How do I Install NetBEUI on Windows XP?

NetBEUI, or NetBIOS Extended User Interface, is a network protocol made obsolete by TCP/IP. Because it is obsolete, Microsoft doesn't provide any support for it and it isn't installed by default. However, some older networks still require NetBEUI. For this reason, Microsoft includes NetBEUI support files on the Windows XP installation CD; you can manually install it. Only install NetBEUI if you have an older network configuration that requires it.

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP CD or DVD

Instructions

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into the computer's CD drive.

2. Click "Start" and "My Computer."

3. Double-click the CD drive in My Computer and navigate to the "Valueadd\MSFT\Net\NetBEUI" folder on the CD.

4. Open the "%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\Drivers" folder by clicking "Start," clicking "Run," typing "%SYSTEMROOT%\System32\Drivers" into the Run dialog and pressing "Enter."

5. Drag and drop the "Nbf.sys" file from the CD's NetBEUI directory into the "Drivers" folder.

6. Close the Drivers folder by clicking "File" and "Close."

7. Open the "%SYSTEMROOT%\Inf" folder by clicking "Start," clicking "Run," typing "%SYSTEMROOT%\Inf" into the Run dialog and pressing "Enter."

8. Drag and drop the "Netnbf.inf" file from the CD's NetBEUI directory into the "Inf" folder.

9. Close both Windows Explorer windows.

10. Open the Network Connections folder by clicking "Start," clicking "Control Panel" and double-clicking "Network Connections."

11. Right-click your network adapter in the Network Connections folder and click "Properties."

12. Click "Install."

13. Install a protocol by clicking "Protocol" and clicking "Add."

14. Click "NetBEUI Protocol" in the list and click "OK."

15. Restart your computer if prompted by clicking "Yes."

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Install NetBEUI on Windows XP