From: marshall@force.ssd.lmsc.lockheed.com (Bob Marshall)
Subject: Re: Links 386 doesn't run
Reply-To: marshall@force.ssd.lmsc.lockheed.com
Organization: LMSC, Sunnyvale, California
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 92 17:37:42 GMT

(Sorry, I tried to respond via mail, but it bounced).


In article <skrause.716032337@hp832>, you write:
>My brother has a 386sx25 with 8 MB, a Sigma legend 2 board and
>AMI bios.
>Links 386 just doesn't run (even with no config/autoexec), the
>PharLab Extender reports a Memory Protection Fault and locks up the
>machine. The game too doesn't run on another sx with AMI BIOS,
>it does run on an AST machine (don't know the configuration of those

This is apparently a known bug. I obtained v1.05 of LINKS386 from the
Access BBS, and it contained the following blurb in the release notes :

---------------------------------------------------
ERROR:	MEMORY PROTECTION FAULT   CS: EIP 0002CA16H
CPU PROBLEM
---------------------------------------------------

Some early versions of the INTEL 80386 chips were manufactured with
defects affectionately known as erratum 17 and 21.  These chips may cause
LINKS386 to crash almost immediately with an error message similar to:

	    Memory Protection Fault  CS: EIP 0002CA16H

If you have been getting this message, the new LINKS386 version 1.05 may
fix your problem. We have tried to "program around these chip "bugs".


If the fix in version 1.05 does not work, do the following to determine if
you have a B1 stepping chip:

A.    From the LINKS386 directory type:   TEST -CPU [Enter]

B.    Look for the line labeled "chip stepping".
      If the line reads "D0 or later", then the chip is OK.
      If the line reads "B0" or  "B1", then the chip may not work with
      LINKS386.

C:    If you have installed LINKS386 version 1.05 and it still doesn't work,
      please call us at 1-800-793-8324.

C:    You can try to have Intel replace your chip by contacting them at:

			   1-800-321-4044

      Intel's current position on replacement is that they are "evaluating
      the scope of the problem."  It will probably cost you "something" to
      obtain a replacement chip, but we don't know what that cost is yet.

      Other programs that try to use true 32 bit code on 386 chips with
      "B1" stepping, may experience similar problems.  This problem does
      not appear to pertain to 386SX chips.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you have anonymous ftp access, I uploaded the v1.05 kit to
wuarchive.wustl.edu. It's in /pub/MSDOS_UPLOADS. Look for the file
LINKS105.ZIP. You will need either PKUNZIP 1.93 or UNZIP 5.0 to
unzip this file.

Good luck!

=============================================================================
Bob Marshall                     \\     "It ain't age
Lockheed Missiles & Space Co.     \\     That makes me look this way
Sunnyvale, CA                      \\    It ain't the years, boys,
marshall@force.ssd.lmsc.lockheed.com\\   It's the miles"
"I tell the truth 'cept when I lie"  \\     - Chris LeDoux
=============================================================================
From: jond@hpdmd48.boi.hp.com (Up All Night)
Date: Fri, 11 Sep 1992 11:38:17 GMT
Subject: Re: Jill of the Jungle
Organization: Hewlett Packard - Boise, ID