Windows Clients Cannot Log on to Windows NT4.0 Server Across Router Using NWLink

ID: Q246522

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to log on to a Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0-based domain from Microsoft Windows 95-based clients configured with the Novell intraNetWare Client and Client for Microsoft Networks and using NWLink as the default protocol, you may receive the following error message:

No domain controller could be found to validate your logon.

However, you can successfully use these same Windows clients to log on to a NetWare server on the far side of the router.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur when the network routers are not configured to propagate type 20 packets. By default, most routers do not propagate broadcasts. For the network basic input/output system (NetBIOS) to operate within an NWLink environment, the routers must be able to propagate NetBIOS packets, which are packet type 20 (0x14), across the network.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, configure the network routers to propagate type 20 packets (0x14) across the network. For instructions on how to do this, refer to the documentation from the router manufacturer.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX) type 20 NetBIOS packets, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q149270 How Routers Handle IPX Type 20 NetBIOS Packets

Additional query words: nwlink fail

Keywords :
Version : WINDOWS:; winnt:4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbprb