Internet Explorer Name Resolution

 Last reviewed: April 22, 1997
Article ID: Q143193
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Internet Information Server version 1.0

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: 

   ARTICLE-ID: Q108295
   TITLE     : TCP/IP Name Resolution

   ARTICLE-ID: Q138086
   TITLE     : Windows NT 3.51: Reverse Name Resolution for WINS Clients

Additional query words: prodiis
Keywords : iisgeneral kbusage
Version : 1.0
Platform : WINDOWS

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: April 22, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.