KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q84166: Incorrectly Detected Coprocessor May Cause Improper Display

Article: Q84166
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a,3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 01-NOV-1999

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

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

SUMMARY
=======

If a computer's BIOS incorrectly detects a math coprocessor when one is not
present, improper information may be displayed in areas such as the title bar of
the Microsoft Windows Calculator program and in other Windows-based programs.

Phoenix technical support has confirmed that some system manufacturers might have
incorrectly shipped BIOS that supports the Intel 80486DX only, not the BIOS that
also supports the Intel 80486SX chip. This situation causes the erroneous
reporting of a math coprocessor on the 80486SX when there is none, and may
produce these errors.

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

The incorrect detection of a math coprocessor can cause problems in Windows. The
value "-1" may be displayed for the cursor position. Strings such as "sin:" or
"sqrt:" may be displayed randomly in title bars and other places. The value
"-1#.QNAN" might be displayed if the Clear button is chosen in Calculator.

To resolve this problem, contact your computer manufacturer, not Phoenix for the
correct BIOS for your computer system.

The Intel and Phoenix products included here are manufactured by vendors
independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding
these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: calc 3.00 3.00a 3.01 3.10 3.11 coprocessor 387 487 287 Phoenix ep486sx 0.96

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin300 kbWin300a kbWin310 kbWin311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.0,3.0a,3.1,3.11

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

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.