SMS: Protocol Conflict Does Not Allow Multiple Remote Control Sessions (200832)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.2
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0

This article was previously published under Q200832

SYMPTOMS

The Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) versions 1.2 and 2.0 Remote Control function does not allow multiple remote control sessions of Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 on client computers running SMS 1.2 client software. This is because of an internal limitation of the NetBIOS protocol and also, in part, because of a NETBIOS and TCP/IP protocol conflict.

CAUSE

SMS 2.0 is designed to support up to four remote control sessions on different client computers when all connections are using TCP/IP. When NETBIOS is used for remote control sessions, the SMS Administrator console can connect to and initiate remote control sessions on only one computer at a time.

As long as the remote control protocol is configured to use TCP/IP only, any Administrator console is able to initiate remote control sessions on up to four computers simultaneously. However, as soon as one of the computers needs to use NetBIOS, the number of available sessions is limited to one.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Systems Management Server version 2.0.

MORE INFORMATION

When the first NetBIOS session is established, the special NetBIOS name machinename A (padded to 15 characters) is obtained for the session (machinename refers to the viewer). When a second session is attempted, even on TCP, a NetBIOS connection is attempted regardless, because the system tries all known protocols. However, the machinename A name cannot be obtained.


Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/14/2006
Keywords:kbBug kbClient kbConfig kbHelpDesk kbnetwork kbnofix kbRemoteProg kbServer kbsmsAdmin KB200832