The DNS name resolution may fail in Windows Server 2003

In Microsoft Windows Server 2003, you try to resolve a Domain Name System (DNS) name by using entries in the Hosts file. When you do this, the DNS name resolution may fail. Typically, this problem occurs when the DNS Client service is busy or when the DNS Client service stops.

When the DNS Client service is busy or when the DNS Client service stops, the querying application resolves the DNS name by using the DNS API. However, the DNS API sets an incorrect flag on the DNS record. The DNS API sets the incorrect flag when the DNS record that is retrieved from the Hosts file is returned by the DNS API. The incorrect flag causes the querying application to discard the DNS record.

If this problem occurs when the DNS Client service stops, resolve this problem by starting the DNS Client service. Otherwise, apply the hotfix that is described in this article.

To start the DNS Client service, run the following command at a command prompt:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed on the computer. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix. Instead, restart the affected application only.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

During the DNS name resolution, the system searches for DNS records in the Hosts file. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: For more information about DNS record flags, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: