NetBIOS Name Resolution Using DNS and the HOSTS File

ID: Q142309

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51, 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

Windows NT allows you to resolve NetBIOS names using the HOSTS file or Domain Name System (DNS) server. To do this, you must select the Enable DNS for Windows Name Resolution check box in the Advanced Microsoft TCP/IP Configuration dialog box of Control Panel Network.

In addition, Windows NT uses Windows Internet Name Service (WINS), b-node broadcasts and the LMHOSTS file for NetBIOS name resolution. If all of these name resolution methods are used, an h-node host computer implements them in the following order:
  1. NetBIOS name cache


  2. WINS server


  3. B-node broadcast


  4. LMHOSTS file


  5. HOSTS file


  6. DNS server


NOTE: The HOSTS file is used by some TCP/IP utilities, such as PING and FTP, even though the Enable DNS for Windows Name Resolution check box is cleared.

Additional query words: prodnt

Keywords : kbnetwork nttcp NTSrvWkst
Version : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:3.5,3.51,4.0
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type :


Last Reviewed: January 20, 2000
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