Cannot Resolve TCP/IP Names with 32-Bit Programs

Last reviewed: September 27, 1996
Article ID: Q139060
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you use the TCP/IP protocol with a server-based installation of Windows 95, you may be unable to resolve TCP/IP names when you are using 32-bit programs. This problem is known to occur when a DNS or WINS server is used to resolve TCP/IP names, or when a HOSTS or LMHOSTS file is used. The problem does not occur with 16-bit programs.

CAUSE

When you install the TCP/IP protocol, Windows 95 creates a new value called HelperDllName under the following registry key:

   Hkey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\Mstcp\
   Parameters\Winsock

Windows 95 also creates a new value called ProviderPath under the following registry key:

   Hkey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\Mstcp\
   ServiceProvider

Both of these registry values are given the following value:

   %windir%\system\wsock32.dll

This value causes Windows 95 to look for the Wsock32.dll file in your personal Windows\System folder on your local hard disk, the network server, or a floppy disk. However, when you are using a server-based installation of Windows 95, the Wsock32.dll file is located in the System folder in the shared Windows folder on the network server.

If Windows 95 is unable to locate the Wsock32.dll file, it is unable to resolve TCP/IP names when you use 32-bit programs that require TCP/IP name resolution.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:

  • Create a System folder in your personal Windows folder, and then copy the Wsock32.dll file from the System folder that is in the shared Windows folder on the network server to the new folder.

    NOTE: If you are a network administrator and you are implementing this workaround on multiple server-based installations of Windows 95, you must create a System folder in each user's personal Windows folder, and then copy the Wsock32.dll file to each of the new System folders.

  • NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

    WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

    Modify the registry entries listed earlier in this article so that the values for HelperDllName and ProviderPath are set to the correct path for the Wsock32.dll file. For example, if the shared Windows folder on the network server is called Winnet, and the network server is mapped as drive F, the HelperDllName and ProviderPath values should be given the following value:

          f:\winnet\system\wsock32.dll
    

    NOTE: This workaround is not preferred. The next time you add or remove a network component, the new value may be replaced with the original value.

  • To prevent this problem from occurring with future installations of Windows 95, modify the Nettrans.inf file so that the HelperDllName and ProviderPath registry values are given the correct value when you install Windows 95 from the network server.

    NOTE: Microsoft does not encourage or support changes to .inf files, and Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) does not support this procedure. Although we have tested the following procedure and it appears to function as described, you should make a backup copy of your .inf file before you proceed.

    To modify the Nettrans.inf file so that this problem does not occur when you install Windows 95 from the network server, open the file in any text editor and replace both instances of "%windir%" with "%25%" (without quotation marks). Save the file, and then copy it to the shared Windows folder on the network server, and to the Inf and Suwin folders in the shared Windows folder on the network server.

STATUS

Microsoft is researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.


KBCategory: kbnetwork kbenv kbprb
KBSubcategory: win95
Additional reference words: 95 sbs diskless


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: September 27, 1996
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.