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                           DOS.TXT
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INSTALLATION GUIDE FOR THE SDMS 4.0 DOS DRIVERS



This file describes the features and use of the Symbios Logic SDMS device
drivers for the DOS/Windows operating system environment. It is divided 
into the following sections:

Introduction
        When you need to load drivers
Automatic Installation of SDMS for DOS/Windows
        Using the DOS Installation Utility
About Your ASPI8XX.SYS Driver
        Features
        Description
Installing Your ASPI8XX.SYS Driver
        Command Line Options
        Troubleshooting
About Your SYMDISK.SYS Driver
        Features
        Description
Installing Your SYMDISK.SYS Driver
        Command Line Options
        Troubleshooting
About Your SYMCD.SYS Driver
        Features
        Description
Installing Your SYMCD.SYS Driver
        Command Line Options
        Troubleshooting
Important Additional Information For DOS Users
        Assignment of Drive Letters
Using the SDMS DOS Utilities
        SCSI Low-Level Format Utility
        SCSI Configuration Utiliy
        SCSI Verify Utility
        Host Adapter Flash Utility

***********************************************************







********************** Introduction *************************

In SDMS 4.0, the SCSI BIOS for the Symbios Logic family of PCI SCSI 
chips is capable of mapping SCSI hard disk drives behind any non-SCSI 
hard disk drives (IDE, ESDI, etc.) within the same system. A driverless 
solution will allow connection of up to 24 hard drives (SCSI and non-SCSI) 
under DOS 5.0 and above. 

Full Virtual DMA Services (VDS), including features such as scatter-gather, 
are also supported by the SCSI BIOS. Therefore, to gain maximum 
performance, you should disable any double buffer option provided by disk 
caching software (such as Microsoft's SMARTDRV.EXE) for all drives 
handled through SDMS.


* When You Need to Load Drivers *

Connecting peripherals other than hard disk drives requires loading the 
appropriate driver. Some of the drivers work together, and some are 
capable of direct communication with a Symbios Logic PCI/SCSI 
controller.

ASPI8XX.SYS
is an ASPI (Advanced SCSI Programming Interface) manager which 
provides standard ASPI compatibility between your SCSI host adapter 
hardware and ASPI compatible applications.

SYMDISK.SYS
is a device driver for SCSI disk drives, and works through the 
ASPI manager.

SYMCD.SYS
is a device driver for CD-ROM drives, and works through the ASPI 
manager.


The following sections list these drivers, their features, and their 
loading requirements.



*********** Automatic Installation of SDMS for DOS ***********


* Using the DOS Installation Utility *

The Symbios Logic SDMS DOS installation utility provides a quick 
and easy method for performing either an automatic or custom 
installation of the SCSI device drivers in a DOS/Windows environment.
It works with any system using an SDMS supported Symbios Logic 
SCSI chip. The installation utility identifies the system, scans the SCSI 
bus, and properly installs the needed SCSI device drivers.

The SDMS Drivers diskette containing the DOS device drivers also 
holds the DOS installation utility. To use the utility, insert the disk into 
your floppy drive while in the DOS environment, and type:

	INSTALL

Then follow the directions presented on the screen.

When performing a custom installation, an understanding of the 
information presented in the following sections for manual installation 
may prove useful.



*************** About Your ASPI8XX.SYS Driver *************


* Features *

Supports Advanced SCSI Programming Interface (ASPI) applications
Supports up to eight host adapters
Releases initialization code for smaller runtime size
Has smaller runtime size than DOSCAM.SYS
Works with or without a SDMS 3.0 or SDMS 4.0 Bootrom
Performs synchronous negotiation (including FAST-40)
Performs Wide SCSI negotiation
Supports FAST-40 (80 MBytes/Sec when using Wide SCSI)
Has full Virtual DMA Services (VDS) support, including scatter-gather
Allows Disconnect/Reselect
Supports adapter exclusion.
Allows shared interrupts.
Supports single-threaded I/O
Does not support tagged command queuing.
Does not support SCSI Command Linking.
Supports Intel Non-Volatile Storage(NVS) (can read device configuration
   info from NVS when NVRAM on host adapter not present)
Support for Symbios Logic usage of PCI Subsystem ID to control various
   features and configuration settings( See PCI Subsystem ID
   Definitions for SCSI Class, rev. 1.03, dated 5/28/97).
Detects Compaq SCSI devices allowing Symbios Logic Adapters to co-exist
Supports booting from a CDROM

* Description *


ASPI8XX.SYS is an ASPI manager which provides an interface to 
popular ASPI applications. It is required when you want to use 
SYMDISK.SYS or SYMCD.SYS, or whenever you want to run an 
ASPI application.

ASPI8XX.SYS replaces an SDMS BIOS (if present), and fully supports 
all devices supported by the BIOS. If an SDMS BIOS is not present, 
only an ASPI interface is provided.



************** Installing Your ASPI8XX.SYS Driver ************


1. Use the COPY command to copy the ASPI8XX.SYS driver from the 
SDMS SCSI Drivers disk to your boot disk.

2. Add this line to your system's CONFIG.SYS file:

	DEVICE=C:[path]ASPI8XX.SYS

This line must appear before any line loading other ASPI drivers
(like SYMCD.SYS, SYMDISK.SYS, or any other ASPI compliant 
driver/application).


* Command Line Options *

The ASPI8XX.SYS driver has several configurable features which are 
set via switches on the command line in your CONFIG.SYS file.

The command line options are as follows and the usage is detailed below:
    /NORST, /ASK, /WIDTH (or /W), /DISCONNECT (or /DC), /SYNCH_RATE (or /SR),
    /PARITY (or /P), /EXCLUDE (or /X), /HOST_ID (or /ID), /SCAM, 
    /TIMEOUT (or /T), /VERBOSE (or /V)

In the following descriptions, 'path' refers to the adapter number
(boot order designation), and 'id' refers to the SCSI ID. The 
following conventions are also used:

[ ]	items in brackets are optional
* 	means repeat item 0 or more times

IMPORTANT:
No spaces are allowed in specifying these command line options. 
Spaces are required between different command line options.

>> Using the /NORST Option        

This option prevents a SCSI bus reset during loading of ASPI8XX.SYS. 

For example, if you do not wish a SCSI bus reset during load, the line
in CONFIG.SYS that loads ASPI8XX.SYS would look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /NORST

>> Using the /ASK Option

This option prompts you at system boot-up time whether to load the 
ASPI8XX.SYS driver.

Option Syntax: /ASK

For example, to activate this option, the line in your CONFIG.SYS 
file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /ASK


>> Using the /WIDTH (or /W) Option

The width parameter defines the maximum data width negotiated with 
a device. This is used with host adapters capable of 16-bit data transfers. 
Valid settings are 8 or 16.

Option Syntax: /WIDTH=n<path[:id]>[,n<path[:id]>]*

For example, if your first host adapter (boot order designation = 0) is a 
16-bit adapter, and you wish to force 8-bit transfers to a device at 
SCSI ID 2, the line in your CONFIG.SYS file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS 
should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /WIDTH=8<0:2>


>> Using the /DISCONNECT (or /DC) Option

SCSI devices have the ability to disconnect from the bus during an 
I/O transfer. This option is used to allow a device to disconnect. If a 
particular host adapter has parity checking disabled, all devices 
attached to it must have disconnects disabled, since parity is required 
during the reselection phase. Valid options are ON (allow disconnects) 
or OFF (do not allow disconnects). The default for all devices is ON.

Option Syntax: /DISCONNECT=n<path[:id]>[,n<path[:id]>]*

For example, to disable disconnects on the device attached to the first 
host adapter (boot order designation = 0) at SCSI ID 2, the line in your 
CONFIG.SYS file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /DISCONNECT=OFF<0:2>


>> Using the /SYNCH_RATE (or /SR) Option

This option sets the maximum synchronous transfer rate (in mega 
transfers per second) to negotiate with a particular device. The 
allowable values are 0, 5, 10, and 20, providing the host adapter is 
capable of the specified speed. To turn off synchronous transfers for a 
particular device, you should specify 0. The default value is the fastest 
rate supported by your host adapter.

Option Syntax: /SYNCH_RATE=n<path[:id]>[,n<path[:id]>]*

For example, to turn off synchronous transfers to the device attached to 
the first host adapter (boot order designation = 0) at SCSI ID 3, the line 
in your CONFIG.SYS file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS should look like 
this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /SYNCH_RATE=0<0:3>


>> Using the /PARITY (or /P) Option

This option tells your host adapter to disable the SCSI bus data integrity 
checking feature known as parity. Some SCSI devices do not generate 
parity. Valid options are ON (check parity) or OFF (do not check parity). 
The default for all devices is ON.

Warning:
When disabling parity checking, it is necessary to disable disconnects 
for that adapter since you cannot disable parity checking for reselection. 
If a device does not generate parity, and it disconnects, the I/O will 
never complete.

