TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper

The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (lmhosts) service provides support for the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service, and it provides NetBIOS name resolution for clients on your network. It enables users to share files, print, and log on to the network. Specifically, the service performs DNS name resolution and pings a set of IP addresses that return a list of accessible IP addresses to provide support for the NetBT service.

If this service stops or if you disable it, client computers that use applications that rely on NetBIOS or WINS may not be able to share files or printers, or log on to their computers

This service is installed by default in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, and its startup type is Automatic.

When the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service is started in its default configuration, it logs on by using the Local Service account.

The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service is dependent upon the following system components:

  • Ancillary Function Driver for Winsock
  • NetBT
  • NetIO Legacy TDI Support Driver
  • TCP/IP Protocol Driver

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