Dial-Up Adapter Bindings on LAN Workstations

Kenn's
Tech
Notes

20000312: Dial-Up Adapter Bindings on LAN Workstations

March/2000
Tech Note #12

Some technicians have asked why the new Windows 98 workstations include network bindings for a dial-up adapter even though there is no modem in the system. (This situation also occurs if you use the automated Windows 95 or 98 installation from the WSD#1 Backup CD.)

The inclusion of the Dial-Up Adapter (beyond the obvious result of supporting modem installation) is standard practice in OEM automated installations of Windows 9x. Having the Dial-Up Adapter installed allows network bindings to be created correctly. If it is absent, the Windows Setup routine always defaults to NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and not TCP/IP.

Furthermore, when removing and adding network adapter drivers, as sometimes happens during troubleshooting, upgrades, repairs, etc., the Dial-Up Adapter acts as a placeholder for protocols in exactly the same way.

The only problem we have seen with the Dial-Up Adapter's presence was documented in Error Sharing Folders on Workstations September/1999 Tech Note #1 in which we recommend removing the NetBEUI binding for the Dial-Up Adapter. (It should be noted that the "solution" to the problem did not explain the source of the problem.)

In the foreseeable future, we hope to remove NetBEUI entirely from our schools. It will be a convenience to have the Dial-Up Adapter installed to ensure future cards and drivers bind to the TCP/IP protocol only, instead of to the two other default protocols.

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.

Got a Tech Note to share? Submissions are most welcome! [Click here.]
To return to the Tech Notes home page, click here.
To download a copy of all the March/2000 Tech Notes in Rich Text Format, click here.

Click here to visit the Information "Super-Cul-De-Sac". This page was updated
2001 June 9

This page hosted by
Get your own Free Homepage
Check out my neighbours here in Silicon Valley Peaks by clicking here.