FIX: You cannot create a startup El Torito-compatible CD by using Windows XP Image Mastering API (IMAPI) on a Windows XP-based computer (912666)

SYMPTOMS

The Microsoft Windows XP Image Mastering API (IMAPI) contains a defect that prevents you from successfully creating a startup CD-ROM with a single startup image. This problem resembles the problem in the hard disk drive image section of the El Torito startup CD-ROM specification. The defect is present in Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional operating system products. This includes all service pack releases of these products.

Additionally, you may find that the IMAPI fails when you try to use the existing Windows XP IMAPI to create a startup El Torito-compatible CD. This occurs if the number of bytes in the original startup image file is larger than one fourth of the total number of bytes available on the blank CD media that you are using. The failure is the result of a coding error in the Windows XP IMAPI. This coding error causes the IMAPI to incorrectly write four times as many bytes into the final CD-ROM startup image file as are actually in the original startup image file.

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows XP service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.Windows XP with Service Pack 1

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform
Imapi.exe	5.1.2600.1786	124,416	22-Dec-2005	00:49	x86

Windows XP with Service Pack 2

File name	File version	File size	Date	Time	Platform
Imapi.exe	5.1.2600.2816	150,528	22-Dec-2005	00:47	x86

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding the performance or reliability of these products.