SMS: NetCard ID Not Detected on a Direct Hosted IPX Client

• Microsoft Systems Management Server versions 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2

SYMPTOMS

When Systems Management Server (SMS) inventories a 16-bit client, the Network card MAC address or NetCard ID will not be reported if direct hosted IPX is the only protocol installed on the client. Adding another protocol that uses NetBIOS or adding NetBIOS support to the IPX stack will allow the network card MAC address to be reported normally.

CAUSE

Currently, SMS will identify the 16-bit client is either a Microsoft or a NetWare client. If it is determined that the system in question is a Microsoft client, a NetBIOS "GET_ADAPT_STATUS" call is issued to return the network card information, including the network card MAC address. When a direct hosted IPX stack is installed, the NetBIOS layer is not installed and this call fails. Subsequently, the MAC address is not reported to the SMS database.

Because Windows 95 installs IPX as a default protocol, with direct hosting enabled, the default client configuration will not report the MAC address. Adding any additional protocol that supports the NetBIOS interface allows the MAC address to be reported to the SMS database.

WORKAROUND

Do one of the following:

• Install NetBIOS support for IPX.

  -or-

  Add a second protocol stack that has a NetBIOS interface.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server versions 1.0, 1.1, and 1.2. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.