After Installing Windows NT 3.1, Hangs at Logon or 640x480x16 (103266)


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 Q103266

SYMPTOMS

Microsoft has identified a problem which may result if you install the retail version of Windows NT over the Windows NT March Beta using the ATI video driver at a resolution higher than 640 by 480 pixels with 16 colors (640x480x16). Your system may hang at the logon screen or default to 640x480x16.

The installation instructions specify that you should remove all previous installations of Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server from your computer before installing the retail version.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because earlier versions of the ATI video drivers may reside in the %systemroot%\system32 directory instead of the %systemroot%\system32\drivers directory. This may cause Windows NT to use the older version of the driver, causing the system to hang. Or, because Windows NT is designed to default to a generic VGA driver if it can't find a display driver, your screen may appear in 640x480x16.

RESOLUTION

If Windows NT is installed on a FAT partition, use the following procedure:
  1. Restart MS-DOS and delete all Windows NT ATI-related files from the hard disk drive.
  2. Restart Windows NT. It will use the generic VGA display driver.
  3. Reinstall the ATI video driver.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/16/2004
Keywords:kbdisplay KB103266
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.