ATI Expert 98 AGP - install problems

[Rich]

Hi,

Trying to do a clean install of Win98 on a Dell, using a Dell OEM
video board (ATI Expert98) in a Dell PC, using original installation
disks.

Getting an error when installing ATI Expert 98 drivers. Error
is BIOS16 - this program has performed illegal operation.

Note, the factory installed system works, including ATI drivers. So
the ATI card should be good. I just want to do a clean install. Tried
a new driver from Dell site and the same error appears.

Very strange case. Is there a way to transplant video drivers from
one HD to another? Since the drivers will not install on what seems
like a good card.

Rich

 

[JAD]

can you 'reset configuration data' in CMOS/BIOS

 

[Rich]

can you 'reset configuration data' in CMOS/BIOS

Have done that for the mobo. The BIOS error may be from the card
itself and not the mobo BIOS. Tried that card in another PC, same
message, so it's pointing to card itself.

Puzzler to me is, that it works OK, when used with Factory installed
drivers on the original HD. Somehow they managed to install the
drivers, I'm sure by writing an image, and the card recognizes those
drivers. It will not respond to a new installation on a new HD.
Wonder if it's a Dell trick to sell you hardware?

Rich

 

[Rich]

Note, the factory installed system works, including ATI drivers. So
the ATI card should be good. I just want to do a clean install. Tried
a new driver from Dell site and the same error appears.

Since I have a set of working drivers on an old HD, is there a way to
transplant these to a new HD?

Rich

 

[JAD]

if you knew exactly what driver files were involved and the directories they belong in. Does the card show the boot screen? If so,
then the cards basic functions are in tact. If the 'bios' error comes up after the post then its a driver issue and could be a
'sharing ' resource problem.

 

[Rich]

----- Original Message -----

if you knew exactly what driver files were involved and the

directories they belong in.

I manged to pickoff the driver files from the old HD, one by one, but
the vid card still shows as "Standard PCI Video Board" and funcitons
only as 640x480. Strange that it does not show as AGP.

Does the card show the boot screen? If so, then the cards basic

functions are in tact.

Yes it does. It also will work fine with the Dell original HD and
those drivers, which were installed somehow by Factory.

If the 'bios' error comes up after the post then its a driver issue and could be a
'sharing ' resource problem.

It seems as if mobo plug&pray does not recognize the the card
correctly and completely. I cleaned the contacts and re-seated a
couple of times. Feel that all drivers are in place, by copying them
from the old HD.

I would thrash it, but it still works fine on the old HD, so I refues
to believe that it's dead.

Rich




"

 

[Jack]

Did you install the chipset drivers?

 

[Rich]

Did you install the chipset drivers?

There is file PiiX4.exe on a Dell site, which is for that purpose, but
it will not install on Win98. Not sure what other chipset drivers to
install. Is there something specific for win98?

Rich

 

[Idbbs01]

There is file PiiX4.exe on a Dell site, which is for that purpose, but

it will not install on Win98. Not sure what other chipset drivers to
install. Is there something specific for win98?

goto the chipset mfg website and download from them

 

[JAD]

I managed to pick the driver files from the old HD, one by one, but

the vid card still shows as "Standard PCI Video Board" and functions
only as 640x480. Strange that it does not show as AGP.

When you say this - have you done a 'update driver' after the moving of the files from the device manager? Did you grab the 'INF'
file also?

To be honest, this all seems way to complicated for just installing drivers. In windows this should be cut and dry on the install
process. Not that all installs work, but should be automated.

 

[Rich]

When you say this - have you done a 'update driver' after the

moving of the files from the device manager? Did you grab the 'INF'
file also?

Yes did that. The process is unlike any I've experienced

To be honest, this all seems way to complicated for just installing

drivers. In windows this should be cut and dry on the install

process. Not that all installs work, but should be automated.

I have thrashed that ATI card. Installed a Matrox G450 in it's place
which was recognized and worked right off. Never owned an ATI card
and after this experience, may rush out to get one

The problem may very well be with the Dell BIOS and how it handles the
AGP. But both were from an original machine. Somehow the original
configureation worked, but attempting a clean install from all Dell
CD's did not go.

I also, tried installing the Chipset drivers from Intel. They did
install, unlike those from Dell site. But it made no diff in
recognizing the card. I do not know how Dell gets away with this
crap.

Rich