Compaq prolinea 486: Ctrl+Alt+Del recognized in one config, but not in the other \ VOGONS

Compaq prolinea 486: Ctrl+Alt+Del recognized in one config, but not in the other

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First post, by jaybee

Posted on 2015-11-29, 20:39

jaybee Offline

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Hi all,
I have a Compaq prolinea 486 4/50 (upgraded with a 486 2/66 processor...) and I am using it as a pure DOS 6.22 machine.

I have been tinkering around for quite a few months and I managed to bring all my good old games back to life.

Here's a problem I ran into recently:
After having optimized my system for more or less max EMS (to be able to play Falcon 3.0-which works perfectly now btw) I noticed that the computer wouldn't accept my CTRL+ALT+DEL command. After having tried this command, it would not accept any other keyboard input anymore. (No big problem for a DOS machine though...the power button always works-but I don't like to use brute force)

If I switch back to my previous config, I don't get that problem at all and CTRL+ALT+DEL reboots the machine as it should.

I can post my config.sys and autoexec.bat if required.

Anybody any clue?
Thanks in advance!

Reply 1 of 4, by chinny22

Posted on 2015-12-01, 13:49

chinny22 Offline

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If you press the caps lock key does the indicator led turn on and off?
Sound like the system is simply completely hung more then a config issue. Maybe due to bad bit of memory being addressed or something like that?

Reply 2 of 4, by jaybee

Posted on 2015-12-02, 10:27

jaybee Offline

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Joined: 2015-11-29, 14:14

I think you're right. I actually did specify memory ranges in my config.sys and I do get the warning "User specified ranges overlap", but so far didn't really pay attention to that as everything seemed to work fine-it was on my 'to do later' list 😀.
The Caps lock light works though, but your theory is a very good start to troubleshoot. I really need to optimize memory management. I may need some tips though ...ill have a look around...
Thanks for your answer!

Reply 3 of 4, by NJRoadfan

Posted on 2015-12-02, 19:50

NJRoadfan Offline

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add the "ALTBOOT" switch to your EMM386 line in config.sys and see if it works. Memory managers tend to hook into the three finger salute interrupt to reboot the machine.

Reply 4 of 4, by jaybee

Posted on 2015-12-07, 21:27

jaybee Offline

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Rank: Newbie
Posts: 3
Joined: 2015-11-29, 14:14

No unfortunately it doesn't...good thought though!

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