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6-2
Using the Compaq System Configuration Utility
Writer: Project: Using the Compaq System Configuration Utility Comments:
File Name: J-ch6.doc Last Saved On: 4/18/97 6:43 PM
The Compaq System Configuration utility uses option configuration (.CFG)
files to set up and configure the computer. The .CFG files provide such
information as switch settings, IRQs, and software installation guidelines. The
.CFG files for Compaq computers are located on the System Configuration
diskettes and SmartStart CD.
For PCI boards, the utility reads the configuration options from the PCI
board's configuration space from a PCI configuration file (.PCF).
Routinely, each EISA, PCI, and ISA expansion board is shipped with a
diskette that contains the appropriate .CFG file. If for some reason the .CFG
file is not shipped with the board, you may be able to find the file on either
the Compaq Option Configuration Files diskette or the Non-Compaq Option
Configuration Files diskette and SmartStart CD.
The .CFG file provides board resource requirements and switch and jumper
setting alternatives. Although ISA boards do not have the automatic
configuration capabilities of EISA and PCI boards, the System Configuration
utility can allocate system resources to these boards and provide instructions
for setting switches and jumpers.
Resolving Conflicts
If you add an EISA or PCI expansion board at some later date, the system
becomes aware of this change when you turn on the computer. The system
ROM reads the EISA or PCI board identifier and compares it with the current
configuration information stored in non-volatile memory. If the codes do not
match, you are prompted to run the configuration utility installed on the hard
drive. This re-configures the system to accommodate the changes.
The configuration utility reads the option configuration .CFG files to
determine whether there is a resource conflict, such as two devices requiring
the same hardware interrupt. If the system identifies a conflict, the software
then rechecks all the expansion board specifications to determine if settings
for a previously read board can be changed to automatically resolve the
conflict between the two boards.