Option Syntax: /PARITY=n<path[,path]*>[,n<path[,path]*>]*

For example, to turn off parity checking on the first host adapter 
(boot order designation = 0), the line in your CONFIG.SYS file that 
loads ASPI8XX.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /PARITY=OFF<0>


>> Using the /EXCLUDE (or /X) Option

This option allows you to exclude support for an adapter that does not 
currently have BIOS support. You may not exclude an adapter that is 
supported (included) by the BIOS when you boot your system. This 
option has three required parameters:

a.	PCI Device ID
b.	PCI Bus Number
c.	PCI Device/Function Number

These parameters identify the specific adapter you want to exclude. To 
obtain these parameters, boot your system using the /VERBOSE 
command line option (explained later in this section). The parameters 
for the adapter or path you wish to exclude will display on your 
monitor.

Option Syntax: /EXCLUDE<a:b:c>[,<a;b;c>]*

For example, if you found the adapter you wish to exclude to have PCI 
Device ID 3, PCI Bus Number 0, and PCI Device/Function Number 68, 
then the line in your CONFIG.SYS file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS 
should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /EXCLUDE<3:0:68>


>> Using the /HOST_ID (or /ID) Option

This option lets you alter the SCSI ID for a host adapter. On an 8-bit 
adapter, the SCSI IDs are 0-7. On a 16-bit adapter, the SCSI IDs are 
0-15 (it is suggested that IDs 8-15 are not used for your adapter). This 
option will not allow you to select a SCSI ID already in use.

Note:
You are not allowed to change the SCSI ID of any adapter currently 
supported by the BIOS.

Option Syntax: /HOST_ID=n<path>[,n<path>]*

For example, to change the SCSI ID of your second host adapter (path=1) 
to ID=6 (providing that adapter is not controlled by the BIOS), the line 
in your CONFIG.SYS file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /HOST_ID=6<1>


>> Using the /SCAM Option

This option allows you to disable support for the SCSI Plug and Play 
protocol called SCAM (SCSI Configured AutoMatically). SCAM 
support is ON by default. You may change the SCAM setting only if 
the path (adapter) specified is not controlled by the BIOS.

Option Syntax: /SCAM=n<path>[,n<path>]*

For example, to turn off SCAM support on the second host adapter 
(boot order designation = 1), the line in your CONFIG.SYS file that 
loads ASPI8XX.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /SCAM=OFF<1>


>> Using the /TIMEOUT (or /T) Option

The ASPI8XX.SYS driver uses a time-out mechanism to detect certain 
errors. When the driver issues a command to a SCSI device, a timer is 
started. If the timer expires before the command completes, the driver 
assumes something has gone wrong, and takes steps to recover. The 
default for this option is 10 seconds, if the device is BIOS controlled. If
the device is not BIOS controlled, the default is 0 seconds. Also, non-volatile 
memory settings can alter these defaults. The maximum setting is 0, which 
is no time-out. The range of allowable values is 0-65535 seconds.

Option Syntax: /TIMEOUT=n<path[:id]>[,n<path[:id]>]*

For example, you might have a particularly slow device (with SCSI ID 3) 
on the first host adapter (boot order designation = 0). If you wish to 
extend the time-out for this device to 60 seconds, the line in your 
CONFIG.SYS file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /TIMEOUT=60<0:3>


>> Using the /VERBOSE (or /V) Option

This Option causes more detailed information to appear on your 
monitor, after the ASPI8XX.SYS driver is initialized, during a system 
boot. This is useful if you have multiple adapters in your system and 
need to know the PCI Device ID, the PCI Bus number, and the PCI 
Device/Function number for each adapter. For example, this 
information is required to use the /EXCLUDE option already 
described in this section.

Option Syntax: /VERBOSE

For example, to see more detailed adapter information displayed when 
you boot, the line in your CONFIG.SYS file that loads ASPI8XX.SYS 
should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS /VERBOSE


* Troubleshooting *

SYSTEM LOCKS UP AT BOOT TIME.
a. Check for conflicts with other ASPI managers.
b. Check for correct loading sequence in the CONFIG.SYS file.
c. Boot the system.

THE DEVICE DRIVER DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ONE OF THE 
NON-BOOT SCSI PERIPHERALS (system may lock up).
a. Make sure the drivers were installed in the correct sequence.
b. Make sure the driver's CONFIG.SYS line has the correct path to the drivers.
c. Power down all units in the system.
d. Make sure all SCSI devices have unique ID numbers.
e. Make sure both ends of the SCSI bus are terminated.
f. Check all cable and power connections.
g. Boot the system.




