COMPAQ Server with System Disk on SMART-2 Array (Firmware Version 1.36) May Hang After Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 Upgrade

ID: Q197845

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

After you upgrade to Service Pack 4 (SP4) on an NTFS partition with a SMART-2 array controller, the system may stop responding (hang). This happens when the system starts and the following blue screen is displayed during the loading phase of the drivers:

Microsoft (R) Windows NT (TM) version 4.0 (Build 1381 : service pack 4) x System processor [x MB Memory] ....

CAUSE

This problem is because of an outdated SMART-2 firmware version 1.36 (dated 12 June 1996).

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, upgrade SMART-2 array firmware with version 3.08 (dated 13 Nov 1998) or later, prior to upgrading to SP4. You can get the latest firmware version from the following address:

ftp://ftp.compaq.com/pub/softpaq/sp8501-9000/sp8560.exe
Compaq Options ROMPaq firmware upgrade diskette ver 2.49 Rev a

Also, verify the latest Compaq SSD for Windows NT is installed on your system, prior to upgrading to SP4. The current SSD version is 2.10 Rev.A:

http://www.compaq.com/support/files/server/softpaqs/WINNT/NTSSD400.html
Compaq Support Software for Microsoft Windows NT 4.00

MORE INFORMATION

This problem was seen using the SMART-2 firmware rev. 1.36.(12-Jun-96) The problem was fixed using the SMART-2 firmware rev. 3.08 (13-Nov-98) Intermediate SMART-2 firmware versions were not tested.

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: SP4 COMPAQ SMART array

Keywords :
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb