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Error Message "The Workstation Service Has Not Been Started" When Using Cmdlines.txt

Article ID: 314543 - View products that this article applies to.

This article was previously published under Q314543

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run the net use command from the Cmdlines.txt file, you receive the following error message:

The Workstation Service has not been started.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2138

If you start a command prompt session during the graphical phase of Setup by pressing SHIFT+F10, you can run Ipconfig.exe and verify that you have an IP address. You can also ping the computer to which you want to connect, but you receive the error message if you use the net use command.

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CAUSE

This problem is caused by a missing entry in the Hivesys.inf file that creates the following registry key:

HKLM\System\CurrentControlset\Control\NetworkProvider\order

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RESOLUTION

To work around the issue, modify the Hivesys.inf file on the Windows XP distribution share.

NOTE: Editing .inf files incorrectly can cause fatal errors to occur during the Setup process. Microsoft recommends that you create a backup copy of the Hivesys.inf file before you modify the file.

Use a text editor such as Notepad.exe to open the Hivesys.inf file on the distribution share.
Add the following line to the file:
HKLM,"SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\NetworkProvider\Order",,0x00000012
When you are finished, the file appears as:
HKLM,"SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\NetworkProvider\HwOrder",,0x00000012
;Newly added line below.
HKLM,"SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\NetworkProvider\Order",,0x00000012
;Ends here.
Save and then close the file.

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