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NOVELL NETWARE

LAST UPDATED: 08 November 2007 18:19:48 -0600

Changes to this page are IN PROGRESS

NOVELL'S SUPPORT LIFE CYCLE

To help you keep up with which Novell products are still supported by Novell and which are no longer supported, Novell publishes the Novell Support Life Cycle. This Life Cycle defines the duration and levels of support customers can expect to receive as products move through their life cycle, assisting you in the management of support needs and future software upgrades. Novell classifies its product in four categories--Shipping, Maintenance, Mature, and Discontinued. You'll find this valuable information on the Novell Web site at

http://support.novell.com/lifecycle

 

NOVELL SUPPORT CONNECTION CD

Novell has a wealth of information on its Web site to assist you in troubleshooting and maintaining your Novell networks. However, you don't always have access to the Internet to get the help you need. Fortunately, Novell provides a great deal of that information on its Support Connection CD. The Novell Support Connection CD, updated monthly, provides the latest files, patches, drivers, and technical information you need. For more information on the product and details on how to subscribe, check out the following Novell site:

http://support.novell.com/additional/nsc-prodinfo.htm

COMMAND ANTIVIRUS FOR NETWARE

With the recent virus scare brought on by Melissa, you should consider implementing a network-wide virus protection solution. One possible choice is Command AntiVirus with F-PROT Professional 4.52 for NetWare from Command Software Systems. This tool includes both an on-access scanner and an on-demand scanner to search for polymorphic viruses. It also includes several alerts so that you will immediately be aware of potential virus attacks, and you install and configure it centrally. You can download a 30-day trial version of Command AntiVirus with F-PROT Professional 4.52 for NetWare from

http://www.commandcom.com/html/products/Exchange.html

 

 

HELP WITH PING

PING is your best friend when troubleshooting TCP/IP connections. Unfortunately, on your Windows NT workstations, the usual method of getting command line help doesn't work with PING. For example, when you type

 

HELP PING

at a command prompt, Windows NT displays the following error message:

 

"This command is not supported by the help utility. Try 'ping /?'."

Then, when you type

 

ping /?

Windows NT displays:

 

"Bad IP address /?."

However, you can get command line option help! Just type

 

ping or ping -?

at a command prompt to display the options.

 

 

LOGIN SCRIPTS AND NETWARE 4.1

With NetWare 4.1, you need specific rights to use the login scripts. For example, you must be a trustee of the object and have at least the Read right to the login script property to run the script. This Read right is all you need to run the login scripts. You don't need the Browse right since it only gives the object the right to be seen by another object--you don't have to see the login script to run it. NetWare 4.1 stores the login scripts in NDS, meaning you should not attempt to make changes by any other means than through the 4.1 NETADMIN and NWADMIN utilities.

 

 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING LOGIN SCRIPTS--PART 1 OF 2

What's the number one cause of problems in login scripts? Most of the problems NetWare administrators and users face with login scripts are the result of syntax and spelling errors. Correcting spelling errors and using variables in the right way (such as putting quotes around a login name being tested in an IF..THEN condition) resolve many problems. Double- and triple-check for spelling and syntax errors before moving on to more complex troubleshooting techniques.

 

 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING LOGIN SCRIPTS--PART 2 OF 2

To help you track progress (or lack of progress) in your login scripts, take advantage of the built-in troubleshooting commands available in NetWare. For example, you can set MAP DISPLAY and MAP ERRORS to ON in the login script. It's common for administrators to set these parameters to OFF, hiding mapping errors that occur during login script execution. With these settings on, you'll be able to see the error, providing clues as to why a certain command did not execute as expected. After seeing that the login script performs all map commands without error, the MAP DISPLAY and MAP ERRORS parameters can be returned to the OFF position.

 

 

 

COMMON LOGIN SCRIPT PROBLEMS--PART 1 OF 2

If you have a series of paths set in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, your login script may overwrite some of these paths. The reason for this is that NetWare PATH statements are set up as search mappings when logged onto the network starting with s1, s2, and so on. When you specifically MAP (S1:=), then you overwrite the existing search mapping. To avoid this problem, use a MAP INS on the search drives, pushing the existing statements down the line without overwriting.

 

 

COMMON LOGIN SCRIPT PROBLEMS--PART 2 OF 2

Be extremely careful when you use the EXIT command in your login scripts. Entering the command using the correct syntax is critical. For example, you need to make sure the path and command you put in the quotes are not more than 14 characters long. The early versions of LOGIN.EXE in 3.1X and the LOGIN.EXE in 4.1 don't support more than 14 characters in the path. Also, remember that EXIT will exit you clear out of the login script, not allowing any other login scripts to run. If there is a user or profile login script that a user needs to execute, you should not use EXIT to get out of the system/container login script.

 

 

NDS UPDATE FOR NETWARE 4.11

Novell has identified a problem you may experience when installing one or more NetWare 4.11 servers and NetWare 5 servers into the same Directory Services tree. The problem could cause corruption in the tree. To avoid the problem, Novell now provides an update that contains the updated files DS.NLM v6.03 and DSREPAIR.NLM v4.63. This DSRrepair addresses schema definitions that may not have been properly time-stamped if your tree began life with a NetWare 4.0 or NetWare 4.01 server. For more information and to download this patch, visit

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

 

 

QUICK NETWORK ADAPTER INFORMATION

Can you get everything you want to know about your network adapter with one command? Well, maybe not everything, but certainly some valuable information when you need it quick. On your Windows 95/98/NT workstations, just type

IPCONFIG /all at a command prompt. IPCONFIG will display the card description, physical address, IP address, subnet mask, and more.

 

INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF NETWARE LOGIN

If you're experiencing intermittent failures when logging in to your NetWare servers, the problem may lie with licensing. When a Windows NT client logs onto a NetWare NDS tree, a licensed connection to the NetWare server is required. If your NetWare server is out of licenses, NT can't establish a connection, causing the login script to fail, and no access will be allowed.

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Z.E.N.WORKS 1.1 PATCHES

Novell recently released a new set of patches the address several known issues with its Z.E.N.Works 1.1 product. The fixes address the following issues:

An attempt to update a file in use on a Windows NT workstation will fail if the user is not a member of the Administrators group. With apps marked Force Run, Run Once, and Prompt Distribution, if the prompt is declined, the user is repeatedly prompted to rerun the application. A GPF occurs when distributing a registry key with no value. The GPF occurs on Windows 3.x only. For more information and to download this patch, visit

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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BORDERMANAGER 3 SUPPORT PACK

To address several known problems in its BorderManager product, Novell recently released a patch kit--Support Pack 1 for BorderManager Enterprise Edition v3.0 for the product. This patch kit contains general fixes to the BMEE 3.0 product, and Novell recommends it for all BMEE 3.0 installations. For more information and to download this patch, visit

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

 

 

 

NETWARE 5 SUPPORT PACK 2

Novell has released its latest Support Pack for its NetWare 5 OS. The new Support Pack 2 contains updates for all services contained in the NetWare 5 box and provides a bundle of fixes that are tested together. Novell recommends that you don't install individual files from the Support Pack. For more information and to download this patch, visit

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

 

 

 

GROUPWISE 5 NT GATEWAY FOR EXCHANGE PATCH

Novell has identified a host of problems with its GroupWise 5 NT Gateway for Exchange. The problems that you may experience include the following:

· A GPF occurs while processing certain inbound messages.

· The gateway cannot obtain the configuration information during initialization if a UNC path is used.

· A GPF occurs while processing an inbound message with OLE attachments.

To address these and other issues, Novell recently released a patch file for the product. For more information and to download this patch, visit

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

 

 

 

MANAGEWISE 2.6 FIXES

Novell has released an updated version of its Support Pack for ManageWise that addresses several known bugs. The ManageWise 2.6 Support Pack 1 provides all ManageWise 2.6 patches since the ManageWise 2.6 release. To download this patch and find more information, go to

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

 

 

 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING NETWORK ERRORS WITH WINDOW 95 SYSTEMS

If you're accessing NetWare 3.x and 4.0x servers from Windows 95 workstations, you may experience regular login problems. Packet burst processing most likely causes these problems. To work around them, you can comment out PBURST.NLM in your AUTOEXEC.NCF file. Unfortunately, you'll notice a performance hit across your routers and WAN links.

The best solution is to patch the server(s) with PBWANFIX.NLM, which is included in the PBURST.EXE patch file. Novell has addressed and fixed this problem in NetWare v4.1x and above.

 

 

 

SLOW ACCESS FROM NOVELL'S CLIENT FOR WINDOWS NT

Are you noticing a slowdown when loading applications on a workstation that isn't connected to the network? When you use the Novell IntraNetWare Client for Windows NT, applications sometimes load very slowly if the workstation isn't connected to the network. Using the Microsoft Client for NetWare, the client's performance is fine. The problem is that the application attempts to get printer information from the printers installed on the workstation. As a workaround, type

 

NET STOP SPOOLER

at a command prompt on your workstation. The client stops printing from functioning, and the applications can no longer query the print services.

This command is only temporary. After you restart the workstation, you'll have to re-enter the command if you disconnect from the network.

 

 

 

LPTX INVALID SELECTION ERROR

If you try to run NPrinter 95 (NPTWIN95.EXE) on your Windows 98 laptop with a printer attached to LPT1, you may receive an error message (This Printer Is Configured To Use LPT1 And LPT1 Is An Invalid Selection For Your PC) when selecting a printer to service. To avoid this problem, perform a Windows registry search for all occurrences of the string PORTNAME (all uppercase) and replace each with

 

PortName

 

 

MPREXE.EXE ERRORS FROM WINDOWS 98

You may experience a few lingering problems from your Windows 98 workstations. For example, if you have a Windows 98 computer logged onto a Novell network and it is running a program that uses an older GetOpenFileName() API, you may see this error:

 

MPREXE.EXE Caused An Invalid Page Fault In Module KERNEL32.DLL

Microsoft states that this is because of a problem with its Client for NetWare Networks and Service for NetWare Directory Services (MSNDS) network clients. A fix will be available in the next service pack.

 

 

 

PACKET BURST AND WINDOWS 98 CLIENT FOR NETWARE

You still may experience a few lingering problems from your Windows 98 workstations. For example, if you run Windows 98 with the Microsoft Client for NetWare on a NetWare 3.12 or 4.01 server and packet burst is turned on, you may have some problems. According to Microsoft, these problems also affected Windows 95. The company advises that you get the patch file PBURST.EXE from Novell at

http://support.novell.com

 

 

 

NDPS PRINT JOBS SPOOL FILES

What happens to print jobs when you send them to your networked printers? When you send an NDPS print job, NetWare spools it to a .PA directory (on the SYS volume) that is associated with the Printer Agent for the printer in question. If you want to know the name and full path of the directory, at the server console, go to the NDPS Manager Available Options menu, choose Printer Agent List, and then choose the Printer Agent for the appropriate printer. Finally, choose Information, and you'll see an entry for Job Spool Location toward the bottom of the screen.

