"Failed to access NetBT Driver - NetBT may not be loaded" error message when you run the nbtstat command in Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 (888373)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run the nbtstat command with a command-line switch such as nbtstat -a remotename in Microsoft Windows XP or in Microsoft Windows Server 2003, the command does not run. Additionally, you receive the following error message:
Failed to access NetBT Driver - NetBT may not be loaded.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because users without administrator rights, including power users, do not have sufficient permissions to run nbtstat when the user includes a command-line switch.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use one of the following methods:
  • Use a user account that includes administrator rights to log on to the Windows XP-based computer or on to the Windows Server 2003-based computer.
  • While you are logged on as a user without administrator rights, use the run as command to run as a user who has administrator rights. Then run nbtstat.

    For additional information about using the Run As command, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    294676 How to enable and use the "Run As" command when running programs in Windows

MORE INFORMATION

The nbtstat command displays the status of current NetBIOS over TCP/IP connections, updates the NetBIOS name cache, and displays the registered names and scope ID. It is by design that users without administrator rights cannot use the nbstat command with command switches.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/8/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB888373 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
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