RAS RemoteListen Parameter

• Microsoft Windows NT version 3.10
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

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.

SUMMARY

Windows NT and Microsoft LAN Manager Remote Access Service (RAS) can provide access to remote clients as if they were on the local area network (LAN). If you enable full RemoteListen functionality, all systems on the LAN can access the RAS client just as if it were locally connected. The following features are supported: IPC, mail slots, RPC, named pipes, and NBF/NetBEUI. This article is divided into two sections:

• RemoteListen Functionality
• Enabling RemoteListen

RemoteListen Functionality

Beyond simply connecting to and accessing a remote client, these other mechanisms function over RAS: IPC, mail slots, RPC (Windows NT), named pipes, and NBF\NetBEUI. The following information describes the functionality of the three different settings for RemoteListen:

• All
• Messages
• None

All

LAN Manager: messages = all Windows NT: RemoteListen = 2

The RAS Server posts an NCB_Listen network control block (NCB) for all client NetBIOS names on each protocol bound to the RAS server.

Under LAN Manager, each client has an average of five NetBIOS names. This equates to 80 names per protocol (16 ports x 5 names = 80). To support this many names, you need to modify the MaxNames parameter for RAS and the Names parameter for each protocol that you are using on the RAS server.

Under Windows NT, clients have an average of seven to eight names, and the RAS Server can support up to 64 ports. This results in an even more significant drain on resources than under LAN Manager.

Messages

LAN Manager: messages = messages Windows NT: RemoteListen = 1

The default for RemoteListen is set to Messages. This instructs the RAS server to post only the Messenger service-related NetBIOS names for the client. This allows them to receive things like print notifications and NET SEND commands. This does not allow another LAN workstation to create a network session with the remote client as in the case of a NET USE command.

None

LAN Manager: messages = none Windows NT: RemoteListen = 0

This option instructs the server to not post any NCB_Listens for client NetBIOS names. This reduces the resources consumed and the connect time. If you are not concerned with any of the previously mentioned functionality, this is the best setting to use.

Enabling RemoteListen

To enable RemoteListen, add or modify the RemoteListen parameter:

For LAN Manager

1. Open the LANMAN.INI file on the RAS server in a text editor.

2. Find the [RemoteAccess] section and add the following line:

         remotelisten = <all, messages, or none>
   

For Windows NT or Windows NT Advanced Server

1. Start Registry Editor and go to the following subkey:

         HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
         \RemoteAccess\Parameters\NetBIOSGateway
   

2. If you can find a RemoteListen key, choose Edit Value from the Edit menu and change the value to 2. If there is no RemoteListen key, choose Add Key from the Edit menu and use the following information:

         Value Name: RemoteListen
         Data Type:  REG_DWORD
         Value:      <0, 1, or 2>
   
   

Windows NT "RAS Administrator's Guide"