Windows NT Reboots Continuously During Installation

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you are installing Windows NT Server or Workstation, your computer may reboot continuously after the first reboot.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if the Bootsect.dat file in the root of the hard disk is infected with a boot-sector virus. The Bootsect.dat file is an image of the boot sector with added code to load Setupldr.bin to continue the Windows NT installation.

RESOLUTION

Boot the computer from a virus-free bootable floppy disk. Use a third- party virus detector (such as McAfee's Virus Scan) to scan the root of the drive. Clean the virus from the Bootsect.dat file. If the file cannot be cleansed, boot from a write-protected bootable MS-DOS disk and use the SYS C: command to place a new boot sector on the boot drive. Run Setup again to create a new Bootsect.dat file, or reformat the drive and reinstall Windows NT.

MORE INFORMATION

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