Error Loading Windows NT Service Packs on RISC Platforms (153496)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
This article was previously published under Q153496

SUMMARY

While trying to load any Windows NT Service Pack on a PowerPC platform you may encounter the following error:
A non-critical error has occurred, external library Getdest.dll could not process os loader boot variable.

MORE INFORMATION

The routine that is called from Getdest.dll is GetOsLoaderDest, and this error message means that one of the following nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) variables is not set correctly: 

   SYSTEMPARTITION
   OSLOADER
   OSLOADPARTITION
   OSLOADFILENAME


Sample entries:

SYSTEMPARTITION multi(0)scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)
OSLOADER multi0)scsi0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\OS\winnt\osloader.exe
OSLOADPARTITION multi(0)scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(3)
OSLOADFILENAME \winnt

Additionally a drive letter must be assigned to the file allocation table (FAT) partition containing the Osloader.exe file in order for the Service Pack to install properly.

RESOLUTION

Follow your PowerPC manufacturer's hardware guide to enter the computer's NVRAM and verify the above NVRAM variables contain valid information.

STATUS

The PowerPC is manufactured by International Business Machines Corporation, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/16/2003
Keywords:KB153496
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.