XADM: Exchange 5.0 Does Not Install on Compaq Dual Processor (189510)

SYMPTOMS

Exchange 5.0 Setup requires Service Pack 5 to be installed on Windows NT Server version 3.51 or Service Pack 2 installed on Windows NT Server 4.0.

After you install Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 2 on a Dual Processor Compaq System with a Compaq SSD installed, the system may stop responding (hang) at the Windows NT logon screen, without displaying any error messages.

CAUSE

The Compaq SSD was used to upgrade the system to a multi-processor system. The SSD correctly installs the files required for multi-processing support but incorrectly modifies the line in the Setup.log file that refers to Hal.dll. The Hal.dll line references the single processor version of Hal.dll, and the NTOSKRNL line references the multi-processor version of the kernel. As a result, the Windows NT Service Pack installs the multi- processor kernel file and the single processor version of Hal.dll.

When the system restarts after the service pack installation, the Windows NT Kernel Load screen reports one system processor - the multiprocessor kernel. Windows NT continues loading but stops responding at the logon screen without any errors.

WORKAROUND

Please refer to Knowledge Base article 162250, "Service Packs on Compaq MPS Systems May Cause System Hangs," for a workaround and more details.

MORE INFORMATION

The Microsoft Exchange Server 5.0 Upgrade student guide shows an incorrect error message on pages 2-8. This error message states that the minimum requirement is Windows NT 4.0 [Build 138 Service Pack 1].

STATUS

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by Compaq, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.