Problems Creating Partitions with Arcinst.exe in Windows NT 3.51 (138221)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q138221

SYMPTOMS

When you install Windows NT 3.51 or 4.0 on a DEC Alpha computer and want to format and partition your hard disk before performing the installation, do not use the Arcinst.exe utility that is supplied on the compact disc. When you use this version of Arcinst.exe, all partitions are created as system partitions. This causes an error when you try to install Windows NT.

RESOLUTION

To work around this problem:
  • Use the Windows NT 3.5 version of Arcinst.exe if available.

    -or-
  • Download the corrected version of Arcinst.exe from

    http://www.windows.digital.com/support/drivers/drivers.asp


    -or-
  • Follow these steps:
    1. Start your Alpha computer to the ARC Console.
    2. Select the Supplementary menu.
    3. Select Set Up the System.
    4. Select Edit Environment Variables (you should see "Name").
    5. Type Systempartition and press ENTER.
    6. Press the HOME key, and then press the DELETE key to remove everything on the line up to and including the last semicolon.
    7. Press ENTER, and then press ESC.
    8. Save the changes.
    9. Install Windows NT.
NOTE: Additional information can be obtained from DEC Technical Support at (800) 354-9000 or the Alpha AXP Firmware and ECU Readme.txt found in the DEC4WNT forum on CompuServe.

The third-party contact information included in this article is provided to help you find the technical support you need. This contact information is subject to change without notice. Microsoft in no way guarantees the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT versions 3.51 and 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/8/2001
Keywords:kbbug kbsetup KB138221
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