Getting the Netscape Dialer to Co-Exist with a Network
Kenn's
19980107: Getting the Netscape Dialer to Co-Exist with a Network
January/1998
Tech
Notes
Tech Note #7
However, some users have laptops which they use both at home, utilizing a modem for Internet access, and at the school, where Internet access is via the network. Although it is easy to get the dialer working, you may find your Internet applications no longer work on the network. The reason for this is that the Netscape dialer uses a different version of WINSOCK.DLL, which is not compatible with the version used by Windows for Workgroups for network TCP/IP access.
We have found a workaround to this problem. The WINSOCK.DLL file in question is stored in the C:\NETSCAPE directory. (I'm assuming you use the default settings for the install.) The icon for Netscape Navigator is command line=C:\NETSCAPE\NETSCAPE.EXE, working directory=C:\NETSCAPE. This icon will work fine when you have connected via the modem, using Netscape's dialer, but it will not work when the computer is connected via a network. For network use, make a second icon, with command line=C:\NETSCAPE\NETSCAPE.EXE, working directory=C:\. It's a good idea to name this icon Netscape Navigator Network, and rename the first one Netscape Navigator Dial-Up.
You should also disable Dial On Demand in the dialer properties. This will prevent the dialer from popping up when you double click Netscape Navigator Network for network use.
Other Internet apps should work fine on either the network or via the dialer. However, in order for them to work on the dialer, you need to run both the dialer and Netscape. If Netscape is not running, they will not connect to the Internet. If you prefer (or if you encounter problems), you can also copy the Netscape version of WINSOCK.DLL into the application's working directory and then make two versions of the icon - Network and Dial-Up, with different working directories - if you don't want to have Netscape running all the time. For example, to access Eudora, some users may find it a nuisance to have to open Netscape before they can use Eudora to check their e-mail. In such a case, the two icon system will work, so long as you put the Netscape WINSOCK.DLL file in the Eudora directory.
DISCLAIMER: This document is intended for the reference of computer support personnel within Winnipeg School Division No. 1. There is no warranty or liability if procedures recommended here have an adverse affect on any systems. Use them at your own risk. Any trademarks mentioned are the property of their owners, none of whom have certified any information provided here. Opinions expressed here are personal only and do not represent the policy of Winnipeg School Division No. 1 or any other organization anywhere.
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