TCP/IP Hosts File Is Case Sensitive

 Last reviewed: August 11, 1997
Article ID: Q101746

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system, version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server, version 3.1

The hosts files for Windows NT TCP/IP are not case sensitive when you enter the name of a workstation for a TCP/IP address for Windows NT 3.5 and higher.

The hosts files for Windows NT TCP/IP are case sensitive when you enter the name of a workstation for a TCP/IP address. This can cause errors when attempting to use FTP or ping a workstation/server. Always match host filenames exactly, including any case changes.

If the hosts file contains the entry 

   130.25.25.83 TestServer
type in the following command: 

   ping testserver
The following error message appears: 

   testserver: unknown host
The command should read: 

   ping TestServer
With the case sensitive command, the following correct response occurs (if the address is valid): 

   Pinging host TestServer : 130.25.25.83
      ICMP Echo Reply:TTL 60
      ICMP Echo Reply:TTL 60
      ICMP Echo Reply:TTL 60
      ICMP Echo Reply:TTL 60
      Host Almathea replied to all 4 of the 4 pings

Additional query words: prodnt
Keywords : NTSrvWkst nttcp kbnetwork
Version : WinNT:3.1
Platform : winnt

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Last reviewed: August 11, 1997
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