 

 

 

NETWARE 5 EVALUATION OR DEMO LICENSE INSTALL/UNINSTALL

A warning to those who have installed the NetWare 5 evaluation or demo license on a server: Don't attempt to remove your NetWare 5 evaluation or demo license from the server/tree. If you do, you won't be able to reinstall the license, because evaluation and demo licenses can be installed into the same server only once. Even if you removed the tree and created a new one, you still wouldn't be able to use the same license--NetWare Licensing Services, not Directory Services, tracks the installation of licenses.

 

 

 

CONTROLLING ACCESS TO NDS OBJECTS

If you need to assign additional NDS rights to users, start with the default assignments. Defaults are in place to give users access to the resources they need without giving them access to resources they don't need.

Also, avoid assigning rights using the All Properties option. This protects private information about users and other resources on the network. Although assigning property rights using the All Properties option may seem easier, this option grants many property rights that users do not need.

Finally, use Selected Properties to assign property rights. This allows you to assign more specific rights and helps you avoid security problems.

 

 

CONTROLLING ACCESS TO NDS OBJECTS

If you need to assign additional NDS rights to users, remember that granting the Supervisor object rights implies granting the Supervisor rights to all properties. For some container administrators, you might want to grant all object rights except the Supervisor right, and then grant property rights using the Selected Properties option.

Also, use caution when filtering Supervisor rights with an IRF. If the network administrator who has the Supervisor rights to the container administrator's user object deletes the user object of the container administrator, that branch of the NDS tree can no longer be managed.

 

Z.E.N.WORKS CRITICAL FILES

For Z.E.N.Works to function properly on your Windows 95 or Windows NT systems, several DLL files must be present on the client computer. These files are transferred to the computer during the Z.E.N.Works client software installation. Each DLL relates to a specific Z.E.N.Works policy. The DLLs and their respective policies are as follows:

 

WSREG.DLL--Workstation Registration

WM95CSP.DLL--Computer System Policies

WM95USP.DLL--95 User Policies

WM95ROAM.DLL--Roaming Profiles

WM95INV.DLL--Workstation Inventory Policies

WM95PM.DLL--Desktop Preferences Policies

 

 

SAFE WAY TO DOWN A FILE SERVER WHEN CONSOLE IS HUNG

If your NetWare 4.11 server is frozen, you can still safely down the server even though you don't have the console prompt. This will not work for hard hangs since the server will not accept input from the keyboard. The console can get hung for a variety of reasons, although the most common hang is caused by unloading an NLM and the console doesn't come back.

You can still toggle screens and drop into the debugger by holding down Ctrl-Alt-Shift-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-Esc. You'll then see the prompt Down The File Server And Exit To DOS (Y/N). Selecting Y and pressing Enter will close down the database and exit you to the DOS prompt.

 

 

 

DISPLAYING ADMIN RIGHTS IN NETWARE 4.x

If you're administering a NetWare network for the first time and don't know who has Admin rights, you can quickly find out by using the NLIST command. In the PUBLIC directory of your server, type

 

NLIST USER WHERE "Security Equal To" EQ "Admin"

You'll then see a list of all of the users in your NDS tree with Admin rights. You can view other NLIST search commands by typing

 

NLIST /?

 

 

 

UNDERSTANDING THE LOGIN SCRIPT HIERARCHY

Login scripts can prove difficult to troubleshoot. You'll have much more success if you know where the login script text files are located and in which order the login scripts run. If you are running a 3.1x network, you'll have three types of login scripts--the system, user, and default login scripts. Here's the order in which NetWare executes these scripts. First, if a system login script exists, it executes first. Next, the user login script runs. If no user login script has been defined, a default login script will run.

You'll find the system login script in the SYS:PUBLIC directory in a file named NET$LOG.DAT. You can edit this file using any text editor. You'll find the user login script in the user's mail directory in a file named LOGIN.

 

 

PLANNING FOR INTRANETWARE SETUP

When you install IntranetWare, you'll have the option of setting up multiple volumes. While you may be tempted to create one large SYS: volume to hold everything, doing so is not recommended. One reason is that you don't want to locate your print queues on your SYS: volume. If your print queues fill up, NDS will become disabled. Follow the planning guides available on your IntranetWare CD or on the Novell Web site to plan your volumes well.

 

DEFAULT LOGIN SCRIPTS

NetWare embeds the default login script in the LOGIN.EXE command, meaning that you can't modify the file or the script. This script will execute without regard for previously run scripts. For example, if the default login script runs after a system login script, it may overwrite mappings the system login script just made. You can prevent the execution of the default script by including the EXIT script command. The EXIT command in the system login script will cause LOGIN.EXE to exit immediately without executing any further instructions in the current or subsequent scripts. Also, on 3.12 networks only, LOGIN.EXE supports the script command NO_DEFAULT. Placing this command in the system login script prevents the default script from running, even if no user script exists.

 

 

LOGIN SCRIPTS AND NETWARE 4.1

With NetWare 4.1, you need specific rights to use the login scripts. For example, you must be a trustee of the object and have at least the read right to the login script property to run the script. This read right is all you need to run the login scripts. You don't need the browse right, since it gives the object only the right to be seen by another object--you don't have to see the login script to run it. NetWare 4.1 stores the login scripts in NDS, meaning that you should not attempt to make changes by any means other than through the 4.1 NETADMIN and NWADMIN utilities.

 

 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING LOGIN SCRIPTS--PART 1 OF 3

What's the number-one cause of problems in login scripts? Most of the problems NetWare administrators and users face with login scripts are the result of syntax and spelling errors. Correcting spelling errors and using variables in the right way (for example, putting quotes around a login name being tested in an If/Then condition) resolve many problems. Double- and triple-check for spelling and syntax errors before moving on to more complex troubleshooting techniques.

 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING LOGIN SCRIPTS--PART 2 OF 3

To help you track progress (or lack of progress) in your login scripts, take advantage of the built-in troubleshooting commands available in NetWare. For example, you can set Map Display and Map Errors to On in the login script. It's common for administrators to set these parameters to Off, hiding mapping errors that occur during login script execution. With these settings on, you'll be able to see the error, providing clues as to why a certain command did not execute as expected. After seeing that the login script performs all map commands without error, the Map Display and Map Errors parameters can be returned to the Off position.

 

 

TROUBLESHOOTING LOGIN SCRIPTS--PART 3 OF 3

Another built-in command that can prove helpful in troubleshooting login scripts is the Pause command. Use the Pause command prior to the script command that doesn't work as expected. Run the script, looking for the errors. Keep moving the Pause command down through the script until you isolate the problem in the script.

 

 

COMMON LOGIN SCRIPT PROBLEMS--PART 1 OF 2

If you have a series of paths set in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file, your login script may overwrite some of these paths. The reason is that NetWare PATH statements are set up as search mappings when logged onto the network, starting with s1, s2, and so on. When you specifically MAP (S1:=), then you overwrite the existing search mapping. To avoid this problem, use a MAP INS on the search drives, pushing the existing statements down the line without overwriting.

 

 

COMMON LOGIN SCRIPT PROBLEMS--PART 2 OF 2

Be extremely careful when you use the EXIT command in your login scripts. Entering the command using the correct syntax is critical. For example, make sure the path and command you put in the quotes are not more than 14 characters long. The early versions of LOGIN.EXE in 3.1X and the LOGIN.EXE in 4.1 don't support more than 14 characters in the path. Also, remember that EXIT will exit you clear out of the login script, not allowing any other login scripts to run. If there is a user or profile login script that a user needs to execute, you should not use EXIT to get out of the system/container login script.

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INTRANETWARE INSTALLATION TIP

If you're installing IntranetWare, you have two choices for installation--Simple or Custom. The Simple installation streamlines the process, but it may cause you more work down the road. A good rule of thumb is: If your network will consist of only one or two servers and fewer than 1,000 users, you'll need only one NDS container; if IPX is the only protocol you'll use, then you'll be fine using the Simple install. However, if you'll have multiple servers with more than 1,000 users, you'll need multiple NDS containers; if you plan to use TCP/IP, you should use the Custom install, which will give you much more control over the process.

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ENHANCING PERFORMANCE

When you install NetWare on most high-end server systems that use RAID 5 and advanced disk drive technologies, NetWare automatically enables the Read After Write Verification setting. Since most of these manufacturers provide this capability within the drive, you can turn off this setting to increase performance. To do this, you'll alter the SET command from your NetWare server console.

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LATEST SPXS.NLM PATCH FROM NOVELL

Novell recently released a patch that addresses several known problems you may experience on NetWare versions 3.x and 4.x. The patch contains a new STRTL7.EXE file that contains STREAMS, TLI, SPXS, and IPXS NLM update files. It addresses a host of problems, including several abend errors. You can download the patch file

strtl7.exe

from the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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A GREAT FILE RECOVERY UTILITY

Recovering deleted files on your NetWare volumes just got easier. As you know, recovering deleted files, or even getting detailed information about these files, can be tough. Fortunately, utilities like Salvage 98 make it easier. Salvage 98 works with your NetWare 3, NetWare 4, IntranetWare, and IntranetWare for Small Business server providing a wealth of information about your deleted files. Using Salvage, you can view info about each deleted file, including the file size, who deleted the file, and the date the file was deleted. You do all this using a Windows Explorer-like interface, making the task of file recovery easy. For more information about Salvage 98 1.0, visit

http://wiredred.com

To download the utility, visit the Novell FTP site at

ftp://ftp.novell.com/pub/nwc-online/utilities/salv98.zip

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HOW MANY OBJECTS IN A CONTAINER?

What's the limit on the number of objects you can put in a container? You may not get a consistent answer to this question. For example, the NDS Design class materials from Novell say the number is 100. However, the advanced 4.x administration materials say 500. Why the confusion? The answer is that there is no limit within the base NDS. Any problems you may have faced were with displaying the objects within a container, not a physical limit. For example, NetWare 4.01 could effectively process about 1,200 objects, while the newer versions can process 12,000 to 15,000 objects per container (a sign that if you're running into problems, you might want to rethink your structure).

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NETWARE TOOLBOX

Looking for useful shareware, freeware, utilities, and tools for Novell NetWare? If so, make your first stop Dave's Novell Shareware Web site. You'll find an extensive selection of utilities and tools for every version of NetWare. It's a well-organized catalog of useful shareware and freeware. If you have a utility or tool you'd like to share, you can list it free on this site. Check out this NetWare toolbox at

http://www.novellshareware.com/index.shtml

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WHY USE AN ALIAS?

As you know, NetWare allows you to create aliases that represent objects in your NDS. Why should you bother with aliases? These little gems can make your tree structure easier for end users. For example, you can create an alias for a mobile user, placing it at the top of the tree, helping him or her during authentication. Since aliases contain very little data, replication traffic is limited to the name and the data for a pointer to the real object, speeding up the process. Or, you can place aliases of your most-accessed printers, print queues, servers, and server volumes in an easy-to-access container. Now, instead of clicking around through the tree trying to find an object, it's a click or two away.

