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From: twb@tropix.UUCP (Thomas W. Banister)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Can't configure Phoenix 286 BIOS for coprocessor
Message-ID: <361@tropix.UUCP>
Date: 6 Nov 89 16:15:23 GMT
Distribution: net,world
Organization: GCA/Tropel Div, Fairport, NY 14450
Lines: 39

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In article <1597@ncrcce.StPaul.NCR.COM> chuck@ncrcce.StPaul.NCR.COM (Charles Rissmeyer) writes:
>I recently purchased a Samsung IBM AT compat. with a PHOENIX 286 BIOS version
>1.01 00.  I just installed a math coprocessor, but the setup routine, in ROM,
>won't allow me to change the status of the coproccesor's existance.  I can

Then Mike Schuster responds:
>I'm not familiar with this version of the Phoenix AT BIOS, since the generic
>version right now is 3.10, not 1.X. However, the SETUP routine customarily does
>not allow editing the "coprocessor" field. When you run the program it checks
>your motherboard switch settings and then looks for the presence of a math chip.
>If it finds a chip and a proper switch setting, it will acknowledge the
>presence of the coprocessor.
>Does your motherboard have DIP switches? If yes .. is the coprocessor switch
>enabled?
>On most Phoenix BIOS sets having SETUP in ROM, you can enter the setup
>program with CTRL-ALT-ESC.

  I'm not going to make guesses about version numbers. It doesn't matter. At any
rate, please do not drive yourself crazy looking for a DIP switch to indicate
the presence of your coprocessor. It doesn't exist. The BIOS can go looking for
it and figure out if the coprocessor is there or not. For whatever reason the 
ROM setup program does not "know" about the coprocessor until the self-test and
boot-up is complete. Now to address the real question; "How do I invoke the BIOS
setup program after I'm booted up?". The CTRL-ALT-ESC works with the Phoenix 386
that I've used, but the 286 version that I have calls for CTRL-ALT-s. If that
doesn't work, try calling Phoenix; they are in the Thomas Register. Or you can
send me a check for $0.05 to go dig up their phone number from my "files".
Mike is correct that the Phoenix BIOS doesn't let you edit the coprocessor field
Some BIOS setup programs do, they are fooling you.

  Now I have a question for everyone and hopefully a Phoenix representative is
listening. Why is Phoenix so damn stingy with documentation on their BIOS. I've
talked to them on the phone and they're very willing to discuss their other 
products.

						Tom Banister
						716-377-3200
						{??}!rochester!tropix!twb