Non-Maskable Interrupts with AST SMP 486/50 [Cisco LAN2LAN Software]

Document ID: 14990

Questions

Introduction
What is the problem and associated solution for when you use Cisco Systems' WNIC revision "D" and "E" adapters in AST Symmetric Multi Processor (SMP) 486/50 machines?
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Related Information

Introduction

A problem has been discovered when using Cisco Systems' WNIC revision "D" and "E" adapters in AST Symmetric Multi Processor (SMP) 486/50 machines.

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Q. What is the problem and associated solution for when you use Cisco Systems' WNIC revision "D" and "E" adapters in AST Symmetric Multi Processor (SMP) 486/50 machines?

A. Symptom

When you use NetWare version 2.x or version 3.11, the machine ABENDs with a non-maskable interrupt (NMI). An error message similar to this appears on the console screen:
System Halted Tue. Dec. 1, 1992 8:40:00 pm
    ABEND: Non-maskable Interrupt
    (Error Code XXXXXXXX)
The problem occurs only with the AST SMP 486/50.

Reason

On early releases of the AST SMP 486/50, I/O bus refresh is disabled. I/O bus refresh must be enabled in order for the WNIC to properly use its 512 Kbytes of memory. Later versions of the AST SMP 486/50 are shipped with I/O bus refresh enabled.

Solution

I/O bus refresh can be enabled by running the EISA configuration program. In the configuration program, under the System AST Manhattan SMP System Board menu, I/O bus refresh can be enabled/disabled. I/O bus refresh must be set to enabled.