************** About Your SYMDISK.SYS Driver ************


* Features *

Supports removable media devices
Supports magneto optical devices
Supports non-512-byte sectors (1024, 2048, 4096)
Supports multiple logical unit number (LUN) support
Supports multiple host adapters (with ASPI8XX.SYS)
Can reserve drive letters for installed devices without media present 
    in the device (see /UNITS under Command Line Options)
Can add drive letters
Supports power management (to spin down drives)


* Description *

SYMDISK.SYS is needed when connecting drives with non-512-byte 
sectors, and when connecting removable drives if the user wants to 
change the media. It is also required to obtain drive letters for devices 
(adapters) that are not supported by a BIOS. SYMDISK.SYS 
communicates through ASPI8XX.SYS. To use the SYMDISK.SYS 
driver you must load ASPI8XX.SYS also.




************ Installing Your SYMDISK.SYS Driver ************


1. Use the COPY command to copy the appropriate drivers from the 
SDMS SCSI Drivers disk to your boot disk.

2. Add the lines shown below to your system's CONFIG.SYS file. 
The ASPI8XX.SYS driver is also required. List the drivers in this 
sequence:

	DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS
	DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS


* Command Line Options *

The SYMDISK.SYS device driver has several embedded functions 
which are accessed via switches on the command line. These options 
are described below, and use the following conventions:

[ ]	items in brackets are optional
*	items in brackets followed by an * means repeat 0 or 
	more times
|	choose one of the given items

IMPORTANT:
No spaces are allowed in specifying these command line options. 
Spaces are required between different command line options.



Using the /ASK Option

This option prompts the user at system boot-up whether to load 
SYMDISK.SYS or not. To use this option, the line in CONFIG.SYS 
that loads SYMDISK.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /ASK


>> Using the /UNITS= Option

Note:
It is strongly suggested that you use this option when using removable
media with more than one partition.

SYMDISK.SYS allows the use of removable media, such as cartridge 
hard drives, each of which might have a different number of partitions. 
If media with more than one partition are used, set this option to the 
maximum number of partitions on any one media. To use this option, 
the line in CONFIG.SYS that loads SYMDISK.SYS should look like 
this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /UNITS=path:id:lun:num_units
			[,path:id:lun:num_units]*

For example, if there is a removable media drive at the first host adapter 
set to SCSI ID 2, and you need to reserve three partitions, the command 
line should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /UNITS=0:2:0:3

When SYMDISK.SYS initializes, it will default to either:

a. One drive letter for a removable media device with no media present.
b. The number of partitions found on the media in the removable media 
device.

Note:
The full path, id, lun, and num_units values are required for this option. 
Also, there is a limit of 24 devices.


>> Using the /EXCLUDE= Option

This option allows a user to exclude a 'path:id:lun' combination from 
being scanned or controlled by SYMDISK.SYS. The path parameter is 
mandatory with all ids and luns for that path excluded by default if just 
the path is specified. To use this option, the line in CONFIG.SYS that 
loads SYMDISK.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /EXCLUDE=path[:id[:lun]]
			[,path[:id[:lun]]]*

As an example, for path 0, id 2, and lun 0 the command line should look 
like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /EXCLUDE=0:2:0

Note:
There is a limit of 24 'path:id:lun' combinations allowed.


>> Using the /SSIZE= Option

SYMDISK.SYS will default to the largest sector size found during boot, 
handling all different sector sizes found. In the case of removable media, 
SYMDISK.SYS will assume a 512 byte sector size when no media is 
present. This option overcomes this limitation. To use this option, the 
line in CONFIG.SYS that loads SYMDISK.SYS should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /SSIZE=512|1024|2048|4096

For example, if a removable media drive is used that has a sector size 
of 2048 bytes, the command line should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /SSIZE=2048

Note:
If SYMDISK.SYS comes across a sector size larger than the one 
specified in this option, or if it finds a sector larger than the default, 
it will refuse to read/write to that media. It will report an invalid 
media error to DOS.


>> Using the /SPINDOWN= Option

This is a power management feature that can automatically spin down 
a disk when the disk is not accessed for a specified amount of time. The 
default spindown time is 15 minutes. You can specify a new spindown 
time in hours and minutes (hh:mm) with a minimum time of 1 minute. 
To use this option, the line in CONFIG.SYS that loads SYMDISK.SYS 
should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /SPINDOWN=hh:mm<path[:id[:lun]]>
[,hh:mm<path[:id[:lun]]>]

For example, if you wish to spindown a device on path 0, id 2, and lun 0, 
after one hour and five minutes of inactivity, the command line should 
look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /SPINDOWN=1:5<0:2:0>

Or, if you wish to spindown all devices after the default time-out of 15 
minutes, the command line should look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS /SPINDOWN=<>

Remember, the <> are required when you specify a path:id:lun in this 
option.


* Troubleshooting *

THE COMPUTER LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT COMPLETE 
BOOTING FROM A NON-SCSI HARD DISK DRIVE.
a. Refer to the drive manufacturer's user manual.

THE COMPUTER LOCKS UP AND WILL NOT COMPLETE 
BOOTING FROM A SCSI HARD DISK DRIVE.
a. Is the SCSI BIOS seen during boot?

Note:
If the SCSI BIOS is seen during boot, a banner similar to the following 
appears:

    Symbios Logic SDMS (TM) v4.0 PCI SCSI BIOS, PCI Rev. 2.0, 2.1
    Copyright 1995 Symbios Logic
    PCI-4.09.00

YES	Go to b.
NO	Power down all units in the system.
	Remove all SCSI cables.
	Boot system.
	Is the SCSI BIOS seen during boot?
	YES		Power down all units in the 
			system.?
			Reconnect and check all 
			cable and power 
			connections.
			Boot system.
			Go to a.
	NO		Power down all units in the 
			system.
	Reseat the host bus adapter.
	Check CMOS setup.
	Boot system.
	Go to a.

b. Does the SCSI BIOS see the bootable SCSI drive?

Note:
When the computer boots, SDMS scans the SCSI bus. Devices 
found on the SCSI bus are identified as in the following lines:

HA ID LUN VENDOR        PRODUCT     REV 
-------------------------------------------------------------
 0       2      0     SEAGATE     ST31230N      0060
 0       7      0     Symbios     SYM53C815     0003


YES	Go to c.
NO	Power down all units in the system.
	Make sure the hard drives have different 
	ID numbers (boot drive should have 
	lowest ID).
	Make sure both ends of the SCSI bus are 
	terminated.
	Check all cable and power connections.
	Check CMOS setup.
	Boot system.
	Go to a.

c. If boot is still unsuccessful, go to the following item.

THE DEVICE DRIVER DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ONE OF THE 
NON-BOOT SCSI PERIPHERALS (system may lock up).

a. Make sure the drivers were installed in the correct sequence.
b. Make sure the drivers' CONFIG.SYS line has the correct path to 
    the drivers.
c. Power down all units in the system.
d. Make sure the hard drives have different ID numbers (boot drive 
    should have lowest ID).
e. Make sure both ends of the SCSI bus are terminated.
f. Check all cable and power connections.
g. Boot the system.




*************** About Your SYMCD.SYS Driver **************


* Features *

Compatible with Microsoft's CD-ROM Extension 2.21 and above
Multi-session Photo CD support
Support for reading CCDA disks


* Description *

SYMCD.SYS is needed whenever a CD-ROM device is connected on 
the SCSI bus. You must load it in conjunction with Microsoft's 
CD-ROM Extension 2.21 or above (MSCDEX.EXE). SYMCD.SYS 
communicates through ASPI8XX.SYS, so you must load ASPI8XX.SYS 
to use SYMCD.SYS.



************* Installing Your SYMCD.SYS Driver *************


1. Use the COPY command to copy the appropriate driver(s) from the 
SDMS SCSI Drivers disk to your boot disk.

2. Add SYMCD.SYS to your CONFIG.SYS file. It goes in after 
ASPI8XX.SYS and SYMDISK.SYS (if this driver is also being used), 
in this order:

	DEVICE=C:[PATH]ASPI8XX.SYS
	DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMDISK.SYS
	DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMCD.SYS /D:NAME

Note:
The /D: is not a drive letter designation; it indicates the name you wish 
assigned to your CD-ROM. You must include the NAME, which can 
use any combination of up to 8 characters.

3. To insure that sufficient drive letters are available to identify all 
devices connected to the SCSI bus, add the MS-DOS LASTDRIVE 
command to the CONFIG.SYS file:

	LASTDRIVE=x 

with x specifying a drive letter in the range C through Z. The letter 
assigned to LASTDRIVE represents the last valid drive MS-DOS is 
able to recognize and also represents the maximum number of drives 
available. For example, LASTDRIVE=K allows access to eleven (11) 
logical drives. For further details about LASTDRIVE, consult your 
MS-DOS manual.

4. Unless your CD-ROM access software specifies otherwise, 
Microsoft's CD-ROM Extension (MSCDEX.EXE) should execute 
from the AUTOEXEC.BAT file in order to access your drive. Add 
the following line to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file:

	[PATH]MSCDEX /D:NAME

For example, if: 

	DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMCD.SYS /D:MY_CD 

is in CONFIG.SYS, then:

	[PATH]MSCDEX /D:MY_CD

should exist in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The /D switches must
match.

