                 Setting Up a Telnettable BBS Under Windows 95
                              FAQ 1.5 05/27/2000
                          spectre/the low road ][ bbs
                         telnet://tlr2bbs.darktech.org
                          http://tlr2bbs.homepage.com
Ŀ
introduction

 
After watching my bbs popularity plummet due to users moving to the net,
I knew something had to be done; shut down or move onto the net. I chose
the latter and with no idea how to accomplish this, I surfed the net for
help. 2 hours later, my bbs was on the net! How did I do this? Its easier
than you may think. My system looks like this:
 
Prodigy Internet [dial-up ISP]
PCBoard 15.3 BBS Software [2 nodes: 1 telnet and 1 local]
Windows 95 v950a
36mb RAM
586/133MHz processor
6.4/2.1gb hard drives
USR Sportster 33.6 modem
2x cdrom drive
Netmodem/32b4 server software
Qfront 1.19b front end mailer/tosser
NewsGate 1.0g2a newsgroup importer/exporter
Internet Rex 2.22a internet mail processor
Allfix 4.31 fileecho processor
 
This FAQ WILL explain how to setup a DOS [16 bit] BBS system, like PCBoard,
Wildcat, Renegade, Telegard, Mystic, and so forth, so it can be accessed
on the internet. This FAQ WILL NOT explain how to setup a BBS under Windows,
how to run a dial-up and telnet system simultaneously, or how to run a telnet
bbs under OS/2. My system is telnet only. However, making 1 node dial-up or
multi-nodes telnet shouldnt be that difficult, as you will see.

Ŀ
necessities

To accomplish this task, you will need the following:
 
A dedicated or dial-up internet connection using TCP/IP.
  [note: To my knowledge you CANNOT make a telnettable BBS if you are using
  America Online as the internet connection. AOL runs it own software, and
  you cant access the connection with the necessary programs.]
  [note2 : You can also accomplish a telnet BBS with a cable modem. The
  setup *should* be the same. I havent tried it, but have been told it is.]
DOS-based BBS Software
Server software [gateway between BBS and internet]
Telnet client software [telnet comm program needed to get on a telnet BBS]
Windows 95 [duh!]
  Recommended: Install Microsoft's DUN 1.3 Upgrade [www.microsoft.com]. This
  upgrade enhances the dial-up connection features in Win95. You will need
  either the full or upgrade versions of Win95 when you install this upgrade.
 
Ŀ
getting started

 
This is how my system works:
 
[user]-----[ip redirector]-----[my computer]-----[server software]-----[bbs]
 
The user types in my domain name [telnet://tlr2bbs.darktech.org]. This info
is routed to my ip redirector [darktech.org]. They route it to my computer.
My server software takes the caller and sends him/her to my bbs. Easy??
 
Now, here's what you need to do:
 
[1] Register on a domain service that will route calls for you. There are
    several. I use Darktech [www.darktech.org]. Darktech offers *FREE* ip
    redirection services to sysops utilizing a program caller DtDNS
    [www.darktech.org/dtdns]. Ive been using them for a couple months now
    and they are great! Hit their website and register for a domain name.
    Download and install the DtDNS program. When I logon to the net, I am
    given a DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS. This identifies me on the net and it
    changes everytime I logon. When I run the DtDNS software when I get
    on the net, my address is sent to Darktech, so if anyone tried to telnet
    to my board, Darktech will send them to me. Neato. Other ip redirection
    services include DynIP [www.dynip.com], TZO [www.tzo.com], and Ez-IP
    [www.ez-ip.com]. These 3 offer special client software as well as 30
    days of free service. After 30 days, you are required to pay for a
    year's worth of access [$25.00 - $35.00/yr].

[2] Now you need a program that will send the user to your board once he/she
    gets to your computer. 2 programs that do this well are NetModem32b4
    [http://www.allensoftware.com] and COM/IP. These programs create
    a "virtual comm port" so you can run your board while the phone line
    is hooked to the net and they will send the callers to your BBS in a
    format that will allow them to be treated as if they dialed in on a
    regular connection. I use NetModem32 and as a limitted beta release,
    you can use it forever, but your users wont be able to download from
    your BBS until you register it. COM/IP, on the other hand, will run
    cripple-free for 30 days, then fail until you register it. For ease of
    use, I recommend NetModem32 and send Dedrick Allen the small fee he
    charges for it [25.00/1 telnet node,30.00 for 2]. He also has 4 and
    8 node versions available as well [support@allensoftware.com].
 
Ŀ
setup


Setting up the client software is simple. Just install it. Run this program
EVERYTIME you get onto the net. If it isnt running, users wont be able to
telnet to your system. Leave it running as long as you are on the net.
 
The next step is to install NetModem32. Its extremely simple. Run the program
and when it is done, run the configuration program. Select a COMPORT you
are NOT using [I selected COM3]. Set the baud rate and save it. You MUST
install Netmodem32 on the SAME DRIVE as Windows. I didnt the first time,
and the program kept losing my config setup.
 
NetModem will create a virtual fossil comport for the port you selected.
If you run any FOSSIL DRIVERS, disable them. The ONLY exception is if you
plan to run a dial-up as well as a telnet node, then you install your fossil
for you DIAL UP NODE COMPORT and install it so it boots up when your bbs
boots up. DO NOT fossilize the port you selected for NetModem32 and you
CANT use WinFOSSIL as a fossil driver. It has problems with NetModem32, so
you need to use a 16-bit fossil driver, like X00 [http://www.gwinn.com],
BNU [BNU170.ZIP on the net], or ADF [ADF143.ZIP on the net].
 
The next step is to reconfigure your bbs so it will use NetModem32's COM
setting. If you selected COM3 for NetModem32, setup your bbs so your
telnet node runs on COM3. Door games should be fine, since the file created
when a user enters a door [door.sys] will have your comport in it. If your
bbs setup asks if you are using a FOSSIL DRIVER on this port, select Y.
You will have to change some modem commands in your bbs program as well.
[ATZ| for init string, ATA| to answer line...its all in the NetModem docs].
 
You now need to get a fossilized transfer protocol. 2 good ones are FDSZ
[Fossil DSZModem : http://www.omen.com] and CEXYZ [CEXYZ100.ZIP on the net].
Setup your board so it uses one of these for your ZModem transfers [I use
FDSZ and it works great.]
 
Next, You need to add a line to your batch file that boots up your telnet
node. Add this line:
 
NU.EXE x /L
 
Where x is the node number from NetModem32's config [usually 1]. This line
MUST be executed BEFORE your BBS software is executed, or your BBS wont
find the comport. If all goes well to this point, your BBS will fire up and
be waiting for a caller, and not be using the phone line.
 
Ŀ
running

 
Okay. You are almost there. Now, to put it all online.
 
Fire up your internet connection. Then fire up your BBS. Fire up the DtDNS
client software, and fire up NetModem32. You should have a rotating globe
for NetModem32 in your system tray. If you click on the globe, it will
maximize NetModem32, tell you you are online, what your present ISP address
is, and be waiting for a connection. 
 
Get a friend to try telnetting into your BBS. Then contact my BBS and tell
me how it worked out for you.
 
Note: You MUST run the client, BBS, and NetModem32 while connected to the
net for anyone to be able to get onto your board. As long as all this is
happening users will be able to get on.
 
Ŀ
notes

 
There is alot more I could go into, but this is basically how you get your
board onto the net if you run Windows 95. There are things you can do with
NetModem32 and the DynIP client program, but you can figure it all out. If
users are using Windows's built in telnet program, HYPERTERM, to get onto
your board, tell them to use another comm program. CommNet32 [CNET3210.ZIP at
http://www.download.com], Net-Term, mTelnet, and a few other are much better.
I use mTelnet and it rules. My website [http://tlr2bbs.homepage.com]
can hook you up with some good programs.
 
If all this doesnt get your board on the net, hit my website and leave me
mail, explaining EXACTLY what your problem is. Ill look into it and release
an updated FAQ if needed. This FAQ will be available at my website and on
my BBS as a key off the main menu.
 
