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

ID: Q188391


The information in this article applies to:
  • 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


Last Reviewed: March 3, 1999
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