Adaptec Driver Related Problems

Last Updated: 28 March 1994
Revision: 0394A

Q: When I try to install NEXTSTEP 3.2 on my system using an Adaptec1542C or 1542CF card the system will not install.

A: If you get the error message:

	registering: sc0
	panic: (Cpu 0) AHAController: out of ccbs
	panic: NeXT Mach 3.2: Mon Oct 18 22:08:07 PDT 1993; root(rcbuilder):mk-149.30.15.obj~2/RC_i386/RELEASE_I386

	System Panic

	kernel panic exception (6,3,1)
	waiting for remote debugger connection
	(Type 'c' to continue or 'r' to reboot)

Use the procedure below to install your system.

A: If you see the error message:

	: thread: waitforInterrupt: returns -735 
	
repeating on the screen, 

This error may be caused by "advanced" settings on the Adaptec1542CF card. These advanced options will not work in the original version of the Adaptec1542B driver that shipped with 3.2. The problem is fixed in the latest version. If you get  this error, check the set up of the card. To do this type 'Ctrl A' when prompted during boot to enter the Adaptec SCSISelectä Utility. Check the setting with the step show below. 

Type return at the first menu to select the port address.
In the second menu select "Advanced Configuration Options"
Make sure these options are NOT enabled

	Extended BIOS Translation for DOS Drives > 1 GByte
	(Note: Leave this option enabled if your drive is in fact greater than one gigabyte!)

	Dynamically Scan SCSI Bus for BIOS Devices

Changing these settings may allow you to install NEXTSTEP 3.2 normally. You can then install the new Adaptec1542B driver and enable these options if needed. If your system still will not work after disabling these options, use the procedure below.

A: If you see the error message:

	No SCSI controller or CD-ROM drive found
	
Sometimes the original 3.2 Adaptec1542B driver will not find the Adaptec card. This problem is fixed in the new version of the driver. The happens ~10% of the time, so if you see this error you should just try again. If the problem continues, use the procedure below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
			Installing a system that requires the new Adaptec1542B driver to boot

A new version of the Adaptec1542B driver is available through NeXT Technical Support or NeXTanswers.
1520_Adaptec154xDriver.ReadMe.rtf
1521_Adaptec154xDriver.pkg.compressed

Use the following instructions to install your system using the new Adaptec driver. These steps will prevent the original driver from being loaded so the new driver can be used. It will also remove the old driver from the hard disk you are installing and copies the new driver from the floppy  to the hard disk.

1. Create a floppy or obtain a floppy from NEXT Technical Support with the new Adaptec1542B driver in the directory /usr/Devices. The floppy must a have /usr/Devices folder with the new Adaptec1542B.config driver bundle. 

	/usr/Devices/Adaptec1542B.config

2.  Boot the system with the 3.2 CD-ROM Installation Disk in the floppy drive and the 3.2 CD-ROM for Intel Processors in the CD-ROM drive. 
When you get to the boot: prompt if you are running off of a SCSI disk type:

boot: mach_kernel "Boot Drivers"="PS2Keyboard"

Otherwise, if you are running off of a IDE disk type:

boot: mach_kernel "Boot Drivers"="PS2Keyboard IDE"

3. Select your language.

4. When you are prompted with:

	The following SCSI adapter and hard disk controller device driver are available while installing NEXTSTEP:

		IDE Disk Controller

	If you have a different kind of SCSI adapter or hard disk controller, insert the floppy disk that contains the device driver for your device.

	Type 1 to load a device driver from the disk in the floppy disk drive.
	Type 2 to continue without loading additional device drivers.

Remove the Installation Disk from the floppy drive and insert the floppy with the new Adaptec1542x driver (from step 1 above) , type "1" and "Return"

Note: Make sure you change floppies because the CD-ROM Installation Disk contains the original Adaptec1542B driver and could be loaded by mistake.

You will then see a list of the drivers on the floppy. Find the Adaptec154x driver on the list and enter the appropriate number.
You should see a message like:

	Loading driver Adaptec1542B
	Reading config:/usr/Devices/Adaptec1542B.config
	
	The driver was loaded successfully. Press return to continue.

Press return

When you are asked again about loading device drivers type 2 and continue with the installation as normal.

5. When you are asked to remove the floppy and type return to reboot, instead insert the CD-ROM Installation Disk in the floppy drive again and type return. 

Note: Make sure the CD-ROM Installation Disk is in the floppy disk drive

When you get to the boot: prompt if you are running off of a SCSI disk type:

boot: mach_kernel -s "Boot Drivers"="PS2Keyboard"

Otherwise, if you are running off of a IDE disk type:

boot: mach_kernel -s "Boot Drivers"="PS2Keyboard IDE"

Note: don't forget the "-s"

6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to load the new Adaptec1542B driver from the floppy again.

7. When you get to a # prompt type:

# driverLoader D=Floppy

If you are installing a SCSI hard disk mount /dev/sd0a 
# mount -n /dev/sd0a /disk (use the target number of the scsi disk for sd0a or sd1a ...)
or,
If you are installing a IDE drive mount the IDE disk
# mount -n /dev/hd0a /disk 

# rm -r /disk/usr/Devices/Adaptec1542B.config
# mount -n /dev/fd0a /floppy
# cp -r /floppy/usr/Devices/Adaptec1542B.config /disk/usr/Devices
# reboot

When the screen blanks out remove the floppy from the drive to keep the system from trying to boot from it.

Continue with the installation as normal.

See also:
1109_SCSI_Setup.rtfd
1107_Adaptec_1542B_and_Adaptec_1540B_SCSI_Adapters.rtfd
1108_Adaptec_1542C_and_Adaptec_1540C_SCSI_Adapters.rtfd
1118_Bus_Logic_BT-747_SCSI_Adapter.rtfd
1362_Bus_Logic_BT-542_SCSI_Adapter.rtfd

Valid for 3.2

QA1541