Microsoft KB Archive/82575

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Windows Programs Rely on BIOS to Detect Coprocessor

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Q82575

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

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SUMMARY
Strange behavior with applications that use math coprocessors (Microsoft Excel, for instance) can be due to the BIOS reporting the presence of a math coprocessor when one does not exist. For example, if you have a 486SX machine with a BIOS designed for a 486DX and you type a number in Microsoft Excel, an incorrect floating-point number is displayed.

MORE INFORMATION
Windows issues an INT 11h (equipment check) function call to determine whether a math coprocessor is present.

Do the following to determine test whether there is a coprocessor detection problem on a computer:


 * 1) Run Microsoft Diagnostics (MSD).
 * 2) Choose the Computer option.
 * 3) If a coprocessor is detected, and the machine does not have one, the BIOS will need to be replaced with a BIOS that does not incorrectly report a non-existent coprocessor.

Additional query words: 3.10 3.11 3.00 3.00a excel

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Issue type :

Technology : kbWin3xSearch kbWin300 kbWin300a kbWin310 kbWin311