Alpha Fails After Firmware Version Change (118662)


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 Q118662

SYMPTOMS

Alpha AXP computers by Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) fail when you install a firmware update with a disk from an earlier firmware version.

CAUSE

Ensure that the firmware version you are using for an update is a later version than the one currently installed on the computer. When you install new firmware, there are no warnings or messages to prevent "downgrading" to an earlier version. If an incorrect, or earlier, version of the firmware is installed, the computer fails immediately after the system power-up tests.

STATUS

At this point, the computer does not respond to input. At this time, the only way to restore the computer is to replace the motherboard. This requires a service call from a Digital Customer Service Engineer.

The DEC product discussed here is manufactured by Digital Equipment Corp., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/20/2003
Keywords:kbHardware KB118662
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.