WinNT ErrMsg: Windows NT Could Not Start Because the...

 Last reviewed: September 22, 1997
Article ID: Q102721
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you start your Windows NT computer you may receive the following error message: 

   Windows NT could not start because the following file is missing or
   corrupt:

      \%winnt%\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEMHardware Profile/Last Known Good menu

CAUSE

The System subkey of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive of the registry is too large to fit into the allocated memory space.

RESOLUTION

The only resolution is to use an Emergency Repair Disk or perform a reinstallation of Windows NT.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

This issue may occur when something is writing too much data to the System subkey in the registry. The System subkey is designed exclusively for information that is necessary to boot the computer. In some instances the System subkey has been as large as 12 MB in size (and greater) and This, combined with the other processes that were in memory, caused the above issue.

Additional query words: prodnt
Keywords : kbbug3.50 kbbug3.51 kbbug4.00 ntboot ntregistry ntsetup NTSrvWkst kberrmsg
Version : WinNT:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kberrmsg
Solution Type : Info_Provided

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: September 22, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.