Ŀ
netmodem problems [b4]

 
There are some minor problems with netmodem32, if you use it. One is that if
a user drops carrier, it logs the carrier drop as 2 errors instead of 1, so
dont be alarmed if you see alot of errors and a few calls.
 
The biggest problem is this: You fire up your telnet node and your software
cant find the telnet comport. So you click on the NETMODEM CONFIG button off
your desktop or programs area and check the COMPORTS tab. Your telnet data
is gone. You reset the COM, node, and baud and get a "I/O ERROR 102" fault.
You cant get past this and now you're ripping. Relax and read on.
 
For some reason, Netmodem32 occassionally loses your COM setup parameters.
If you try to fix them using the CONFIG program, you get the 102 fault. To
bypass this, instead of firing up the CONFIG program, fire up NetModem32.
Then select the CONFIG button and fix the COM data this way. Then fire up
your telnet node and it will work fine.


Ŀ
questions and answers

 
Q: I fire up my telnet node and always get "Unable to initialize COM port"
A: If using Netmodem32, follow above instructions and reset COM data. Check
   your BBS setup and confirm the COM port you are using is the same as
   Netmodem32/ComIP is set up as. Make sure telnet node is setup with the
   COMport as a FOSSIL COMport and no other FOSSIL DRIVERS are running on
   this port. If using NetModem32, make sure you are loading NU *BEFORE* you
   load your BBS software in your startup batch file. If you are defining
   COM variables in your batch file, these will override settings you put
   into your BBS setup. Either REM this line out or confirm it is accurate.
 
Q: My telnet node finds the comport, but I get "Modem initialization errors"
A: Verify your software init strings.
 
Q: I am running NetModem32 and users can upload, but not download files.
A: The shareware version of NetModem32 wont allow downloads. Register the
   program.
 
Q: I am running PCBoard and it just wont answer a telnet call or it answers
   and doesnt connect or it always says BUSY.
A: With PCBoard, DONT use the | after the modem commands in PCBsetup and in
   your BOARD.BAT, enter the following near the top:
 
                    Set PCB=/NODE:1 /BAUD:57600 /PORT3F:
 
    [In this example, NODE 1 is the telnet node, the modem is locked at 57600
     baud and the fossil port in NetModem is COM3]
    Also, make sure you are loading NU before you load PCBOARD/PCBOARDM in
    your BOARD.BAT file.
 
 
Q: My transfer rates for file transfers are terrible and full of errors.
A: Confirm baud rates. Make sure your transfer protocol is FOSSIL aware.
   Use FDSZ.EXE or CEXYZ.EXE for your transfer protocols. For PCBoard, you
   can use ZMSEND/ZMRECV if you wish since they are fossil aware.
 
Q: When a user telnets to my BBS, it always says its BUSY when it isnt.
A: Confirm your redirector software is running. Shut down NetModem32 and
   rerun it. If you are running a program outside of Window's Dial-Up
   Connection to get onto the net, the call may not get to your BBS from
   your redirector. Is your BBS online and waiting? Have a friend telnet
   into your system and watch the modem lights. You should see some
   activity as they are sent to your computer. Confirm Netmodem settings.
   Use settings above if running PCBoard.
 
Q: Users are complaining the BBS is real slow.
A: Keep in mind during peak times of usage, your ISP [and the user's] will
   be busy, resulting in slower data transfer. Also, if you are browsing
   the web or FTPing, you are using up bandwidth that your user on your BBS
   could be using, resulting in a slowdown of data transfer. Also, check out
   iSpeed 2.7.3 [www.download.com]. Its a cool program that reads the dial-
   up connection settings in your registry and allows you to make your inet
   connections more efficient. I strongly recommend it. Also, check out
   Tame 3.33 [www.filepile.com]. This program makes DOS-based programs run
   more efficiently in a multi-tasking environment.
 
Q: Users are telling me my ANSI screens look all messed up.
A: Tell them to get a better telnet program. HyperTerm [which comes with
   Windows], doesnt like ANSI all that much. If the user changes the FONT
   setting to TERMINAL, it helps, but I recommend mTelnet, CommNet32, and
   ZOC; all of which are available off my website or at a fine shareware
   site near you.
 
