Direct Cable Connection Fails with Only NetBEUI Loaded

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

Direct Cable Connection may not work when one or both computers are using only the NetBEUI protocol with the Dial-Up Adapter and are located on the same network.

On the computer configured as the guest, the Direct Cable Connection Status dialog box displays the message "Verifying Username and Password," and then "Disconnect."

On the host computer, the Direct Cable Connection Status dialog box displays the message "Verifying Username and Password," and then "Waiting for the guest machine."

CAUSE

You are using the Microsoft Client for Microsoft Networks and the NetBEUI protocol to log on to the network. The direct connection fails because you are connected to the network with an Ethernet adapter when you try to make the direct connection. This causes the NETBIOS name projection to fail, which in turn causes NetBEUI to fail negotiation. Since NetBEUI is the only installed protocol, when it fails negotiation the connection is dropped. This may also occur when you are using Dial-up Networking with only the NetBEUI protocol installed.

RESOLUTION

Install the IPX/SPX-compatible network protocol. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and click Control Panel.

2. Double-click the Network icon.

3. Click the Add button.

4. Click Protocol, then click the Add button.

5. Click Microsoft.

6. Click IPX/SPX-Compatible Protocol.

7. Click the OK button.

MORE INFORMATION

The NetBEUI protocol requires a unique name to identify a computer. You cannot connect to the same network using the same name with two different network adapters with this protocol.

The IPX/SPX-compatible protocol relies on a unique network ID and is negotiated even if there is a name conflict. When you use this protocol, you can make a direct connection while you are connected to the network.

Note that the behavior described in this article can also occur if the host computer uses the TCP/IP and IPX/SPX-compatible protocols and is connected to the network and the guest computer uses the TCP/IP protocol and is not connected to the network. In this case, add the IPX/SPX- compatible protocol to the guest computer to enable the direct connection.

The behavior described in this article can also occur if both computers are using only the TCP/IP network protocol.