NetBIOS Parameter Ignored in Windows NT Mail

• Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows NT Mail (MSMAIL32.EXE) ignores NetBIOS notification of new mail delivery.

The Windows NT 3.5 Resource Guide Volume 1 incorrectly states, on page 579, that Windows NT Mail will use NetBIOS notification for new mail delivery if you add the following registry entry:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Mail\Microsoft Mail\NetBIOS

MORE INFORMATION

The NetBIOS parameter allows a sending station to send a directed datagram (a NetBIOS notification) to another station. The datagram arrives at the destination computer to tell Microsoft Mail that a new mail message was sent to the computer. The Mail program on the destination computer can then check the workgroup postoffice for the new mail message, thereby bypassing the PollingInterval registry entry.

The 16-bit Windows for Workgroups mail client (MAIL.EXE) supports NetBIOS notification of new mail delivery; the 32-bit Windows NT mail client (MSMAIL32.EXE) does not.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem either:

• Use the 16-bit mail client that ships with Microsoft Mail for PC Networks version 3.2. This mail client supports NetBIOS notification of new mail delivery

  -or-

• Force Microsoft Mail to check for new messages more frequently by lowering the PollingInterval registry entry.