Microsoft KB Archive/163003

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

Compatibility Tool for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Available
Last reviewed: July 23, 1997

Article ID: Q163003

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
 * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SUMMARY
This article describes the Microsoft Compatibility Tool version 1.0 for Windows NT 4.0. This tool is available in the self-extracting Ntcomp.exe file.

The following file(s) are available for download from the Microsoft Software Library:

~ Ntcomp.exe For more information about downloading files from the Microsoft Software Library, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q119591 TITLE    : How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services For additional information about hardware compatibility and Windows NT, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q142865 TITLE    : Microsoft PSS Support Policy on Hardware Not On Windows NT HCL

ARTICLE-ID: Q131303 TITLE    : Latest Windows NT Hardware Compatibility List (HCL)

MORE INFORMATION
The Microsoft Compatibility Tool version 1.0 for Windows NT 4.0 examines the hardware on your computer and tells you if your computer can support Windows NT Workstation or Server version 4.0. It also provides you with a summary of detected hardware. This tool:


 * Identifies PCI, EISA, ISA, MCA, and legacy devices, and the system resources used by the detected devices.
 * Compares the detected devices with the system requirements and Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for Windows NT 4.0.
 * Uses this comparison to determine whether Windows NT 4.0 can be installed and run properly.
 * Logs the detected devices to a file named Ntct.txt on disk 2.

In addition to determining if your personal computer is capable of running Windows NT 4.0, this software tool may be useful in diagnosing problems that occur during the installation of Windows NT 4.0.

Who Should Use the Compatibility Tool?
The Compatibility Tool was created for:


 * Network Administrators who need to install Windows NT 4.0 on a large number of computers with varying hardware configurations.
 * Individuals who want to upgrade but are not sure if their computer will support Windows NT 4.0.
 * Resellers who want to give their customers an easy way to check for Windows NT 4.0 compatibility.

How Does the Tool Work?
The tool is started from a set of bootable floppy disks that are created by the Ntcomp.exe file. Once the computer is started, a set of dialog boxes guides you through detection and then logs and displays the results.

The detection algorithm identifies hardware components in the computer. The components are then matched against the HCL. The result of this test is then displayed in the following manner:


 * Green light: Windows NT can be installed and run.
 * Yellow light: Indicates that the tool was unable to determine if your system can run Windows NT 4.0. It is best to verify the results by making sure you have at least 120 MB of free disk space, examining the items listed as potential problems, and verifying whether the reported problems prevent you from installing and running Windows NT. For example, the tool reports insufficient disk space if 120 MB or more of free disk space is not found. This can sometimes be corrected by archiving or compressing old data.
 * Red light: Your computer does not meet the basic requirements to run Windows NT 4.0.

If you receive a yellow or red light from the Compatibility Tool, disable video shadowing, BIOS shadowing, and all caching on your computer, including the CPU cache and L2 cache, in the computer's CMOS settings. For information about how to use your computer's CMOS configuration tool, refer to your computer's documentation or contact your manufacturer.

If you receive a green light from the Compatibility Tool after disabling all shadowing and caching, try re-enabling each setting, one at a time, to determine where the problem or incompatibility exists.

How Do I Create the Bootable floppy disks?
Download the Ntcomp.exe file to an empty folder and then double-click it. Run the resulting Setup.com file. You will be prompted to supply two 1.44-MB disks.

What Are the System Requirements to Run the Tool?
To run the tool, you need:

 An 80486 or higher processor. At least 8 MB of RAM. Keep in mind that Windows NT Workstation 4.0 requires at least 12 MB of RAM (16 recommended) and Windows NT Server 4.0 requires at least 16 MB of RAM. A 1.44-MB boot floppy disk drive. Two blank 1.44-MB floppy disks. VGA or higher resolution display adapter.

Known Issues with the Tool

 * If your result is a yellow light, it is best to verify the results by making sure you have 120 MB of free disk space.
 * The tool does not recognize NTFS or FAT32 partitions.
 * The tool does not power up PCMCIA slots and is unable to identify PC cards against the HCL.
 * Because of a BIOS issue, the tool does not work on Compaq Storm computers.