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REPLICA TYPES WITHIN NDS

NDS has four types of replicas--Master, Read/Write, Read Only, and Subordinate--each designed for specific purposes. Here's a brief description of each.

The Master replica is a writable replica that can also handle partition operations--only one master replica per partition. Only one partition operation is valid at any time for a partition, and the master enforces that requirement.

The Read/Write replica is a writable replica that, like the master, can be updated from the client. Both read/write and masters are valid for login and authentication requests.

The Read Only replica cannot be changed from the client, getting updated only with the changed data in the replica from another read/write or master. This replica cannot be used for bindery emulation because there must be a writable replica on the server for bindery users.

The Subordinate replica is a replica of the partition root, which includes the replica list (ring). As a child partition, it will reside on every server that holds a copy of the parent partition, but not of itself.

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SUPERVISOR ACCOUNTS IN BINDERY MODE

Several NetWare 3.x programs require the use of a supervisor account in Bindery mode. However, providing this access on your 4.x server could put a hole in your security. The best way to handle this is to create a new container on the server, then create a supervisor account in this container. Finally, create a replica of a partition (containing this container) on the server. Creating this supervisor account creates an object named supervisor in the directory; however, this account won't be available as the server supervisor in the bindery services mode on the server. This process creates two distinct supervisor accounts--one for normal use and one for the program.

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SCHEMA EXTENSIONS

Netoria Directory Extensions (NDIRX) is an NWADMIN snap-in that extends the NDS schema and provides administrators with an NWADMIN page to manage three additional directory paths for each user, similar to the user's home directory. You can map additional drives from within any login script, using them for purposes such as mapping mail directories, mapping group directories, and mapping organizational directories. NDIRX fully supports NetWare 5, NetWare 4, and IntranetWare, with both 32-bit and 16-bit versions. It also supports all IntranetWare NWADMIN features such as multiple user selection and user templates. Best of all, NDIRX is free. For more information, visit the Netoria Web site at

http://www.netoria.com/products/ndirx.htm

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CENTRAL REPLICA REPOSITORY SERVER

Does it make sense to have a single server be responsible for all replicas? In some cases, the answer is yes. For example, having a central server makes backing up the NDS tree easier, allowing you to back up the entire tree from one server. Also, tree walking on the central server is faster both on external or subordinate references. However, in other cases, a single replica server may not be the best solution. For example, the single server will have to communicate to all servers in the tree that hold any type of replica. It will be updating replicas, sub ref time stamps, external reference backlinks, etc., on every server. This server will have to receive all updates made in the tree (such as object creations, deletions, modifications, login time stamps, etc.), which means that every change in the network will be replicated to this single server. Weigh the options carefully as you plan your network.

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INTRANETWARE UTILITIES

Looking for specialized tools and utilities for Novell's IntranetWare? If so, you'll be interested in JRButils from JRB Software. JRButils v4.00 contains 73 bindery-based and 64 NDS-aware utilities for managing IntranetWare. The utilities are command-line based and cover almost all aspects of managing NW 2.x, 3.x, and 4.x, providing far greater functionality and flexibility than the tools shipped with IntranetWare. They are particularly suited for managing large numbers of users, allowing operations to be performed on objects selected by wild cards, container, membership of a group, or by a list in a file. JRButils is suited to batch mode operations such as mass usercode creation, customization, and deletion. For more information, see

http://www.jrbsoftware.com/

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CREATING A GUEST EQUIVALENT

With NetWare 3, we were used to having a guest account that we could quickly assign for limited access to our networks. With NetWare 4, you can create a guest equivalent as well, granting rights to users for access to the tree. However, this requires a separate account for guest privileges. Another option you might use is to grant the rights that you would have granted to the guest user to public. This gives guest rights to all connected users. The downside to this option is that no authentication is required to access these resources, which means that you're potentially compromising your NDS security. The most recommended solution is to grant the rights to [root] rather than to public, which gives guest rights to ALL authenticated users in the tree. Thus, users can authenticate as themselves and access the resources (servers, volumes, services, etc.) that are for guest use. This allows for flexibility for granting rights to public services without compromising security.

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ROOT PARTITION REPLICATION CONSIDERATION--PART 1 OF 3

While it may sound like a good idea to place replicas of the root partition on all or most of your servers to speed up the tree walking/name resolution process, you should weigh the options carefully. Remember, there are tradeoffs in placement of the root partition. Multiple replicas may provide faster name resolution, but you may sacrifice performance on the WAN because of synchronization traffic. It can also cause administrative problems, since it requires that all servers stay in communication. For example, partition operations involving that partition would require that every server be up and reachable. If one of those many servers were down or unreachable, the administrator couldn't perform tasks such as creating a new partition or merging a partition with its parent.

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ROOT PARTITION REPLICATION CONSIDERATION--PART 2 OF 3

Weigh the options carefully before you place replicas of the root partition on all or most of your servers to speed up the tree walking/name resolution process. Synchronization poses another problem with placing replicas of the root partition on most of your servers. Each of these servers holds the same replica list, requiring it to stay in constant communication with every other server. The time it takes to synchronize will increase drastically as the number of servers increases. To be safe, you should place replicas of the root partition only in each campus environment, hubs of the company, or key locations, but not on every server in those locations.

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ROOT PARTITION REPLICATION CONSIDERATION--PART 3 OF 3

Before you place replicas of the root partition on all or most of your servers to speed up the tree walking/name resolution process, consider the options carefully. You may not want to place replicas of the root partition on all or most of your servers because of the effect on the NDS cleanup process, which executes when all synchronization has been successful. If one or more of your servers is down or unreachable, the cleanup processes won't run until all servers have been reached and synchronized to that time in the database. Again, instances of the root partition should be placed in each campus environment, hubs of the company, or key locations--but not on every server in those locations.

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NETWARE 5 SUPPORT PACK 2

Novell has released an update to the support pack for NetWare 5--Support Pack 2. This support pack contains updates for all services included in the NetWare 5 box. The support pack provides a bundle of fixes that were all tested together. Installing individual files from the support pack is not recommended.

These files have undergone component testing, core OS testing, and integration testing with other Novell products. This download file was rebuilt to correct an install problem in which the complete set of SMS components was not copied to the server. In some cases, this may cause backup products to become unstable. Look for the file nw5sp2a.exe on the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NWPA.NLM AND CDROM.NLM UPDATES

To add support for SFT3, Novell recently released an update to the NWPA (NetWare Peripheral Architecture) files, including the latest HAMs, CDMs, and CDROM.NLM for v3.12, v3.2, and v4.x. The NWPA.NLM, NWPAIO.NLM, NWPAMS.NLM, NBI.NLM, and CDROM.NLM files are the same revisions as those found in Support Pack 6a for NetWare 4.11. The HAMs and CDMs included in this download are the latest certified and release versions available at this time. This download kit is provided to allow 4.10 and 3.x customers to take advantage of the NWPA architecture. This update fixes problems including changes made to the frontend. The command line parser was also fixed to allow more than 256 characters in the command line string. You can download the update file nwpaup1a.exe from the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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CLIB UPDATE FOR NETWARE 3.12 AND 3.2

Here's another Y2K patch from Novell. This file contains the latest version of CLIB for NetWare 3.12 and 3.2. This new release of CLIB.NLM contains two fixes for Year 2000 (Y2K) issues, including a problem in which the wrong day of the week is returned by applications using the CTIME API after Feb. 29, 2000, and a problem in which the wrong date is returned by applications using the API STRFTIME with the %D parameter. These problems are seen with NLMs developed using ANCII C source code, with the Novell APIs STRFTIME and CTIME. Novell states that these problems are seen only with NetWare versions 3.12 and 3.2 and have not been observed in NetWare version 4.x or 5.x. You can download the update file named lib312c.exe from the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NW V4.6 FOR WIN NT SERVICE PACK 1

Having trouble with the Novell Client v4.6 for Windows NT? If so, you need to be aware of a new service pack for this client--Service Pack 1. This service pack contains updates that address issues with the Novell Client v4.6 for Windows NT, including:

Automatic install with unattended.txt file option; the process hangs Cannot execute programs from Start/Run when using DNS names path Cannot browse directories when opening a connection to server Client drops mapping a drive in a DOS box using a DNS name Remote control option not in the custom install of the 95 and NT clients Unattended installation with NWIP-protocol gets error You'll find the service pack in the file nt46sp1.exe on the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NOVELL CLIENT V4.5X FOR WINDOWS NT PATCH

Novell has released a patch kit for the Novell Client v4.5x for Windows NT. This patch addresses several known problems you may experience with the Client, such as:

NT AutoLogon is incompatible with NWIP The NetWare Client for NT shows USERWHO in banner A simultaneous login hangs Terminal Server/Metaframe The semaphore is not released when using the API NWClosesemaphore NT Client and NAL loads slowly (remote replica) DOS error 5 is encountered during network startup. Timeout and access are denied to tsinst.ovr You can download the patch file named nt451p1.exe from the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NOVELL CLIENT FOR WIN95/98 SERVICE PACK

Novell continuously posts updates to its client files, providing revisions and fixes for known issues. If you're using the Novell Client v3.1 for Windows 95/98, you'll want to download the latest service pack for this client--Service Pack 1 for the Novell Client v3.1 for Windows 95/98. This service pack addresses all known issues discovered since the release of the client, including these problems:

Disappearing printers CMD will not work on certain computers DNS will not work if DHCP lease is expired Application cannot be launched using STARTRUN Client tries only the first address from a list of IPs Volumes cannot be accessed when opening from Start You can download this service pack--9531sp1.exe--from the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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UPDATES FOR CLIENT V3.0, V3.01 FOR WIN95/98

Are you running Novell's Client v3.0 and v3.01 for Windows 95/98 on your workstations? If so, you'll be interested in the latest patch/update file from Novell. This update, named 9530p1.exe, includes fixes for several problems, including the following:

NetWare Client for NT shows USERWHO in banner Unable to authenticate on Windows 98 using dialup networking after the first try ZEN printer policy package duplicates printer FoxPro databases are deleted; issuing a DEL .* deletes all files on a network drive. The same command would fail on a local drive with the message File Not Found. You'll find this patch file on the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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GROUPWISE NT GATEWAY FOR CC:MAIL PATCH

Novell has released a patch for its GroupWise 5.x Gateway for cc:Mail product on the Microsoft Windows NT platform. This patch addresses some known issues and provides the option of verifying GroupWise account creation at the destination post office before initiating mailbox migration. It also provides control over the GroupWise domains and cc:Mail post offices that can participate in directory operations.

