Cannot Gain Access to Multiple CD-ROM Drives Using Startup Disk

• Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

If your computer contains an integrated drive electronics (IDE) and small computer system interface (SCSI) CD-ROM drive, you may be able to gain access to only one CD-ROM drive when you start your computer using the Windows 98 Startup disk.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because the IDE and SCSI CD-ROM drivers both use Mscd001 as the driver ID.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, modify the Config.sys and Autoexec.bat files on the Windows 98 Startup disk so that each CD-ROM driver has a unique ID. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Use a text editor (such as Notepad) to open the Config.sys file on the Windows 98 Startup disk.



2. Locate the following line:

   
         Device=btcdrom.sys /D:mscd001
       




3. Change the line to the following line:

     
         Device=btcdrom.sys /D:mscd002
       




4. Locate the following line:

    
         Device=aspicd.sys /D:mscd001
       




5. Change the line to the following line:

   
         Device=aspicd.sys /D:mscd003
       




6. Save and then close the Config.sys file.



7. Using the text editor, open the Autoexec.bat file on the Windows 98 Startup disk.



8. Locate the following line:

   
         LH %ramd%:\mscdex.exe /D:mscd001 /L:%CDROM%
       




9. Change the line to the following line:

   
         LH %ramd%:\mscdex.exe /D:mscd001 /D:mscd002 /D:mscd003 /L:%CDROM%
       




10. Save the Autoexec.bat file, and then quit the text editor.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Mscdex.exe command-line switches, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q87165
TITLE : Command-Line Switches for MSCDEX.EXE

Additional query words: emergency boot ebd

Keywords : kbenv winboot win98 cddrive
Version : WINDOWS:98
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb