An encapsulated semiconductor chip module. The chip module has the overlying encapsulant adhered directly and integrally to bare portions of the substrate to which the chip is mounted. This configuration enhances the adhesion and inhibits unintended delamination of the encapsulant from the balance of the module. The module is made by patterning anchor openings into the solder mask. The anchor openings expose corresponding portions of the substrate. It is important to locate the anchor openings over parts of the substrate that do not have circuitry on them, that is, on bare portions, so as to avoid corrosion or contamination of the circuit connections.