How to Troubleshoot DMA Errors While Using Backup (205842)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
This article was previously published under Q205842

SYMPTOMS

Direct Memory Access (DMA) errors may occur when you are backing up to a floppy disk drive controller-based tape drive with Backup.

CAUSE

This behavior is caused by an interaction between the floppy disk drive controller and the video adapter that causes a delay in the data transfer to the tape drive.

RESOLUTION

If you receive an error message indicating that there is a DMA conflict with your backup device, you may want to try the following troubleshooting steps:
  1. Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
  2. Click the Device Manager tab.
  3. Double-click Tape Drive.
  4. Click your tape drive, and then click Properties.
  5. Click the Settings tab.
  6. Disable the following options in the order listed. After you disable an option, run Backup to determine whether disabling the option solved the problem. For example, disable burst transfers, and then run Backup. If the problem persists, disable the next option, and then run Backup again.
    1. High speed burst transfers
    2. Concurrent hard disk access
    3. Concurrent video update
NOTE: Disabling any of these items reduces the speed at which Backup transfers data. The amount of the reduction varies with the speed of the computer, the speed of the floppy disk drive controller, and the speed of the tape drive. In addition, system response time may be slower while Backup is running.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kbenv kbHardware kbinfo kbtshoot KB205842
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