WINS tools

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 8 Beta

WINS tools

The primary tools that you use to manage WINS servers are the WINS console and the Netsh WINS commands.

The Netsh WINS commands

You can type the Netsh WINS commands in a command prompt window at the netsh wins> command prompt, or you can execute the Netsh WINS commands in batch files and other scripts. All of the functionality that is available in the WINS console is available at the netsh wins> command prompt.

For more information, see Use WINS Command-line Tools. For a simple list of Netsh WINS commands, see Managing WINS from the command line.

For a comprehensive Netsh WINS command reference (including syntax, parameters and examples), see Netsh commands for WINS.

For an example of how to use Netsh WINS commands in batch files and scripts, see Netsh WINS example.

The WINS console

The WINS console is added to the Administrative Tools folder in Control Panel when you install a WINS server running a Microsoft® Windows Server 2003 server operating system. The WINS console appears as a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in, to further integrate WINS administration into your total network management.

After you install a WINS server, you can use the WINS console or the Netsh WINS commands to perform these basic administrative server tasks:

  1. View and filter NetBIOS name registrations stored at the WINS server for client names used on your network.

  2. Add and configure replication partners for the WINS server.

  3. Perform maintenance-related tasks, including back up, restoration, compaction, and scavenging, on the WINS server database.

In addition, you can also use the WINS console to perform the following optional or advanced setup tasks:

  • View and modify WINS properties, such as the Renew Interval and other intervals that are used when registering, renewing, and verifying name records stored in the server database.

  • Add and configure static WINS mappings, if they are needed for use on your network.

  • Delete or tombstone WINS records that appear in WINS server data used throughout your network.

Notes

  • The Windows Server 2003 family includes new features beyond those provided in earlier versions. For more information, see New features for WINS.

  • The WINS console provides new ways to perform familiar WINS administrative tasks previously performed in Windows NT® 4.0 using WINS Manager. For more information, see New ways to do WINS tasks.