Sam Hunt wrote:

> I am aware that Firebird will use the
> C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\Hosts file to resolve host names.
> Unfortunately, my server is assigned a dynamic ip address when it boots
> (as many of our clients do/will), so the ip addreess in the hosts file
> is not good from boot to boot. I must find a solution and I am looking
> at some MS resource utilities.

Then you are simply looking for the machine name that your 'dynamic name
server' (DNS) is providing an IP address to.
*IF* your network is set up properly, then from a command prompt you
should be able to:-
ping <machine name>
If not then you have a windows setup that does not actually have TCP/IP
installed and is just working with MS proprietary methods. It is worth
checking that there is a 'TCP/IP' entry in the properties of your
network connection ( it is also the place you would set fixed addresses
and a fixed link to the server )
Either way, I would be looking to providing a fixed IP address for the
server, either in the setup of the DNS server - which you need to
identify so you know HOW your network is working ;)
On a small network the HOSTS file is a bit of a pain, but does mean that
if it is set up and copied to each machine, then the DNS server is not
needed, and connections can be made without having to check with the DNS
server every time. THAT is something that can introduce several seconds
of delay if the machine providing DNS is also very busy doing other
things. i.e. it is not a dedicated server!

--
Lester Caine
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L.S.Caine Electronic Services