Using network for DOS programs

[Matrix]

I wanted to play Warcraft II again through the network with others, but when I choose to multiplayer and select IPX (TCP wasn't an option) it said "unable to locate IPX network".
Then I was thinking back about the old days

and remembered that I needed to start three other programs: one to load the driver and then LSL.COM and IPXODI.COM.

Well the driver is already installed by Windows (XP), right?
So I started LSL.COM: "NET.CFG file was not located. LSL will use system defaults." Fine!
Then IPXODI.COM: "A network adapter must be loaded before IPXODI.COM can be loaded."
Ack, how do I do that? I can't load DOS drivers in my point of view, because that needs to be done in config.sys and autoexec.bat which aren't loaded anymore.

Does anyone have an idea how to solve this?

FYI, my network card is Realtek RTL8029(AS), should someone need it.

 

[Jeratain]

Disclaimer: If you don't know what you're doing, don't mess with your settings.

You could try installing the IPX protocol on each computer in Windows. (unless of course you already have the IPX protocol installed.) Wish I could be of more help. You could always try a Warcraft forum for help if you can't get it here. Good luck!

 

[Matrix]

I have the IPX protocol installed. (And I know what I'm doing.)

 

[CruddyLeper]

I could well be wrong on this, but..

Don't you need a DOS driver for the network if you are running under that environment?

I could be wrong here but... I can seem to recall having plenty of problems reading off a CD without a driver in DOS, let alone a network.

The fact you are getting that error message would seem to suggest it...

As for the Autoexec and config issues, booting your machine with a straight DOS setup (not going into Windows at all) and having all the bits you need there might be the answer.

Hope this helps.

 

[Matrix]

That might indeed be the answer, but I don't want to install DOS just for Warcraft II.

Fortunately, a friend of mine suggested the use of an "IPX wrapper": a program that sends IPX messages wrapped in TCP; thus programs can use the IPX protocol while the messages are wrapped in and sent with the TCP protocol. I haven't found it yet, but he has it. I'll keep you posted (should you be interested).