Is the NetBEUI protocol required to share files?
Last Updated: 2/28/2003

Q.  Is it true that I have to have simultaneously both IPX and NetBEUI for gaming and file sharing?  IPX alone can not support file sharing?

A.  (Qualified) No.  According to Microsoft, to run Windows Networking (share files, etc.) you should only need one NetBIOS protocol. The NetBIOS protocols are: NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and TCP/IP.  If TCP/IP does not work by itself, go to Start, Setting, Control Panel, Network, select the instance of TCP/IP bound to the network adapter for your local network, Properties, Bindings and be sure the Client for Microsoft Networks and File and Printer Sharing check boxes are checked. They should not be checked for any network adapters used to connect to the Internet.  You can share files and printers between networked computers running only IPX/SPX or TCP/IP.  I have tested both of these protocols separately on my network and have been able  share files, etc. without any other protocol present.  However, I have seen other networks where installing NetBEUI  in addition to TCP/IP was the only to implement sharing.  Some games, etc. require the Novell IPX?SPX protocol.  If you do not run those games, etc. and do not have a Novell file server on your network, then there is no need to install IPX/SPX.  If you do not have a Novell file server, but your do have a program, there is no need to install the Client Novell networks.  The processing overhead associated with mutiple protocols and clients reduce performance.  I have not discovered the reason for this yet, but when I do, I will update this FAQ.   I have seen problems installing NetBEUI on networks with Windows XP computers.  Larry