Syntax change with NET USE command to a NetWare resource connects more quickly

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51, 4.0

SYMPTOMS

This information applies to a computer running Windows NT Workstation with Client Services for NetWare (CSNW) installed and to a computer running Windows NT Server with Gateway Services for NetWare (GSNW) installed.

When using a NET USE command to connect to a NetWare resource, the time it takes to connect is notably longer than when using NET USE to connect to a Microsoft resource.

CAUSE

In Windows NT 3.51, the network provider search order is controlled by options set using the Networks button in the Network tool of Control Panel. In Windows NT 4.0, it is controlled by using the Network Access Order button found on the Services tab of the Network tool in Control Panel. These buttons are unavailable unless CSNW or GSNW are installed. If the Network Access order has Microsoft Windows Network listed as the highest priority under Network Providers, the delay in connecting to NetWare resources will occur.

MORE INFORMATION

With both the Microsoft and NetWare (CSNW/GSNW) redirectors installed and with Microsoft networks having priority, Windows NT will attempt to resolve any machine name specified with NET USE through whatever NetBIOS name resolution methods available. These methods can include NetBIOS broadcast for NetBEUI and NWLink, and a multitude of methods for TCP/IP, including NetBIOS name cache, WINS, b-node broadcast, LMHOSTS file, HOSTS file, and DNS. Only after these methods fail will the NET USE command be passed from the Microsoft redirector to the NetWare redirector. After the NetWare redirector receives the command, name resolution is very quick through a SAP query.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, change the network provider access order such that the NetWare or Compatible Network is highest on the list. With this change, all NET USE commands will be passed first to the NetWare redirector for name resolution. This change may also be better for situations where File Manager or Explorer is used more often than NET USE. However, this change is not desirable in many cases.

An alternate syntax for the NET USE command exists that is invalid for use with Microsoft resources but is valid for use with CSNW or GSNW. Use of this syntax will cause the Microsoft redirector to instantly pass the command to the NetWare redirector. The following standard command is valid for Microsoft or NetWare resources:

NET USE X: \\SERVER\RESOURCE

Where X: is the desired drive letter to use (or * for the next available drive letter), SERVER is the name of the Microsoft or NetWare server, and RESOURCE is the Microsoft share or NetWare volume.

For faster results when connecting to a NetWare resource, use the following syntax:

NET USE X: SERVER\RESOURCE:

Where X: (or *) is the drive letter to use, SERVER is the name of the NetWare server, and RESOURCE: is the name of the NetWare volume. This syntax will be rejected by the Microsoft redirector and passed directly to the NetWare redirector. The command will complete much more quickly, reducing both the time to connect and network traffic generated to complete the command.

Keywords          : NTInterop ntgeneral nthowto NTSrvWkst 
Version           : WinNT:3.51,4.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbprb 

Last Reviewed: January 26, 1999