README of IDE386.ZIP

This README file of IDE386.ZIP accompanies IDE.DSK for NetWare v3.11.
The following files are included for this revision:

IDE      DSK    14100   06-11-92   4:01p
IDE386   DOC    (This file)
	
This driver supports most IDE drives with Netware v3.11.  Along with other 
IDE drives, this driver specifically supports the IBM PS/2 models 35 and 
40.  This version of the driver has been enhanced to be more robust in 
handling error conditions.  Previous versions may have permitted drive
de-activation under conditions which will now be addressed as media errors.
The media errors will cause Hot Fix to re-direct and the drive will stay
active rather than be de-activated.  

A rare, but possible problem, was addressed that could cause a server to
hang under the following conditions:

1. Heavy server load
2. The console operator, within MONITOR.NLM, activates a previously
   de-activated device.


INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To install this Disk Driver:
     
1)    Copy IDE.DSK to the boot-up directory of the server. (Same location as
      your SERVER.EXE)     
   
2)    After the system is brought up,  example: LOAD A:IDE.DSK
	

NOTES:

	The IDE disk driver was written to work with ATA/IDE disk drives.
	The ISADISK driver should not be used with these disk drives.
	This driver is a self configuring driver and does not rely on the
	BIOS for disk drive support.

	The driver supports Read-after-write verify at the software level.
	Using the VERIFY ON mode will cause writing to the disk to be a
	little slower than normal.

	The driver will also support up to eight ATA/IDE disk drives in a
	file server.  This is possible by using addressable paddleboards.
	These paddleboards allow the user to configure the base I/O address
	and IRQ.  (Primary I/O address at 1F0h and IRQ 14, second address at
	170h, third address at 1E8h, and fourth  address at 168h.)  IRQs 9,
	10, 11, and 15 may be used with the second, third, and fourth base
	I/O addresses.  It is not recommanded to use IRQ 12 because of 
	possible conflicts with the mouse port.

	Not all paddleboards will work correctly in all file servers.  Refer
	to your hardware manufacturer or system integrator for recommended 
	configurations.


	LIMITATIONS:

	* The IDE disk driver will not work with ESDI and the ST506/412 bus 
	  controllers.  The ATA/IDE, ST506, and ESDI interfaces look similar
	  to the system software; however, they are handled differently by
	  the disk driver.

	* If a disk drive is to have a DOS partition installed, it will need
	  to be installed BEFORE the NetWare partition is installed.


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Novell, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to
any NetWare software, and specifically disclaims any express or
implied warranties of merchantability, title, or fitness for a
particular purpose.  

Distribution of any NetWare software is forbidden without the
express written consent of Novell, Inc.  Further, Novell reserves
the right to discontinue distribution of any NetWare software.

Novell is not responsible for lost profits or revenue, loss of use
of the software, loss of data, costs of re-creating lost data, the
cost of any substitute equipment or program, or claims by any party
other than you.  Novell strongly recommends a backup be made before
any software is installed.   Technical support for this software
may be provided at the discretion of Novell.
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