NWLink with Ethernet_II Frame Type Corrupt Packets (120493)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
This article was previously published under Q120493

SYMPTOMS

A Windows for Workgroups 3.11 client can experience data corruption if you use IPX/SPX Compatible Transport with NetBIOS and an Ethernet_II (DIX) frame type to connect it to any of these network servers:

  • Windows for Workgroups 3.11 (ie: a peer server)
  • Windows NT Server version 3.5
  • Windows NT Workstation version 3.5
  • Windows NT version 3.1
  • Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
After you log on to the server, incorrect file information appears when you attempt to do a NET USE from an MS-DOS prompt or try to connect to the server from File Manager.

This problem occurs only when the Windows for Workgroups version 3.11 client was installed from the Windows NT Server version 3.5 CD-ROM.

CAUSE

Incorrect file information appears because the NWLINK.386 component for Windows for Workgroups version 3.11 is not handling the Ethernet_II (DIX) packet correctly.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem:

  • Use DirectHost IPX instead of IPX/SPX Compatible Transport with NetBIOS.

    -or-
  • Use a Frame type other than Ethernet_II, for example, 802.3 Ethernet.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1, and Windows NT Workstation and Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/6/2003
Keywords:kbnetwork KB120493
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.