Novell Err Msg: Error Sending on Network, Abort, Retry?

Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
Article ID: Q89098

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

Novell workstations can produce the following error message when attempting to run Windows in 386 enhanced mode

   Network Error on Server XXXXXXXX:Error Sending on network
   Abort, Retry?

-or-

   System Error cannot read from device NETWORK

where XXXXXXXXX represents the file server name.

CAUSE

These messages mean the client (workstation) and the server are no longer communicating. The error conditions is caused by one of the following:

IRQ conflict with the network card
Windows 3.0 and 3.0a patch is needed
Server is no longer operating
RAM or base I/O address conflict with network card

NOTE: You cannot disable this error message (CASTOFF /ALL does not work.)

MORE INFORMATION

To resolve the problem, you must first determine where the communication problem is located. Follow each set of procedures, below, until you locate the cause.

Determining How the Network Card Is Configured

Search the hard drive for IPX.COM. There should be one copy only. When you find the file, change to the directory where IPX.COM resides.
Type the following at the MS-DOS command line:
```
      ipx i
```

This tells you the IRQ, base I/O address, RAM address, and software versions being used. If you see a message about the card being self-configurable, then you may need to run a utility program that came with the card or computer to find this information.

NOTE: The information returned by "ipx i" may not be the exact settings of the network card. The card settings and the ipx settings can be different and the network may still connect. If this happens,Microsoft Windows may stop responding (hang) because of the upper memory conflict. If the card is not found at the ipx address, it may default to "First Software Configured Adapter." The card is simply searched out and its settings are used.

When you are reconfiguring a network card, you must generate a new IPX.COM with SHGEN or WSGEN (NetWare 386). For more information about this, refer to your system administrator or to the Novell manuals.

IRQ Conflict with the Network Card

The network card should be on a unique IRQ that is not being used by any other device. If there is a conflict, reconfigure the network card or the other device to use a different IRQ.

An IRQ is considered in use if it is being monitored by the peripheral interrupt controller (PIC). For example, if the COM2 port is using IRQ 3, and no physical device (printer or modem) is connected to IRQ 3, it would still be in use.

Windows 3.0 and 3.0a Patch Needed

If you attempt to use IRQ2 or an IRQ located on the second PIC chip, then you need to obtain the Novell patch VPICDA.386 and install it.

If this patch is installed correctly and the error message continues, select another network card IRQ.

Server Is No Longer Operating

If the Novell server goes, then this error message appears and the workstation locks or hangs. This is a limitation of the Novell drivers. For more information on this, query on the following in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   novell and standard and disconnects

RAM or Base I/O Address Conflict with Network Card

The network card should have unique base I/O and RAM addresses. If there is a conflict or if the error message continues, try setting the base I/O address to 300h or higher. Some network cards (such as ARCNET cards and some Western Digital Ethernet card), when configured for D000h do not operate properly. Reconfigure them for D800h.

Displaying Available Network Card Hardware Configurations

Change to the MS-DOS directory that contains the IPX.COM file. Type the following at the command line:

   ipx d

This displays the choices available when generating an IPX.COM for the selected network interface card. Current hardware configuration is denoted by an asterisk.

KBCategory: kbnetwork kb3rdparty kberrmsg kbtshoot
KBSubcategory: win30 win31
Additional reference words: 3.00 3.00a 3.10 3.11 crashes tshoot stops
3rdparty err msg

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Last reviewed: November 21, 1994
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