 |
IBM-AUSTRIA - PC-HW-Support 30 Aug 1999 |
Software/Hardware Mismatch Problems
Software/Hardware Mismatch Problems
If a failure appears to be the result of a defective FRU, but you don't find a problem,
there might be a software and hardware mismatch.
These problems might be intermittent, and they are usually difficult to diagnose.
If you are experiencing this type of problem, and the operating system is of the 'direct driver' variety, which
bypasses the BIOS interface, such as:
- AIX
- Netware
- SCO UNIX
- Some 'windowing' interfaces
- Other Unix-based software
the most-likely cause of the problem is a mismatch between the software and the hardware.
The following information is provided to help you resolve these problems:
Software Can Be Sensitive to the Hardware
Direct-driver software is sensitive to variations in hardware design.
The resulting incompatibilities are usually addressed with a revision (sometimes referred to as a
patch), to the direct-driver software. Make certain the software is current and that all known revisions are
installed.
The IBM on-line bulletin board (sometimes referred to as PCPROD), and other software tools sources,
such as Novell Netware, should be referenced by the software support personnel for any revisions provided by
the appropriate software vendor.
The most-likely cause of these types of problems, when direct-driver software is involved, is the failure to obtain the
latest revisions from the software vendor.
Software Installation
It is very important to follow the vendor's installation
procedures. The software should not be migrated from another system, unless the installation instructions indicate
that migration is supported (especially from a different model in the product line).
Migrating adapters from slower systems to faster
systems might cause problems. This is due to device-specific,
system-specific, or time-dependent software code, that controls these devices.
Adapter and Software Compatibility
Hardware adapters for some operating systems must be approved by the software vendor to
be compatible with that software. The approval is specific to the system, adapter E.C. level,
and the software version. Contact the software vendor to confirm that system and adapter
configuration is supported by their software level.
The compatibility support is especially important for, (but not limited to), all LAN adapters
and RIPL applications.
Software Failures After a Hardware Change
After the initial installation, any changes in the hardware configuration
(addition or changes of adapters or features), might result in computer failures
and require the reinstallation of the operating system or the software revisions.
Specific hardware configuration changes (such as memory address, interrupt level,
or programmable option select), might result in a computer failure if the software has
unique operating requirements.
Back to 
More INFORMATION / HELP is available at the IBM-HelpCenter
Please see the LEGAL - Trademark notice.
Feel free - send a 
for any BUG on this page found - Thank you.