"STOP 0x0000000A" Involving Scsiport.sys in Windows NT 4.0 SP5 (236981)

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256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

You may experience a "STOP 0x0000000A" error message after applying Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 5 (SP5) on a computer with an IBM ServerRaid SCSI adapter. This problem can occur depending on the data value of the NumberOfRequests registry value associated with the SCSI adapter.

Computers with other SCSI adapters may also experience similar symptoms.

CAUSE

A change was made in SP5 to the algorithm that validates the data value of the NumberOfRequests value stored in the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DriverName\Parameters\Devicen

The algorithm in SP5 is flawed and does not return the correct results for any value over 255. In particular, the error message listed above results if the parameter is set to either 256 or 512.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/servicepacks/ -or-
152734 how to obtain the latest windows nt 4.0 service pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://support.microsoft.com/directory/overview.asp

WORKAROUND

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To work around this problem and obtain the expected results without applying this hotfix, restrict the data value of the NumberOfRequests value to the range 16 through 255.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6.

MORE INFORMATION

Prior to SP5, the algorithm for validating this parameter is also flawed, but not in such a way that a "STOP" error message results. In particular, values between 256 and 512 are reduced to the range 16 through 255.