HOW TO: Enable DFS Debugging in Windows 2000

This article describes how to enable Distributed File System (DFS) debugging in Windows 2000. This method uses the checked version of the Netapi32.dll file in conjunction with a registry entry to output DFS API debug statements to a debugger. WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To Enable Debug Output

1. Rename the original Netapi32.dll file in the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder to another name (such as Netapi32.dll.orig). Note that this file is normally in use by the system and must be replaced while the server is offline.
2. Copy the checked Netapi32.dll file to the %SystemRoot%\System32 folder. The checked file should match the build and service pack revision of the existing file.
3. Add or set the NetAPIDfsDebug (REG_DWORD) entry in the registry under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\DFS. Set the data value to 0x1.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Connect a user mode debugger to the process your trying to troubleshoot. Usually this will be an mmc.exe process.

To Disable Debug Output

1. Set the NetAPIDfsDebug entry in the registry to 0x0, remove the entry, or replace the checked Netapi32.dll file with the original.
2. Restart the computer.