MS-DOS Application I/O Operations Cause Floppy Drive Access

 Last reviewed: January 5, 1998
Article ID: Q171940
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

After you apply Service Pack 3 for Windows NT 4.0, MS-DOS applications may attempt to access the floppy disk drive when performing I/O operations such as File Open or File Save. The floppy disk drive light stays lit for a period of a few seconds up to a few minutes.

CAUSE

With Windows NT Service Pack 3, the NTVDM subsystem has been updated to keep in synchronization with Win32. So, when the MS-DOS application changes the default drive, Windows NT verifies the current directory for the new default drive.

RESOLUTION

Obtain the following fix or wait for the next Windows NT service pack.

This fix should have the following timestamp: 

   08/18/97  06:28p               413,968 ntvdm.exe
NOTE: Service Pack 3 must be applied to Windows NT 4.0 prior to applying this fix.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0 Service Pack 3. 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.

Additional query words: prodnt 4.0 disk drive A: A drive saving opening
edit edit.com servicepack sp sp3
Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbbug4.00.sp3 kbfix4.00 ntdosap NTSrvWkst kbbuglist
Version : WinNT:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug
Solution Type : kbfix

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Last reviewed: January 5, 1998
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