Locking the backdoor
As I explained, the unlocked backdoor problem is caused by NetBIOS unnecessarily tagging along with the TCP/IP protocol when you're connected to the Internet.
In technical terms, you would say that NetBIOS is bound to TCP/IP. Fortunately, you can unbind NetBIOS from TCP/IP. When you do, the backdoor is locked, and you can still surf the Internet without fear that someone is lurking through your files.
If you're using the original release of Windows 95 (build 950), locking the door is actually quite easy due to Windows 95's lack of sophistication. All you have to do is locate the file Vnbt.386 and rename it as anything you want, such as Vnbt.out.
If you're running Windows 95 OSR2, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE or Windows Me, the procedure is a bit more complex. First, you need to make sure that NetBEUI is installed on your system otherwise the procedure won't work. You can check to see if NetBEUI is installed by opening the Network dialog box in the Control Panel. Scroll through the components list on the Configuration tab. If you see NetBEUI listed, then you're ready to proceed.
If you don't see NetBEUI listed, click the Add button. When you see the Select Network Component type dialog box, select Protocol, and click Add again. Now, in the Select Network Protocol dialog box, select Microsoft in the Manufacturers list and NetBEUI in the Network Protocol list. Finally, click OK and insert the Windows CD when you're prompted to do so.
To complete the task, return to the Network dialog box and select your Dial-Up Networking adapter and then click the Properties button. Next, select the Bindings tab and clear all the check boxes except for the one marked TCP/IP Dial-Up Adapter.
At this point, you're ready to unbind NetBIOS from TCP/IP. To do so, return to the Network dialog box. This time, select the TCP/IP protocol that's bound to your Dial-Up Networking adapter from the list and click the Properties button. You should then see a message box that contains a warning. You can ignore this and click OK.
When you see the TCP/IP Properties dialog box, click the Bindings tab. Clear all the check marks from any check boxes that appear in the list. By clicking OK, Windows will display another warning message and prompt you to select at least one component. However, just click No. Finally, close the Network dialog box and reboot your system when you're prompted to do so.
