Martijn Tonies wrote:

> Hi Lester,
>
> I'm not a network expert in any case ... but...
>
> > > Sorry for the late reply. Like Martijn said already, its not an 98
> > > machine. I run XP Pro Edition(with all the upgrades, hotfixes etc).
> > >
> > > So this still leaves the question: why cant I use my computername?
> >
> > Is it in the HOSTS file ?
> > The computer name is known to windows and some of the ASP stuff, but
> > probably not the TCP/IP section, as Microsoft do not bother to populate
> > that.
> > Someone will correct me, but I think HOSTS is still in
> > \<windir>\System32\Drivers\etc in XP, and you will find a line for
> > localhost, and probably not one for your machine.
> > Just follow the style of the localhost line with your real IP address.
>
> Then how does Windows find other machines on my
> network (TCP/IP) that aren't in the hostfile, but I can
> use the PC names without problems?
>
> Exactly when does one need a hosts-entry and when
> doesn't one need one? (uhm, is this a clear question?)
>
> With regards,
>
> Martijn Tonies
> Database Workbench - developer tool for InterBase, Firebird, MySQL &
> MS SQL
> Server.
> Upscene Productions
> http://www.upscene.com

OK, i try to answer this one:

The hostname is the name for an IP-adress which you get either from your
DNS-Server or from your HOST-file.
So, if your Network-admin doesn't update the DNS-System for your PC,
then you have to put the hostname, ip-Adress in your HOST-File.
You can check if your DNS-server knows your hostname with:
nslookup hostname
This should give you the IP-adress. You also can try:
nslookup ip-addr
which should give you the hostname.
I think nslookup is only available on Win-Professional Versions (if i'm
right).
If nslookup doesn't give you the right answer, then put the hostname,
ipaddr pair into your HOST-file.

Hope this helps,
Uwe