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Q84422: Windows Err Msg: Unable to Enter Protected Mode

Article: Q84422
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 11-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11 
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SYMPTOMS
========

The following error message may appear when you start Microsoft Windows version
3.1 in 386 enhanced mode:

  Unable to Enter Protected Mode

CAUSE
=====

This message is displayed if 32-bit disk access is enabled and your hard disk
controller is not 100-percent compatible with the Western Digital 1003
controller card. If this is the case, the Western Digital driver does not load
and the above error message is displayed.

WORKAROUND
==========

To avoid this error message, start Windows 3.1 by typing "WIN /D:F" (without the
quotation marks) at the MS-DOS command prompt. This command disables 32-bit disk
access for the current Windows session. After Windows has loaded, you can
permanently disable 32-bit disk access.

To permanently disable 32-bit disk access, do the following:

1. Run Control Panel.

2. Choose the 386 Enhanced icon.

3. Choose the Virtual Memory button.

4. Choose the Change button.

5. Clear the Use 32-Bit Disk Access check box.

Additional query words: fastdisk 3.10 3.11 WDCTRL fast disk

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Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin310 kbWin311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11

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