Microsoft KB Archive/85924

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Using UNC Redirections for File and Groups

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Q85924

3.10 WINDOWS kbnetwork kbusage

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows 3.1

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                                 SUMMARY =======

Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1 supports the use of universal naming conventions (UNCs) for entries in Program Item Properties, Program Group Properties, PIF command lines, and File Manager.

UNC redirection is:

1. The ability to use a network resource, without formally connecting to it, using the MS-DOS NET USE command

2. The use of a program such as File Manager or Control Panel's  Printers to access network resources

UNC redirection is supported in LAN Manager version 1.1 or later, and on 100-percent compatible networks.

MORE INFORMATION ================

USING UNC IN PROGRAM ITEM AND GROUP PROPERTIES

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To have access to a program or group (.GRP) located on a network server, without formally connecting to the resource, use UNC redirection in the command lines, as follows:

UNC Redirection for a Group (.GRP) File ---

1. From Program Manager's File menu, choose New.

2. Select Program Group, and choose OK.

3. In the Group File text box, type the UNC address for the .GRP file. For example:

\\netname\netdir\netsubdir\MYGROUP.GRP

UNC Redirection for a Program Item --

1. From Program Manager's File menu, choose New.

2. Select Program Item, and choose OK.

3. In the Command Line text box, type the UNC address for the program. For example:

\\netname\netdir\netsbdir\WINPROG.EXE

When using UNC addressing for programs, you may receive the following message:

The specified path points to a file that may not be        available during later Windows sessions. Do you want to        continue?

If you choose Yes, then the icon for the program item is built. UNC redirection for programs is dependent upon the modules or     parts that the program uses, where they are located, and how they are loaded. This may not function for all applications.

Limitations Using UNC Redirection for a Program Items and Groups

The server and share names must conform to the eight-character filename, three-character extension MS-DOS filename convention for UNC redirection to work with Program Manager. For example, you cannot use \\SERVER12.SERVE\SHARE, but you can use \\SERVER12.NEW\SHARE or  \\SERVER12\SHARE.

This applies to programs that use the Windows application program interface (API) function OpenFile. If the application uses SOpen or Open, it can use UNC names that don't conform to the eight-character filename, three-character extension convention.

UNC REDIRECTION IN PROGRAM INFORMATION FILES (PIFs)

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To have access to an MS-DOS-based application located on a network server, without formally connecting to the resource, use UNC redirection in the PIF's command line, as follows:

1. Run the PIF Editor.

2. In the Program Filename text box, enter the UNC address for the application:

\\netname\netdir\DOSPROG.EXE

UNC redirection for programs is dependent upon the modules or parts that the program uses, where they are located, and how they are loaded. This may not function for all applications.

This can work even if the executable file relies on another file to run (for example, if MS-DOS 5.0's EDIT.COM and QBASIC.EXE [the later is needed to run the former] are both copied onto the network share, UNC redirection will work properly).

UNC REDIRECTION IN FILE MANAGER

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To copy or move files and directories in File Manager to a network share without formally connecting to the resource, use UNC redirection as follows:

To Copy or Move File(s) or Directory(s) in File Manager ---

1. Run File Manager.

2. Select the file you want to copy or move.

3. From the File menu, choose Move or Copy.

4. In the To text box, type the UNC address. For example:

\\netname\netdir\data\ Additional query words: 3.10 unique pipes piping gray grey

Keywords :

Issue type :

Technology : kbWin3xSearch kbWin310