You'll find the patch in the file ccmln1.exe, which is available for download from the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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BORDERMANAGER 3.0 CYBERPATROL UPDATE

Novell recently released an update to the CyberPatrol filtering tool provided with BorderManager 3.0. This patch file, named bm3cp2.exe, includes fixes for two known issues. First, it resolves a problem that occurred if an access control rule to deny access to categories on the CyberNot list was created. When requests came through the Transparent Proxy, some requests to search agent sites were blocked even though they were not part of the denied categories. Second, it resolves a cosmetic problem with the registration screen showing the registration date incorrectly. You'll find this file on the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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X.400 GATEWAY PATCH FROM NOVELL

Are you running Novell's X.400 NLM Gateway? If so, you'll be interested in downloading x400nlm1.exe, a new patch that addresses several problems and provides a few updates, including:

Y2K fix: The gateway now converts two-digit years to four-digit years. Fixed abend in the X.400 gateway. Free called with a memory block that has an invalid resource tag. Fixed abend that occurred when receiving certain types of messages. The running process was ngwx400__P. The cause was a page fault processor exception. Corrected a daylight-saving time problem with the gateway. If an appointment was scheduled through the gateway within a daylight-saving time period, the time was off one hour. The time is now correct. Outbound status tracking now works correctly. You'll find this patch on the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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HOW TO LOGIN WITHOUT RUNNING THE SYSTEM/USER LOGIN SCRIPT

The DEFAULT login script built into LOGIN.EXE executes after the SYSTEM login script (NET$LOG.DAT) when there are no USER login scripts. The solution is either to use an Exit command at the end of the SYSTEM login script or to create individual USER login scripts. The latter approach requires more work, but creating USER login scripts has a security benefit.

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SYNCHRONIZING WORKSTATION TIME WITH SERVER TIME

Time synchronization occurs at two times. The first is when the shell or redirector makes a connection to a server (the NOT-LOGGED-IN connection, which gives you access to SYS:LOGIN). To disable this connection from setting your workstation's time, use SET STATION TIME = OFF in your NET.CFG.

The second time is during the login process. In the absence of a SET_TIME OFF command in any login script executed by the user, the workstation's time will be set to that of the fileserver. This command is supported in LOGIN.EXE, which ships with NetWare 3.12 and 4.x; you can download it from the usual places for earlier versions.

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X.400 GATEWAY PATCH FROM NOVELL

Are you running Novell's X.400 NLM Gateway? If so, you'll be interested in downloading a recently released patch, x400nlm1.exe, from the Novell Web site. This patch addresses several known problems and provides a few updates, including

* Y2K fix: The gateway now converts two-digit years to four-digit years. * Fixed abend in the X.400 gateway. Free called with a memory block that has an invalid resource tag. * Fixed abend that occurred when receiving certain types of messages. The running process was ngwx400__P. The cause was a Page Fault Processor Exception. * Corrected a daylight savings time problem with the gateway. If an appointment was scheduled through the gateway within a daylight savings time period, the time was off by one hour. The time is now correct. * Outbound Status Tracking now works properly.

You'll find this patch on the Novell Technical Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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COLLECTING USER INFORMATION MADE EASY

Looking for a way to collect and report information about the users on your NetWare network? If so, you should give UserInfo 2.0 from Thompson Software a try. This shareware utility gathers and displays user-related data from your IntranetWare or NetWare 4 networks. You can view usernames, the date and time users last logged in to the network, and login time restrictions. UserInfo provides several ways to sort and view the data, including a handy way to sort the data based on the Last Login Date/Time field. This sort allows you to identify users with inactive connections, then use the utility to delete those connections.

UserInfo 2.0 also gathers and displays server-related data such as loaded NetWare Loadable Modules (NLMs) and the values of enabled SET parameters. For more information about UserInfo 2.0, visit

http://www.thompsonsoftware.com

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USING NOVPRINT 3.0

Managing the NetWare printing process has always been a challenge. Fortunately, some very useful third-party utilities work with NetWare to make this task easier for both end users and administrators. One such utility is NovPrint 3.0 from Thompson Software. NovPrint is a complete printing utility that provides easy control of the printing process on your IntranetWare or NetWare 4 networks. NovPrint provides tools for both users and administrators. As an administrator, you can use NovPrint to assign printers to particular network print queues, change global printer attributes, access print queue monitors, change the placement of print jobs in a network print queue, delete these print jobs from the network print queue, and more. As an end user, you can check the status of network print queues and local printers, hold print jobs, and change printer options such as form feeds and banners. For more information about NovPrint 3.0, visit

http://www.thompsonsoftware.com

or you can download a copy from

ftp://ftp.novell.com/pub/nwc-online/utilities/setupnp.exe

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ENHANCED WINPOP UTILITY

Most network users are familiar with Winpop--a simple Windows pop-up messaging system. Now there's Winpop Plus 1.0, an enhanced version of the popular utility. Winpop Plus adds functionality not found in the standard version, including the ability to send broadcast or personal messages over multiple protocols.

Winpop Plus also allows you to open files, run applications, and initiate chat sessions from your NetWare workstations. Winpop Plus provides support for Novell Directory Services (NDS) and the NetWare 3 bindery, allowing you to select the workstations you want to target on your company's network or intranet. For more information about Winpop Plus 1.0 and to download a trial copy, visit

http://wiredred.com

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ENABLING LONG FILENAME SUPPORT ON INTRANETWARE OR NETWARE 4.11

Need to enable long filename support on your IntranetWare or NetWare 4.11 server? Here are the steps you'll need to take: First, you need to ensure that you have the latest patch kit installed (check the Novell Web site Technical Support area). Next, to load long filename support, at the server console prompt, type

LOAD LONG.NAM Then, type

ADD NAME SPACE LONG TO VOLUME Finally, to prevent the need to perform these steps each time you restart your server, add the load commands for the LONG.NAM to your AUTOEXEC.NCF file.

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ENABLING LOAD BALANCING ON YOUR 4.X SERVER

Imagine the performance increase you would get if you could install a second network card in your server and share the traffic load between it and the existing card. You can do this by taking advantage of a NetWare feature known as load balancing. Load balancing allows you to bind two network cards to the same IPX network address (this process works only for the IPX protocol).

To enable load balancing on your 4.x server, you'll use the INETCFG utility. In INETCFG, enable NLSP routing and define the maximum number of path splits. Then, turn on Load Balancing with a set command at the server console prompt. Next, at the server console, type

LOAD IPXRTR (Be sure you are using the current version of IPXRTR. As of mid-1998, this is the common version found in IPX65G.exe. Note: The version of IPXRTR that ships with NetWare 4.10 does not support load balancing.) Next, type

LOAD INETCFG and select Protocols, IPX, Advanced IPX (set to Enabled), Routing Protocol (NLSP with Rip/Sap Compatibility), Expert Configuration Options, Maximum Number of Path Splits (set to the number of cards that will be used in load balancing). Then, exit INETCFG and save the changes. You'll need to reinitialize the system to make the changes take effect. Next, you need to set the Set Load Balance Local LAN to On and add the command to your AUTOEXEC.NCF to have it automatically load in the future.

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SERVER CONFIGURATION INFORMATION

Need a quick report that displays important server information? There's a utility--CONFIG.NLM--that gathers NetWare server configuration information, including a list of loaded modules, NCF files, INET config file, speed rating, total RAM, set parameters, disk information, volume information, name space information, LAN information, and system files. When you run CONFIG.NLM, it creates a text file (CONFIG.TXT) in the SYS:SYSTEM directory that contains this information. You can download this useful utility from the Novell Web site at

http://www.pcworld.com/r/tw/1%2C2061%2Ctw-nn0830%2C00.html

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ODI V3.3 UPDATE

Novell recently released an update to its ODI Specification--Version 3.31. This update affects several support modules such as NBI, MSM, and TSM for Novell NetWare file servers. This ODI update adds support for Hot Plug PCI and for removing a single instance of a driver. You can get the full details and download the update in a file named odi33g.exe on the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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ENABLING LONG FILENAME SUPPORT ON NETWARE 4.1 AND 3.11

Need to enable long filename support on your NetWare 4.1 or 3.11 server? Here are the steps you'll need to take. First, you need to ensure that you have the latest patch kit installed (check the Novell Web site Technical Support area). Next, to load long filename support, at the server console prompt, enter

LOAD OS2.NAM Then, type

ADD NAME SPACE OS2 TO VOLUME Finally, to prevent the need to perform these steps each time you restart your server, add the load commands for the OS2.NAM to your AUTOEXEC.NCF file.

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GROUPWISE 5.5 SUPPORT PACK 2

GroupWise administrators will be glad to know that Novell recently posted an update to the Support Pack for GroupWise 5.5--Support Pack 2. This update includes fixes and improvements to the GW Administration, GW Agents (Internet, NLM, NT, and WebAccess), and GW Client (Win 95/98/NT) components. You'll find the English version of Support Pack 2 on the Novell Support Web site. Look for the file g552en.exe at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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GROUPWISE 4.X API GATEWAY PATCH

If you're running Novell's GroupWise 4.x API Gateway, you'll be interested in obtaining the latest patch from Novell. This patch fixes several known problems you may have experienced, including:

Abends that occurred while the gateway was processing a directory list. Abends caused by memory allocation/free error. The gateway would not free memory when it was stopped. If the gateway was not stopped for a long period of time, an abend would eventually occur. You'll find the patch in the file GW41API.exe on the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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ODI VERSION 3.3 UPDATE

Novell recently released an update to its ODI specification--version 3.31. This update affects several support modules such as NBI, MSM, and TSM for Novell NetWare file servers. This ODI update adds support for Hot Plug PCI, and for removing a single instance of a driver. You can get the full details and download the update in a file named odi33g.exe on the Novell Support Web site at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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GROUPWISE 4.X API GATEWAY PATCH

If you're running Novell's GroupWise 4.x API Gateway, you'll be interested in obtaining the latest patch from Novell. This patch fixes several known problems you may experience, including:

* Abends that occurred while the gateway was processing a directory list. * Abends caused by memory allocation/free error. The gateway would not free memory when it was stopped. If the gateway was not stopped for a long period of time, an abend would eventually occur.

You'll find the patch in the file gw41api.exe on the Novell Support Web site at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NETWARE 4.2 YEAR 2000 PATCH

Attention NetWare 4.2 administrators! Novell has posted an additional year 2000 patch for your version of NetWare. This patch fixes a problem with the UIMPORT.EXE tool, which fails to create expiration dates properly for both passwords and accounts when the dates are greater than 1999. Novell states that none of the year 2000 issues addressed by this update pose any threat to the network or to data integrity. You can find additional information about Novell's Y2K fixes at

http://www.novell.com/year2000

For the patch described above, look for the file 42y2kp1.exe on the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NOVELL'S SELF-STUDY TRAINING PROGRAMS

Looking for additional training on the NetWare 4.11 to NetWare 5 Update? If so, you should check out the self-study program available from Novell. It is an excellent tool for Certified Novell Engineers (CNEs) because it is based on Novell's instructor-led Course 529 and prepares CNEs for the corresponding certification exam that will update their certification to NetWare 5. If you support and maintain NetWare networks, you will find this kit is extremely helpful in preparing you to migrate to NetWare 5. It is also a great on-the-job reference. For details, visit the Novell Education Web site at

http://education.novell.com/general/selfstudy.htm

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CORRECTING PAGE FAULT ERRORS

Are you experiencing Page Fault errors on your NetWare 4.1/4.11 server? If so, here are a few tips for resolving these errors. First, add the following in the server AUTOEXEC.NCF:

SET Read Fault Notification = On SET Read Fault Emulation = On SET Write Fault Notification = On SET Write Fault Emulation = On

Make sure that you have the latest LAN driver versions and the latest disk driver versions. Finally, if you continue to see Page Fault errors (without Abend), contact the manufacturer of your NIC and disk controller to obtain the latest available driver versions.

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CHANGING A SERVER NAME ON NETWARE 4.1X

Need to change the name of a server on your 4.1x network? Here are the quick and easy steps:

1. Make sure that NDS is synchronized correctly (SET DSTRACE=ON). 2. Change the file server name in AUTOEXEC.NCF of the server. 3. Down the server. 4. On another server, do a RESET ROUTER. 5. Wait five minutes, then reboot the server that has been renamed. 6. Check DSTRACE again to make sure NDS is synchronized. 7. Go into NETADMIN/NWAdmin to rename volume objects associated with the server.

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FIBER AND FRAME TYPES

Are you upgrading to Fiber and not sure what frame type to use? The only defined and necessary NetWare frame types for IPX on FDDI are FDDI_802.2 and FDDI_SNAP.

If you're running ETHERNET_802.2 IPX clients, use FDDI_802.2 for IPX on your servers. If you're running ETHERNET_II IPX clients, use FDDI_SNAP for IPX on your servers.

If you're running ETHERNET_II TCP/IP clients, you MUST use FDDI_SNAP for TCP/IP on your servers. If you're running ETHERNET_SNAP AppleTalk clients, you MUST use FDDI_SNAP for AppleTalk on your servers. Finally, don't use ETHERNET_802.3, ETHERNET_SNAP, or "FDDI_RAW" for IPX, and you'll be fine.

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DOUBLE DRIVE MAPPINGS

Are you experiencing drive mappings that are created twice or to the root directory? If so, the cause is most likely because the default login script is running along with your system login script. To avoid this double duty, put the line

NO_DEFAULT into the container login script.

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LIMITING USER DISK SPACE

Do you need to limit the amount of disk space a given user can access on a volume? No problem. In NWADMIN, click on the volume object. From the menu, choose Object, Details, See User Space Limits, or click on the directory under the volume. Then choose Object, Details, Facts, and Restrict Size to make the change.

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NETWARE 5 AND CLUSTERING

NetWare 5 brings with it the realization of clustering. Novell's clustering solution for NetWare, code named Orion, will be released in three phases. The NetWare 5 file system, along with integrated directory services, provides the foundation for a solid clustering solution. You'll be able to cluster up to 16 nodes, depending on your configuration. To find out more about Novell's clustering solution, visit the Orion section of the Novell Web site at

http://www.novell.com/products/clusters/orion.html

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NETWARE 5--ENHANCED NDS

Novell's new NetWare 5 makes management easier with the integration of the Domain Name Servers (DNS) and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) into the Novell Directory Services (NDS). NetWare 5 provides the benefits of NDS (centralized management, replication, fault tolerance) to industry-standard DNS/DHCP utilities. This should reduce the amount of time you spend administering IP names and addresses.

DNS/DHCP Services also supports Dynamic DNS, allowing for dynamic updates of host names based on changing IP addresses. It includes a Java-based management application that allows you to monitor, configure, and manage the DNS and DHCP services in NDS. It also easily imports existing DNS and DHCP data into NDS.

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NETWARE 5 AND THE POWER OF ZEN

Z.E.N.works, Novell's desktop management tool suite, is designed to help reduce the overall cost of ownership for your workstations by reducing the time you spend managing the systems and making them more efficient for the end-users. NetWare 5 includes a Z.E.N.works Starter Pack, providing you the chance to try it out on your network. Z.E.N.works helps you automate time-consuming tasks such as application and operating system updates or upgrades. You can take over someone's system across the network, saving you the time normally spent running around the office from workstation to workstation. It's a suite of tools worth checking out.

For more information on Z.E.N.works, visit the Z.E.N.works area of the Novell Web site at

http://www.novell.com/products/nds/zenworks

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NETWARE 5--IMPROVED BACKUP FEATURE

NetWare 5 includes a new and improved backup utility. This new utility is protocol-independent, adds multiple and repetitive scheduling, and supports the Windows 95-based GUI utility and autoloader. It also takes advantage of NDS by allowing central management to back up jobs across the network.

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NETWARE 5--NDS FOR NT

NT domains using NDS? Is it possible? Yes, with Novell's NDS for NT (available for NetWare 5 as a separate product). NDS for NT lets you manage NT domains and Microsoft BackOffice through NDS, providing a single login, single point of administration, and full NT application support for mixed NetWare and NT networks. NDS for NT should save you time and money when managing and administering a mixed NetWare/NT Server network and simplify the deployment of NT Server applications.

For more information, visit

http://www.novell.com/products/nds/nds4nt/index.html

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NETWARE 4.2 YEAR 2000 PATCH

Attention NetWare 4.2 administrators! Novell recently posted an additional year 2000 patch for your version of NetWare. This patch fixes a problem with the uimport.exe tool in which it fails to create expiration dates properly for both passwords and accounts when the dates are greater than 1999. Novell states that none of the year 2000 issues this update addresses pose any threat to the network or to data integrity. You can find additional information about Novell's Y2K fixes at:

http://www.novell.com/year2000

For the patch described above, look for the file 42y2kp1.exe on the Novell Support Web site at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NETWARE 5--PURE IP!

One of the most significant new features of NetWare 5 is its support for Internet Protocol (IP) as a core protocol. In NetWare 5, all NetWare Core Protocols can use the TCP/IP transport protocol, giving customers the ability to run in a "Pure IP" environment--pure in the sense that it doesn't retain an IPX-based encapsulation (or, in the case of NT Server, a NetBIOS encapsulation). This allows you to select the protocol that best suits your needs. If you require IP, NetWare 5 will simplify your life by eliminating multiple protocols and freeing up valuable network bandwidth.

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SECURING YOUR NETWORK--LOCK IT UP!

Network security is more critical than ever as our networks grow from internal to global. Network administrators spend a lot of time tightening and fine-tuning NetWare's many security features. However, one step that many neglect to take when considering network security is physical access to the servers. You can set up the tightest security possible, but if an employee or hacker can walk up to your server and down it or gain access, you're doomed.

Your servers should be accessible only to those who need physical access. Put your servers in a locked room. If your servers reside in a data center with other systems, you may even consider a lockable rack or cabinet. Some server boxes have locking covers, preventing access to the system drives. You may feel a little paranoid, but you can't be too safe. Lock it up!

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PROTECTING YOUR MOST IMPORTANT FILES

As network administrator, one of the most challenging tasks you may face is rebuilding your network after a crash or devastating hacker attack. That's why it's important that you keep copies of some of the more important files archived, ready for use if needed. For example, you should have copies of your STARTUP.NCF and AUTOEXEC.NCF files. You should back up your bindery or NDS, as well as System Login Scripts and Container Scripts. Keep these copies offsite or in a secure place. Then, hope that you never need them!

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TRACKING ACTIVITY ON YOUR 3.X NETWORK

NetWare includes a powerful tool for monitoring activity on your network--the Security utility. You'll find the utility in the System subdirectory. Security provides a wealth of information about who is accessing the network, who has supervisor rights, what trustee assignments they have, and more. You should run the report often, comparing results and looking for dramatic changes in activity or to rights. This should help you identify potential security holes or hackers.

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TRACKING SERVER CONSOLE ACTIVITY

NetWare includes a useful utility--CONLOG.NLM--that tracks all activity at your server console. Once you load the NLM, NetWare creates a logfile, called console.log, in your SYS:ETC directory. In this logfile, NetWare stores all console information, including error messages. This can prove handy, since an active server can quickly fill up the screen, scrolling off important messages before you have the chance to view them. You can view this logfile at any time, tracking errors and looking for unauthorized activity.

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WHICH VERSION OF NWADMIN?

Confused about all the versions of NWADMIN.EXE and which one you should use? Follow these guides:

NWADMN3X.EXE is the NW 4.11 version for Windows 3.x.<P NWADMN95.EXE is the NW 4.11 version for Windows 95. NWADMNNT.EXE is the NW 4.11 version for Windows NT.

The NetWare 4.11 version will also work with earlier NetWare 4 versions, but they don't support MHS or the "old style" of user templates. In a mixed NetWare 4.10/4.11 environment, user templates can be used without a problem.

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FIXING NETWARE 4 WITH THE SUPPORT PACK

If you're running Novell's NetWare 4, you'll be interested in downloading and applying the latest fixes and updates, which are available in Support Pack 7. Support Pack 7 contains updates for all services contained in Novell's NetWare 4.11 and NetWare 4.2 products. Novell released this support pack to provide a group of fixes that were all tested together; the company emphasizes that you should not install individual files from the support pack. You can order the Support Pack 7 CD from the Novell support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/csp/

or you can download the file nw4sp7.exe from

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/toptid.pl?100

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UPDATES FOR NOVELL'S CLIENT FOR WINDOWS 95/98

Novell recently released a service pack to address a few issues with its Novell Client v3.1 for Windows 95/98. The service pack fixes the following problems you may experience when using the client:

· Disappearing printers

· CMD will not work on certain computers

· DNS will not work if DHCP lease is expired

· Application cannot be launched using STARTRUN

· Client tries only the first address from a list of IPs

· Volumes cannot be accessed when opening from Start

Novell notes on its support site that your NetWare 4.11/4.2 servers will require an update before you can install this client service pack. The server update is located in the NetWare 4 Support Pack 7. You'll find the Client Support Pack in the file 9531sp1.exe at

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nwclients/9531sp1.exe

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PREPARING FOR Y2K: NETWARE 3.12 YEAR 2000 FIXES

If you're running Novell's NetWare 3.12, you should download and apply the Y2K patches for your version of NetWare. You can download these fixes in the file 312y2kp2.exe, available from the Novell support site. If you're running NetWare 3.2, you don't need this patch, since this release includes the updates found in this patch. To obtain the 3.12 Y2K patch, visit

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nw32top/312y2kp2.exe

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KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST REQUIRED NOVELL CLIENTS

It's tough to keep up with the changes to Novell's client software. Fortunately, Novell posts a text file on its support Web site that lists all of the clients and their latest versions. You can view this file at

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nwclients/clients.txt

If you see that you need an update, you can download Novell clients from

http://www.novell.com/download

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SERVER CONFIGURATION INFORMATION TOOL

Looking for an easy way to view server configuration information? If so, check out the Server Configuration Information program, available for download from Novell support. This tool displays volume size in megabytes, loader version on NW v4.x, serial number, ABEND.LOG on NW v4.11, part of IO$LOG.ERR and MSSTATUS.DMP, TIMESYNC.CFG and ATPS.CFG, and whether compression, suballocation, and migration are enabled on each volume. This tool runs as CONFIG.NLM on your server, and it works on all versions of NetWare. You can download the tool in the file confg8a.exe from

http://www.pcworld.com/r/tw/1%2C2061%2Ctw-nn1007%2C00.html

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SPECIAL PATCH FOR NETWARE 4.11

Novell has identified a problem that you may experience on your NetWare 4.11 servers. The problem occurs when an application running on Windows 95/98 workstations opens the same file multiple times on the same connection and then closes it. Novell says that with the Novell client on Windows 95/98, the file is not being closed out correctly when it closes on multiple opens. Ultimately, if this is allowed to continue, the server will run out of resources and hang. To resolve this issue, Novell has released a patch for NetWare 4.11 and 4.2. You can download the patch in the file revfhrft.exe, found on the Novell support Web site at

http://www.pcworld.com/r/tw/1%2C2061%2Ctw-nn1008%2C00.html

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ADDITIONAL NETWARE 4.10 YEAR 2000 FIXES

Novell has identified additional issues related to the Y2K problem and its NetWare 4.10 product. These issues affect the LOADER.EXE and RCONSOLE.EXE features. For example, one issue could result in the file server abending at the year 2000 rollover to 1/1/2000. Using the SET TIME command, the BIOS clock would also be reset to the year 1980. To address these issues, Novell provides the file 410y2kp2.exe, which you can download from

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nw410/410y2kp2.exe

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THE LATEST NETWARE 4.11 YEAR 2000 FIXES

Are your NetWare 4.11 servers ready for the new year? To be sure, you should download and apply the latest version of Novell's Y2K patches for 4.11. You'll find them in the file 411y2kp2.exe at

http://www.pcworld.com/r/tw/1%2C2061%2Ctw-nn1012%2C00.html

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FIXING YOUR NOVELL CLIENT FOR WINDOWS NT

Having trouble with your Windows NT workstations running Novell's Client for NT? If so, you should check out the latest update to the Client--version 4.6. The patched client addresses a host of issues, including:

· Automatic install with "unattended.txt" file option; the process hangs

· Cannot execute programs from Start/Run when using DNS names path

· Cannot browse directories when opening a connection to server

· Client drops mapping a drive in a DOS box using a DNS name

· Remote control option is not in the custom install of the 95 and NT clients

· Unattended installation with NWIP-protocol gets error

· Selected server or tree could not be found (error message)

· Database locked error with Business Works and NT client

· IE4 Dr. Watson error with Zen-installed printers

· Login screen pops up on Terminal Server You'll find the new client in the file nt46sp1.exe at

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nwclients/nt46sp1.exe

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EXTRA TOOLS FOR YOUR NETWARE 4.X AND 5 SERVERS

Looking for extra tools to help you through the day as administrator of your NetWare 4.x and 5 servers? If so, try out the utilities found in TOOLBOX.NLM version 2.01. You can execute this group of utility functions on the server console or via NCF files without involving any clients. You'll find TOOLBOX.NLM in the file etbox2.exe, available from

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/inw411/etbox2.exe

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EXTRA TOOLS FOR YOUR NETWARE 3.12 AND 4.X SERVERS

Do you need extra tools to act as administrator of your NetWare 3.12 and 4.0x servers? Try out the utilities found in TOOLBOX.NLM version 1.09. You can execute this group of utility functions on the server console or via NCF files without involving any clients. You'll find TOOLBOX.NLM in the file tbox7.exe, available from

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/inw411/tbox7.exe

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USING NOVELL'S IPX TO CONNECT

Clients connecting to NT Server 4.0 using Novell's IPX protocol may experience difficulty if you've just installed NT Service Pack 3. To repair this problem, run Regedt32 from the Start, Run command line. To resolve the problem, open the following key and add the values below:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\ Services\LanManServer\Parameters Value Name: MinClient-BufferSize Data Type: Reg_Dword Data: 500 Radix: Decimal

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ADREM SERVER MANAGER 3.0

Looking for a tool to make server management a little easier? If so, check out AdRem Server Manager, which helps you monitor and manage NetWare servers and is designed to make even the most complicated tasks easy for knowledgeable server administrators and beginners. With this tool, you can monitor all connections between stations and the server--for instance, files opened on the server--and manage files and directories. The client/server version also allows multiple server managing: software distribution and simultaneous configuration comparisons and console command executions. AdRem Server Manager is available in English, German, and Polish. For more information, visit

http://www.adremsoft.com/products.htm

 

FIXING NETWARE 4 WITH THE SUPPORT PACK

If you're running Novell's NetWare 4, you'll be interested in downloading and applying the latest fixes and updates, available in Support Pack 7. This contains updates for all services in Novell's NetWare 4.11 and NetWare 4.2 products. Novell tested the fixes in this Support Pack as a group, and emphasizes that you should not install individual files from it. You can order the CD from the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/csp

or you can download the file nw4sp7.exe at

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/toptid.pl?100

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ADDITIONAL NETWARE 4.10 YEAR 2000 FIXES

Novell recently identified some additional issues related to the Y2K problem and its NetWare 4.10 product. These issues affect the loader.exe and rconsole.exe features. For example, one issue could result in the file server abending at the year 2000 rollover to 1/1/2000. Using the Set Time command would also reset the BIOS clock to the year 1980. To address these issues, Novell provides the file 410y2kp2.exe containing updates to these files, which you can download at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nw410/410y2kp2.exe

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FIXING YOUR NOVELL CLIENT FOR WINDOWS NT

Having trouble with your Windows NT workstations running Novell's Client for NT? If so, you should check out the latest update to the Client--version 4.6. The patch addresses a host of issues, including the following:

* Automatic install with unattended.txt file option problem in which the process hangs. * Client cannot execute programs from Start/Run when using DNS names path. * Client cannot browse directories when opening a connection to a server. * Client drops mapping a drive in a DOS box using a DNS name. * Remote control option not in the custom install of 95 and NT clients. * Unattended installation with NWIP protocol gets error. * "Selected server or tree could not be found" error message. * "Database locked" error with Business Works and NT client. * Internet Explorer 4 Dr. Watson error with Zen-installed printers. * Log-in screen pops up on Terminal Server.

You'll find the new Client in the file nt46sp1.exe at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nwclients/nt46sp1.exe

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PREPARING FOR Y2K: NETWARE 3.12 YEAR 2000 FIXES

If you're running Novell's NetWare 3.12, you should download and apply the Y2K patches for your version of NetWare. You can download the NetWare 3.12 year 2000 fixes in the file 312y2kp2.exe, available from the Novell support site. If you're running NetWare 3.2, you don't need this patch, since this release already includes those updates. To obtain the 3.12 Y2K patch, visit the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nw32top/312y2kp2.exe

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THE LATEST NETWARE 4.11 YEAR 2000 FIXES

Are your NetWare 4.11 servers ready for the New Year? To be sure, you should download and apply the latest version of Novell's Y2K patches for 4.11. You'll find them in the file 411y2kp2.exe at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/inw411/411y2kp2.exe

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UPDATES FOR NOVELL'S CLIENT FOR WINDOWS 95/98

Novell recently released a Service Pack to address a few known issues with its Novell Client 3.1 for Windows 95/98. The Service Pack fixes the following known problems you may experience when using the Client:

* Disappearing printers. * CMD will not work on certain computers. * DNS will not work if DHCP lease is expired. * Application cannot be launched using Start/Run. * Client only tries the first address from a list of IPs. * Volumes cannot be accessed when opening from Start.

(Novell notes on its support site that your NetWare 4.11 and 4.2 servers will require an update prior to the installation of this Client Service Pack. The server update is located in the NetWare 4 Support Pack 7.)

You'll find the Support Pack in the file 9531sp1.exe at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nwclients/9531sp1.exe

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SPECIAL PATCH FOR NETWARE 4.11

Novell recently identified a problem you may experience on your NetWare 4.11 servers. The problem occurs when an application running on Windows 95/98 workstations opens the same file multiple times on the same connection and then closes it. Novell says that with the Novell Client on Windows 95/98, file closes on multiple opens are not closed out correctly. Ultimately, if you allow this to continue, the server will run out of resources and hang. To resolve this issue, Novell has released a patch for NetWare 4.11 and 4.2. You can download the patch in the file revfhrft.exe, found on the Novell support site at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/nw/nwclients/revfhrft.exe

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SECURECONSOLE

How secure is your NetWare server console? With access, users can do almost anything--access user data, trace LAN/mainframe data, change configurations, and destroy volumes. Natively, the console is unaudited, often accessed through shared passwords, giving anyone who uses the console full access.

SecureConsole for NetWare is a fileserver console security application that controls the level of access individuals or NetWare groups have to your console, including what console commands they can use, what console applications they can see, and whether their actions are audited. SecureConsole has system console autolocking and screen saver features to protect your system from unauthorized users. SecureConsole is an NDS-aware product. For more information, visit

http://www.serversystems.com/frames/sc_cs.htm

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CONSOLE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE

In traditional NetWare environments, messages occurring on servers are not always reported to systems administrators. ConsoleAlert allows an administrator to generate SNMP alerts when messages appear on the NetWare server console or third-party application screens. In addition to alerting the administrator, ConsoleAlert can automatically take corrective console actions as defined by the administrator. For more information, visit

http://www.serversystems.com/frames/cs_al.htm

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TRACKING DIRECTORY SERVICE CONDITIONS

In some NDS environments, errors that occur on remote servers may not be reported automatically to systems administrators. In these cases, holdups can go undetected until user backlash bombards the help desk or support staff. DSAlert is a diagnostic and network support tool that enables Novell's Network Directory Services error conditions to be monitored and reported. For more information, visit

http://www.serversystems.com/frames/ds_al.htm

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IMPROVING PERFORMANCE WORKING WITH NT

If you're working with a mix of NT and NetWare, you probably are aware of the performance problems that can occur between these systems. Fortunately, you can improve the Microsoft network device transport protocol configuration to minimize the time necessary to discover new NetWare and Microsoft network devices (workstations, servers, and so on).

Windows NT uses Remote Procedure Call/Server Message Block (RPC/SMB) as the method of communicating between Microsoft networking devices (NT servers and workstations, Windows 95/98/3.1x, and DOS). RPC/SMB was written to use NetBIOS as a packet structure, and Microsoft networking devices can encapsulate these NetBIOS commands into one of three transport protocols: TCP/IP, IPX, or NetBEUI.

NetBEUI is the default transport protocol; even if all three transport protocols are present, a Microsoft networked device will default to NetBEUI first when attempting to locate a new network device. Once this request has timed out, it will then try the next transport protocol (the order is controlled in a registry key for Windows NT/95/98). This continues until it has located the network device or has tried all available transport protocols. Since NetBEUI is not routable, any attempt to find a network device that is across a router will fail. In the tips to follow, we'll share some solutions from Novell.

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DISABLING NETBEUI

You can improve the Microsoft network device transport protocol configuration to minimize the time necessary to discover new NetWare and Microsoft network devices, such as workstations and servers. To do so, try this trick from Novell.

