Windows 95 Browsing Problems on Windows NT Server Domain

• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51
• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

Browsing from a Windows 95 client that is part of a Windows NT Domain with Network Neighborhood shows an empty window.

-or-

Double-clicking Entire Network gives an the error message:

   Unable to browse the network.
   The network is not accessible.

CAUSE

The Windows 95 client is configured both to logon to an NT Domain and is also configured as a Workgroup machine. Meaning that the Workgroup value and the NT Domain value's do not match.

RESOLUTION

Either have the Windows 95 client exist as part of a workgroup or as part of the Windows NT domain. Do this from the Network icon in Control Panel.

Unlike Windows NT or Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95 identifies the Workgroup and Domain settings in two different places in the Network section of Control Panel.

MORE INFORMATION

If you log onto an Windows NT Domain from your Windows 95 computer and browse the Network Neighborhood, you only see Workgroup machines. These are individual computers that are not part of the Windows NT Domain (they may or may not have resources to share).

If you want to view domain resources, double click the Entire Network icon. This list may appear instantly or may take several minutes to assemble depending upon the size and complexity of the network.

To Enable Windows NT Domain validation for proper browsing of the domain's resources:

1. To allow Windows 95 users to logon to a Windows NT Domain, click the Properties button in the Configuration tab of the Client for Microsoft Networks. In the same Properties dialog select the check box to enable Windows NT Domain validation and specify the name of the domain.

2. In the same Properties dialog, you can select the Quick Logon option from the Network Logon Options. This validates your logon, but does not reestablish previously redirected network drives. I does show ghosted network drives which are reconnected when you use that drive.

   Alternatively, you can select the Logon and Restore Network Connections option from the Network Logon Options. This validates your logon and reestablishes previously redirected network drives. This can take some time to reconnect all drives.

3. To browse Windows NT domain resources, enter the name of the Windows NT domain in the Identification tab. Then click OK.