Microsoft NetBIOS Computer Naming Conventions (188997)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
This article was previously published under Q188997

SUMMARY

This article is intended to clarify what are valid NetBIOS computer names.

MORE INFORMATION

A computer name can be up to 15 alphanumeric characters with no blank spaces. The name must be unique on the network and can contain the following special characters: 
   ! @ # $ % ^ & ( ) - _ ' { } . ~
The Following characters are not allowed: 
   \ * + = | : ; " ? < > ,

REFERENCES

Microsoft Windows NT Network Administration 4.0

Support Fundamentals For Microsoft Windows NT 3.5

Microsoft Windows 95 Resource Kit

RFC 1001 Protocol Standard For A NetBIOS Service On A TCP/UDP Transport:

Concepts And Methods

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kbinfo KB188997
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