PRB: Problems Running Multiple HCT Managers

• Microsoft Win32 Device Development Kit (DDK) for Windows NT, versions 3.1, 3.5, and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51

SYMPTOMS

If you run multiple copies of the HCT Manager, the HCT test results may be incorrect and the system may fail.

CAUSE

The HCT (Hardware Compatibility Test) is a mechanism used by device driver writers to ensure that their drivers work correctly. The HCT Manager is the program that controls the compatibility tests including starting tests, bypassing tests, and setting various options. Running multiple instances of the HCT Manager at the same time on the same computer is not supported.

STATUS

This behavior is by design. While some of the individual HCT tests are designed to be re-entrant, the HCT Manager itself is not designed to be run in multiple windows. If multiple copies of the HCT Manager are run, the results of the HCT tests are not guaranteed to be accurate and the system may fail.