No TCP/IP Name Resolution with Win.com File in Root

ID: Q162811

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows 95
Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

When you are using the TCP/IP protocol, you may be unable to access network resources using a domain name. You can access the resource using an IP address.

Or, when you try to ping a host name, you receive the error message "Bad IP address."

CAUSE

There is a Win.com file in the root folder of the boot drive.

RESOLUTION

Rename or delete the Win.com file in the root folder of the boot drive.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows 95 cannot use WINS, DNS, or Hosts files for name resolution when there is a Win.com file in the root folder of the boot drive. When there is a Win.com file in the root folder of the boot drive, the Windows folder becomes the root folder, rather than the Windir folder. When this occurs, Windows 95 cannot locate files in the System folder.

This issue can occur if the Win.com file is located in any folder listed before the Windows folder in the PATH environment variable.

Additional query words: friendly hostname ping winsock


Keywords          : kbenv kbnetwork win95 win98 
Version           : 95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 29, 1999