Reference number: CH000275

Unable to see over 8GB with Windows NT 4.0.

Issue:

Unable to see over 8GB with Windows NT 4.0.

Cause:

The original release of Windows NT 4.0 ATAPI.SYS may not support large hard disk drives over 8GB during installation. 

Solution:

Microsoft has an updated ATAPI.SYS included in Service Pack 4 or this file can also be downloaded through our Windows NT page found on our download section. Once this file has been successfully downloaded or obtained from Service Pack 4, follow the below instructions for Windows NT Workstation, Server or Terminal Server.

1. Ensure you have read through document CH000273 and have ensured that the BIOS does support a hard drive of 8GB or higher.
2. Download ATAPI.EXE from our Download section, Microsoft's FTP site or copy ATAPI.SYS from Service Pack 4.
3. Execute ATAPI.EXE on a black floppy diskette or place ATAPI.SYS onto a blank diskette. Label this diskette so it can be appropriately used when needed.
4. Boot from the three diskettes supplied with Windows NT Server.
5. When asked "Would you like Windows NT to detect mass storage devices" press 'S' to skip the detection phase.
6. After devices or no devices have been found, press 'S' again and insert the diskette created in the above steps.
7. Setup should list Microsoft ATAPI Service Pack 4 IDE Driver as an installed driver. Press 'S' again if you have additional drivers to load or press enter to continue the setup.

Additional information:

After the installation of Windows NT, if other devices are installed that copy a new ATAPI.SYS file such as the Iomega Zip Drive, you may encounter the issue again after the installation of Windows NT.