File & Print Services for NetWare May Stop Intermittently

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.51
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.51
• Microsoft File and Print Services for NetWare version 3.51

SYMPTOMS

The File and Print Services for NetWare (FPNW) service may stop intermittently. A Dr. Watson error may also appear because the Nwssvc.exe service stopped. The Dr. Watson error is:

   An application error has occurred and an application error log is being
   generated.

   Nwssvc.exe

   Exception: access violation (0xc0000005), Address: ?x????????

CAUSE

A request for the FPNW properties was made through either the Server Manager or Control Panel FPNW, and the HomeBaseDirectory registry value was missing.

RESOLUTION

Add the following value to the registry:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Run the Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).

2. Navigate to the key:

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\FPNW\Parameters
   

3. On the Edit menu, click Add Value.

4. Add the following:

         Value Name: HomeBaseDirectory
         Data Type : REG_SZ
         Data      :
   
   

5. Click OK, and close the Registry Editor.

6. Shut down the computer and restart Windows NT.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression- tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.