You cannot connect from a Windows 2000-based computer to a DOS-based computer that uses the NetBEUI protocol (836696)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

SYMPTOMS

When you use the net use command on a Microsoft Windows 2000-based computer to connect to a shared program on an MS-DOS-based computer that uses only the NetBIOS Extended User Interface (NetBEUI) protocol, you may receive the following error message:
invalid device type

CAUSE

This problem occurs when you use the net use command, and you do not specify a disk share. For example, this problem occurs if you type net use \\server\share. In this example, the Windows 2000-based computer requests the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) service name. The MS-DOS-based computer returns "????" as the service name. This scenario causes the error that is described in the "Symptoms" section of this article.

WORKAROUND

When you use the net use command to connect to an MS-DOS-based computer that uses the NetBEUI protocol, you must specify a disk share. For example, type net use * \\server\share or type net use e: \\server\share.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/30/2004
Keywords:kbnetwork kbwinservnetwork kbprb KB836696 kbAudITPRO
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