-26-95 and should be
      19,952 bytes in size.

   5. Remove the CD-ROM disc from the CD-ROM drive.

   6. Reboot the server. 
 
   UPDATING THE DPT FIRMWARE

   This modification should be performed by a qualified service 
   technician.  AST strongly recommends that this update 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.


   The DPT PM/3224W firmware is contained in an EEPROM at location U8
   on the SCSI RAID controller itself.  The firmware can not be 
   flashed by a software utility.  To replace the firmware, the 
   PM/3224W controller with firmware revision 7G2 (234440-002) must be
   replaced with a PM/3224W with firmware revision 7GM (234440-003).

   Prior to replacing the SCSI controller, follow the precautionary 
   steps below to protect data on the RAID sub-system. 

   1. Back-up all drives in the system.

   2. Note the RAID settings in the DPT Storage Manager Utility.

   3. Record all system resource settings in the Configuration Listing
      section (section D) of the AST Manhattan S and W Series 
      Installation and Maintenance Manual (part number 003277-001).

   4. Follow all standard safety precautions outlined in section 1.3 
      of the AST Manhattan S and W Series Installation and Maintenance
      Manual (part number 003277-001).
  
 
NOTES

   The DPT Storage Manager diskettes have also been modified to match
   the SmartRom change on the DPT RAID controller.  New part numbers 
   on diskettes are: 
   
   912794-035  Disk 1 of 2 Version 1.02
   912794-036  Disk 2 of 2 Version 1.02

   Files 12794035.EXE and 12794036.EXE are available on one of 
   AST's On-Line! services as follows:


   AST WWW Site:  http://www.ast.com
   AST On-Line! BBS*:  See IB0001.TXT
   CompuServe: GO: ASTFORUM
   Prodigy: Jump: astsupport
 
   For Additional information on these files, see Software 
   Bulletin 0308 on AST's On-Line! services.


TAN # 000648EB 

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