Cluster Server Will Not Start If Cluster Log Directory Is Not Created

ID: Q216237

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition version 4.0, used with:
- Microsoft Cluster Server

SYMPTOMS

The Cluster Server service will not start.

CAUSE

If you specify a directory name that does not exist for the cluster log, the Cluster service will not start.

RESOLUTION

When creating the cluster log, make sure that the directory you specify in the environment variable exists, or use the cluster directory in %SystemRoot%\Cluster.
To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/ServicePacks/

Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

NOTE: If this product was already installed on your computer when you purchased it from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and you need this fix, please call the Pay Per Incident number listed on the above Web site. If you contact Microsoft to obtain this fix, a fee may be charged. This fee is refundable if it is determined that you only require the fix you requested. However, this fee is non-refundable if you request additional technical support, if your no-charge technical support period has expired, or if you are not eligible for standard no-charge technical support.

For more information about eligibility for no-charge technical support, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q154871 Determining If You Are Eligible for No-Charge Technical Support

Also, ensure that the ClusterLog system environment variable specifies a file name or a path and file name. If it specifies only a directory path, the Cluster service does not start and generates give the following error message:

[ClusRtl] Open of log file failed. Error 5

A similar problem occurs if the specified log file is read-only.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT 4.0 Server, Enterprise Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT version 4.0 Service Pack 5.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, please see the following article(s) in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q168801 How to Enable Cluster Logging in Microsoft Cluster Server

Additional query words: 4.00 MSCS

Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 nt4sp5fix
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug