Problems with WfWG to Windows NT Connectivity

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5
• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11

SUMMARY

In some cases, you may have problems accessing Windows NT servers from Windows for Workgroups (WfWG) computers. This article covers some of the better known connectivity issues.

When you are using Workgroup Connections or Windows for Workgroups network functions from MS-DOS, connecting to a computer with a space in the computer name will result in a syntax error.

WORKAROUND

Use quotation marks around the computer name and share name. This will allow the connections. For example:

  NET USE F: "\\Computer Name\share"

MORE INFORMATION

Using Lowercase Extended Characters for Passwords

Lower level machines such as WFWG should not use lowercase extended characters for passwords on Windows NT servers. By convention, the down level client converts the password to uppercase before it is sent to Windows NT. Some of the international characters do not have an uppercase equivalent, which causes Windows NT to fail to validate the password.

Using a Windows for Workgroups Machine as a Backup Browser

If Windows NT is the master browser and Windows for Workgroups is the backup browser, you may get an empty browser list under the following conditions:

• A user logs on to the Windows for Workgroups machine and does not have a valid username/password for the domain.
• The Windows NT master browser goes down and promotes the Windows for Workgroups browser.

Using International Characters in the Windows NT Share Name

If you try to connect to a Windows NT share that contains one or more international characters in the share name, you will receive an error message.

Access Denied Errors

Windows for Workgroups does not send out domain information when:

• It attempts to log on to the Windows for Workgroups system
• You issue a "NET USE" command for a Windows NT server causing a logon to an Windows NT system

Error 2242

A Windows for Workgroups computer may be unable to connect to a Windows NT or Windows NT Advanced server computer, for the purposes of sharing resources. When you try to connect, the Windows for Workgroups computer generates the following error message: Error 2242.

Windows for Workgroups computers need accounts on Windows NT computers to use shared resources on the Windows NT computers. Error 2242 is generated if the given password on that account has expired. This error can also be generated if the "User must change password on next logon" box was checked when the account was created.

To correct this error use the following procedure:

1. Make sure the "User must change password on next logon" box is unchecked.

2. Type the user password for the Windows for Workgroups computer account.