TCP/IP Dead Gateway Detection May Not Work if the ARP Cache is Empty

ID: Q230381

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition version 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

The Dead Gateway Detection algorithm may not properly attempt to switch gateways in the correct sequence when there are no entries in the ARP cache.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the Tcpip.sys driver that shipped with Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 and Service Pack 5 does not properly attempt to arp for gateways in the correct order if there are no entries in the ARP cache.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/ServicePacks/

Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, add a static entry to the arpcache using the ARP command.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 6.

Additional query words: dead gateway fail

Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug