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Q170817: Windows NT Causes APC Smart UPS Battery to Discharge

Article: Q170817
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kb3rdparty kbsetup kbWinNT400sp4fix
Last Modified: 09-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition 
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SYMPTOMS
========

If, when Windows NT starts, an American Power Conversions (APC) Smart UPS is
installed, its battery may be discharged or the UPS function may be shut down if
the UPS has been placed in Smart Signaling Mode.

CAUSE
=====

During the boot sequence, Windows NT sends configuration and detection code to
the COM port to determine baud rate and FIFO information, and for mouse
detection. The string sent to the port may contain the letter D, which the Smart
UPS interprets as a command for Calibration Mode.

The Smart UPS interprets the string incorrectly only if it has already been
placed in Smart Mode prior to starting Windows NT. The user must have already
placed the UPS in Smart Mode using the software supplied by American Power
Conversions; otherwise, the Smart UPS will be unaffected by the signal Windows
NT sends to the COM ports.

WORKAROUND
==========

To work around this problem, perform either of the following:

- The adding of the /noserialmice:COMx switch, where x equals the comport
  number, stops the detection process of a mouse on that port. Also, the latest
  version of the APC PowerChute Software adds the switch automatically to the
  Boot.ini file.

  During the installation of a new copy of Windows NT or an upgrade using a
  compact disc on a local CD-ROM drive and the three boot disks, the only
  option, when using current retail media, is to disconnect the cable from the
  system. After Windows NT is installed, reconnect the cable and add the
  NOSERIALMICE:COMx switch to both lines of the Boot.ini.

     multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Windows NT"
     /NOSERIALMICE:COM1

     multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Windows NT
     [VGA mode]" /basevideo /sos /NOSERIALMICE:COM1

  -or-

- To install the fixed version of Ntdetect.com on a currently installed
  version, remove the attributes from Ntdetect.com on the root system
  partition. Copy the new version of Ntdetect.com over and reset the
  attributes. The default attributes of Ntdetect.com are read-only, archive,
  and hidden.


RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or
Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information,
please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

  Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack


If installations or upgrades are done across the network for a version of Windows
NT shared on a hard drive, copy the replacement Ntdetect.com over the original.



STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT
Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows
NT 4.0 Service Pack 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
Service Pack 4.



Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbsetup kbWinNT400sp4fix 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbNTTermServ400 kbNTTermServSearch
Version           : winnt:4.0
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix

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