Troubleshooting NET USE Failure (when PING NetBIOS Name Works)

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft TCP/IP-32
• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11
• Microsoft Windows 95

SUMMARY

In some circumstances, PINGing a NetBIOS name (with the PING utility) returns a reply, but other commands such as NET USE or NET VIEW to the NetBIOS name do not complete successfully. In some cases this is due to the fact that the PING utility uses ICMP packets and does not require a session to be established, whereas the NET Commands require a session to be established.

MORE INFORMATION

Troubleshooting Procedure When You Can PING by NetBIOS name, but cannot use the NET command:

1. If this occurs only across a router, check to see if TCP Port 139 is enabled.

   The NET commands relies on TCP Port 139. To enable this port the administrator of the router should be contacted. If further help is needed, contact the router manufacturer's technical support.

2. If this occurs only across a router, check to see if the Router is unable to Pass the Large Packet Sizes.

   The PING utility sends 74 bytes of data. It is possible that the PING requests can pass through the router, but not the larger NET requests. The following procedure can be used to see if packet size is the problem:

   A. Use PING -L <buffer size to send>". For example:

            PING <computername> -l 4048
            PING <computername> -l 3036
            PING <computername> -l 2024
            PING <computername> -l 1012
   
      B. Edit the registry to specify a smaller packet size.
   
   

3. Check to make sure the Server Service is started on the computer in Control Panel, Services.

   If the Server Service is not started, that computer still responds to the PING utility, but a session cannot be established. Start the Server Service in Control Panel, Services.

4. Check to make sure the destination computer is not hung.

   If the destination computer is hung, it is possible for the PING utility to receive a response even though a session cannot be established.

   Take appropriate steps to restore the hung computer. Reboot, repair, or reinstall as necessary.

5. Check to make sure the destination computer has a valid license.

   If there are no licenses available for the destination computer, it still responds to the PING utility, but it is unable to establish a session.

6. Verify if DNS or a HOSTS file is in use. Since the HOST name resolution methods are used first ping may be resolved, yet NET USE may timeout before the HOST methods can be utilized.