Err Msg: SMARTDrive Reports Incompatible Partitions (77320)



The information in this article applies to:
    Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 5.0

This article was previously published under Q77320

SYMPTOMS

If your system includes a disk partition that was created using third- party software, such as Disk Manager or SpeedStor, you might receive this message:

SMARTDrive: Incompatible disk partition detected.
You might also receive this message if your system has a UNIX partition.

RESOLUTION

This problem is typical of disk-caching utilities. There are two solutions to the problem. The one you choose depends on what type of system you have.

If your hard disk has more than 1024 cylinders, you should not use SMARTDrive. Use your disk-partitioning program, such as SpeedStor or Disk Manager, to determine whether your computer has more than 1024 cylinders.

If your hard disk has 1024 or fewer cylinders, or has a UNIX partition, you can load SMARTDrive by specifying the /p switch.

To disable SMARTDrive:

    Use a text editor, such as MS-DOS Editor, to open your CONFIG.SYS file. If you want to use MS-DOS Editor, type the following command:

    edit config.sys


    Find the command that loads your SMARTDRV.SYS file. It should look like the following:

    DEVICE=C:\DOS\smartdrv.sys


    Type rem in front of the SMARTDrive command. For example, the command should look like the following:

    rem DEVICE=C:\DOS\smartdrv.sys


    Save the CONFIG.SYS file and exit your text editor. If you're using MS-DOS Editor, choose Save from the File menu. When MS-DOS Editor displays a dialog box prompting you to save your file, choose Yes, or press ENTER.
    Restart your computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL.

To load SMARTDrive using the /p switch:

    Use a text editor, such as MS-DOS Editor, to open your CONFIG.SYS file. If you want to use MS-DOS Editor, type the following command:

    edit config.sys


    Find the command that loads your SMARTDRV.SYS file. It should look like the following:

    DEVICE=C:\DOS\smartdrv.sys


    Type /p at the end of the command. The corrected command should look like the following:

    DEVICE=C:\DOS\smartdrv.sys /p


    Save the CONFIG.SYS file and exit your text editor. If you're using MS-DOS Editor, choose Save from the File menu. When MS-DOS Editor displays a dialog box prompting you to save your file, choose Yes, or press ENTER.
    Restart your computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL.

Modification Type: Major Last Reviewed: 11/22/1999
Keywords: KB77320