How to Troubleshoot "STOP 0x0000003E MULTIPROCESSOR_CONFIGURATION_NOT_SUPPORTED" Error Messages (290196)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP2
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server SP2
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP1
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP2
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server SP2
This article was previously published under Q290196

SUMMARY

When you are using a multiple-processor computer that is running Windows 2000, you may receive the following error message:
STOP 0x0000003E (Parameter1, Parameter2, Parameter3, Parameter4)

MULTIPROCESSOR_CONFIGURATION_NOT_SUPPORTED

MORE INFORMATION

The computer has multiple processors, but they are asymmetric in relation to one another. To be symmetric, all processors must be of the same type and level. For example, if you try to mix a Pentium-level processor with an 80486 processor causes this behavior. Additionally, on Intel-based computers, either all processors must have floating point capabilities, or none of the processors should have floating point capabilities.


For additional information about how to use CPUs with different stepping levels, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

234556 Description of Windows 2000 Support for Multiple-CPU Computers with Mixed Stepping Levels

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/19/2003
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg kbinfo kbtshoot KB290196
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