Windows NT Causes APC Smart UPS Battery to Discharge

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

If, when Windows NT starts, an American Power Conversions (APC) Smart UPS is installed, its battery may be discharged or the UPS function may be shut down if the UPS has been placed in Smart Signaling Mode.

CAUSE

During the boot sequence, Windows NT sends configuration and detection code to the COM port to determine baud rate and FIFO information, and for mouse detection. The string sent to the port may contain the letter D, which the Smart UPS interprets as a command for Calibration Mode.

The Smart UPS interprets the string incorrectly only if it has already been placed in Smart Mode prior to starting Windows NT. The user must have already placed the UPS in Smart Mode using the software supplied by American Power Conversions; otherwise, the Smart UPS will be unaffected by the signal Windows NT sends to the COM ports.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, perform either of the following:

• The adding of the NOSERIALMICE:COMx switch, where x equals the comport number, stops the detection process of a mouse on that port. Also, the latest version of the APC PowerChute Software adds the switch automatically to the Boot.ini file.

  During the installation of a new copy of Windows NT or an upgrade using a compact disc on a local CD-ROM drive and the three boot disks, the only option, when using current retail media, is to disconnect the cable from the system. After Windows NT is installed, reconnect the cable and add the NOSERIALMICE:COMx switch to both lines of the Boot.ini.

        multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Windows NT"
        /NOSERIALMICE:COM1
  

        multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINNT="Windows NT
        [VGA mode]" /basevideo /sos /NOSERIALMICE:COM1
  

  -or-

• To install the fixed version of Ntdetect.com on a currently installed version, remove the attributes from Ntdetect.com on the root system partition. Copy the new version of Ntdetect.com over and reset the attributes. The default attributes of Ntdetect.com are read-only, archive, and hidden.

RESOLUTION

If installations or upgrades are done across the network for a version of Windows NT shared on a hard drive, copy the replacement Ntdetect.com over the original. boot

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

Keywords          : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 ntboot NTSrvWkst kb3rdparty kbsetup
Version           : 4.0
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbfix