OSINCOMI - OS/2 WARP INSTALLATION AND DISKETTE-DRIVE USAGE ON THE
           COMPAQ AERO NOTEBOOK
02/09/96

=======================================================================
        OS/2 Warp Installation and Diskette-Drive Usage on the
                       Compaq Aero Notebook
=======================================================================

Please Read Entire Document for Full Explanation of Procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------

DESCRIPTION

On some Compaq Aero notebook computers, OS/2 Warp cannot be installed 
from diskette. The installation proceeds normally through Diskette 6; 
however, after starting the system from the hard disk for the first 
time, the diskette drive cannot be accessed, so the installation fails 
when it tries to copy Diskette 7.

The problem occurs on systems that do not have an integrated diskette 
drive but use a diskette drive that plugs into one of the PCMCIA slots.
These systems are the 33-MHz and 25-MHz Compaq Aero computers, although
the 25-MHz systems might not fail.

RESOLUTION

Problem Analysis
----------------
The diskette drive is not set up as an external device during startup. 
Under DOS, the PCMCIA support will manage the device if it is inserted
later. The exception is if the diskette drive is the startup device; 
then the ROM BIOS treats it as a special case and sets it up so it can
be used as the startup medium. This is why OS/2 can start from the 
diskette drive, but cannot access it after starting from the hard disk.

Solution
--------
A new ROM (level 11.01.94) is available from Compaq. This "flash" ROM 
sets up the diskette drive at startup time, regardless of whether or 
not the drive is the startup medium. This setup is done only at startup
time.

Known Problems
--------------
The diskette drive is set up only at startup time. Thus, if the drive 
is not connected until later, OS/2 will be unable to access it. If the 
diskette drive is present at startup, but then removed and reinstalled,
OS/2 will be unable to access it (the diskette drive draws power from 
the PCMCIA slot, so it loses setup when removed). This is of 
significance to notebook users who might wish to unplug the drive to 
conserve battery power. OS/2 error-handling displays a "Drive not ready"
message under these conditions. Selecting Return the error to the 
program enables OS/2 to continue operation. Support for removing and
reinserting the diskette drive requires PCMCIA support.

______________________________________________________________________
IBM disclaims all warranties, whether express or implied, including 
without limitation, warranties of fitness and merchantability with 
respect to the information in this document. By furnishing this 
document, IBM grants no licenses to any related patents or copyrights.  
Copyright (c) 1994, 1996 IBM Corporation. Any trademarks and product 
or brand names referenced in this document are the property of their 
respective owners. Consult your product manuals for complete trademark 
information.