TCP/IP Hosts File Is Case Sensitive

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: 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