SMP--NT 4.0 to Windows 2000 1

[BradB]

I have a Dell Poweredge server with NT 4.0 Server loaded. Currently, we have one processor with the ability to add another. Well, I've read all the material about adding a second processor. It basically states I would have to reload Windows NT 4.0 from scratch for the OS to see the second processor.

Question: If I add the second processor, and load the Windows 2000 Server Upgrade, will it add the smp dual processor functions to Windows 2000 even though Windows NT 4.0 was for a single server?

BradB

 

[ShackDaddy]

First, are you really sure about the reload from scratch thing? I did this my self around 5 years ago, and I think it mainly required installing a new version of the HAL.DLL and a couple of accompanying files.

In any case, it makes sense to me that it would be easier to add a processor under Windows 2000 than it would be under NT4. I personally wouldn't risk just sneaking it in before the upgrade, since I don't think Windows2000 does a full PNP/etc scan from scratch to determine system specs. Hmm... wait a minute, if you run the upgrade using startup floppies instead of kicking of the install from within NT4, I think you will probably get away with adding the processor, since the previous HAL and it's files get thrown out by the new upgrade anyway. I think you could get away with it that way.

Windows .NET, BTW, will automatically load all appropriate drivers for both multi and uni-processor systems, and adding a processor may not even require having source files handy, in many cases.

ShackDaddy

 

[JVKAdmin]

Hi,

I actually just recently did an upgrade to a Windows 2000 Professional system to a dual processor system from a one processor system and I think this is the same in the Server version

In your situation I think what you would have to do is this,

First Before installing the extra processors,

Upgrade to the windows 2000 Server version. Then go into System --> Hardware Tab --> Device Manager --> Computer key Under it take note of the current driver, If your system is using the ACPI then make a note (Also make a note of any special Server drivers installed, you may need to install the correct one for your server for MPS). Doubleclick on it and change the driver. When asked select to install it manually and then from a list. You can choose the correct one. (Ie MPS Multiprocessor for non-ACPI compliant machines or ACPI Multiprocessor for ACPI - Advanced Configuration and Power Interface compliant machines.)

Then Reboot the system and turn it off before loading up 2000.

Perform the Multiprocessor installation and power back up.

Make sure your Bios has been updated to the latest bios image and make sure you have CPU's that have the correct matched stepping. If Intel, check to make sure by going to their site and downloading the Spec guide for the processor family. ie Pentium III etc or check with your reseller.

Hope this helps any.

 

[michael64]

To upgrade to a multi-processor in a Windows NT server, you need to use the uptomp.exe program that comes with the Windows NT Resource kit. However, if your going to upgrade the machine to Windows 2K, I highly suggest installing the CPU first, then go ahead and do the upgrade. When Windows goes thru the device detection stage, it will find the new processor and load the appropriate kernel files for operation.