Use of all Numeric NetBIOS Names Can Cause Problems (190294)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows 3.11
  • Microsoft Windows 95
  • Microsoft Windows 98
This article was previously published under Q190294

SYMPTOMS

When you use all numeric NetBIOS computer names, some TCP/IP utilities will misinterpret these NetBIOS names as IP addresses.

For example, if you have a computer named 4754755 and its IP address is 10.1.5.17. When pinging the computer, ping will misinterpret the computer name as an IP address and will send an echo request to 0.72.141.67 rather than 10.1.5.17. This will result in a request timed out error.

RESOLUTION

The use of all numeric NetBIOS computer names should be avoided when you are using the TCP/IP protocol.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

REFERENCES

For more information about NetBIOS over TCP, please see:

  • RFC 1001 - Protocol Standard for a NetBIOS Service on a TCP/UDP Transport: Concepts and Methods
  • RFC 1002 - Protocol Standard for a NetBIOS Service on a TCP/UDP Transport: Detailed Specifications
RFCs may be obtained via the Internet as follows:

Paper copies of all RFCs are available from the NIC, either individually or on a subscription basis (for more information, contact NIC@NIC.DDN.MIL). Online copies are available via FTP or Kermit from NIC.DDN.MIL as rfc/rfc####.txt or rfc/rfc####.PS (#### is the RFC number without leading zeros).

Additionally, RFCs may be requested through electronic mail from the automated NIC mail server by sending a message to SERVICE@NIC.DDN.MIL with a subject line of "rfc ####" for text versions, or a subject line of "rfc ####.PS" for PostScript versions. To obtain the RFC index, the subject line of your message should read "rfc index".
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kbNetBIOS kbnetwork kbprb KB190294
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