Knowledge Base |

# TCP/IP Hosts File Is Case Sensitive

Article ID: 101746

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

APPLIES TO

- Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
- Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1

This article was previously published under Q101746
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: kbnetwork KB101746