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Q168502: Windows NT Reboots Continuously During Installation

Article: Q168502
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 3.5 3.51 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbsetup
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- 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
========

When you are installing Windows NT Server or Workstation, your computer may
reboot continuously after the first reboot.

CAUSE
=====

This behavior can occur if the Bootsect.dat file in the root of the hard disk is
infected with a boot-sector virus. The Bootsect.dat file is an image of the boot
sector with added code to load Setupldr.bin to continue the Windows NT
installation.

RESOLUTION
==========

Boot the computer from a virus-free bootable floppy disk. Use a third- party
virus detector (such as McAfee's Virus Scan) to scan the root of the drive.
Clean the virus from the Bootsect.dat file. If the file cannot be cleansed, boot
from a write-protected bootable MS-DOS disk and use the SYS C: command to place
a new boot sector on the boot drive. Run Setup again to create a new
Bootsect.dat file, or reformat the drive and reinstall Windows NT.

MORE INFORMATION
================

The third-party product discussed in this article is manufactured by a vendor
independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding
this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: Form-A Virus

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Keywords          : kbsetup 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search
Version           : 3.5 3.51 4.0

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