Netware 3.12

[MadMax]

Is there a way to eliminate ipx and substitute tcp/ip with a static ip?

[Josh]

Yes. There is a way to do that. You would need to first install the tcp/ip on the server and add the correct statements to the autoexec.ncf, and then comment out the load and bind section for the ipx protocols in the autoexec.ncf. This will make the server only talk ip, hence you will not be able to do any file and printer sharing. The server will work very nicely as an Internet mail, and ftp server though.

[MadMax]

Thanks for the reply. Any way to keep the bindery and make tcp the primary protocol?
I've got to maintain file sharing.

[DougM]

On Netware 3.12 I'm not sure but I believe with 5.0 and 4.x you can use NWIP which encapsultes the IPX inside IP. Both the client an the server will need to support this.

Try looking around the support section of www.novell.com

[800XL]

There was a version of NWIP for 3.12 as I recall it. Tunnelling IPX in IP like this is a clumsy way to do it, and it requires extensive changes on both the server and each client. NW 5 is a pure IP solution and really the way to go in the long run. NWIP costs (I forget the price) but I bet an upgrade from 3.12 to 5 would not cost that much more. Any particular reason you are trying to eliminate IPX? I've never had any problems with it, and it serves as sort of a security feature if your network is connected to the internet. IPX cannot be tapped or attacked from the internet. It is like having your local network speak Ancient Coptic in an English speaking world.

[MadMax]

I've got two lans. One is NT 4 Server. The other is NW 3.12. All clients are W98. I've also got one static ip router that all clients must use for isp access. Currently, both of these lans must share local files both ways from every workstation. I'm just trying to figure out the simplest way to get everyone on the same sheet of music using the simplest possible protocol(s).

NT4.0 server
NW3.12 server
W98 clients
File sharing between both lans from clients.
Router access from both lans mandatory.

I'm using tcp/ip and ipx/spx on all the clients now but they are not connecting consistently.

Upgrading the NOS is out, no money for it until next year.

Any thoughts?