A Windows Server 2003-based computer that uses a SAN boot configuration does not restart after you start the computer by using an alternative operating system

Consider the following scenario:

• A Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer uses a Storage Area Network (SAN) boot configuration.
• The SAN is using a GUID partition table (GPT) disk for the boot disk.
• The computer uses more that one host bus adapter (HBA) in a multipath configuration to communicate with the SAN disks.
• The computer is restarted by using an alternative operating system such as Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE). The alternative operating system does not use a multipath driver that supports this multipath (MPIO) configuration. Therefore, instead of correctly displaying each SAN disk as a single unit, the operating system displays a copy of each SAN disk for each HBA interface.

In this scenario, when you try to restart the computer to Windows Server 2003, the computer does not restart.

The problem occurs because the alternative operating system changes the partition ID GUID on the GPT disks to avoid conflicts. In this scenario, the partition ID GUID on the boot disk is also changed. When you try to restart the computer to Windows Server 2003, the boot loader cannot find the system files because the boot disk now uses a different partition ID GUID. Therefore, Windows Server 2003 cannot start because the system files cannot be accessed.

To resolve this problem, you must integrate this hotfix into the Windows PE installation source files, and then rebuild Windows PE.

Service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Server 2003. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

For more information about booting from a Storage Area Network, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Technical support for Windows x64 editions

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for Microsoft Windows x64 editions. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For product information about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, visit the following Microsoft Web site: