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Q219036: SP4 on a Digital Alpha System Requires an OEM HAL Update

Article: Q219036
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0,4.0 SP3
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kb3rdparty kbsetup
Last Modified: 10-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP3 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 4.0, 4.0 SP3 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you apply Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 (SP4) to a Digital Alpha computer
without applying the latest OEM HAL first, the following blue screen error
message may displayed:

  INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE (0x7B)

CAUSE
=====

This problem occurs because some Digital Alpha computers require an updated
Hal.dll in order to be compatible with SP4.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this problem, obtain and install the latest OEM HAL before you apply
SP4 to a Digital or Compaq Alpha computer. The HAL for Digital or Compaq
computers is available at Compaq's Web site:

  http://www.digital.com/windows/


To correct this condition, use one of the following recovery procedures:

1. Manually replace the Hal.dll file using a modified repair disk. For more
  information about this recovery procedure, please see the following Microsoft
  Knowledge Base article:

  Q164471 Replacing System Files Using a Modified Emergency Repair Disk

2. Because the Hal.dll file is contained in a small FAT system partition in the
  Os\Winntxx folder (where xx=Windows NT operating system version), it is
  possible to create a boot floppy disk containing the new Hal.dll file so you
  can boot back into the operating system and replace it manually.

  For more information about creating a boot floppy disk, please see the
  following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:

  Q172806 Creating a WinNT Boot Floppy for DEC ALPHA RISC Computers

3. Boot to another installation of Windows NT on the computer or create a
  parallel installation of Windows NT into a unique directory. Manually copy
  over the updated OEM Hal.dll file to the OS\WINNTxx folder from the parallel
  installation.

To avoid this condition, after you apply SP4 but before restarting, apply the OEM
HAL you obtained from Compaq. Rev. E currently is the latest HAL and this
download includes an Update utility, which determines the correct HAL for your
system. Rev E also loads all the necessary .PAL files.

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

Digital systems are a third party product manufactured by Compaq, Inc. a vendor
independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding
this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: alpha STOP 7B inaccessible boot device

======================================================================
Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbsetup 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW400sp3 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400sp3 kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP3
Issue type        : kbhowto kbprb

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