"STOP 0x0000008E" Error Message Occurs When You Upgrade to Windows Server 2003 (817873)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to upgrade a Microsoft Windows 2000 Server-based computer to Windows Server 2003, you may receive a Stop error message similar to the following during the text-mode portion of Setup:
STOP: 0x0000008E (0xC0000006, 0x808F1210, 0xFC99F5C0)
Additionally, you can no longer access the partition that contains the operating system.

CAUSE

This problem may occur when a disk is inserted in the computer's floppy disk drive and the disk contains a Winnt.sif file with the following parameter:

repartition = yes

In this situation, Setup detects the repartition=yes parameter, deletes all existing files (including operating system and temporary files) and partitions, and then repartitions the hard disk.

WORKAROUND

To avoid this problem, remove the disk that contains the Winnt.sif file from the computer's floppy disk drive before you upgrade to Windows Server 2003. The Winnt.sif file is only used in unattended installations. Do not use it with the repartition=yes parameter when you upgrade a Windows 2000-based computer to Windows Server 2003.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

MORE INFORMATION

The Winnt.sif answer file is used in unattended installations of Windows. It contains information that is used by Setup when you install Windows by using the CD boot method. The CD boot method involves starting the computer from the Windows Server 2003 CD-ROM and installing Windows on the hard disk by using the Setup program on the CD.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/1/2004
Keywords:kbprb KB817873
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