Nested Batch Files in Logon Script Hangs at Execution (151211)

SYMPTOMS

A DOS window appears on a client computer and shows the logon script executing. The logon script finishes, but the Windows NT logon script (in Windows 95) or the Lan Manager logon script (in Windows for Workgroups) dialog box appears and displays the following message:

   Please wait while your logon script executes...

The client computer stops responding until you click Cancel.

CAUSE

The Windows NT logon script contains a nested batch file and the current directory is changed in the nested batch file as shown in the following logon script example. Assume Test1.bat and test2.bat are located in the Repl\Imports\Scripts directory and Gandalf is a Windows NT Server 3.51 Primary Domain Controller (PDC) with no service packs installed.

The logon script contains only one line:

   test1.bat

Test1.bat contains the following lines:

NET USE K: \\Gandalf\Netlogon k:\test2.bat

Test2.bat contains the following lines:

   net use P: \\Gandalf\Sms_shr
   net use y: \\Gandalf\Sms_pkgd
   P:
   CD\            <---- line causing the logon script dialog box to hang
                  until you click Cancel

   COPY CL_Dos.txt C:\Temp

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, change the nested batch file code for Test2.bat so that it avoids using the Change Directory (Cd) command:

   net use P: \\Gandalf\Sms_shr
   net use y: \\Gandalf\Sms_pkgd
   COPY p:\CL_Dos.txt C:\Temp

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.