Why do I receive Event ID 256 in the System log?

wretyhjkl;

If your problem is SoundBlaster PCI128 related - Rolling back the Driver fixed the problem for me. I am using a SoundBlaster 4750 Soundcard without problems before W2K Service Pack 4 - after installing the Service Pack ... the system would hang at the logon screen for as much as 30 seconds, literally filling the Application Log with Message 256 Warnings.

Prior to the rollback, I was using Creative Labs PCI128 driver dated December 19, 2002 - which for whatever reason makes the call to the Plug and Play Mangager.

Download from Creative Labs Driver dated January 5, 2001 - Note ... you must download two files - the driver library, and the installer.

Driver Library ... p128w2k.lib (2,399,215 bytes)
Installer ... SBPCI128setupus.exe (2,074,624 bytes)

First - Uninstall existing drivers

Second - Use the Search Function and find ... sbpci.sys ... file and delete it from all directories where found (I found it in the System32 Folder only). If you do not remove this file, the fix does not work...!

I used Winzip 8.1 to extract all files from the two downloaded files into an install directory, and then run ... Setup.exe

The system installed on has now went for nearly two weeks without a single warning. We always disable the GamePort with all SoundBlaster Audio cards ... many computers do not have available resources for the specific I/O range for this port.

Jim White

I don't have this hotfix AND STILL GET THE ERROR. What gives?

I have the same issue as Ted P. A fresh install and no issues until all the updates are done. Any further news on this?

I get Event ID 256 on our w2000 computers (at work) after updating with hotfix MS04-011(KB835732). One solution to this warning is to.
Go into device manager | Ide/atapi controller.
For Primary and Secondary contollers:
Advanced Settings:
For any non-existent devices, change Device Type from Auto to None. Reboot after changing both controllers.
(ref. http://www.tek-tips.com/gviewthread.cfm/pid/616/qid/825923).