Win NT Err Msg: MBR Checksum Error: A Virus May Be Present...

Last reviewed: June 23, 1995
Article ID: Q123814

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5
Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5

SUMMARY

If Windows NT detects a problem with the Master Boot Record (MBR), the following message appears:

   MBR checksum error: a virus may be present. Verify Master Boot
   Record integrity.

MORE INFORMATION

MBR problems are frequently caused by boot sector viruses. Microsoft has confirmed that versions of the Stoned and Josh viruses can cause the MBR checksum error message.

This problem most often occurs when you have set up Windows NT using WINNT.EXE. The floppy disks for a CD-ROM installation can become infected when you run DIR from an infected MS-DOS computer.

If the MBR checksum error message occurs during setup, Windows NT Setup does not continue. If this happens, run an anti-virus program to remove the virus.

Additional reference words: prodnt 3.50 NT infected
KBCategory: kb3rdparty kbbug3.50
KBSubcategory: ntsetup ntfilesys

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: June 23, 1995
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.