Subnet prioritization on a client computer truncates the record list that the DNS server returns

You can use subnet prioritization on the client computers on your network to reduce network traffic across subnets. Subnet prioritization reduces network traffic by forcing the client computers to connect to network resources that are closer to the client computers. However, the number of A resource records in the host file that is sent to your computer that is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 may be reduced to a smaller number of IP address mappings.

To view this problem, use the ping command at a command prompt on a DNS client computer that is running Windows Server 2003. Ping the host record that is specified in the host file that has multiple A records on the DNS server. Use the command ipconfig /displaydns to view the DNS cache on the client computer to determine if records have been lost.

This problem occurs because subnet prioritization on the client computer truncates the record list that the DNS server returns. This problem occurs if groups of IP addresses are on different subnets.

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

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

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) 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 tool in Control Panel.

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

For additional information about the terminology that is used to describe Microsoft product updates, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: