Resolving names

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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

Resolving names

Name resolution for WINS clients is an extension of the same name resolution process used by all Microsoft NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) clients to resolve NetBIOS name queries on your network. The actual method of name resolution is transparent to the user.

For Windows XP and Windows 2000, WINS clients use the following sequential flow of options for resolving a name once the query has been made by using net use or a similar NetBIOS-based application.

  1. Determine if the name is longer than 15 characters or if it contains periods ("."). If so, query DNS for the name.

  2. Determine if the name is stored in the remote name cache at the client.

  3. Contact and try configured WINS servers to attempt to resolve the name using WINS.

  4. Use local IP broadcasts to the subnet.

  5. Check an Lmhosts file if Enable LMHOSTS Lookup is enabled in the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) properties for the connection.

  6. Check a Hosts file.

  7. Query a DNS server.

For a more detailed explanation and flowchart of this process, see the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit.