Can't Use Setup Disks with Dell DDA/DSA Controller

ID: Q114090

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

When you run Windows NT Setup from floppy disk or CD-ROM disc on a Dell system that has the boot drive installed on a Dell Drive Array (DDA) or Dell SCSI Array (DSA) controller, the following error message appears after Setup scans for SCSI interfaces:

Setup is unable to locate the hard drive partition prepared by the DOS portion of Setup.

These controllers are listed on the July and later Windows NT Hardware Compatibility Lists.

The system starts and runs correctly from DOS.

CAUSE

This controller isn't a standard IDE or SCSI controller, so Setup is unable locate that controller with the drivers available on the floppy disk. Because of this, it is unable to find a DOS partition to copy the files to when it gets to that part of Setup.

WORKAROUND

To run Setup without receiving this error message, start DOS from the hard drive on the DDA or DSA and run WINNT.EXE from a CD-ROM or network connection. This creates a Setup disk that contains the drivers that recognize the DDA or DSA controller. Setup then runs correctly.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. This problem was corrected in Windows NT version 3.5.

The Dell products included here are manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: prodnt 450SE

Keywords : kbsetup ntsetup kbbug3.10 kbfix3.50
Version : 3.1
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :