Knowledge Base

Server Manager Cannot Find DC with TCP/IP and ELNK3

Article ID: 112826

Article Last Modified on 10/31/2006

Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1

This article was previously published under Q112826

SYMPTOMS

When you use the 3Com EtherLink III adapter model 3c509 or the 3c579 network interface card with TCP/IP as the only protocol, the following error message appears when you open Server Manager locally on the domain controller (DC):

Cannot find the primary DC for <domain>. You may administer this domain, but certain domain-wide operations will be disabled.

CAUSE

Windows NT streams-based TCP/IP does not set the lookahead buffer size. The default lookahead buffer size that the ELNK3 driver sets is too small. This only effects loopback packets.

WORKAROUND

Bind NetBEUI to the ELNK3 driver. NetBEUI sets the lookahead buffer size properly.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. This problem has been corrected in the latest U.S. Service Pack for Windows NT and Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1. For information on obtaining the Service Pack, query on the following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (without the spaces):

S E R V P A C K

Additional query words: prodnt ntas

Keywords: kbnetwork KB112826