Article ID: 830806 - Last Review: March 21, 2004 - Revision: 1.1

Computers that are offline are still resolved as online when you ping them

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SYMPTOMS

When you use the ping command to ping a client by name, that client name may be resolved and an IP address is returned although the client computer is offline.
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CAUSE

This behavior occurs when virtual private network (VPN) clients, such as Microsoft Windows XP-based computers, register records with the WINS server when they connect. When the VPN client disconnects, the client does not mark the WINS records as released. Multiple VPN clients can end up registered in WINS with the same IP address. When this behavior occurs, if you ping a client that is offline by name, WINS resolves the name and returns the IP address of another client that now has that IP address.
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STATUS

This behavior is by design.
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APPLIES TO
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
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Keywords: 
kbnofix kbbug KB830806
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