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Service Hints & Tips

Document ID: GSMH-3E8F6T

PCServer330 - Configuring ISA or EISA Features and Options

Applicable to: World-Wide

Configuring ISA or EISA Features and Options:
Some ISA and most EISA devices come with option diskettes.
These diskettes can contain any or all of the following types of information:
- Configuration files (.CFG)
- Device drivers
- Sample applications (mini-applications)

Configuration Files:
A configuration file is required to configure the server for ISA or EISA adapters. You have to copy this configuration file, which has a file-name extension of .CFG , from the device diskette to the EISA Configuration Diskette before installing the device in the server. The configuration file reserves the system resources that the adapter needs to function properly. Some ISA adapters come with a diskette that contains the .CFG file for the adapter. If you want to install ISA adapters that do not come with their own .CFG files, you must create a .CFG file for each adapter.

To create a unique .CFG file for an ISA adapter:
1. Insert the IBM PC Server EISA Configuration Diskette into diskette drive A.
2. Start the configuration utility program. See 'Starting the Configuration/Setup Utility Program— if necessary.
3. At the main menu, select Step 2, Add or remove boards.
4. At the next menu, select the slot in which you installed the adapter.
5. At the next screen, select OK.
6. At the next screen, press F5 ; then, select Create .CFG file.
7. Press Enter.
8. At the Create a Board .CFG File screen, type in the adapter manufacturer and description (for example, IBM Token Ring); then press Enter.
9. Refer to the adapter documentation for information about specific configuration parameters (such as IRQ or DMA channel) required for the adapter. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to enter the appropriate parameters on the menu.

Note: Normally, ISA adapters do not use every parameter. Most adapters require only a port address.

10. The controllers on the server requires specific memory and I/O address assignments to function properly. To avoid configuration conflicts, do not assign the following memory and I/O addresses to other adapters or:
A0000 - C7FFF

11. After you type in all of the appropriate parameters, press F10.
12. At the next screen, carefully verify that the information is correct; then, press Enter.
13. At the Add Confirmation window, press Enter again.
14. In the next window (add), press Enter.
The adapter description appears in the selected slot.
15. Verify the installation; then press F10.
16. At the next menu, select Save and exit the configuration utility.

Device Drivers:
Device drivers are programs designed to support a specific type of hardware device. They provide instructions that enable the computer to interact with the device, or to take advantage of a device's special feature. The device driver might come with the operating system, the application program, or on the option diskette. Not all devices require device drivers. Refer to the documentation that was shipped with the option for additional information.

Sample Applications:
Some optional devices provide small applications or sampler files. These applications demonstrate the capabilities of the device and serve as software examples for programming the device. Refer to the documentation that was shipped with the option for additional information.

Configuring PCI Features and Options:
PCI devices automatically communicate with the server configuration information. This usually results in automatic configuration of a PCI device. If a conflict does occur, see 'Resolving Configuration Conflicts—. Multiple-function PCI adapters use more than one interrupt. When you install one of these adapters, review the IRQ assignments in the Configuration/Setup utility programs (see 'PCI Bus Control—). Verify that the IRQ assignments are correct.

The PC Server 330 uses a rotational interrupt technique to configure PCI adapters. This technique enables you to install a variety of PCI adapters that currently do not support sharing of PCI interrupts. For information on manually overriding the interrupt, see 'PCI Bus Control—.

	Search Keywords
	Hint Category	Configuration, Hardware Maintenance Information
	Date Created	12-02-97
	Last Updated	30-04-98
	Revision Date	28-04-99
	Brand	IBM PC Server
	Product Family	PC Server 330
	Machine Type	8640
	Model
	TypeModel
	Retain Tip (if applicable)	N/A
	Reverse Doclinks and Admin Purposes