Q76185: Erratic Floppy Drive Behavior on Mitsubishi 286

Article: Q76185
Product(s): Microsoft Disk Operating System
Version(s): MS-DOS:5.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 23-NOV-1999

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft MS-DOS operating system version 5.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY
=======

On a Mitsubishi 286 machine, after upgrading to Microsoft MS-DOS version 5.0, a
"Sector Not Found Error" message may be displayed when trying to write or
execute a file on a floppy disk. Also, it may seem that MS-DOS is incorrectly
perceiving the drive density. The CMOS settings may read 1.2 MB. However, if a
disk utility is run, it may show the density as 360K.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The above problem is due to the particular version of ROM BIOS on some
Mitsubishi 286 motherboards. Version 1.52f does not directly support 1.2 MB disk
drives; it initializes the disk base table to 9 sectors per track when it should
be using 15 sectors per track for 1.2 MB disks.

Using DRIVPARM will not alleviate this problem because BIOS version 1.52f will
not support the calls DRIVPARM uses to change the drive type.

A BIOS upgrade will solve the problem. To obtain an upgrade, call Mitsubishi
technical support at (800) 344-6352.

The product included here is manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we
make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or
reliability.

Additional query words: 5.00

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbMSDOSSearch kbMSDOS500
Version           : MS-DOS:5.0

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.