HTTP Distribution Requires Port 80

ID: Q193521

The information in this article applies to:

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SYMPTOMS

When you configure a Broadcast Publishing Point for HTTP distribution streaming using a URL that indicates a port other than 80, you may receive the following error message: 

   A remote station URL must begin with 'MSBd://' or 'HTTP://'

WORKAROUND

You must use Port 80 when doing HTTP distribution. By default, Windows NT Server NetShow Services uses port 80 when it performs HTTP distribution. This behavior can be changed in the registry.

The port that NetShow Services uses for HTTP distribution is stored in the following registry key. 

   HKey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services
   \nsunicast\Parameters\HTTPPort
By default, this value is set to 0x50 (or 80 in decimal) and under normal circumstances should not be changed. Use the following steps to change this value back to its default of 80.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

To change the port that NetShow Services uses for HTTP streaming, perform the following steps:

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).

2. Locate the following key in the registry: 

   HKey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services
   \nsunicast\Parameters

   NOTE: The above registry key is one path; it has been wrapped for
   readability.
3. In the key listed above, locate and double-click on the value named 
   "HTTPport." This should open the DWORD editor.
4. Click the Radio button labeled "Decimal" and enter 80. Click OK.

5. Restart Windows NT Server.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT Server NetShow 3.0 Services. 

Keywords          : prodNet3 
Version           : WINNT:3.0
Platform          : winnt
Issue type        : kbbug
Solution Type     : kbpending

Last Reviewed: June 23, 1999