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TITLE: TSRs and Netware Lite.
DOCUMENT ID#: FYI.P.6112
DATE: 18Dec92
PRODUCT: NetWare Lite
PRODUCT VERSION: All versions
SUPERSEDES: NA
SYMPTOM: NA
ISSUE/PROBLEM
TSRs and Netware Lite.
TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident)
Netware Lite is designed around two primary TSRs.
1. SERVER.EXE, which acts as the 'disperser' of requests whether it be printing or file services. Server.exe is quite complex and takes into consideration several issues particularly background printing, DOS/Windows busy flags, file sharing (through Share), and communication with other servers/clients on the network.
2. CLIENT.EXE acts as the redirector if the request is not for DOS.
Since both SERVER.EXE and CLIENT.EXE execute as a TSR on DOS, it is necessary to 'hook' interrupts to provide the functionality for Netware Lite.
Typically, problems will be encountered when two or more TSRs attempt to 'hook' an interrupt and may not be aware of the other TSR 'hooking' that same interrupt. This, in essence, is usually the cause of TSRs not coexisting with one another. In a peer to peer network such as Netware Lite the issue is greatly magnified due to functionality requirements that a peer to peer lan provides.
Novell, at this time, has not done a comprehensive test matrix regarding compatibility with other TSRs and Netware Lite. However, it is recommended that the TSR vendor be contacted for compatibility with Netware Lite 1.1 if problems are encountered.
TSRs Known to have Problems
1. Pyro (screen saver)
Symptoms: Locks other stations when it activates.
2. PC Support Program (3270,5250 emulation)
Symptoms: Locks other stations and causes printing to not work.
NOTE: Other resident applications such as Viewmax (with DR DOS), and Desqview may exhibit similar problems.
Suggested Work Around
If problems are encountered and several applications or TSRs are being loaded, you may consider the following suggestions.
1. TSRs come in many forms, i.e., virus checking, screen savers, cache drivers, mouse drivers or hotkey (popup) type applications.
A. First remove TSRs one at a time until a possible culprit is identified.
B. Try rearranging load order of other TSRs and Netware Lite.
C. If using Windows, check to see if TSRs are loaded before Windows or from Windows using an icon, or if loading from a DOS box. Depending on which method is used you may try changing the load order or method.
2. If memory management is being used, check to see where TSRs are loading. Sometimes a larger TSR may not have enough Upper memory available and will load into conventional memory. This may be undesirable if it uses to much conventional memory. You may try loading different TSRs to Upper or Conventional memory to see what works best for you.