WFWG: NET START Prompts for Logon on 80286-Based Computers

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups version 3.1

SUMMARY

A computer with an 80286 processor is capable of running Windows for Workgroups in standard mode only. The standard mode of Windows for Workgroups requires that the real-mode network redirector be started for network functionality before Windows for Workgroups is started.

On an 80286-based computer, the NET START statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file starts the real-mode redirector and prompts the user for logon information. On a computer with an 80386 or higher processor, the NET START statement does not normally start the real- mode redirector.

MORE INFORMATION

When Windows for Workgroups is installed on a 80286-based computer, the statement AutoStart=full is added to the SYSTEM.INI file in the [network] section. This parameter causes the NET START statement in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file to perform a binding of the network protocol(s) to the network adapter as well as starting the full real-mode redirector. The redirector then prompts the user for a logon name.

For additional information about values for the AutoStart= line, refer to page 6-65 of the "Microsoft Windows for Workgroups Resource Kit" for version 3.1 or query on the following words in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   net start and autostart