Internet Explorer Name Resolution (143193)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Information Server 1.0
This article was previously published under Q143193
We strongly recommend that all users upgrade to Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) version 6.0 running on Microsoft Windows Server 2003. IIS 6.0 significantly increases Web infrastructure security. For more information about IIS security-related topics, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/prodtech/IIS.mspx

SUMMARY

Most World Wide Web (WWW) Browsers running on non-Microsoft network operation systems rely on a Domain Name Server (DNS) and a Hosts file to resolve Host names to IP addresses, even if the Web client and the Web server are on the same subnet.

However, Microsoft Internet Explorer, does not only use the DNS and HOSTS file, but uses Windows Internet Name Service (WINS), the LMHOSTS file, and NetBIOS broadcasts for name resolution when it is running on Microsoft network operating systems such as Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows for Workgroups with Microsoft TCP/IP stacks installed. However, a NetBIOS broadcast resolves the name only if the WWW server is running on Windows NT and both WWW Server and WWW client is on the same subnet.

For additional information on name resolution, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

108295 : TCP/IP Name Resolution

138086 : Windows NT 3.51: Reverse Name Resolution for WINS Clients

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/23/2005
Keywords:kbusage KB143193
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