I just picked up a used IBM PL300 desktop and I'm having problems setting it
up.
After fdisk and formating the HD I loaded Win98SE. The load went OK but
when it was done there was a message box telling me that the unit is
operating in dos compatability mode and my master boot record may have been
modified.
I tried rumming fdisk /mbr but that didn't change anything.
Other symptoms: windows recognizes the ide master controller but states
that the primary and secondary controllers aren't working correctly. also
the only way I could get the CDrom to work was to load command lines in my
autoexec.bat and config. sys files.

Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Tia,
Terry

Run msconfig, choose advanced, and make sure the "Force compatibility mode access" isn't checked.

I did, It isn't.
I've returned the computer and otten a refund.
Thanks
Terry

For future reference, it was more than likely that you needed to install the busmaster IDE drivers.
you could get them through the IBM website or perhaps direct from the chipset/io manufacturers

Thanks

Future reference, all IBM laptops come with a cd called a 'recovery cd' which contains Windows 9x, and all of the relevent drivers.
Pop the cd in, and 15 minutes later you have a complete and ready to go laptop (no install prompts required)
It's crucial to run that cd as their drivers are so difficult to get and specific with each PC/laptop, and of course will produce a bunch of problems if not loaded.
The cd's are available from between $20-70 from IBM.

Daniel.

well don't be too sad. When you get into windows and it is "working" you will wish you where back in DOS

Easiest way out of DOS Compatibility Mode? Don't use Win9x

On my brothers duron , If install the via 4 in 1 drivers, it puts his harddrives on dos compat mode. I have no idea, so I just put XP on there