Use of the SAP Agent Service on a Windows NT Server

MORE INFORMATION

The SAP Agent service will listen for network clients' SAP requests for IPX based services that are installed and running on the server.

Software that is designed to be advertised as a service over the network by means of a SAP broadcast will issue the SAP announcements every 60 seconds, without having the SAP Agent installed. However, in order for network clients to quickly locate an IPX network service, a server that maintains a service database must be available on the network, to respond to the service location request.

This service database is usually maintained by a Novell NetWare or by a NetWare compatible server. Microsoft File and Print Services for NetWare will also maintain an IPX network service database.

If there are no servers capable of maintaining an IPX network service database installed on the network, clients will have to wait for the periodic announcements issued by the service, to be able to locate the service on the network. When you install the SAP Agent, the Windows NT Server will be able to respond to queries for the service that is being advertised, decreasing the amount of time necessary for network clients to locate the service.

The SAP Agent will only maintain a database of IPX based services that the Windows NT Server advertises. Windows NT will not respond to SAP requests for other services unless File and Print Services for NetWare is installed. Additionally, since SAP broadcasts are not forwarded by IPX routers to other IPX subnets, the SAP Agent will not respond to service queries by network clients located on remote IPX subnets.

To install the SAP Agent, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Setting, click Control Panel, and double-click Network.
2. Select the Services tab.
3. Click Add and select SAP agent from the list.
4. Verify path information to the Windows NT installation files (Windows NT CD-ROM, hard drive, or network drive).
5. Click Continue.
6. After binding, click Close.
7. When prompted to restart the computer, click No.
8. Re-apply the latest service pack currently installed.
9. Restart the server for the change to take effect.