Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack Disables Dual Boot for 4.0

• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack 2, 3, or 4, you may receive the following error message when you choose Windows NT 4.0 from the Windows NT boot menu:

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

   %systemroot%\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

   You can attempt to repair this file by starting the Windows NT setup
   using the original setup floppy disk or CD-ROM. Select 'r' at the
   first screen to start repair.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the Ntldr file included with Windows NT 3.51 Service Pack 2, 3, or 4, is incapable of starting Windows NT 4.0.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, replace the Ntldr file with the Windows NT 4.0 version of the file. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Start your computer using Windows NT 3.51.

2. Using File Manager or Command Prompt, copy the Ntldr file from the Windows NT 4.0 CD-ROM to the root folder of the boot drive. For example, if you are using Command Prompt and the Windows NT 4.0 CD-ROM is inserted in drive D, type the following line:

         copy d:\i386\ntldr c:\ntldr
   

3. When you are prompted whether to overwrite the existing file, choose Yes.

4. Restart your computer.