IBM Models 90 and 95 Require an XBIOS Partition to Boot (102022)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
This article was previously published under Q102022

SYMPTOMS

After installing Windows NT on an IBM PS/2 Model 90 or 95, the system may no longer boot if the XBIOS partition is removed or converted to NTFS.

CAUSE

The IBM model 90 and 95 machines use the first section (usually about 3 megabytes) of hard drive space for their XBIOS partition. IBM uses a segment and offset system to keep this information from being overwritten. During installation of Windows NT, if you remove the XBIOS partition or all of the existing partitions and have Windows NT set up new partitions, the XBIOS information will be overwritten. Once Windows NT is installed and tries to reboot, the machine will hang because the XBIOS partition is unreadable.

RESOLUTION

If the XBIOS partition is removed or converted to NTFS, it must be re-created. Use the Configuration disk that was shipped by IBM with the machine to reinstall the XBIOS partition onto the drive. Then reinstall Windows NT and do not delete or convert the existing XBIOS partition.

For specific information on how to use the Configuration disk, contact IBM Technical Support.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/20/2003
Keywords:kbHardware KB102022
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.