Pathworks for DOS VMS Client Installation V4.1 Aug91

This document, titled "PATHWORKS for DOS Client Installation and Configuration Guide for the VMS Server," provides comprehensive instructions for system administrators and advanced users on installing, upgrading, configuring, and administering PATHWORKS for DOS clients connected to a VMS server.

Key aspects covered include:

1. Installation on the VMS Server: Details the prerequisites (hardware, VMS Version 5.3+, DECnet-VAX Version 5.3+, VMS/ULTRIX Connection 1.3+ for TCP/IP, PATHWORKS for VMS 4.1, and disk space requirements), steps for running the VMSINSTAL utility to install or upgrade the client software on the VMS server, and post-upgrade procedures, including migrating DOS versions.

2. Client Configuration: Focuses heavily on the Netsetup utility, which is run on the PC to create "client profiles" and "key disks." It outlines:

   • Boot Options: Local Boot (configuration on PC's key disk) and Remote Boot (configuration on server's network key disk).
   • Network Transports: DECnet (default, supporting DECnet-DOS components and asynchronous connections) and TCP/IP (requires a separate kit).
   • Redirector Options: Basic, Enhanced, and Enhanced with Full LAN Manager Version 2.0 support, which dictate how DOS clients access network services.
   • Preparing PCs: Gathering necessary materials and information (including using client profile forms).
   • Installing DOS on the Server: Using the DOSLOAD utility from a client PC to load various DOS versions (3.3, 4.0, 5.0) onto the VMS server for remote boot clients or for local boot clients to access server-based DOS utilities.

3. Client Administration: Provides guides for ongoing management and specialized configurations:

   • PC Hard Disk Backup: Procedures to set up automated backups from PC hard disks to the VMS server using PC_BACKUP.COM and the SPAWNER utility (DECnet only).
   • Printer Sharing: How to share local PC printers as LAT services through a VMS print queue using LATCP (LAT transport only).
   • DECnet/SNA Gateway NETBIOS Access: Configuring PCs for 3270 terminal emulation to IBM hosts via a DECnet/SNA Gateway, involving SNAGNI.EXE and its configuration file.
   • Network Control: Manually starting and stopping the network (STARTNET.BAT, STOPNET.BAT).
   • Utilities: Installing the PrintScreen utility and using the Local Area System Transport (LAST) protocol for enhanced performance with VMS servers.
   • Asynchronous DECnet Communications: Setting up DECnet over serial ports using modems or dedicated lines, including SETHOST scripts.
   • Manual Remote Boot: Options for booting a PC from a specific remote boot LAD or a local drive.

4. Appendices: Offer supplemental technical information, including:

   • Sample client profile forms for various configurations.
   • Detailed Netsetup information on network parameters, memory configuration (EMS, XMS), and components.
   • Guidance on using NDIS (Network Device Interface Specification) drivers and modifying PROTOCOL.INI files.
   • A sample VMS installation script.
   • Descriptions and listings of system service files (PCSAV41 directory contents) and client configuration files (e.g., CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, DECNET.INI).
   • Customizing Netsetup through WIK (Write Key Disk) files.
   • Using the FRBCON program for Floppy Remote Boot configuration.
   • Extensive lists of error messages with explanations and troubleshooting steps for DOSLOAD, Netsetup, and remote boot processes.

The document emphasizes practical, step-by-step procedures, often including command examples and checklists for smooth installation and configuration. It is specific to PATHWORKS for DOS Version 4.1, released in August 1991.