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Q168700: Error Message Uninstalling Service Pack 3

Article: Q168700
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kberrmsg kbsetup
Last Modified: 10-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

While you are uninstalling Service Pack 3 for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, you may
receive the following error message:

  An error has occurred copying ntldr.
  Ensure the location specified below is correct, or change it and insert
  'Windows NT Service Pack Uninstall Archive' in the drive you specify.

  From: <drive1>:\winnt\$NtServicePackUninstall$\ntldr To:
  <drive2>:\ntldr

If you click Error Details, you see the following information

  The following error occurred: "The directory name is invalid" (error #267).
  Source file: <drive1>:\winnt\$NtServicePackUninstall$\ntldr
  Destination file: <drive2>:\ntldr

where <drive1> is the current drive letter of the boot drive and
<drive2> is the drive letter of the boot drive when Service Pack 3 was
installed.

CAUSE
=====

This error message occurs when the boot drive letter assignment has been changed
since Service Pack 3 was installed.

RESOLUTION
==========

Click Skip to bypass the file and allow the uninstall process to finish. When
the uninstall process is finished, run the Emergency Repair Disk (ERD), choose
Verify Windows NT System Files, and repair the changed Ntldr file.

NOTE: We do not recommend changing the boot drive letter or system drive letter
assignment.

STATUS
======

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the
Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

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

After skipping the Ntldr file, you may receive the following additional error
message:

  The following error occurred: "The system could not find the path specified."
  (error #3)

  Source file: <drive1>:\winnt\$NtServicePackUninstall$\iexplore.exe
  Destination file: <drive2>:\program files\plus!\ Microsoft
  Internet\iexplore.exe

This error message may also occur for the Hyperterm.exe file for the following
destination:

  <drive2>:\program files\Windows NT\hyperterm.exe

If these error messages occur, click Skip to bypass the files and then replace
the files noted in the error message by expanding them from the Windows NT
compact disc. For example, to replace the Hyperterm.exe file, perform the
following steps:

1. Rename the Hyperterm.exe file in the <drive1>:\Program Files\Windows NT
  folder.

2. Expand the original Hyperterm.exe file from the Windows NT 4.0 compact disc
  into the <drive1>:\Program Files\Windows NT folder. To do so, use the
  following command:

  expand <cd-rom>\i386\hyperterm.ex_ <drive1>:\program files\
  windows nt\hyperterm.exe

where <cd-rom> is your CD-ROM drive.

If you have upgraded your version of Internet Explorer since installing Windows
NT, you should reinstall Internet Explorer.

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Keywords          : kberrmsg kbsetup 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : 4.0

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