Windows troubleshooting: which command-line utility is specifically used to view and troubleshoot NetBIOS over TCP/IP name resolution (e.g., remote name table, cache)?

Introduction / Context:
NetBIOS name resolution (for legacy Windows networking) differs from DNS. When browsing or connecting to shares fails due to name issues, a tool that exposes the NetBIOS name cache, remote name tables, and sessions is needed to diagnose the problem accurately.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Operating environment is Windows or compatible systems supporting NetBIOS over TCP/IP.
• Goal is to inspect name tables, cache, and sessions for NetBIOS.
• We are not simply measuring connectivity or listing TCP ports.

Concept / Approach:
NBTSTAT is the dedicated utility for NetBIOS over TCP/IP. It can display local and remote NetBIOS name tables, purge and reload the cache, and show NetBIOS sessions. In contrast, Netstat shows active sockets and routing; Ping tests IP reachability; Hostname prints the local machine’s name only and does not troubleshoot NetBIOS names.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Commands like “nbtstat -n”, “nbtstat -c”, and “nbtstat -A ” directly query or flush NetBIOS name information, confirming its focus.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming DNS and NetBIOS use the same tools; they have different caches and diagnostics.

Final Answer:
NBTSTAT.