Disable or remove NetBEUI as a transport protocol. NetBEUI cannot be routed (although it can be bridged), and any attempt by a Microsoft network device to locate a target that is across a router will fail--but not before a two- to four-second timeout period.

To do this, go to Control Panel/Network/Protocols, highlight NetBEUI Protocol, and click on Remove. Click Yes to the message "This action will permanently remove the component from the system. If you wish to reinstall it, you will have to restart the system before doing so."

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CONFIGURING TCP/IP AS THE PRIMARY PROTOCOL

To reconfigure the Microsoft network device transport protocol to reduce the time it takes to discover new NetWare and Microsoft network devices, such as workstations and servers, try this trick from Novell.

Configure TCP/IP as the primary transport protocol for NetBIOS interface, server, and workstation. To do this, go to Control Panel/Network/Bindings, display the bindings for NetBIOS Interface by clicking on the + next to it, then highlight WINS Client (TCP/IP) and click on the Move Up button so that this option is first. Make sure that NWLink NetBIOS (this is IPX) is listed second.

Next, display the bindings for Server by clicking on the + next to it. Highlight WINS Client (TCP/IP) and click on the Move Up button so that this option is first. Make sure that NWLink NetBIOS is listed second and that NWLink IPX/SPX Compatible Transport is listed third.

Now, display the bindings for Workstation by clicking on the + next to it, then highlight WINS Client (TCP/IP) and click on the Move Up button so that this option is first. Make sure that NWLink NetBIOS (this is IPX) is listed second.

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CONFIGURING IPX AS THE PRIMARY TRANSPORT PROTOCOL

You can reconfigure the Microsoft network device transport protocol to reduce the time necessary to discover new NetWare and Microsoft network devices, such as workstations and servers. To do so, try this idea from Novell.

If you're using an IP Novell environment (NetWare 5 server environment or a mixed NetWare 4.11/5 environment with NetWare 5 compatibility mode enabled), configure TCP/IP as the primary transport protocol for Novell's client. Otherwise, configure IPX as the primary transport protocol for Novell's client.

To do this in an IP Novell environment, go to Control Panel/Network/Bindings and display the bindings for Novell Client For Windows NT by clicking on the + next to it. Highlight TCP/IP Protocol and click on the Move Up button so that this option is first. Make sure that NWLink IPX/SPX Compatible Transport is listed second.

In an IPX Novell environment, go to Control Panel/Network/Bindings and display the bindings for Novell Client For Windows NT by clicking on the + next to it. Highlight NWLink IPX/SPX Compatible Transport and click on the Move Up button so that this option is first. Make sure that TCP/IP Protocol is listed second.

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PROXY CACHE PATCH FOR BORDER MANAGER

Novell has released a patch for BorderManager 2.1 and FastCache 2.1b Proxy Cache which requires that IntraNetware Support Pack 6a (IWSP6A.EXE) and the BorderManager Admin Snap-in Patch (BMADM2C.EXE) be installed. The new patch contains Y2K fixes and addresses other problems, including:

· Proxy cannot create log files when the date changes to 1 January 2000. It returns an Error 135 Creating Log File error.

· An abend occurs in Proxy FastFree.

· An abend occurs because ServerCbReinit called FastFree with an invalid memory area.

· The proxy hangs (stops servicing HTTP requests).

· A memory leak in proxy eats up memory.

You'll find the new patch on the Novell support site at

http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/download?/pub/updates/bordserv/bmfc/bmp114.exe

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NETWORK NODE MANAGEMENT TOOL

Network administrators perform a lot of tasks to keep the network up and running. Having the right tools is essential. One tool that might help is NodeVision Wizard, which assists network administrators in identifying problems by performing tasks, including:

Managing resources and metering software usage on NetWare and Windows NT networks Scanning the details of node-level hardware and software Identifying critical changes and displaying side-by-side comparisons of before and after the changes Notifying the administrator of changes on scanned nodes with a unique color code that allows for instant identification of the problem areas For more information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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ADDING FUNCTIONALITY TO THE DISPLAY SERVERS COMMAND

Novell's DISPLAY SERVERS command doesn't provide all of the available information about your network. The Service Advertising Protocol (SAP) makes a lot more information available, but you'll need a tool to get to it. The tool for the job is SAPSQL v. 1.45 from Midnight Technologies. SAPSQL NLM is a module that extracts additional information out of SAP advertisements about servers and devices connected to your network, including IPX addresses, SAP type, service description, the company that registered the SAP type, and the company's phone number. The product works on your NetWare 3.x/4.x servers at a cost of $39.95 per server. For more information, visit

http://www.midnighttech.com/sapsql.htm

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ZIPPING FILES ON YOUR NETWORK

You've probably used PKZip to compress files on your PC's hard drive, but did you know about a tool for compressing files on your NetWare networks? ZipWiz-NLM is a PKZip-compatible compression and decompression NLM that allows you to compress and decompress on your server. End users can still decompress their own files at their workstations with any zip-compatible tool, while you can save time by compressing and decompressing with the power of your server rather than needing to move those files to a workstation. ZipWiz-NLM handles long names, preserves file attributes, and recurses subdirectories. For more information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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NOVELL INTERNET MESSAGING SYSTEM UPDATE

Novell recently released a patch that fixes bugs discovered in the Novell Internet Messaging System (Novell IMS) after the release of Novell IMS version 2.00. All fixes in this patch will be released officially with the first support pack for IMS. Novell notes that the patch is designed for the shipping version (as of June 30, 1999) of IMS. It includes all other patches. Look for the file nims200d.exe on the Novell Support Web site at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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UPDATES FROM NETWARE 5 SUPPORT PACK 3 TO 3A

Novell recently released an update to its Support Pack 3 for NetWare 5. This update contains the changed files from NetWare 5 Support Pack 3 to 3a. You should only install this update if you have Support Pack 3 currently installed. You'll find the file, named sp3to3a.exe, on the Novell Support Web site at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NOVELL INTERNET MESSAGING SYSTEM UPDATE

Novell has released a patch that fixes bugs discovered in the Novell Internet Messaging System (Novell IMS); these bugs were discovered after the release of Novell IMS version 2.00. All fixes in this patch will be released officially with the first support pack for IMS. Novell notes that this patch is designed to be applied to the shipping version (6/30/99) of IMS. It includes all other patches. Look for the file nims200d.exe on the Novell support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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SPACE MANAGEMENT ON YOUR NETWARE NETWORK

Need help managing the use of space on your NetWare servers? If so, you should check out FileWizard 3 from Knozall. This LAN-based file management system for Novell servers and workstations allows network administrators to automatically:

Generate comprehensive reports based on any criteria Move, copy, delete, and migrate files found that match your criteria Automate a complete HSM storage solution Use true NetWare migration to move aged files to a storage volume (or Jukebox), which can then be accessed by the end user on the fly Generate graphics that reflect server space by volume, user, directory, and file extension Track how server space is used Predict when additional space will be required For more information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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RECOVERING DATA FROM CORRUPT COMPRESSED FILES

If you've ever lost valuable data in compressed files and had no way to restore it, you'll be interested in a utility called FixCFile v. 1.21. This utility can help recover your valuable data that is locked away in corrupted compressed files. FixCFile is a NetWare Loadable Module for NetWare 4.1. It'll cost you $795.95 per site, but only a few uses of the software could easily pay for it. For more information, visit

http://www.midnighttech.com/fixcfile.htm

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RECOVERING DATA FROM CORRUPT COMPRESSED FILES

If you've ever lost valuable data in compressed files and had no way to restore it, you'll be interested in a utility called FixCFile v. 1.21. This utility can help recover your valuable data that is locked away in corrupted compressed files. FixCFile is a NetWare Loadable Module for NetWare 4.1. It'll cost you $795.95 per site, but only a few uses of the software could easily pay for it. For more information, visit

http://www.midnighttech.com/fixcfile.htm

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TRACKING FILE ACCESS AND ACTIVITY

Tracking file access and activity is essential to ensuring the security of your network and the important files it handles. Using a tool like Knozall's FileAuditor, you can audit all file activity. With FileAuditor, you can record who opened, closed, deleted, and modified files; notify individuals when specified file activities occur; and deny access to specified files. You can also define which departments and users should be denied access to specified files and write customized scripts that can be executed based on predetermined file activity or corporate policies. Finally, you can generate customized reports, detailing file and directory activity. For more information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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MANAGING ALERTS

Novell can fill your server console and error log files with a lot of unwanted network alerts. While critical alerts are important to see, many alerts on a NetWare console fill the screen and error logs with information that is not so useful. A utility called NoAlert helps you manage these alerts. NoAlert v. 1.17 works on your NetWare 3.x and 4.x servers. For more information, visit

http://www.midnighttech.com/noalert.htm

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MANAGEWISE--VIRUS SIGNATURE 4.24.8

Novell has released the latest Engine and Signature version 4.24.8 for ManageWise. InocuLAN v4.0 has been updated to incorporate new virus scanning signatures (v4.24.8) and performance improvements. This release of the signature will detect new variants of known macro viruses. This update provides changes to avupdate, service pack for Windows 95 build 464, and service pack 2 for NetWare. Look for the file mwinoc1a.exe on the Novell support Web site.

For the latest virus signature update and service pack for InocuLAN v4.0 for Windows NT for the Intel platform only, look for the update file mxinoc2a.exe. These files update your system to version 4.24.8 and also update to the NT service pack 2A build 375. You can use this patch for either ManageWise 2.5 or 2.6. Look for both of these files on the Novell support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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MONITORING COMPRESSED FILES

File compression and archival is an important part of managing your NetWare networks. Because of the nature of file compression and the realities of disk storage, archived files may on occasion become corrupted. To help you keep tabs on these compressed files, you can use a utility such as CompMon, which runs as an NLM and examines compressed files, reporting the extent of damage to them, if any. CompMon v. 2.00 runs on your NetWare 4.1 servers. For more information, visit

http://www.midnighttech.com/compmon.htm

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BACKUP AND RESTORE UTILITY FOR NDS

Looking for a utility to help you manage the backup and restore process for NDS? If so, you should check out DeTroubler NDS Backup/Restore from Future-Gate. DeTroubler is the only object-oriented backup and restore product written specifically for Novell Directory Services. Using DeTroubler, you can restore the entire tree unattended or recover single objects or portions of the tree with a single mouse click. This product works on your NetWare 4.10, Intranetware 4.11, and NetWare 5 servers. For more information, visit

http://www.future-gate.com/products.html

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NDS SIMULATION UTILITY

Wouldn't it be nice to perform a test run on NDS changes before you put them in place on your live network? Now you can do just that. DS Designer provides a familiar environment for NDSTree Design in which all NDS operations are perfectly simulated, including partition creations, merges, and moves; replica creations and deletions; server insertions and deletions; and tree merges. Using this tool, you can get a view of the results that will be realized on your live NDS Tree, analyze the results, and decide if they are satisfactory before executing them. For more information on DS Designer, visit

http://dsdesigner.hypermart.net/

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UPDATES FROM NETWARE 5 SUPPORT PACK 3 TO 3A

