Bad IP Address When Using HOSTS or LMHOSTS

Last reviewed: November 11, 1997
Article ID: Q139414
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0
  • Microsoft TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups

SYMPTOMS

You may receive Bad IP address "name" when trying to ping a NetBIOS or HOST name.

CAUSE

Possible causes include:

  • The LMHOSTS or HOSTS file was saved as a Unicode file.
  • Entry does not exist or is incorrect in LMHOSTS, HOSTS, or Windows Internet Name service (WINS).
  • LMHOSTS lookup is not enabled.

RESOLUTION

  1. Load LMHOSTS or HOSTS file in Notepad and save as a standard text file instead of a Unicode file.

  2. Be sure the entry does exist in LMHOSTS, HOSTS, or is registered with your WINS server. If using static mapping on WINS server be sure the entry it is correct.

  3. Check your settings in Control Panel Network (TCPIP/Advanced) to make sure Enable LMHOSTS Lookup is checked.


Additional query words: prodnt wfw wfwg
Keywords : NTSrvWkst nttcp kbnetwork
Version : 3.1 3.5 3.51 4.0
Platform : winnt


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 11, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.