WinNT Err Msg: The Streams Environment is Currently in Use. . .

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to remove the Streams protocol you receive the following Error message:

   The streams environment is currently in use by another network protocol.
   Please remove the streams-based protocols first.

RESOLUTION

To successfully remove the Streams protocol, you will need to remove keys from the registry using the following steps:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe) and select the following subkey:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Streams

2. From the Edit menu, Click Delete, and then click Yes in the confirmation dialog box.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the following subkey:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Streams

4. Go to the following subkey:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ncpa\CurrentVersion

5. Select the BindfileEx value, click Modify from the Edit menu, and change String to "()" (without the quotes), and then click OK.

6. Exit Registry Editor and restart your computer.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51 and 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.