SOFTPAQ NUMBER:  SP8225
PART NUMBER:  N/A
FILE NAME:  N/A
TITLE:  Armada 6500 ROMPaq Update Diskette
VERSION:  System ROM 1.50, Keyboard ROM AA5534
LANGUAGE:  US English

CATEGORY:  ROMPaqs

DIVISIONS:  Portables

PRODUCTS AFFECTED:  Compaq Armada 6500 Series

OPERATING SYSTEM:  Microsoft Windows 95,
                   Microsoft Windows 98,
                   Microsoft Windows NT

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION:  N/A

PREREQUISITES:  N/A

EFFECTIVE DATE:  March 19, 1999

ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION ALLOWED:  Yes

SOFTPAQ UTILITY VERSION:  3.1

SUPERSEDES:  SP8224

DESCRIPTION:  Unpacks a file that, when run from the hard drive,
creates a bootable diskette that can update the System ROM on 
Armada 6500 Series notebooks to version 1.50.  This also updates
the keyboard ROM to version AA5534 if needed.  

Enhancements/Fixes:  
 - Updated Keyboard ROM to AA5534 to enable support for battery 
   swapping while in suspend mode.

This version includes the following enhancements that were also
implemented in previous ROM versions 1.36 and 1.45:

 - Corrects an issue which prevented data from being properly written
   back to the hard drive media prior to shut down.
 - Updates the time of day after Password Quick Lock (pressing Fn-F6).
 - Eliminates system lockup or failure to boot when "Save to Disk" 
   suspend mode is enabled.
 - Resolves system lockups after initiating "Save to Disk" under DOS 
   Safe Mode.
 - Corrects system lockups when Fast Infrared Port is configured to 
   certain System Resources.
 - Addresses system lockups that could occur when hot swapping Multibay
   devices upon resume from standby under Microsoft Windows '98.
 - Addresses issue that prevented the system from entering Stanby 
   Timeout when docked with a DVD drive installed in the Mobile 
   Convenience Base.
 - Corrects issues with proper memory size detection.

HOW TO USE:

IMPORTANT: You must use the AC adapter (NOT battery power) while performing this 
           update.  If the notebook loses power during the update, it will not 
           function.

1. Download the SoftPaq (SP8225.EXE) to a temporary directory on your 
   hard drive.  The file downloaded is a self-extracting executable 
   with a filename based on the SoftPaq Number above.

2. Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions. 
   Enter "Y" to confirm the unpacking of files into the download directory.
   A file named 6500A150.EXE will be unpacked. 

3. After the file has been unpacked, you may delete the file downloaded 
   in step 1.

4. To update the System ROM to version 1.50, and the keyboard ROM to AA5534, 
   do the following:

   NOTE: The update process may require two reboots from the bootable diskette.
 
    a. Run the file \biosA150\6500A150.EXE directly from your hard drive. 
       this file will create a bootable diskette for you.  
       (You will need a blank formatted diskette in drive a:)
 
    b. Boot from the created diskette.  
       Follow the on-screen instructions, 
       The updates will run only if the notebook needs them.
       The keyboard ROM will be updated first if it is needed.
       After that update completes, leave the diskette in A: (the notebook may reboot).
       
    c. Allow the notebook to boot from the created diskette again. 
       Follow the on-screen instructions.
       The System ROM update will proceed automatically.
       After the System ROM update completes, remove the diskette and reboot.

    IMPORTANT: After running the update you may need to reload the System ROM 
    defaults.  If during the final reboot you are prompted to "Press Fn-F3 to 
    enter Setup," simultaneously press the Fn key and the F3 key. When in the 
    ROM Setup program, press the F9 key to reload the System ROM default settings. 
    When prompted for confirmation, choose YES.  Do not make any other changes 
    unless instruced to do so by your network administrator.  
    Inappropiate changes may prevent the notebook from working properly.
    Press the F10 key to exit the ROM Setup program.

5. After the utility has been run, you may delete the file from the download 
   directory if you wish.

Copyright 1999, Compaq Computer Corporation.  All rights reserved.

Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.