Microsoft KB Archive/126619

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

Add-in Display Adapters and Motorola Powerstack Computers
Last reviewed: August 13, 1997

Article ID: Q126619

3.51 WINDOWS kbsetup kb3rdparty

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.51
 * Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.51

SYMPTOMS
When you install an add-in display adapter on a Motorola Powerstack PowerPC computer running Windows NT, the adapter is not recognized by the system, resulting in no video display.

CAUSE
A bug exists in an older firmware revision (version 2.06a) that prevents many ISA/PCI video cards from working. This firmware has limited support for third-party video adapters because it cannot emulate the x86 code found in the cards' BIOS.

You can identify which specific BIOS revision you have by observing for the following behaviors:


 * Version 2.06a starts with several system tests on a black screen, which transitions to another black screen with white lettering that displays the text "Version 2.06a" then continues with a blue screen and a small set of menu selections in white letters.
 * Version 3.03.0x boots to a screen with a bitmap background and two small windows. The upper window gives the version information; the lower window shows a small set of menu selections. This firmware DOES have x86 emulation, which supports cards that have Intel code in the BIOS.

RESOLUTION
Obtain the latest firmware revision (version 3.03.0x or later) from your Motorola vendor or from Motorola directly.

For information about how to contact Motorola, query in the Knowledge Base for one of the following articles:

ARTICLE-ID: Q65416 TITLE    : Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, A-K

ARTICLE-ID: ID: Q60781 TITLE    : Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, L-P

ARTICLE-ID: Q60782 TITLE    : Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, Q-Z

STATUS
The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.