GetHostByName() Returns IP Address of Disabled Interface

ID: Q216091

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 SP4
Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition version 4.0 SP4
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 SP4

SYMPTOMS

In Windows NT 4.0, it is possible to set up multiple hardware profiles using the Devices tool in Control Panel. The device for the network interface card (NIC) can be disabled on a per-profile basis.

In such a scenario, Sockets-based applications running on Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4 may fail unexpectedly. This problem has been observed in NetShow and Microsoft Exchange applications. The problem can also occur on multihomed computers where one of the NICs is disabled.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the GetHostByName() API returns the old IP address owned previously by the disabled NIC.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/ServicePacks/

Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:

http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/overview/overview.asp

This hotfix has been posted to the following Internet location as Rnr-fixi.exe (x86) and Rnr-fixa.exe (Alpha):

ftp://ftp.microsoft.com/bussys/winnt/winnt-public/fixes/usa/NT40/hotfixes-postSP4/Rnr-fix/

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 4. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT version 4.0 Service Pack 5.

Additional query words: 4.00 sp4

Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00 nt4sp5fix
Version : winnt:4.0 SP4
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug