Err Msg: System in Protected Mode. System Halted

Last reviewed: July 20, 1995
Article ID: Q126749
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

When you start Microsoft Windows or Windows for Workgroups, you receive the following error message:

   System in protected mode. System halted

CAUSE

A required entry for the Mylex Disk Array controller card (DAC960) may be missing from the CONFIG.SYS file. The DAC960 requires the DACDRVR.SYS driver file to be loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file.

RESOLUTION

Specify the DACDRVR.SYS driver file in the CONFIG.SYS file, or contact Mylex to receive an updated DACDRVR.SYS driver file.

MORE INFORMATION

The BIOS on the DAC960 can be used only in real-mode operating systems and is incompatible with some memory managers. To use the DAC960 with Windows or Windows for Workgroups or with a memory manager, the DACDRVR.SYS driver file must be loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file. According to Mylex, the DACDRVR.SYS driver file should be the first device loaded in the CONFIG.SYS file.

For additional information, please contact Mylex Technical Support at (800) 776-9539.

The Mylex products discussed here are manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft. We make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.


KBCategory: kb3rdparty kbenv kberrmsg
KBSubcategory: win wfwg wfw
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: July 20, 1995
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.