The SNMP Service in Windows Server 2003 Does Not Accept Requests for Information from Every Host

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This article was previously published under Q325085

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SYMPTOMS

By default, in versions of Windows that are earlier than Windows Server 2003, the SNMP service accepts requests for information from every host. In the Windows Server 2003 family, this functionality is set to "Accept SNMP packets from these hosts only," and the "localhost" is filled as the only default entry.

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CAUSE

This change has been made to prevent a lot of information disclosure. For example, a list of running processes, installed services, operating system version, and other similar information.

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STATUS

This behavior is by design.

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MORE INFORMATION

If you want to add more hosts:

Start the Services MMC.
Double-click the SNMP service to view its properties.
Click the Security tab, and then click Add under Accept SNMP packets from these hosts.
Add one of the following items of the host from which to accept the SNMP packets:
- The host name
- The host IP address
- The host IPX address
Click Add, and then click OK.

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