NetBIOS Communication Does Not Work, Error Message Says AFD Networking Support Environment Service Is Disabled

When you attempt to use any NetBIOS-based command, tool, or application, NetBIOS communication may not work and Event Viewer may record the following error message:


The event error description states that the AFD Networking Support Environment Service is disabled.

This behavior can occur when AFD Networking Support Environment is disabled, or when the operating system is not using it. The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service and the QOS RSVP Service depend on the AFD Networking Support Environment Service to function properly.

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
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 resolve this issue, enable AFD Networking Support Environment. Follow these steps:

1. Start Device Manager.
2. Click View, and then click Show hidden devices.
3. In the right pane of Device Manager, click Non-Plug and Play Drivers.
4. Double-click AFD Networking Support Environment.
5. Under Device usage, select the Use this device (enable) check box, and then click OK.

If AFD Networking Support Environment does not appear in Device Manager, run the sfc /scannow command to force the System File Checker to scan and verify the versions of all protected system files.

Make sure the Start value for the AFD Networking Support Environment is set correctly in the registry:

1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
2. Locate the Start value under the following key in the registry:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\AFD
3. In the right pane of the Registry Editor window, double-click the value Start.
4. Type 2 in the Data box, and then click OK.
5. Quit Registry Editor.