>> From: Ashok Bhiman <[log in to unmask]>
>>
>> I have an old 8088 which I have taken out after a long
>> time. On booting I get the display and the RAM test
>> but get a short beep and error code 1701 . . . .


Ashok

A "1701" is Fixed disk POST error.

Check to verify all cables are properly seated.
Might as well re-seat the controller card, too.

Can you hear the drive spinning? If not,
you may have drive striction, that is, the
read/write heads are resting on the surface
of the platters (hopefully, it was parked on
the Landing Zone) and have adhered (corroded)
to the media surface. Common with old MFM drives
which have sat dormant for years.

You can try to free the heads by the "stick
it in the freezer method" (put it in an air-
tight Zip-lock freezer bag) or by the "sharp
blow to the drive housing method".  Needless
to say, you proceed at your own risk.

An 8088 is practically useless, schools won't
accept them as donations. So, I guess, if you
cannot get the PC to work, there is no great
loss.

Have fun...

Regards,

John Chin

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