WFWG: Using NetDDE with Third-Party Networks

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.11

SYMPTOMS

After you install Windows for Workgroups version 3.11 with a third-party network as the primary network, or after you install Windows for Workgroups 3.11 with the /H switch from a Novell NetWare network, you encounter one or both of the following situations:

• When you start Windows for Workgroups, a dialog box with the following message appears:

        NETDDEX loads NetDDE and CLIPSRV, and a computer name is
        required. Please enter computer name:
  

• When Windows for Workgroups starts, the Chat icon appears in the Network group.

CAUSE

NETDDEX requires NetBIOS. If NetBIOS services have not been started for the primary network, NetDDE services are not available.

If you use the /H switch to install Windows for Workgroups with Novell NetWare as the primary network and you are using "NETWORK=NOVELL/00032600" in the [Configuration] section of the SETUP.SHH file, the Windows for Workgroups Setup program installs NetDDE services and the Chat utility.

RESOLUTION

• If the use of NetDDE is not required, remove NETDDEX.EXE from the Load= line in the [Windows] section of the WIN.INI file.
• OR -
• NetBIOS services are provided differently for each third-party network that can be set up as the primary network. For instructions on how to provide NetBIOS services for your network, consult with the network administrator or network vendor, or refer to the documentation.

  For example, if Novell NetWare is selected as the primary network, in order for NetDDE to function properly, the Novell terminate-and- stay-resident (TSR) program that provides NetBIOS services under NetWare, NETBIOS.EXE, must be run before starting Windows.

• OR -
• If you are installing Windows for Workgroups with the /H switch, edit the WINNET.INF file and remark out or remove the following line and section.

  NOTE: Editing .INF files is not encouraged as a troubleshooting technique. Make a backup copy of the .INF file before you edit it.

        [novell3x]
        install=netdde_appsx   --   Remark out this line only.
  
        [netdde_apps]          --   Remark out this entire section.
  
     To remark out a line, insert a semicolon (;) at the beginning of the
     line. To remark out a section, insert an "X" at the beginning of the
     section name. For example, to remark out a section called [TEST], change
     the section name to [XTEST].
  
  

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows for Workgroups version 3.11. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

When you set up a third-party network as the primary network, Windows for Workgroups Setup adds NETDDEX to the Load= line of the WIN.INI file regardless of whether NetBIOS services are loaded at that time.

NetWare is manufactured by Novell, Inc., a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.