Net Watcher Requires Enhanced Mode in Windows for Workgroups

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.1

SYMPTOMS

If Net Watcher is loaded on a workstation running Windows for Workgroups in standard mode, the following error message appears:

   Net Watcher requires VSERVER.386 in order to run. Make sure that you
   are running Windows in 386 enhanced mode and that sharing is enabled
   in the Control Panel Network option.

CAUSE

The Net Watcher utility (NETWATCH.EXE) may be started while running Windows for Workgroups in standard mode, even though it is designed for enhanced mode. In standard mode, Net Watcher may exhibit unexpected behavior or cause the workstation to exhibit unexpected behavior.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows for Workgroups version 3.1. This problem does not occur in later versions of the product.

MORE INFORMATION

The Net Watcher utility is provided with Windows for Workgroups to monitor the properties and activities of active connections to a Windows for Workgroups server. Because a Windows for Workgroups machine must be running in enhanced mode to be a server, Net Watcher was only intended to be run in enhanced mode.

However, if you ignore the error message and choose the OK button, and Net Watcher is loaded, it may produce erroneous information (extended characters in non-existent machine names, and so on) about connections to the machine.