Bridged Novell Idle-Time Disconnect Hangs Windows 3.1

 Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q85182
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

If you are running Windows, and are connected to a bridged Novell network, leaving the machine idle may result in the following error message: 

   Error reading from network
At this point the machine will probably be locked up, and you will have to reboot the computer. If you encounter this error message outside of Windows, you will likely be able to choose Abort from the error message options, save your work, and reconnect to the network. This is not possible when the network disconnects when Windows 3.1 is running.

This problem is likely caused by using Watchdog, provided with Novell NetWare version 3.11.

MORE INFORMATION

If you are using a bridged network and leave the system inactive for longer than 15 to 20 minutes, Watchdog will disconnect the bridge. When this happens, Windows 3.1 will hang.

There is no way to turn watchdog off. The only solution is to set all of Watchdogs time-out settings to their maximum. This should allow the machine to sit idle for 15 hours before disconnecting from the network.

For more information on configuring Watchdog, please contact Novell.

The Watchdog product included here is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding this product's performance or reliability.

KBCategory: kbnetwork kberrmsg kb3rdparty
KBSubcategory: wfw win31 wfwg
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.11 err msg 3rdparty

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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