Alpha PCI 164-266/300 Microsoft® Windows NT™

This document serves as a guide for installing Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51 or Windows NT Server 3.51 on an Alpha PCI 164-266/300 system. It outlines the necessary hardware, software, and firmware requirements, including specific memory, disk space, and peripheral needs, as well as a minimum firmware version (3.5-10) that must be met.

The installation process involves several key steps:

1. Firmware Management: Updating the system firmware on a Flash ROM using a dedicated utility from a diskette is critical to ensure compatibility and leverage bug fixes/new functionality.
2. System Preparation: Configuring the system through the firmware's "Set up the system..." menu to define default environment variables (e.g., SCSI settings, monitor resolution).
3. Hard Disk Preparation: Using the ARCinst utility (located on the Windows NT compact disc) to create a 100MB FAT system partition. A crucial caution is highlighted: when prompted "Do you want to make this the system partition (y/n)?", the user must press 'N'.
4. Windows NT Operating System Installation: Starting the Windows NT Setup from the CD-ROM, using an Alpha PCI 164-266/300 Windows NT Installation Diskette to select "Other" then "EB164" for the computer type, and potentially providing a manufacturer-supplied graphics driver disk during custom setup.

The document also includes appendices listing firmware menus and offering troubleshooting solutions for common issues, such as a blank screen during boot (checking power, connections, firmware update, console settings) and video driver problems (reinstalling drivers or booting with last known good configuration).