DOCUMENT ID:  1155-02

SYNOPSIS:     Hardware incompatibilities which may affect Solaris install

OS RELEASE:   

PRODCT:       Solaris x86

KEYWORDS:     minimum hardware requirements install locks compatibility


SYMPTOMS:

Host system stops while booting x86.


DESCRIPTION:

This note is designed to help you through a smooth installation of
Solaris x86 by ensuring that every piece of hardware in your system is
supported and configured correctly. 


SOLUTION:

Obtain a copy of the latest Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for the
version of the operating system you are loading.  This is available on
CompuServe in the Solaris x86 library, from our BBS, or from our
automated facsimile services.  Adhere to the following minimum
requirements when selecting hardware for the x86 host. 

A supported computer or motherboard is required which can accommodate at
least 12 MB of system RAM - 16 MB is the recommended amount. 

Other minimum requirements are a 200-500 MB IDE or SCSI hard drive
(depending on installed packages), a math co-processor if using an 80386
or 80486 SX (80486DX does not require one), a supported SCSI host
adapter and CD ROM, and a 1.44 MB floppy disk drive. 

If any problems are encountered during the installation with supported
hardware in place, other suggestions are to disable external cache,
disable synchronous negotiation on the CD ROM, and disable ROM BIOS
shadowing.  These may be re-enabled after installation.  Also, if using
an un-supported or clone motherboard, slowing the system clock or
changing from a double- clocked processor to a single-clocked one may
help.  Say, for example, a 486DX-50 as opposed to a 486-250 or 486-66. 


DATE APPROVED: 10/10/95