Invalid DNS Server Address Slows Name Resolution on RAS Client

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51, 4.0
• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

You have enabled Domain Name System (DNS) and configured a specific DNS server address given to you by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for your Windows 95 or Windows NT remote client. You are still connected to your local LAN and WINS is enabled. Name resolution works fine while you are connected directly to your local LAN, but when you disconnect your network adapter and dial in remotely to the local LAN, name resolution slows significantly. This slow down may cause some server-based applications, such as Lotus Notes, to time out.

CAUSE

Because you are now dialing into your local LAN and not to your ISP, the configured DNS server address is now invalid. Your remote client tries to resolve names against a non-existent DNS server and this introduces delays in the name resolution process.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, remove the invalid static entry for the DNS server. You must remove the entry from both Windows NT and the DUN connectoid.

To remove the invalid DNS server IP address from Windows NT, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network.



2. Click the Protocols tab, select TCP/IP protocol, and then click Properties.



3. Click the DNS tab, and then delete the IP address.

1. From the Desktop, double-click My Computer, and then double-click Dial-Up Networking.



2. Click the More tab for the required phonebook entry, and click: "Edit entry and modem properties..."



3. Click the Server tab, then click TCP/IP Settings...



4. Ensure that the invalid IP address does not exist in the "Specify name server addresses" dialog box for either Primary or Secondary DNS.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51 and 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

With both DNS and WINS installed on the client, Microsoft name resolution specifies that the WINS server should be contacted first. In this case, it does not happen as intended.

Additional query words: search order hang freeze slowdown

Keywords : kbnetwork ntras kbbug4.00 ntprotocol nttcp kbbug3.51
Version : WINDOWS:95; winnt:3.51,4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbbug