This article describes how WINS functions on a cluster server.

When you configure WINS on a cluster server, the database files are separated from the Winstmp.mdb files. This behavior is different from a single-server environment that runs WINS. On a cluster server, the WINS database and the related files reside on a cluster storage device in the path that is specified for the WINS resource. However, the Winstmp.mdb file still resides in the %SystemRoot%\System32\WINS folder on the local hard disk.

Do not move or rename the Winstmp.mdb file. The Winstmp.mdb file is only used for reindexing the WINS database; it is not used for database recovery and should not be backed up. If you attempt to back up this file, you may receive an error message that states that the file is open or that there is a sharing violation. These errors are benign and can be ignored.

WINS and DHCP both use .mdb files, but DHCP does not have an equivalent file to Winstmp.mdb. Do not change the default settings for the NTFS file system permissions on the %SystemRoot%\System32\WINS folder. These settings include Full Control permissions for the System account.

For additional information about how to set up WINS in a clustered environment, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: