UNC Connections Don't Disconnect Immediately

 Last reviewed: April 11, 1997
Article ID: Q112825

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

When running a program over a UNC connection, the connection remains open until it is released by means of the AutoDisconnect or KeepConn timeout value.

For instance, if you run WINWORD over the network using the command line 

   \\Server\WINWORD\WINWORD.EXE
and then close WINWORD, its files remain open until either the workstation or the server explicitly disconnects. This happens with any application run over a UNC connection.

CAUSE

The cause of this problem is currently under investigation.

WORKAROUND

Shorten this time-out value on the workstation by changing the KeepConn value to a lower value.

If you are using Windows NT, you can change this value in the Registry.

WARNING: Using the Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system- 

   wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct
   them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the
   use of the Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own
   risk.
Under this Registry path: 

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
       \CurrentControlSet
            \Services
                 \LanmanWorkstation
                      \Parameters
Add the value 1 to KeepConn to make it drop the connection after one second of inactivity. This drops only implicit connections such as those created when you use a UNC connection; it does not drop your drive connections.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. We are researching this problem and will post new information in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional query words: prodnt
Keywords : kbbug3.10 kbnetwork ntnetserv
Version : 3.1
Platform : WinNT

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Last reviewed: April 11, 1997
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