WINS: Troubleshooting Event ID 4281 Errors

 Last reviewed: March 25, 1997
Article ID: Q133314
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5 and 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

The following error appears in the system log on a Windows NT server running the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS): 

   Event ID: 4281
   Source: WINS
   Type: Error
   Description: WINS encountered an error doing backup of the database to
                directory <path>.

CAUSE

This error occurs when WINS attempts to create a backup of the WINS database files and fails. The failure can be caused by an invalid local path or a universal naming conversion (UNC) path.

RESOLUTION

To correct this problem:

  1. In WINS manager, choose Configuration from the Server menu. Set the Database Backup Path to a valid local path (for example, C:\WINNT35\SYSTEM32\WINS). Do not use a UNC path.

  2. From the Mappings menu choose Backup Database. Backup the database to the same path used in step 1.

In most cases, this corrects the problem. However, if the problem persists:

  1. In WINS manager, choose Configuration from the Server menu. Clear the Database Backup Path text box.

  2. Stop the WINS server service.

  3. Rename %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32\WINS\SYSTEM.MDB to %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32\WINS\SYSTEM.OLD.

  4. Expand SYSTEM.MD_ to SYSTEM.MDB from the original installation media. Copy the file to the %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32\WINS directory.

  5. Restart the WINS server service.

  6. In WINS manager, choose Configuration from the Server menu. Set the Database Backup Path to a valid local path (for example, C:\WINNT35\SYSTEM32\WINS). Do not use a UNC path.

  7. From the Mappings menu choose Backup Database. Backup the database to the same path used in step 6.

Additional query words: prodnt event viewer remove blank
Keywords : kbnetwork NTSrv nttcp
Version : 3.5 3.51 4.0
Platform : WinNT
Issue type : kbtshoot

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Last reviewed: March 25, 1997
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