Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!apple!tahoe!bryan
From: bryan@tahoe.unr.edu (Bryan Wolf)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware
Subject: Re: AMI BIOS & Hard Drives
Keywords: AMI     hard drive       BIOS
Message-ID: <4930@tahoe.unr.edu>
Date: 14 Nov 90 20:34:22 GMT
References: <#^&^AY^@rpi.edu>
Reply-To: bryan@tahoe.unr.edu (Bryan Wolf)
Distribution: comp
Organization: Chaos Inc.
Lines: 24

In article <#^&^AY^@rpi.edu> coxs@pawl.rpi.edu (Sean Cox) writes:
>
>       Does anyone know if it's possible to "program" the AMI BIOS to
>  accept a hard drive other than the 40-odd disks they have preset? I
>  have a Seagate drive that isn't listed in the docs I have, and no 
>  comparable drive (sectors & heads) is listed. BTW, the BIOS I have is
>  for a newly purchased '386.
>       Thanks in advance.

Yes.  We've had to do it with a few uncooperative Epson 286's.
You need a prom reader/burner, some blank prom, and you need to
be able to unassemble the prom, once you've read it.

It's easier just to use a utility like Speed Stor, HardPrep or Disk Manager
which let you enter a non-standard drive type.  HardPrep is best for
this, but follow the instructions carefully for formatting and partitioning
the drive.

Disclaimer:  You do it, you screw up, you take the heat.

Bryan
-- 
     Sadly, most computer users eventually become   / bryan@tahoe.unr.edu
     computer sellers to support their habits.    /   Bryan Wolf.   whee.