LMLogon=YES/NO is Not Recognized by Control Panel

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

The LMLogon= setting in the [network] section of the SYSTEM.INI file determines functionality in Windows for Workgroups and Workgroup Connections with a LAN Manager Domain.

Workgroup Connections requires the LMLogon=YES switch for functionality. This is different from the way Control Panel in Windows for Workgroups adds this switch. Any modifications made through the Control Panel Network interface within Windows for Workgroups set the LMLogon value to Zero (0) or one (1).

There is a problem when this setting is equal to "YES" (altered by Workgroup Connections). The LAN Manager Settings dialog box in the Windows for Workgroups Control Panel, Network, Networks Options, does not show Log On To LAN Manager Domain as selected. In other words, the check box appears to not be selected. However, Windows for Workgroups behaves as if the Log On To LAN Manager Domain is selected.

MORE INFORMATION

The LAN Manager Settings dialog box in Control Panel, Network, Networks Options, Settings does not display a check in the box next to Log On To LAN Manager Domain if LMLogon=YES is specified in the [network] section of the SYSTEM.INI file. If this box is selected in Control Panel, the SYSTEM.INI setting are changed to LMLogon=1 and LAN Manager validation is enabled.

It is possible to be logged on and validated by a LAN Manager server that is password protected and never be prompted for a password. This can happen if you are using LAN Manager validation and either LMLogon=1 or LMLogon=YES. However if you are using LMLogon=YES, Control Panel never indicates that LAN Manager has been loaded. This can make it seem as if Windows for Workgroups is allowing unsecured access to a secure server. In actuality, you have been properly validated and the password is part of the password cache.

It is also possible to never type in a password, not even a Windows for Workgroups password, and have access to a LAN Manager server that is password protected. In this situation, the Windows for Workgroups password was originally entered as null (enter key), then password caching was selected, and at some point the LAN Manager password was typed in and recorded as part of the cache. With validation turned on and LMLogon=1 or LMLogon=YES, you can gain access to the server without typing any password. As above, you would receive no indication that LAN Manager had been loaded if LMLogon=YES.

NOTE: When null is entered as the Windows for Workgroups password, the prompt to logon to Windows for Workgroups is bypassed.

For more information on Workgroup Connections settings, query on the following words in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   Workgroup and Connections and LMLogon