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Windows XP and Networking

Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

SUMMARY: Close down ports in Windows XP you may not need open if NetBIOS is not required for your network.

NetBIOS, the Network Basic Input/Output System, is a networking technology useful for older computers to access networks. In many cases, especially with home computers connecting directly to the Internet, this is not needed. Closing down ports opened by NetBIOS may provide some added security.

1. Right-click a network connection in the System Tray area of the Taskbar and choose "Open Network Connections". If this icon is not available, re-enable the network icon in the System Tray area of the Windows XP Taskbar.

2. Repeat the following steps for each Internet connection type:

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3. Right-click the network connection's icon and choose "Properties" from the popup menu that appears.

4. Underneath "This connection uses the following items", click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and then the "Properties" button. If TCP/IP is not checked for the selected connection type, ignore the below steps for this particular network connection.

Accessing TCP/IP properties

5. The "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties" dialog box appears. Click the "Advanced" button.

6. The "Advanced TCP/IP Settings" dialog box appears. Click the "WINS" tab.

7. Underneath "NetBIOS setting", click the "Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" radio button.

Disabling NetBIOS over TCP/IP

8. Click "OK" on the dialog boxes to close them, then click "Close" on the network connection properties box to close it.

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9. Finally, when done modifying each network connection, close the "Network Connections" window.

Read the disclaimer.

If you are not able to access a network after performing this tip, perform the above steps but click the "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" or "Default" radio buttons.