Last Known Good Returns to Default Settings on WinNT 4.0

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you use Windows NT Workstation or Server version 4.0 and select the Last Known Good configuration option, your computer is set back to post install settings or some installed services are missing. This symptom can appear identical to the following Knowledge Base article:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q136441
   TITLE     : Last Known Good Always Restores Original Boot Settings

CAUSE

This can be caused by the Intranetware Client for Windows NT Workstation version 4.1. Since the client replaces our GINA by using it's own gina.dll (Nwgina.dll), it never updates the Last Known Good Control set in the registry. So when you choose last known good, your computer gets brought back to the state it was after initial setup, or the point you installed the IntraNetware Client. To verify this is the problem, do the following:

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. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) and go to the following subkey:

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\
         CurrentVersion\Winlogon
   

2. Look for the key GINADLL, and verify that it has the following value:

         REG_SZ:NWGINA.DLL
   

3. If the above value is present, this is what caused Last Known Good to

       fail.
   

RESOLUTION

None at this time, Novell is looking into the problem.

MORE INFORMATION

The Intranetware client installs on Windows NT and logs the workstation onto a Netware 3.x or 4.x server, then logs onto a Windows NT server computer. The Novell Nwgina.dll handles this task.

For more information on how Controlsets and Last Known Good Configuration is handled via the registry, see the "Windows NT Workstation Resource Kit," Chapter-36 Pages 1051 - 1053.

STATUS

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.