Reference number: CHWINNT

Basic Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 troubleshooting.

Issue:

Basic Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 troubleshooting.

Additional information:

This document has been created as a location of general steps that can be taken to help you with problems you may be experiencing with Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 that are either general problems and/or problems not documented elsewhere in the Computer Hope database.

Below are some reasons why a user may follow the steps in this document.

1. Unknown or undocumented problem with computer running Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.
2. Performance issues with the computer, for example, the computer running slowly.
3. Users who wish to run maintenance on the computer or potentially speed up the computer.
4. Users looking for steps to help resolve an issue or that may help locate the cause of an issue.

Users may find explicit documented questions and answers on our Windows NT Q&A page. Additional information about Windows NT can also be found on our Windows NT main page.

Solutions:

Error messages encountered during boot before Windows loads

Before following the below steps please make sure that the error you are encountering is not already documented on Computer Hope by performing a quick search for the error and by looking through our Windows NT Q&A page.

1. Ensure that your computer BIOS settings are correctly configured to the hardware that is installed in your computer. Improper settings in the BIOS may cause various types of errors when first booting an IBM compatible computer. These errors often occur as the computer is first booting and may stop the load process of the computer. 

Error messages while Windows is loading

1. Ensure that your computer is up to date with all the latest service packs and patches available from Microsoft. A listing of Microsoft Service packs can be found here. 
2. If you are unable to get into Windows, check the Event Viewer to verify if any errors occurred while windows is loading. To check the event viewer, click Start, Programs, Admin Tools, and click Event Viewer.
3. If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up to date and that no viruses are being detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program, you may wish to consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems. Information about updating your antivirus program can be found on document CH000533 and information about what antivirus programs are available can be found on document CH000514.

Other error messages

If you are experiencing other error messages it is likely these errors are being caused by the software program you are running and/or a hardware device you are attempting to utilize. It is recommended you see the basic troubleshooting section for your hardware device or software program.

Computer running slowly

1. Make sure your computer has at least 100MB of free hard disk drive space. If your computer has less than 100MB free, it may cause the computer to operate more slowly. Additional information about regaining hard disk drive space can be found on document CH000528.
2. Ensure that your computer is up to date with all the latest service packs and patches available from Microsoft. A listing of Microsoft Service packs can be found here. 
3. Close any programs that are running in the background and/or disable background programs from automatically loading each time your computer boots. Information about doing this can be found in document CHTSR.
4. Ensure your computer has the latest drivers for the hardware devices installed in your computer. See document CH000546 for additional information on what drivers should be updated on your computer. 

Issue with hardware device

If you are having difficulties with a hardware device, please see our basic troubleshooting section for steps that can be taken to help resolve your hardware issues.

Other

If you are still running into errors or unable to resolve your issue, please search our web page, check our on-line help section, and check our Q&A section for additional help and/or recommendations. If after checking these locations you are still unable to resolve your issue, feel free to contact our support team.