Knowledge Base

Cannot Start Windows NT 4.0 After Installing Previous Version

Article ID: 155119

Article Last Modified on 2/26/2007

Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition

This article was previously published under Q155119

SYMPTOMS

If you install a previous version of Windows NT on a computer running Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 no longer starts, or you may receive one of the following error messages:

Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap

Windows NT could not start because the following file is missing
or corrupt: \WINNT\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM

CAUSE

On Intel-based computers, the Ntloader file has been replaced with an earlier version.

On RISC-based computers, the Osloader file has been replaced with an earlier version.

RESOLUTION

If you are trying to set up dual-boot functionality, install Windows NT 4.0 after you install the previous version of Windows NT.

To resolve this issue, start your computer with the newest version of the Windows NT 4.0 Startup disks and choose the Correct Boot Files option.

MORE INFORMATION

The Ntloader and Osloader files included with Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 are compatible with Windows NT 3.51. However, the reverse is not true.

Keywords: kbenv KB155119