Err Msg: Boot Device Inaccessible.... with Adaptec 1640

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

SYMPTOMS

When you are using Windows NT with an Adaptec 1640 SCSI controller, your boot drive may corrupt if more than three SCSI devices are connected to the SCSI bus and your boot drive is SCSI-controlled. An error message appears when Windows NT is starting:

   Boot device is inaccessible.

CAUSE

According to Adaptec technical support, this problem is caused by:

• Improper termination.

  -or-

• A problem on the SCSI bus cable, such as bad hardware or hardware that does not meet specifications, resulting in power leakage on the SCSI bus.

RESOLUTION

If the problem is caused by improper termination, use an active terminator, instead of passive termination.

If the problem is caused by a power leakage on the SCSI buse, you can put a terminator on the SCSI card itself. If the problem is resolved by adding the terminator, check the SCSI bus for proper termination and cabling problems.

The Adaptec product included here are manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.