5. Check installation instructions for the CD-ROM drive itself for 
other parameters necessary to include with MSCDEX.

6. When MSCDEX is loaded during the AUTOEXEC.BAT file 
execution, a message is returned assigning a drive letter to the 
CD-ROM drive. For example:

	DRIVE E = DRIVER MY_CD UNIT 0

This informs you that the CD-ROM drive is recognized and ready 
for use.


* Command Line Options *

The SYMCD.SYS device driver has several embedded functions available, 
which are accessed via switches on the command line. An explanation of 
these options follows:

IMPORTANT:
No spaces are allowed in specifying these command line options. 
Spaces are required between different command line options.


>> Using the /ASK Option

This option prompts the user at initialization time whether to load 
SYMCD.SYS or not. For example, the line in CONFIG.SYS that loads 
SYMCD.SYS would look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMCD.SYS /D:MY_CD /ASK


>> Using the /UPTOLUN= Option

This option is used to change the default for multiple LUNs per 
Target ID on the SCSI bus. The current default is to scan all LUNs.
CD-ROM changers that use multiple LUNs work by default. 
To turn off scanning all LUNs on a SCSI bus, choose /UPTOLUN=0. 
This saves some time during boot.

>> Using the /NOBCD Option

This Option is used to support the Trantor Music Box CD audio 
application. Using this option prevents the track numbers from being 
converted to BCD (Binary Coded Decimal). If this option is used 
with CD audio applications such as Adaptec's cdplayer, Corel's 
cd-audio, or Future Domain's cdaudio, track numbers >16 are not 
reported correctly because these applications require binary track 
numbers.For example, the line in CONFIG.SYS that loads 
SYMCD.SYS would look like this:

DEVICE=C:[PATH]SYMCD.SYS /NOBCD


* Troubleshooting *

THE CD-ROM DRIVE IS NOT SEEN AT BOOT TIME, OR THE 
SYSTEM LOCKS UP.

a. Make sure the required drivers are installed and in the correct sequence.
b. Make sure the driver's CONFIG.SYS line has the correct path to 
    the driver.
c. Make sure MSCDEX, in the AUTOEXEC.BAT, has the same drive 
    name as the CD-ROM driver in the CONFIG.SYS file.
d. Make sure there is no ID or drive letter designation conflict.
e. Power down all units in the system.
f. Check the cable and power connections.
g. Make sure the SCSI bus is properly terminated.
h. Make sure sufficient drive letters are specified (through the MS-DOS 
    lastdrive= command) to include your CD-ROM. A CD-ROM which 
    uses multiple disks requires a letter for each disk.



********* Important Additional Information For DOS Users ********

* Assignment of Drive Letters *

The MS-DOS operating system assigns drive letters to primary partitions 
first. After the primary partitions have been assigned drive letters the 
logical partitions are assigned drive letters. Do not assume that the drive 
letter designations will follow consecutively from device to device 
within a PC system.

An Example:
A PC system is configured with an IDE hard disk as the boot drive, a 
SCSI hard disk, and a CD-ROM drive. The IDE drive has three partitions: 
one primary and two logical. The SCSI hard disk has two partitions: one 
primary and one logical. The SCSI hard disk is assigned ID one, and the 
CD-ROM is ID four. The distribution of the drive letters is:

	A:	3 1/2" floppy drive
	B:	5 1/4" floppy drive
	C:	IDE primary partition
	D:	SCSI primary partition
	E:	IDE first logical partition
	F:	IDE second logical partition
	G:	SCSI logical partition
	H:	CD-ROM

 


************ Using the SCSI Low-level Format Utility ************


* Features *

Works with any ASPI host adapter
Provides a graphical user interface (GUI)
Supports multiple adapter/drive selection
Supports multiple LUNs
Supports Wide SCSI
Provides automatic error retry
Provides on-screen display of time elapsed


* Description *

This utility allows you to low-level format SCSI hard disk drives 
connected to Symbios Logic PCI to SCSI host adapters. It provides a
friendly graphical user interface (GUI), and help is available for any
decision screen by pressing F1 or selecting Help in the window.

Three files, located on your Symbios Logic SDMS drivers diskette, 
are required to  run this utility. They are labeled ASPIFMT.EXE, 
ASPIINF.DAT, and ASPI8XX.SYS (you may use another ASPI manager). 
It is recommended that you place these files on a DOS bootable diskette, and 
run the executable file from this diskette rather than from a hard disk drive. 
This minimizes the possibility of  interfering with your system. 

Because a hard drive remains unusable after a low-level format until you
execute the DOS FDISK and FORMAT command procedures, the 
CONFIG.SYS file on this bootable diskette must also contain the DOS 
files FDISK.EXE and FORMAT.COM. If you are formatting magneto optical 
or other removable media drives you also need the SYMDISK.SYS driver 
from your Symbios Logic SDMS drivers diskette in the CONFIG.SYS file.

The recommended minimum memory requirement for this utility is 2 MB. 
You need at least 500 KB of conventional DOS memory, and the remainder 
in extended memory.

When you run the format utility, it scans the SCSI bus for all hard disk 
and removable media drives. Then it generates a display showing the devices 
found. You may select devices from this display for the utility to format.

It can take from several minutes to several hours, depending on the size of
the drive, to complete the format. If the format procedure is aborted for any 
reason, the drive remains unusable until an entire format cycle is completed.

WARNING:
Use extreme caution when selecting a drive for formatting. The 
format process completely removes all information on a drive.


* Troubleshooting *

FORMAT DOES NOT COMPLETE AND SYSTEM IS FROZEN
a. Check to see if the drive still has power.
b. The only way to terminate the program is to reboot.
     If the format did not complete, the drive remains unusable until a 
     low-level format is completed.

AN UNKNOWN STATUS CODE IS RECEIVED FOR A 
MAGNETO OPTICAL DRIVE
a. Check to see if the media is present.

THE UTILITY SCREENS ARE UNREADABLE
a. Check that your graphics card and your monitor match.
    For example, an SVGA card, and a VGA monitor may not deliver
    the screens.



************ Using the SCSI SYM53C8XX CONFIG Utility ************


* Features *

Configures all DOS drivers
Works for all Symbios logic SYM53C8xx PCI host adapters
Provides a SCSI bus view showing all 8xx cards and attached peripherals.
Provides a graphical user interface (GUI)
Provides online Help


* Description *

This utility provides a user friendly way to configure any of the DOS 
based drivers for your CONFIG.SYS. It assumes the drivers are already 
installed. The ASPI8XX.SYS driver must be present and loaded for this utility 
to run. Online help is available at each step for each screen you encounter. 
You may press F1 at any time for a list of all the help available.

Several files are required to  run this utility. They are 
CONFIG.EXE, CONFIG.DAT, 8BITBUS.PCX, 16BITBUS.PCX, 
ADAPTERS.PCX, LUNVIEW.PCX, TILE.PCX, VIEWIT.PCX, and 
ASPI8XX.SYS. If ASPI8XX.SYS already exists on your system and 
is pointed to by the driver line in your CONFIG.SYS, you do not need 
it in the CONFIG.EXE directory. It is included here in case an install of
the drivers has not yet taken place. If this is the case, add the line 
DEVICE=[path]ASPI8XX.SYS to the CONFIG.SYS (reboot for it to 
take effect). The path specified in the above line is your choice 
(C:\SYMBIOS is recommended) and ASPI8XX.SYS must be copied
to that [path] location.

If you wish to configure the SYMDISK.SYS or SYMCD.SYS DOS
drivers, they also reqiure installation prior to running the
Configuration utility. To do a full installation of all the DOS
drivers, run the SYM53C8XX install utility.

The recommended minimum memory requirement for this utility is 2 MB. 
You need at least 500 KB of conventional DOS memory, and the remainder 
in extended memory.


* Troubleshooting *

THE UTILITY SCREENS ARE UNREADABLE
a. Check that your graphics card and your monitor match.
   For example, an SVGA card, and a VGA monitor may not deliver
   the screens.




************ Using the SCSI SYM53C8XX VERIFY Utility ************


* Features *

Provides a system check for our SDMS 3.0 and 4.0 software.
Detects any vendor's adapters and ASPI managers.
Shows detailed device information found on these adapters.
Provides a graphical user interface (GUI)
Provides online Help

* Description *

This utility troubleshoots your system by systematically testing 
and checking various hardware and software components. No changes 
or side effects occur to your system as a result of running 
this utility. There is a help button on the first screen that 
explains in detail exactly what tests and checks are performed
on your system. A majority of the information received by this
utility is via ASPI commands. Therefore, this utility is most 
helpful if an ASPI manager is loaded at the time it is run. 
Although some limited information can be found without one, 
an error is reported if it does not find an ASPI manager. Note
that any vendor's ASPI manager suffices.

The following files are required to run this utility, SYMDIAG.EXE 
and Z_VER.DAT. Also, ASPI8XX.SYS is included with these files in 
the event it is not already installed in your CONFIG.SYS file. 
If ASPI8XX.SYS already exists on your system and is pointed to 
by the driver line in your CONFIG.SYS, you do not need it in the 
SYMDIAG.EXE directory. It is included here in case an install 
of the drivers has not yet taken place. If this is the case, the 
line DEVICE=[path]ASPI8XX.SYS must be added to the CONFIG.SYS 
(reboot for it to take effect). The path specified in the above 
line is your choice (C:\SYMBIOS is recommended) and ASPI8XX.SYS 
must be copied to that [path] location.

The recommended minimum memory requirement for this utility is 2 MB. 
You need at least 500 KB of conventional DOS memory, and the remainder in 
extended memory.

* Troubleshooting *

THE UTILITY SCREENS ARE UNREADABLE
a. Check that your graphics card and your monitor match.
   For example, an SVGA card, and a VGA monitor may not deliver
   the screens.



************* Using the Host Adapter Flash Utility ****************


* Features *

Supports host adapter selection for updating with a specific BIOS image
Supports 64K flash parts


* Description *

This utility allows you to update the Symbios Logic PCI SCSI BIOS 
on a host adapter based on a SYM53C815, SYM53C825, or 
SYM53C875 controller. New versions of the PCI SCSI BIOS are 
released periodically. Your host adapter must have a flash EEPROM 
onboard to use this utility.

The utility is labeled FLASH8X5.EXE, and is located on your 
Symbios Logic SDMS drivers diskette. It is necessary that you place 
this utility on a DOS bootable diskette, and execute it from this diskette 
rather than from a hard disk drive. Power down any hard disk drives 
attached to the host adapter you are updating.

Using DOS 5.0 or higher, create a bootable diskette by formatting it 
with the /s option (e.g., format a: /s).  Do not install any memory 
managers or SCSI drivers on the diskette. A minimum of 200K of 
conventional memory is needed to execute the flash utility. Add the 
DOS mouse driver to AUTOEXEC.BAT for mouse control of the utility.

Unzip FLASH4X.ZIP to the root directory of the SDMS drivers diskette
(using PKUNZIP 2.04G) or extract the contents using WinZip.
This puts the flash8x5.exe and a ROM BIOS image on the diskette.

Insert the diskette into drive A:.  Boot the system to the 
DOS prompt A:\>. Type FLASH8X5 and press enter.

The first screen displayed indicates what files are necessary
to upgrade and general instructions to upgrade. Press Enter 
to continue to the next window.

This window is the main menu for the Flash Utility and contains
these seven choices: 

1. Update the EEPROM.
2. Backup the current BIOS image.
3. View board summary.
4. Change SCSI ID.
5. Exit to DOS.
6. Reboot.
7. About Flash8x5.

We recommend you do a view (option 3) and a backup (option 2) prior
to updating the EEPROM. The view identifies the SCSI controller, its 
Device ID, the Flash Chip and current BIOS version. The backup, backs
up the old BIOS image to the diskette incase there are problems with 
the new image, you can get back to the original one. 

Now you are ready to update the current SCSI BIOS (option 1). Choosing
option 1 gives you a summary of boards installed to choose from. You 
must mark at least one by pressing the spacebar, even if there is only 
one to choose from. This takes you to a new window where the BIOS file name 
is provided. After marking the board and pressing Enter, a new window 
comes up asking for the file name of the BIOS to upgrade. At this time 
you can press F2 to view the available files on the diskette. The available
files should be, the BIOS file just backed up, and 8XX_32.ROM. In the F2 case, 
highlight the file 8XX_32.ROM for the Symbios Logic and NCR Host Adapter 
controllers and press Enter. Or type the filename in manually at the a:\ 
prompt and press Enter. 

Next, the utility displays the file name and notifies you when the file 
is successfully read. Press Enter to continue and the system prompts 
you whether or not to overwrite the BIOS that is currently flashed in. 
Select "Y" to upgrade. This causes the EEPROM to get erased and updated.
The system then displays the card information and verifies that the new 
BIOS is installed. Press any key to get back to the main menu. Choose 
option 6 to Reboot. Remove the floppy if you want to boot off your hard 
drive.

To verify the new BIOS installation, watch carefully during boot and
look at the 3rd line of the SDMS banner (which should read PCI-4.03.00) 
when displayed. Or rerun the flash utility from the floppy and choose
the view option to see the current BIOS version.

Host adapters supported

   SYM8150SP            NCR8150S
   SYM8250ASP           NCR8250S
   SYM8251ASP           NCR8251S
   SYM8251AD            NCR8251D
   SYM8751SP
   SYM8751D        
   SYM22801
   SYM22802
   SYM8951U
   
  (Previous versions of the host adapters use the format NCR8150S, 
   NCR8250S, ...)