Q: How do I get Fidonet or Usenet newsgroups over the internet?
A: TransX 3.0 and Internet Rex 2.22a are 2 excellent programs that allow
   you to transfer echomail via email attachment over the net. You need
   to get an email address that allows POP access so you can log into the
   mail server and retrieve your mail with these programs. Geocities
   [www.geocities.com], Netaddress, [www.netaddress.com], and Liquid
   Information [www.liquidinformation.net] all allow this. For a great
   Fidonet feed, goto www.gratisnet.com and send an email message to
   Bob Sakowski. He will happily set you up. For Usenet mail, you need
   to make sure your ISP will allow you to retrieve mail thru their
   mail server. NewsGate 1.0g2a is a fantastic FREEWARE newsgroup program
   that will download newsgroups and convert the mail into PKT form to
   scan into your BBS. Make sure you get the December bugfix, or the dates
   will be messed up.
 
Q: My ISP keeps disconnecting me when my BBS is inactive.
A: If you are running NetModem32 registered, enable FAKE ACTIVITY and set it
   low. This will send data out at regular intervals to make your ISP think
   your connection is being used. A better program is Absolutely Online
   [www.download.com]. This program can send out data in several ways over
   random intervals to keep you online. Some ISPs also have a time limit
   before disconnection, no matter what you do. Mine is 8 hours, but I get
   all 8 hours using Absolutely Online.
 
 
Ŀ
credits


Steve Switzer : [Binary Hurricane sysop and ruler of the PCBoard Support Site]
                http://www.binaryh.com/pcboard
Dedrick Allen : Author of NetModem32. Damn good program. 
Bob Sakowski  : He jumped in and got me a Fidonet feed only 2 days after my
                dial-up feed shut his system down. A great man indeed.
Darktech      : My ip redirector. Best deal on the internet!
Jeff Stearns  : Got me hooked on PCBoard BBS Software in 1994.
Fred Clark    : Founder Of Clark Development Company, makers of PCBoard BBS
                software. Where the hell are you? Id like fries with that <G>

Darktech Services                         http://www.darktech.org
DynIP Redirector Service                  http://www.dynip.com
TZO Internet Naming Service               http://www.tzo.com
COM/IP virtual comport prg [comip126.zip] http://archives.thebbs.org
NetModem32 virt com prg [net32_b4.zip]    http://www.allensoftware.com
Internet Rex inet mailer [irex222w.zip]   http://plaza.v-wave.com/InternetRex
TransX internet mailer [transx30.zip]     http://archives.thebbs.org
Newsgate Usenet Mail program [ng10g2.zip] http://members.tripod.com/~newsgate
GratisNet [Inet Fido Feed]                http://www.gratisnet.com
Tame [DOS-Multitask tamer] [tame333.zip]  http://www.filepile.com
iSpeed [Adj DUN inet speed] [ispeed.exe]  http://www.hms.com
FDSZModem protocol [fdsz0597.zip]         http://archives.thebbs.org
CEXYZ Protocol [cexyz100.zip]             http://archives.thebbs.org
BNU Fossil Driver [bnu170.zip]            http://archives.thebbs.org
ADF Fossil Driver [adf_144.zip]           http://archives.thebbs.org
X00 Fossil Driver [x00153a.zip]           http://archives.thebbs.org
mTelnet beta5 telnet program [mtelb5.zip] http://archives.thebbs.org
ZOC Telnet program [zow311.exe]           http://www.emtec.com/zoc/
CommNet telnet program [cnet3210.zip]     http://archives.thebbs.org
Net-Term telnet program [nt32434.zip]     http://archives.thebbs.org
Absolutely Online [abs026.exe]            http://www.download.com
Geocities [POP Mail feed]                 http://www.geocities.com
NetAddress [POP Mail feed]                http://www.netaddress.com
Liquid Information [POP Mail feed]        http://www.liquidinformation.net
Flashmail [POP Mail feed]                 http://www.flashmail.com


...and everyone who is still running a BBS. KEEP BBSING ALIVE!!!!!
 
Any grammatical errors in this document can be blamed on this "natural
keyboard". Hard to type with the keys split up. <G>
 
[spectre]
 
 
 
 
 
 







 
