Microsoft KB Archive/156576

= Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack Disables Dual Boot for 4.0 =

Article ID: 156576

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition

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This article was previously published under Q156576



SYMPTOMS
After you install Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack 2, 3, or 4, you may receive the following error message when you choose Windows NT 4.0 from the Windows NT boot menu:

Windows NT could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:

%systemroot%\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

You can attempt to repair this file by starting the Windows NT setup using the original setup floppy disk or CD-ROM. Select 'r' at the first screen to start repair.



CAUSE
This behavior occurs because the Ntldr file included with Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack 2, 3, or 4, is incapable of starting Windows NT 4.0.



RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, replace the Ntldr file with the Windows NT 4.0 version of the file. To do so, follow these steps:
 * 1) Start your computer using Windows NT 3.51.
 * 2) Using File Manager or Command Prompt, copy the Ntldr file from the Windows NT 4.0 CD-ROM to the root folder of the boot drive. For example, if you are using Command Prompt and the Windows NT 4.0 CD-ROM is inserted in drive D, type the following line:

copy d:\i386\ntldr c:\ntldr
 * 1) When you are prompted whether to overwrite the existing file, choose Yes.
 * 2) Restart your computer.

Additional query words: prodnt boot.ini

Keywords: kbenv KB156576

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