Novell has released an update to its update for NetWare 5. This update contains the changed files from NetWare 5 Support Pack 3 to 3a. You should install this update only if you have the NetWare Support Pack 3 installed. You'll find the file sp3to3a.exe on the Novell support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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STORAGE ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT FOR NETWARE SERVERS

Collecting data about the network is one of the critical functions of network management. FileWizard 5 from Knozall provides enterprise storage management capabilities for Windows NT servers and workstations, Novell NetWare networks, and UNIX servers running NFS. You can view and report to determine what kind of files are on the network, who owns them, when they were last used, how big they are, and when servers will run out of space. FileWizard 5 gives you the power to manage growing storage requirements without throwing hardware at the problem. For more information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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CLIB UPDATE FOR NETWARE 3.12 AND 3.2

Novell recently released the latest version of Clib for NetWare 3.12 and 3.2. The only changes since lib312c.exe are the inclusion of updated after311.nlm and a3112.nlm files to address a possible memory corruption issue. You can download this update in the file lib312d.exe from the Novell Support Web site at the following URL:

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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DOCUMENTING YOUR NDS INFORMATION

Documenting network setup is a critical responsibility of network administrators, and documenting NDS information is a critical component of network documentation. DS Designer helps you create complete documentation of your NDS Tree. By importing report files into DS Designer, you can obtain:

Partition documentation, including parent/child partition relationships Replica documentation, including how and where replicas are distributed among servers Server documentation, including IPX/TCPIP addresses and DS versions Schema synchronization documentation, including information on how servers synch NDS schema Object documentation, including all objects in your entire tree organized by partitions, containers, and servers NDS warnings and suggestions Schema documentation. Compare NDS schema between servers. Choose servers randomly or report a certain server's distribution list. For more information, visit

http://dsdesigner.hypermart.net/

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CONTROLLING APPLICATION USE

Network administrators are responsible for managing the use of applications to avoid overuse of the software licenses. To help you in this task, Knozall created Meter Wizard, which monitors application use so you can forecast the need for additional licenses or upgrades. You access the primary metering and management functions from the Metering Console. From the console. you can install or remove metering on all network applications and software suites, record details of access for future reference, view user lists for specified applications and graphic displays of license usage of metered applications, and print usage reports. For more information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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CLIB UPDATE FOR NETWARE 3.12 AND 3.2

Novell has released the latest version of CLIB for NetWare 3.12 and 3.2. The only changes since LIB312C.EXE are the inclusion of updated AFTER311.NLM and A3112.NLM, which address a possible memory corruption issue. You can download this update in the file lib312d.exe from Novell support at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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AUTOMATING ROUTINE ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

Automation can take on the load of costly, time-consuming, repetitive jobs like data collection, analysis, monitoring, fault management, and correction, and leave the IT department free to do other tasks. One tool that helps with the automation of these tasks is AutomationWizard from Knozall, which monitors server parameters and conditions, detects when they are abnormal, and responds to alerts from other analysis or warning systems. AutomationWizard can then decide how to fix the problem and carry out those actions without administrator interaction. The tool's scheduling options can run jobs based on time, date, day of week, conditions, or events. AutomationWizard can distribute and collect information from remote sites. For information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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EASIER NAVIGATION ON YOUR NETWARE CONSOLES

Navigating on your NetWare console isn't easy by default. Important pieces of information can scroll off your NetWare screen, making them unavailable and leaving you in the dark. PageUp alleviates this problem. Simply load the NLM, then you can use the Page Up, Page Down, up arrow, and down arrow keys. PageUp v. 1.10 works on your NetWare 3.x and 4.x servers. For more information, visit

http://www.midnighttech.com/pageup.htm

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NETWARE TOOL BELT

Looking for a collection of useful DOS-based utilities? Wizard's Tool Belt contains the following utilities that perform important tasks on your Novell network:

FWGETACC--Gets and saves the last access dates for files on all volumes and servers to which you are attached. FWRESACC--Restores the last access date to the files in all volumes and servers to which you are attached. For anyone running backups or virus scans, these operations change the access date on every file they touch. That means you lose valuable information about which files have been used recently on your network. FWCHGUSR--Allows the supervisor to change the user or "owner" of the files in a directory. During server maintenance, the ownership of files is often changed to the administrator or supervisor. This simple utility allows the system administrator to change the user name for all files or specified files in a directory to a specific user. Keeping file ownership up to date and having the ability to modify it is useful when you have chargebacks to users for storage space. FWACC2UP--Changes the date of the last access to the date of the last update. If access dates have been changed by a virus scan or backup, you can change them to the last update so that you can track which files are used. FWFIND--Searches all attached volumes and servers to find files that match a given file spec, such as orphan files. The default search looks through every server and volume that can be seen. *Administrators can search the entire network with one command rather than searching volume by volume or server by server. As part of the file search, the administrator can prompt for a delete when the file is found, specify servers or volumes to search on, or limit the search to files belonging to an invalid user. FWCPYVOL--Copies all files between volumes on the same server and maintains owners and attributes. If you need to do maintenance on one volume, you can create a backup of that volume instead of going through a backup or mirroring routine. FWFILER--Provides a tree view with information about files and directories that you can't get from NetWare. For more information, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

SCHEDULE AND CONTROL TASKS ON YOUR SERVER

Need a tool that enables you to schedule and control tasks on a server, as well as on multiple DOS or OS/2 clients? If so, check out NLMAuto from Knozall, which enables you to execute commands on a server and its clients without any administrator intervention. You can schedule commands to run based on specific events, or you can schedule them to run at a specified time. You can also monitor third-party alert packages to respond to critical server alerts. For more details, visit

http://www.knozall.com/

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NETWARE 4 SUPPORT PACK 7

Novell has released the new NetWare 4 Support Pack 7. You'll find this update in the file nw4sp7a.exe on the Novell Support site. This file contains updates for all services included in the NetWare 4.11 and NetWare 4.2 products. The support pack provides a bundle of fixes that are all tested together, and installing individual files from the support pack is not recommended. These files have undergone component testing, core OS testing, and integration testing with other Novell products. You can order the support pack CD at

http://support.novell.com/csp/

or visit the Novell Support Web site and look for the file at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

PATCH 2 GW5 NT GATEWAY FOR EXCHANGE

Novell has released a patch file for GroupWise 5 NT Gateway for Exchange--Patch 2. This patch file provides the following fixes to some known problems:

Filtering switches /blockdom and /allowdom now work with directory synchronization as well as with directory exchange. The gateway can now initialize a migration in certain non-English environments. GroupWise users will no longer be deleted if the location of the gateway is changed to another domain. Mail from Exchange to GroupWise now works with a userid on both GroupWise and Exchange. Mail sent from a user on an external GroupWise domain to MS Exchange now does not drop any recipients. The problem with replies to mail sent from the Internet to MS Exchange through GroupWise 5.2 GWIA has now been fixed. Replies will still not work if GroupWise 5.5 GWIA is used with Internet addressing. You can find the patch in the file exchnt2.exe, available for download from the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

INOCULAN V4.0 FOR WINDOWS NT UPDATE FILE

Novell has released the latest virus signature update and service pack for InocuLAN v4.0 for Windows NT for the Intel platform only. These files update your system to version 5.02 and also update to the NT service pack 2A Build 375. This patch can be used for either ManageWise 2.5 or 2.6. You'll find the update file--mxinoc2d.exe--on the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

MANAGEWISE--VIRUS SIGNATURE 5.02

Novell has released the latest Engine and Signature version 5.02 for ManageWise. InocuLAN v4.0 has been updated to incorporate new virus scanning signatures (v5.02) and performance improvements. This release of the signature detects new variants of known macro viruses and provides changes to avupdate, service pack for Windows 95 Build 464, and service pack 2 for NetWare. Look for the file mwinoc1d.exe on the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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NDIR MADE EASY

NetWare's NDIR is a great tool, but it's not the easiest to use. wNDIR is a Windows utility that provides most of the features of Novell's NDIR, but in an easy-to-use format. Using wNDIR, you can export data to a text file in several ways, and you can create command/batch files to operate on the files found. You can use wNDIR for any purpose--from archiving old data to listing the files owned by a user. For more details, check out

http://www.gadgetfactory.com/

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SERVER MANAGEMENT MADE EASY

Network management is a time-consuming, never-ending job. One tool that might help ease the workload is WebConsole. This tool has Web-based and directory-enabled features that allow IT departments to set and monitor security levels, manage users, generate system status reports, and solve problems on any enterprise server from any single location using the Internet. For more details, visit

http://www.hitecsoft.com/Products/webconsole/webconsole.html

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QUICK VOLUME INFORMATION

Need quick access to volume information on your NetWare servers? VGadget can give you a status summary of any or all of the volumes on your NetWare servers. VGadget can display free space, total space, and the percentage of occupied space, and you can sort the data on any column. You can copy the data to the clipboard for use in other programs, and you can scan all the servers you are connected to, or scan all the servers in a standard list. VGadget will connect to the server if required. For more details, check out

http://www.gadgetfactory.com/

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IDENTIFYING THE DISK HOGS

Every network has them--disk hogs that take up tons of precious space on the server. UserSpace is a tool that scans users' home directories and reports on the amount of space used in each one. The administrator can select any part of the NDS tree, and UserSpace will report all the users from that point down. Get more details at

http://www.gadgetfactory.com/

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PATCH 2 GW5 NT GATEWAY FOR EXCHANGE

To address a host of known problems, Novell recently released a patch file for GroupWise 5 NT Gateway for Exchange--Patch 2. This patch file provides the following fixes:

* Filtering switches /blockdom and /allowdom now work with directory synchronization as well as directory exchange * Corrects a problem where the gateway couldn't initialize a migration in certain non-English environments * Corrects a problem where GroupWise users could be deleted if the location of the gateway changed to another domain * Mail from Exchange to GroupWise now works with a userid on both GroupWise and Exchange * Mail sent from a user on an external GroupWise domain to MS Exchange now does not drop any recipients * Fixes the problem with replies to mail sent from the Internet to MS Exchange through GroupWise 5.2 GWIA (replies still don't work if GroupWise 5.5 GWIA is used with Internet addressing)

You'll find the patch in the file exchnt2.exe, available for download from the Novell Support Web site at

http://support.novell.com/misc/patlst.htm

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SERVER ALERT SOFTWARE

As network administrator, you need to know when servers aren't up and running. ServAlert 2.0, a utility written for all Novell networks, continuously monitors servers at preset intervals defined by the system administrator. If a server goes offline for any reason, ServAlert 2.0 will detect and identify the downed server, then dial and page those personnel specified in the program. Should the server come back online, the program will dial those personnel and notify them that it is back online. The program also keeps an activity log, which you can print, edit, or delete. For more information, visit

http://www.escoinst.com/

PROTECTING SERVER FROM VIRUSES

You need to cut off viruses before they spread across your network. One tool that you might use to help in the battle against viruses is Protector Plus, an antivirus software designed for NetWare servers. It has an on