Tech Bulletin: GPI Problems with Advanced NetWare v2.0a File & Record Locks
                          NOVELL TECHNICAL BULLETIN

          TITLE:    GPI Problems with Advanced NetWare v2.0a File & Record
                    Locks
    DOCUMENT ID:    TB.P.188
           DATE:    6/10/87
        PRODUCT:    NetWare
PRODUCT VERSION:    NetWare Version 2.0 Revision A
     SUPERSEDES:    NA

        SYMPTOM:    NA

ISSUE/PROBLEM

     This bulletin is applicable to the following:

     Advanced NetWare 86 v2.0a
     Advanced NetWare 286 v2.0a
     Nondedicated NetWare 286 v2.0a
     SFT NetWare 286 Level I v2.0a
     SFT NetWare 286 Level II v2.0a
     SFT NetWare 286 Level II with TTS v2.0a

     PROBLEM: Users of applications which do large numbers of file and/or
     record locks  may experience intermittent General Protection Interrupts
     (GPIs) on the file  server.

     Usually this problem exhibits itself on ARCNET* compatible and other
     networks that are slower than 3 Mbps.  The frequency of the GPI increases
     as the number of operating workstations increases.  With six
     workstations, the error usually occurs within 20 minutes.  Upgrading the
     system to a faster LAN topology, such  as Ethernet, usually causes the
     problem to cease.

     Initially, the problems were found by users of Softcraft's Btrieve, which 
     performs large numbers of physical record locks.  Potentially, the
     problem  could also exhibit itself with any other lock intensive
     application.

     CAUSE: This problem was found to be caused by two bugs in the lock code
     in the operating system.  Although related, each of these two bugs would
     cause the file server to GPI at different places.  The bugs would exhibit
     themselves  only when intensive record and/or file locking were performed
     on a lower  performance network.

     SOLUTION: Patches that will correct the two bugs discussed above have
     been formulated for the various NetWare operating systems.  A program has
     been  written that will automatically implement the patches to the
     NET$OS.OBJ file  of the following operating systems:

     Advanced NetWare 86 v2.0a
     Advanced NetWare 286 v2.0a
     Nondedicated NetWare 286 v2.0a
     SFT NetWare 286 Level I v2.0a
     SFT NetWare 286 Level II v2.0a
     SFT NetWare 286 Level II with TTS v2.0a

     The patch program, called GPI.EXE, is available on NetWire or can be
     obtained from a NetWare Center.  To run the program, first make sure that
     you  have a backup copy of the original NET$OS.OBJ file.  Next, ensure
     that the  NET$OS.OBJ file to be patched resides in the current directory
     and type GPI.   The messages that the patch program produces are as
     follows:

     >gpi

     Please Note:  As a precautionary measure, a backup copy of this Operating
     System should be made before performing this patch.

     Please Verify the OS type as:

     Version 2.0a Advanced NetWare <type of NetWare>

     Do you wish to proceed with the patch now (Y/N) ? YES

     Performing 5 patches, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  Completed Successfully.

     If the operating system has already been patched or if it is the wrong
     version, the following message will appear after attempting to proceed
     with the patch:

     Do you wish to proceed with the patch now (Y/N) ? YES

     Performing 5 patches, 1

     Error:  Stamp 1 not matched, previously patched or invalid OS.

     *ARCNET is a registered trade mark of Data Point Corporation.