HOW TO: Install and Configure the NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS-Compatible Transport Protocol in Windows 2000 Server (316019)

SUMMARY

This step-by-step article describes how to install and configure the NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS-compatible transport protocol on a Windows 2000-based server. After you finish this task, the Windows 2000-based server can use the NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS-compatible transport protocol to communicate with Windows-based and NetWare-based computers that also use IPX/SPX.

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Requirements

The following items describe the recommended hardware, software, network infrastructure, skills and knowledge, and service packs that you will need.

• A computer (that meets the requirements that are listed on the Hardware Compatibility List) on which Windows 2000 Server is installed.

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How to Install and Configure the NWLink/IPX/SPX/NetBIOS-Compatible Transport Protocol

The NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS-compatible transport protocol is not installed by default during the installation of Windows 2000 Server. To install and configure the protocol:

1. On the desktop, right-click Network Neighborhood, and then click Properties.
2. In the Network and Dial-up Connections dialog box, right-click Local Area Connection, and then click Properties.
3. In the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box, click Install. In the Select Network Component Type dialog box, click Protocol, and then click Add.
4. In the Select Network Protocol dialog box, click NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol, and then click OK.
5. In the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box, double-click NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol.
6. The NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol dialog box is displayed. If you want to configure an internal network number for this computer, type a nonzero, hexadecimal number from one to eight in the Internal network number box. This number is used as this computer's internal IPX network number. This number must be unique on your network. Note that you must configure an internal network number if you plan to configure IPX routing on this computer, or if you plan to install the SAP agent, Gateway Services for NetWare, or File and Print Services for NetWare on this computer. If you do not plan to use these services, or if you do not want to configure an internal network number at this time, accept the default value of 00000000.
   
   If you want IPX frame types to be configured automatically, click Auto frame type detection. This is the default option; it works well in most network environments. However, if your network uses multiple frame types for IPX/SPX, configure the IPX frame types manually.
   
   If you want to manually configure the IPX frame types, click Manual frame type detection, and then click Add. In the Manual Frame Detection dialog box, click a frame type in the Frame type box, and then type a network number that is to be used with that frame type in the Network number box. Click OK. To add additional frame types, repeat this process. Note that each frame type must have a unique network number.
   
   When you have finished configuring NWLink in the NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol dialog box, click OK.
7. Close the Network and Dial-up Connections dialog box.

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Troubleshooting

The Server Cannot Communicate with Other Computers That Use IPX/SPX

This issue can occur if multiple IPX frame types are in use on a network and the server has been configured by using the Auto frame type detection option. To resolve this issue, manually configure the NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS-compatible transport protocol to use each of the frame types that are in use on your network. To determine which frame types are in use on your network, try one of the following options:

• On a Windows 2000 Server-based computer that is correctly configured to use the NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS-compatible transport protocol, click Start, and then click Run. In the Open box, type cmd, and then click OK. At the command prompt, type ipxroute config, and then press ENTER.
• At the console of a NetWare server, type config, and then press ENTER.

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