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Q150282: NT 3.x Video and Print Drivers Not Compatible with NT 4.0

Article: Q150282
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 3.10 3.50 3.51 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbdisplay kbprint kbPrinting
Last Modified: 07-SEP-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.1 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.1 
- Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server, version 3.1 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

If you try to load OEM video and print drivers written for Windows NT version
3.51 and earlier on a computer running Windows NT 4.0, the following error
message is displayed:

  The specified .INF file could not be found or was written for a previous
  version of Windows NT. This release of Windows NT requires new video drivers
  be installed.

CAUSE
=====

Windows NT 3.x video and print drivers are not compatible with Windows NT 4.0.

This incompatibility is a result of changes made under Windows NT 4.0 to move GDI
into the Kernel.

RESOLUTION
==========

Many Windows NT 3.x drivers continue to be compatible with Windows NT 4.0.
Please contact the manufacturer of your particular print/video device for
information concerning the availability of Windows NT 4.0 OEM drivers.

NOTE: Even if Windows NT 3.x drivers seem to install correctly, they are not
loaded by the operating system. Windows NT 4.0-compatible drivers must be
obtained.

Additional query words: prodnt
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Keywords          : kbdisplay kbprint kbPrinting 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTW310 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS310 kbWinNTAdvSerSearch kbWinNTAdvServ310 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search kbWinNTS310search kbWinNT310Search kbWinNTW310Search
Version           : 3.10 3.50 3.51 4.0

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