Using Centralized LMHOSTS Files

The primary LMHOSTS file on each computer is always located in the directory %systemroot%\System32\Drivers\Etc. With Microsoft TCP/IP, you can include other LMHOSTS files from local and remote computers.

Network administrators can manage the LMHOSTS files used by computers on the network by providing one or more global LMHOSTS files on a central server. Windows 2000–based computers on the network can be configured to import the correct and up-to-date computer name–to–IP address mappings.

Users can import the LMHOSTS file from remote computers on the network by using #INCLUDE statements in the LMHOSTS file or by clicking Import LMHOSTS in the Advanced TCP/IP Settings dialog box.

Alternatively, an administrator can use the replicator service to distribute multiple copies of the global LMHOSTS file to multiple servers.

Note

If network clients access a central LMHOSTS file, the computer on which the file is located must include the registry entry NullSessionShares for the LMHOSTS location. NullSessionShares is in the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
\lanmanserver\parameters

For detailed information on the registry, see Windows 2000 Server Help. For information about registry content, see the Technical Reference to the Windows 2000 Registry (Regentry.chm) on the Windows 2000 Resource Kit CD.

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