MCA Network Adapter Fails After Applying Windows NT 4.0 SP2

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

SYMPTOMS

After you apply Windows NT version 4.0 Service Pack 2 to a computer with a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) network adapter, you may receive the following error message:

   At least one service or driver failed during system startup.
   Use Event Viewer to examine the event log for details.

   Event ID: 7000
   Source: Service Control Manager
   Description: A device connected to the system is not functioning.

CAUSE

The Ndis.sys device driver in Service Pack 2 fails to detect any network cards installed in MCA slots 8 or higher. Network cards installed in slots 1 through 7 are detected by Windows NT and function normally.

RESOLUTION

If the MCA network adapter was working fine prior to installing Service Pack 2, you can rename the Ndis.sys file found in the %systemroot%\System32\Drivers directory and use the Expand utility to expand the Ndis.sys from the compact disc or copy the Ndis.sys file from the service pack uninstall $NtServicePackUninstall$ directory and reboot.

-or-

You can physically move the affected network adapter to a lower MCA slot number in order for the Service Pack 2 Ndis.sys driver to use it.

You usually must re-run the Micro Channel configuration utility to Update your computer’s configuration after moving the MCA network adapter to a different slot. Consult your computer manufacturer’s user guide for complete instructions.

STATUS

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