Q  I log into my network without a problem but cannot run any programs from the network. What is happening?

A  It is very difficult to realize that you have exceeded the network user license limit on both Novell and NT because it does not inform you when you login.
NT will log you in without any errors even if there is a login script that is mapping drive letters. However, if you go into ‘My Computer,’ your mappings will not be there. Then double click ‘Network Neighborhood’ and you will see the network and all the shares, but if you try to access a share you will receive the following error message: Extended Error: Please try again later.

Even though you can ‘ping’ other devices on the network, and even successfully communicate across the network via programs such as PCAnywhere, you will not be able to access network resources. NT does not log this in the system event log either. You can use ‘Start-Programs-Administrative_Tools-Server Manager’ and look at the users to see how many are currently connected. Compare this number with ‘Start-Control Panel-Licensing’ to see if you have exceeded the limit. If you have, you will either have to purchase more licenses or log someone out of the network. The client station receiving the error will also have to be logged back in before it will have access to the network. Since you do not have any access to shares or drives, if you attempt to launch a shortcut it will tell you the shortcut is invalid.

Novell’s Client 32 (all versions) will log you into the network without error. On the file server, under User Connections in Monitor there will be an * beside your name indicating that you are logged in but over the limit. You will be able to open small text files and perform some functions on the network but if you attempt to launch an executable that tries to open a file, the application will report an error. For instance, halFILE will report a licensing violation and not let you into the software.

Remember, devices like HP Jet Direct Printers, DiscPorts, etc. may be taking up a license as well.