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Can't run commands from WinNT 4.0 Client

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7 replies

by l_lafever

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I've recently been asked to "fix" a local network as a favor and encountered a problem I haven't seen before; it's a Windows NT 4.0 network, TCP/IP, SP6a, everything seems right except 3 of the 6 NT 4.0 Clients can't run PING, NET USE, TRACERT, etc., it returns the error: "The name specified is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."

Any help out there?

7 replies

by beermonster

Hi,
That error is usually returned when the specific file you are trying to use can't be found. Off the top of my head I'd look at two possibilities - first that the files aren't there (Unlikely), but check in system32 and see if you can find them - ping.exe, tracert.exe and net.exe. Next look at the PATH variable on your machine. You probably know this anyway but this system variable (which can be seen by running SET PATH in a command window) is the list of directories that windows will look in when the file that is being called is not in the local directory. A quick test to see if this is the problem is to open a command prompt, CD down to system32, and try a ping from there. If that is the problem, then you can modify the path from my computer \ properties, compare it to a known good machine and alter as required. If neither of these proves to be the issue, then reject this message (to let me know) and I'll give it some more thought..... Hope it goes ok : )

by l_lafever

Thanks for the tip but the paths are correct and the executables do exist in system32, they just won't run!

by timthetoolman

There's only one thing about the BeerMonster's suggestion ( love that name by the way! ) If the PATH didn't include system32 you'd be having all sorts of problems. Its fundamental!

Its almost as if the network hasn't been installed properly. I believe these components are added when the network is added initially.

I'd be trying to remove networking and re-add it. From memory is Add/Remove software on the control panel.

I could be wrong about where to find it. though. Its been a while since NT4! :-)

Cheers,
Tim.

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