Registry entry for NT Server 1

[MartinJM]

I have NT 4 server installed (being used as a workstation, not on a n/w) and am trying to install some s/w (having paid for it!) that will only run on workstation. What registry settings should I try changing to temporarily change to workstation.

Thanks.

 

[mcconmw]

Try toying with the keys in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion.

 

[MartinJM]

Thanks - I found something at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\system\currentcontrolset\control\productoptions

However... when changed from 'ServerNT' (tried 'WorkstationNT'), I was informed that I was not allowed to change it (Licence violation). Also tried exporting, editing and running the reg file, but this had the same effect.

 

[pbxman]

I dont believe what you're trying to do is possible. NT server should not be used as a workstation - and you're experiencing one of the reasons why.

There are a lot of limitations in NT server that are not on NTworkstation - and there was a reason for doing that. Why not Install NTworkstation instead? Maybe even dual-boot it..

 

[mcconmw]

Anything is possible. Check the following site

http://www.lehigh.edu/~rjm2/ntwntw.html

and reverse the data they use.

Standard Disclaimer:
I neither recommend or endorse this course of action.

 

[pbxman]

Thats a little beyond the scope of this forun mcconmw..
If for whatever reason someone wanted to do that - it's incredibly stupid to mess with that. Even after doing all that - the "server" will not function properly, and features will be lost.

It's better to just tell people the proper way of doing things rather than try to hack NTserver into NTw!
lol!

Also, MartinJM is listed as a programmer, not a Sysadmin or anything. Thats some dangerous ground to tread messing with those hacks from that link. And - it won't even give him the results he's looking for.

Martin - just buy/steal (or whatever) & install NTw..
trust me!

 

[MartinJM]

Thanks guys - I'd love to use only workstation, but the bottom line however is that I need server to run SQL server - it doesn't run on workstation. Catch 22!!
Note that I only need to temporarily switch to install the (antivirus) software, then switch back.
As to the sysadmin stuff - this is a personal machine, so the sky's the limit!!

Cheers.

 

[pbxman]

Ahh..details come out!


What antivirus is it? On a SQL machine, you shouldn't have an antivirus client for performance reasons unless absolutely necessary. If it's only to install antivirus - I wouldn't even bother trying to get around it. There are plenty of antivirus packages designed for NT server..maybe there's a patch or an upgrade to your purchased version that you could download as part of your registration agreement??

..just a thought. Please let Tek-Tips members know their posts were helpful. Thanks!

Pbxman
Systems Administrator
A+, MCSE+I

 

[mcconmw]

pbxman,
I disagree that his question was beyond the scope of this forum. It was a technical question about NT. I don't really feel it is my place to determine what is wise for someone to do or not to do with their systems although I will typically post what is the "best practice" as I understand it for any questions I answer. In this case, I felt the "best practice" (not doing it) was understood and therefore provided what information I could obtain. Anyway....have a good night:>)

MartinJM,
I have no idea if this will work but if you can get your hands on apcompat.exe from a Win2000 CD there is a slim chance that you can use it to fool the installer. I have had mixed results with it on 2000 (some very good though) and I have no idea if it will actually run on NT but I think it's primary function is to fool the version checking mechanism. Good luck and watch out for the BSOD.

 

[MartinJM]

Thanks all - I'm going to try the kernel patch idea - if it doesn't work I'll give up and stick to Linux .