Windows NT Service Packs and OEM drivers

The information in this article applies to:

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0

SUMMARY

After you install Windows NT Service Packs (SP), you may need to re-install customized Windows NT components or drivers provided by original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Some OEM-provided drivers and components can be required to ensure proper operation of some Windows NT installations. An example of OEM software is the Compaq Support Software Diskette (SSD). Installed Compaq SSD components can require reinstallation or updates after installing a Windows NT Service Pack. While Service Packs can update some OEM related components, Microsoft recommends to reinstall the OEM provided software after installing a Microsoft Windows NT Service Pack.

For best results, contact the supplier of the OEM drivers to obtain current drivers, or to inquire about compatibility with Microsoft Windows NT Service Packs. The manufacturer usually has special instructions for updating operating system components.

MORE INFORMATION

Compaq SSD's (Software Support Diskettes, also called SoftPaq's) create the Compaq Support Software for Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0 diskette plus four other diskettes that support the subsystems and features for Compaq Servers and Professional Workstations. These device drivers / files are written by Compaq to maximize hardware capabilities. Updates and/or additions to their driver files are periodically rolled together into a single deliverable or "version". SoftPaq's can copy files directly to harddisk or make installation diskettes.

Each version can be recognized by the date/time stamp on the files themselves. Files issued together in a single version have a common timestamp (ie, Version 1.22, Revision A files show a timestamp of 1.22am.)

Current (7/7/97) is Version 1.22 Revision A (Release date 13 May 1997). It includes:

•NetFlex/NetFlex-2/NetFlex-3 network adapter family •NetFlex-3 network adapter monitoring, configuration and duplex utility •Compaq 10T PCI UTP and 10/100 TX PCI UTP •IDA/IDA-2 disk controller •SMART/SMART-2 array controller •32-Bit SCSI-2 Family of controllers •ProLiant Storage System •System Management/Health driver •UPS support •Compaq HAL Support (ISA, Uniprocessor, and Multiprocessor) •Compaq Recovery Server, Standby Agent with SMART-2 support •Compaq Recovery Server, Online Agent with SMART-2 support •Compaq Remote Insight Board driver •Compaq Support Software diskette Installation utility •Matrox Millennium video controller •ELSA Gloria-L video controller •ESS AudioDrive audio controller

The following diskettes can be created when the SoftPaq is unbundled: •Disk 1 - Compaq Support Software for Microsoft NT 3.51 and 4.0 Disk #1 •Disk 2 - Compaq Support Software for Microsoft NT 3.51 and 4.0 Disk #2 •Disk 3 - Matrox MGA Millennium Video Drivers and ESS 1868 Audio Drivers

          for Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0

For the previous Version, see Ver. 1.21 Revision A (27 March 1997)

An ASCII version list of the current SoftPaq files can be found at Compaq's Web site or on their FTP server at:

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/allfiles.txt

SPECIAL NOTE: Prior to version 1.21a, SSD/SoftPaq's were Windows NT version specific - one for WinNT 3.51 and a different SSD / SoftPaq for WinNT4.0.

Beginning with version 1.22a, the same SoftPaq/SSD works for either WinNT version 3.51 or 4.0 and for server or workstation.

The process of applying SSD's is similar to an upgrade of NT or the application of a service pack. It essentially updates the existing files and drivers already installed on the machine. It does not load new drivers or modify configuration settings. Registry entries are used to identify the existing device drivers and hardware configuration that will be updated. There is no detection process (like what happens during an initial install of Windows NT) that allows new drivers to be added or configuration changes to be made. New drivers must be added manually.

For best results, contact Compaq to obtain current version or to inquire about compatibility with Microsoft Windows NT Service Packs. Compaq may have special instructions for updating operating system components depending on which NT service pack is installed.

The latest SSD / SoftPaq can be downloaded from Compaq's Website via the following link:

http://www.compaq.com/support/files/server/softpaqs/WINNT/NTSSD.html

For more information on Compaq SSD diskettes or compatibility with Microsoft Windows NT Service Packs, contact Compaq Technical Support at (800) 652-6672.

Compaq Corporation, a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.