The aic7xxx module distributed with kernel 2.2.16-3 (non SMP) appears to be broken in exactly the same way that the aic7xxx module in kernel 2.2.12 was broken. 2.2.12 was the kernel distributed with RH6.1. However, kernel 2.2.14-5.0 had an aic7xxx driver that worked fine. Unfortunately, I can't speak for 2.2.14-12. The particular symptom in my case is that the system stops cold -- no kernel panic -- after writing a few blocks to a scsi tape attached to an Adaptec aha2940u2w controller, which uses the aic7xxx driver. This *may* be the same problem that is reported in bug 13552.
Another thought: in all of the cited cases (my systems with 2.2.16-3 and 2.2.12, and the case in bug 13552) the problem is with a tape drive connected to the aic7xxx controller. Other systems that use the same controller and the same module to access discs have no such problems. Perhaps there's an interaction between the aic7xxx module and the st module. If I remember correctly, there was a tape-related patch to the aic7xxx code done between 2.2.12 and 2.2.14.
It seems that I have the same problem: working well after RH 6.2 installation but problems after kernel upgrade to 2.2.16-3. The offending device is NOT a tape (the HP35480A is working fine) but now I am unable to mount the SCSI CD-ROM. The controller is not a genuine Adaptec (Olivetti internally developed) but it is of the same (AIC-7850) family. Maybe I have some more luck since my system does not hang, I only have lost my cd-rom. I can provide more datails if needed
I fixed mine by overwriting the aic7xxx files (and directory) in the source distro with the ones from RH 6.1. A pain to get ahold of them, but once I did, I then re-compiled the kernel and the aic problems went away.
Eventually I had the time to install the latest aic7xxx driver (version 5.1.31) using the patch from http://people.redhat.com/dledford . Kernel 2.2.16-3 contains driver 5.1.30, that is the problem - in my case. Now all is fine and my cd-rom (and my tape too) are working as supposed. Please note I had to recompile the kernel because Doug's "5.1.31 precompiled modules for Red Hat Linux 6.2" are for 2.2.14 kernels.
I have these devices Intel VC820 Motherboard with BIOS VC82010A.86A.0036.P16SCSI Adapter Adaptec 2940U/UW (BIOS 2.57.2) (SCSI ID 7) at Bus:02h Device:09h / IRQ: 9 / IO Port: D800h Western Digital Vantage 9.1Gb U2W SCSI (SCSI ID 0) Saegate 4.5Gb UW SCSI (SCSI ID 1) UltraPlextor CD-ROM (SCSI ID 2) Yamaha 4260 CD ReWriter (SCSI ID 5) Iomega ZIP SCSI (SCSI ID 6) Video Diamond Viper 770 OEM 16MB Sound onboard Network 3Com 3C509B When I connect only UltraWide hard disks, the system works fine. But if I add UltraPlextor, Yamaha, Iomega (All connected with 58 pin cable), I can't even install the RedHat 7.0 Linux. The install process stops after copying 3 packages or something like that. The system stops for 5 seconds every 2 minutes or less making blink cdrom's lights. It looks similar to scanning SCSI chains, just like at boot. So I had to install & use linux without those devices using 58 pin cable. The Windows 98 SE works good with & without those 58 pin devices mentioned above.
I have these devices Intel VC820 Motherboard with BIOS VC82010A.86A.0036.P16SCSI Adapter Adaptec 2940U/UW (BIOS 2.57.2) (SCSI ID 7) at Bus:02h Device:09h / IRQ: 9 / IO Port: D800h Western Digital Vantage 9.1Gb U2W SCSI (SCSI ID 0) Saegate 4.5Gb UW SCSI (SCSI ID 1) UltraPlextor CD-ROM (SCSI ID 2) Yamaha 4260 CD ReWriter (SCSI ID 5) Iomega ZIP SCSI (SCSI ID 6) Video Diamond Viper 770 OEM 16MB Sound onboard Network 3Com 3C509B When I connect only UltraWide hard disks, the system works fine. But if I add UltraPlextor, Yamaha, Iomega (All connected with 58 pin cable), I can't even install the RedHat 7.0 Linux. The install process stops after copying 3 packages or something like that. The system stops for 5 seconds every 2 minutes or less making blink cdrom's lights. It looks similar to scanning SCSI chains, just like at boot. So I had to install & use linux without those devices using 58 pin cable. The Windows 98 SE works good with & without those 58 pin devices mentioned above. I'm using RedHat 7.0 with AIC7xxxx 5.1.31 / 3.2.4!!!!!