Batch Installation Over Windows 95 May Disable Network Client

• Microsoft Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

If you use the Msbatch.inf batch installation file to install Windows 95 over an existing version of Windows 95, you may no longer be able to connect to the network.

CAUSE

If the "clients=" setting in the Msbatch.inf file is set to the correct network type, Setup installs the correct network client. However, Setup then detects the network type installed in the previous version of Windows 95, and tries to install the client again. Installing the client software again causes the corresponding registry entry to be damaged.

RESOLUTION

Follow these steps to correct the problem:

1. Edit the registry and delete either of the following registry keys:

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum\Network\VREDIR (for the Microsoft Network
         client)
   

         -or-
   

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum\Network\NWREDIR (for the NetWare client)
   

   For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

   WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

2. Without restarting your computer, double-click the Network icon in Control Panel. You may receive an error message about an incomplete network setup.

3. Click Add, click Client, click Add, click Microsoft, and the click the appropriate network client.

4. Click OK until you return to Control Panel.

5. When you are prompted to restart your computer, do so.

MORE INFORMATION

You cannot simply specify the network client type in the Msbatch.inf batch installation file. Windows 95 Setup detects and installs the previously installed client. The "clients=" line in the .inf file should contain no client IDs.