Network Virus Checking Programs and Microsoft Windows NT

• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0.

SUMMARY

Network virus scanning software packages can cause network errors when installed on Windows NT Server. These packages can also cause problems when upgrading to Windows NT Server 4.0.

MORE INFORMATION

Third-party network virus scanning software can be installed on Windows NT Server to check files for viruses as they are copied to and from a server. These programs are installed as a service and they act at the file system level.

These services will often run fine until a seemingly unrelated change, like adding a fault tolerant set or installing a service pack, is made to the server. Often the users will report that similarly configured servers run the same scanning software without a problem.

Common symptoms that suggest a problem with virus scanning software include clients mysteriously being disconnected or being unable to connect to the server in question, or users being unable to save or retrieve files. Often clients trying to access a server will get the message "Not enough server storage is available to process this command" when trying to attach to a server.

If the network connection problems are present and a virus scanning product is installed, disabling the scanning service will confirm that the problem is the virus scanning software. Sometimes it may be necessary to disable the service and restart the server. If the virus scanning service is determined to be the problem, contact the manufacture of software in question.

When upgrading a server to Windows NT 4.0 it is advisable to disable the virus scanning services, because Stop 0x00000050 error messages (blue screens) and other system problems have been observed after upgrading systems with these services installed. The software vendor or manufacturer should be contacted before upgrading a server to find out what procedures or updates are necessary when upgrading to Windows NT 4.0.