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Network login from DOS using TCP/IP

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8 replies

by smissman

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What is the best way to create a DOS boot disk to be able to login to a Windows NT domain using TCP/IP. We currently use IPX and would like to get away from this protocol. Our intent is to pull a system image down from the Network onto a newly install hardisk.

8 replies

by dspitzer

The current way that we handle this is using Norton?s Ghost Enterprise software. It generates a dos boot disk loading the tcp/ip settings and then you can pull your system image from a file image server.

by smissman

This solution will only work if I have the Norton tool. I use another tool that does not offer this option. Thanks for the option though.

by curlergirl

You can use the NT Network Client Administrator program (on the Admin Tools menu). First, you have to create a DOS/Win9x boot disk, then run the Network Client Administrator, which will add to the diskette the drivers and files necessary to connectto the network. The tricky part is getting the right NIC drivers onto the diskette. Here's a TechNet article with the instructions for this process: Q128800 (this article refers to NT 3.5, since it's a very old article, but it applies just as well to NT 4.0). If you don't have TechNet, go to www.microsoft.com/technet and search for the article number. Be aware that TCP/IP uses a lot of DOS memory, so you should try to set up your boot disk so that you can load as much as possible of the network software into high memory. Hope this helps!

by curlergirl

Responding to Dukes comment - you can use any NIC - doesn't have to be an older one - as long as you have the right drivers. That's what the TechNet article tells you how to do - add the proper NIC drivers for whatever NIC you have. I've done thiswith NICs from older Intels to brand new 3COM 3c905c's, and they work fine given the right driver files.

by dukebytes

As a side note to syngery's answer. I have tried this many times and only had it work like twice. Please keep in mind when you set up that client disk - make sure that you have an older 3com nic in the machine and that the driver is on the list for it. You might get lucky and have it actually work for you ;)

Duke

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