Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!ihlpe!psfales From: psfales@ihlpe.UUCP Newsgroups: comp.sys.att Subject: Re: PC6300 hard disk and controller questions? Message-ID: <2128@ihlpe.ATT.COM> Date: Fri, 2-Oct-87 19:43:57 EDT Article-I.D.: ihlpe.2128 Posted: Fri Oct 2 19:43:57 1987 Date-Received: Sun, 4-Oct-87 02:20:37 EDT References: <21066@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU> Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories - Naperville, Illinois Lines: 41 Keywords: hard_disk hard_disk_controller In article <21066@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>, brand@janus.uucp (Graham Brand) writes: > I have a number of questions about hard disk drives and controllers > in general and those of the PC6300 in particular. I have a 2 year old > > As a result I have a few questions: > > (1) What exactly is this "Optional ROM" and what does it do? You have the Western Digital Controller. The optional ROM contains the code to operate the controller. This is as opposed to the DTC controller which is understood by the ROMs on the motherboard. > (2) Where does it reside physically - on the motherboard, on a > separate memory board? Neither, it is on the disk controller board. > (3) Could I not have any Optional ROM and still get this message? No > (4) How do I use the diagnostic disk (or other means) to confirm > which item is defective (HD or controller)? I am told that the latest release of the diagnostic disk understands the WD controller. I haven't seen it myself. If your disk gives the correct information for "System configuration" you are OK. Otherwise, your best bet is to remove the hard disk and try it on a known good system. Don't give up until you try a low-level format especially if you use a different make of controller. > (5) If it is the hard disk, I may want to replace it with a 30 MB. > Might there be any problem in doing this? > No. -- Peter Fales UUCP: ...ihnp4!ihlpe!psfales work: (312) 979-7784 AT&T Information Systems, IW 1Z-243 1100 E. Warrenville Rd., IL 60566