Can't Boot from Sound Blaster SCSI II Controller

 Last reviewed: December 20, 1994
Article ID: Q124071
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5

SYMPTOMS

If you have the Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 SCSI II controller and are booting from a SCSI hard disk drive connected to another SCSI controller (such as an Adaptec SCSI controller), you are not able to boot from a SCSI hard disk drive connected to either adapter under Windows NT 3.5 and still have Windows NT recognize the SCSI II port. Windows NT only recognizes the SCSI II port on the Sound Blaster adapter if the adapter is configured for interrupt 11, which forces it to set its SCSI II port to SCSI port zero. Because the Sound Blaster does not have a boot ROM BIOS, it cannot manage your boot hard disk drive. Further, since you cannot boot from the second SCSI port (SCSI port 1) on your other SCSI controller, you can not boot hard disk drive from the there either.

Creative Labs has confirmed this to be a problem in the Sound Blaster 16 driver for Windows NT version 3.5.

NOTE: The driver limits SCSI II port recognition to interrupt 11. The adapter itself limits the SCSI ID to port 0 if the interrupt is set to 11. Adaptec is working on a resolution to both of these limitations.

WORKAROUND

Connect all your devices to the other SCSI controller and set it for interrupt 11. You will not be able to see your SCSI II port on the Sound Blaster adapter under Windows NT, but you will be able to use your SCSI devices and boot from your SCSI hard disk drive.

KBCategory: kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: nthw ntboot
Additional reference words: prodnt 3.50 SCSI-2

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Last reviewed: December 20, 1994
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