File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks Is Unavailable

ID: Q169472

The information in this article applies to:
  • 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

When you use the right mouse button to click a drive, folder, or printer, there may be no Sharing command on the menu that appears even though the "File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks" component is installed in Network properties.


CAUSE

The Nwserver.vxd file may be loading even though the "File and printer sharing for NetWare Networks" component is not installed in Network properties.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:

Method 1

If the Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks is installed on your computer and you do not connect to a NetWare server, remove the client from Network properties. To remove the Microsoft Client for NetWare Networks, follow these steps:
  1. In Control Panel, double-click Network.


  2. Click Client For NetWare Networks.


  3. Click Remove, and then click OK.


  4. Restart your computer when you are prompted to do so.


Method 2

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.

NOTE: 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.

If sharing is still not available, determine if the Nwserver.vxd file is loading by following these steps:
  1. Click the Start button, point to Find, and then click Files Or Folders.


  2. In the Named box, type:
    nwserver.vxd


  3. Click Find Now.


  4. If the file is found, use the right mouse button to click the Nwserver.vxd file, and then click Rename on the menu that appears.


  5. Rename the file to Nwserver.xxx, and then press ENTER.


  6. Shut down and restart your computer. If you receive the following error message when you computer starts, the Nwserver.vxd file is being called from the registry:
    Cannot find a device necessary to run Windows. Nwserver.vxd
    If you receive this error message, sharing should now be available.


  7. To remove the reference to Nwserver.vxd in the registry, use Registry Editor to delete the StaticVxD value in the NWServer subkey under the following registry entry: 
    
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\NWServer



MORE INFORMATION

The Nwserver.vxd file provides file and printer sharing for NetWare networks in Windows 95; the Vserver.vxd file provides file and printer sharing for Microsoft networks. These two components cannot function simultaneously in Windows 95.

Additional query words: cannot share installed

Keywords : kbenv kbnetwork 3rdpartynet msnets
Version : 95
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: June 4, 1999
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