IBM Models 90 and 95 Require an XBIOS Partition to Boot

 Last reviewed: May 8, 1997
Article ID: Q102022

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system, version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server, version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

After installing Windows NT on an IBM PS/2 Model 90 or 95, the system may no longer boot if the XBIOS partition is removed or converted to NTFS.

CAUSE

The IBM model 90 and 95 machines use the first section (usually about 3 megabytes) of hard drive space for their XBIOS partition. IBM uses a segment and offset system to keep this information from being overwritten. During installation of Windows NT, if you remove the XBIOS partition or all of the existing partitions and have Windows NT set up new partitions, the XBIOS information will be overwritten. Once Windows NT is installed and tries to reboot, the machine will hang because the XBIOS partition is unreadable.

RESOLUTION

If the XBIOS partition is removed or converted to NTFS, it must be re-created. Use the Configuration disk that was shipped by IBM with the machine to reinstall the XBIOS partition onto the drive. Then reinstall Windows NT and do not delete or convert the existing XBIOS partition.

For specific information on how to use the Configuration disk, contact IBM Technical Support.

Additional query words: prodnt lock hang MB
Keywords : kbhw ntfilesys nthw
Version : 3.1
Platform : WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: May 8, 1997
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