Troubleshooting NET USE Failure (when PING NetBIOS Name Works) (142027)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft TCP/IP-32
  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q142027

SUMMARY

In some circumstances, pinging a NetBIOS name (with the PING utility) returns a reply, but using other commands (such as NET USE or NET VIEW) to connect to or view a NetBIOS resource may not complete successfully. In some cases this is due to the fact that the PING utility uses ICMP packets and does not require a session to be established, whereas the NET Commands require a session to be established.

MORE INFORMATION

If you can ping a NetBIOS name but cannot use the NET command, follow these steps:
  1. If this occurs only across a router, check to see if TCP Port 139 is enabled.

    The NET commands and the Map Network Drive command in Windows rely on TCP Port 139. To enable this port the administrator of the router should be contacted. If further help is needed, contact the router manufacturer.
  2. If this occurs only across a router, check to see if the Router is unable to Pass the Large Packet Sizes.

    The PING utility sends 74 bytes of data. It is possible that the PING requests can pass through the router, but not the larger NET requests. The following procedure can be used to see if packet size is the problem:

    1. Use PING -L <buffer size to send>". For example:

      PING <computername> -l 4048
      PING <computername> -l 3036
      PING <computername> -l 2024
      PING <computername> -l 1012

    2. Edit the registry to specify a smaller packet size.
  3. Check to make sure the Server Service is started on the computer in Control Panel, Services.

    If the Server Service is not started, that computer still responds to the PING utility, but a session cannot be established. Start the Server Service in Control Panel, Services.
  4. Check to make sure the destination computer is responding.

    If the destination computer is not responding (hung), it is possible for the PING utility to receive a response even though a session cannot be established.

    Take appropriate steps to restore the hung computer. Reboot, repair, or reinstall as necessary.
  5. Check to make sure the destination computer has a valid license.

    If there are no licenses available for the destination computer, it still responds to the PING utility, but it is unable to establish a session.
  6. Verify if DNS or a HOSTS file is in use. Since the HOST name resolution methods are used first ping may be resolved, yet NET USE may timeout before the HOST methods can be utilized.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/12/2004
Keywords:kbFAQ KB142027 kbAudDeveloper
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