AST RESEARCH, INC.        TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 1543          8-06-96 
 
 
 
TITLE:  Bravo MS-T Password Hangs System
 
 
SUMMARY 
 
   The Bravo MS-T system locks up when the user selects an
   8 character password.
 
   This issue applies to the following systems: 501951, 501952, 
   501954, 501955, 501956, 501972, 503028, 503029, 503027, 503067, 
   and 503043.

ISSUE 
 
   When a user selects an 8 character password under the Security 
   feature in System Setup, the password is accepted but the keyboard
   locks up and the system hangs.  


BACKGROUND 
 
   Once the system has been set with an 8 character password and SETUP
   saved, it is impossible to enter the SETUP menu again, unless
   the CLEAR PASSWORD jumper on the motherboard is changed.

   The Bravo MS-T hardware supports a maximum of 7 characters for the 
   PASSWORD.  


ACTION:

   Clear the passord, and update the system with BIOS 1.02 (AST part 
   number 905579-036) or later.  This BIOS revision changed the 
   password Setup menu to accept a maximum of 7 characters.

   1.  Erase the 8 character password.  With the power off, remove 
       the system cover, and change the jumper at J4L1(A) from 1-2 
       to 2-3.  Turn the power on, and after five seconds, turn the 
       power off.

       If you wish to re-enter a password later, return the jumper 
       to position 1-2.  Replace the system cover.

   2.  Download the BIOS update.  Details on this procedure are 
       documented below.

   3.  Update the BIOS.  Details on this procedure are documented in 
       the README.TXT file that is included with the downloaded file.


   File 05579036.EXE is available from any of the following AST On-Line!
   services:

   AST WWW Site:  http://www.ast.com
   AST On-Line! BBS*:  See IB0001.TXT
   CompuServe:  GO: ASTFORUM
   Prodigy: Jump: astsupport
 
   * Refer to IB0001.TXT for a list of AST's international BBS  
     numbers. 
 
   To decompress this file, create a temporary directory on your 
   hard drive, copy the downloaded file to that directory, and run 
   the file.  

   For additional information on the Bravo MS-T system BIOS, see 
   Software Bulletin 0285 (filename 0285SB.TXT) on any of AST's 
   On-Line! services.


NOTES 
 
   If the user selects 7 characters, the password is recognized and
   operation is normal.


TAN 000235AH 

--------------------------------------------------------------------- 
The information in this data sheet is subject to change without  
notice. AST Research, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or  
editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor for incidental or  
consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance,  
or use of this material. This material contains information protected  
by copyright. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form 
without prior written consent from AST Research, Inc.  
All rights reserved. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------