SP4 on a Digital Alpha System Requires an OEM HAL Update

ID: Q219036

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 4.0, 4.0 SP3

SYMPTOMS

When you apply Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 (SP4) to a Digital Alpha computer without applying the latest OEM HAL first, the following blue screen error message may displayed:

INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE (0x7B)


CAUSE

This problem occurs because some Digital Alpha computers require an updated Hal.dll in order to be compatible with SP4.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain and install the latest OEM HAL before you apply SP4 to a Digital or Compaq Alpha computer. The HAL for Digital or Compaq computers is available at Compaq's Web site:

http://www.digital.com/windows/
To correct this condition, use one of the following recovery procedures:
  1. Manually replace the Hal.dll file using a modified repair disk. For more information about this recovery procedure, please see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
    Q164471 Replacing System Files Using a Modified Emergency Repair Disk


  2. Because the Hal.dll file is contained in a small FAT system partition in the Os\Winntxx folder (where xx=Windows NT operating system version), it is possible to create a boot floppy disk containing the new Hal.dll file so you can boot back into the operating system and replace it manually.

    For more information about creating a boot floppy disk, please see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article:
    Q172806 Creating a WinNT Boot Floppy for DEC ALPHA RISC Computers


  3. Boot to another installation of Windows NT on the computer or create a parallel installation of Windows NT into a unique directory. Manually copy over the updated OEM Hal.dll file to the OS\WINNTxx folder from the parallel installation.


To avoid this condition, after you apply SP4 but before restarting, apply the OEM HAL you obtained from Compaq. Rev. E currently is the latest HAL and this download includes an Update utility, which determines the correct HAL for your system. Rev E also loads all the necessary .PAL files.


MORE INFORMATION

Digital systems are a third party product manufactured by Compaq, Inc. a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

Additional query words: alpha STOP 7B inaccessible boot device

Keywords : kb3rdparty kbsetup ntstop
Version : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP3
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbhowto kbprb


Last Reviewed: July 8, 1999
© 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.