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MS-Windows Troubleshooting

The device \Device\ScsiPort0 did not respond within the timeout period

Symptom:

The following error in the NT system event log:

The device \Device\ScsiPort0 did not respond within the timeout period.

followed by one or more of the following errors in the NT system event log:

The device \Device\Tape0 is not ready for access yet.

Also, any attempts to use the tape backup fail. This may well be the first symptom of the problem.

Possible Causes:

The error ‘The device \Device\Tape0 is not ready for access yet’ indicates a problem with the tape device. This could be a hardware related problem or a software problem.

The error ‘The device \Device\ScsiPort0 did not respond within the timeout period’ indicates a problem communicating with a device across the SCSI interface. This could be a hardware related problem or a software problem.

Possible Remedies:

Whilst these errors are typical of a hardware fault, try the following before replacing any hardware:

  1. Check that all of the connectors (both power and SCSI) are firmly attached. Unplug and replug to check.
  2. As a short term solution try shutting down the system, turning the power off, turn the power back on and restart. If the device still does not work then it is most likely a hardware problem, the device or SCSI control card (or possibly the connecting cable) may need to be replaced. If the device now appears to work then this indicates a software or firmware problem. Be aware that the problem may still reoccur unless the root cause is addressed.
  3. Apply (or reapply) the latest version of the (tape) device driver. Check the vendor website for a more recent driver and if one is available then load it.
  4. Ensure that the latest version of the NT driver is being used for the interface card. For example if the ‘Source’ field of the ‘The device \Device\ScsiPort0 did not respond within the timeout period’ is ‘aicXXXX’ then the interface card is an Adaptec SCSI card, so check on the Adaptec web site to ensure that you are using the latest version of the driver software.
  5. Reapply the latest NT service pack.

If the problem still persists after trying these then consider replacing the affected SCSI device.

These notes have been tested with Windows NT4.