Windows NT Client: Primary/Secondary WINS Servers Switch (164309)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q164309

SYMPTOMS

When a Windows NT client has a primary and a secondary WINS server assigned, it may unnecessarily switch the secondary server to primary server.

CAUSE

Normally, a workstation should only move the secondary WINS server into the primary role if the primary WINS server does not respond to repeated name registration or name query attempts. However, a problem with Netbt.sys causes some workstations to switch when doing normal name refreshes.

This switch can cause unnecessary wide area network (WAN) traffic if the WINS server defined as primary is a local computer, and the one defined as secondary is a remote computer or across a WAN link.

RESOLUTION

A new version of Netbt.sys has been created that no longer exhibits this problem.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 4.0. This problem was corrected in the latest Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 U.S. Service Pack. For information on obtaining the service pack, query on the Following word in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

SERVPACK


Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51. A supported fix is now available, but has not been fully regression-tested and should be applied only to systems experiencing this specific problem. Unless you are severely impacted by this specific problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Service Pack that contains this fix. Contact Microsoft Technical Support for more information.

For additional information, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

173525 WINS Client May Switch Primary and Secondary WINS Servers

252511 Statically Configured WINS Client Switches Between Servers

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:9/23/2005
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbbug KB164309
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