NetBT Clients Can Only Connect if They Are Set to Use B-Node Name Resolution

ID: Q225324

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

If clients try to connect to a server and are configured to use a node type other than B-Node name resolution (for example, H-,M-, or P-Node), they can no longer connect to the server and the following error message is displayed:

Network Path Not found


CAUSE

This problem occurs because the server replies to a name query from the client with a group name response instead of a unique name response. Without the hotfix below, the NetBT client only allows a connection attempt to a group name to occur if it is configured as a B-Node client.

Note that this problem only affects connections to servers that reply to name queries with a group name, rather than a unique name response. At present, no server implementations supplied by Microsoft reply with group names. Only third-party server implementations are likely to be affected by this problem.


RESOLUTION

A supported fix that corrects this problem is now available from Microsoft, but it has not been fully regression tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. If you are not severely affected by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Windows NT 4.0 service pack that contains this fix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp
The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:

   Date      Time    Size      File name   Platform
   ------------------------------------------------
   04/01/99  04:51   122,800   Netbt.sys   x86
   04/01/99  04:49   223,600   Netbt.sys   Alpha

NOTE: If this product was already installed on your computer when you purchased it from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and you need this fix, please call the Pay Per Incident number listed on the above Web site. If you contact Microsoft to obtain this fix, and if it is determined that you only require the fix you requested, no fee will be charged. However, if you request additional technical support, and if your no-charge technical support period has expired, or if you are not eligible for standard no-charge technical support, you may be charged a non-refundable fee.

For more information about eligibility for no-charge technical support, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
Q154871 Determining If You Are Eligible for No-Charge Technical Support


STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.


MORE INFORMATION

This new version of Netbt.sys allows connection to the first name returned in a group name response regardless of the node type. It does not attempt to connect to any other names that may be returned in the group name response.

Additional query words: 


Keywords          : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 
Version           : winnt:4.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: July 2, 1999