TCP/IP connectivity files (Windows)

The hosts and services network-configuration files prepare the SQLHOSTS registry key for the TCP/IP network protocol.

These files are in the following locations:
  • %WINDIR%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
  • %WINDIR%\system32\drivers\etc\services

As an alternative, configure TCP/IP to use the Domain Name Service (DNS) for host name resolutions.

The Dynamic Host Configuration Product (DHCP) dynamically assigns IP addresses from a pool of addresses instead of using IP addresses that are explicitly assigned to each workstation. If your system uses DHCP, Windows™ Internet Name Service (WINS) is required. DHCP is transparent to the database server.