Exchange 2003 and the need for WINS?

[stephen3rd]

Do i need to have WINS installed and running to run Exchange 2003?

I did the 5 day course and was told i didnt, i have Exchange running at home and i dont have WINS.

But, when reading "Planning an Exchange Server 2003 Messaging System" i noticed the line in chapter 5 "Exchange requires WINS"

Could one of you good folks let me know what your recommendations are.

Cheers

 

[Marcs41]

no it does not, unless you have a specific need for it.
If you don't know you need it, you probably don't need it ;-)

Marc
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[Marcs41]

PS: There is an article on it you may want to review.

You may have a setup that proves that WINS isn't neccesary, but check that the configuration will be supported if you have any issues with the environment.

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=837391

Marc
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Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!
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[stephen3rd]

Thanks for that Marc.

The article is useful and we only have 1 domain so i think that we could give WINS a miss.

 

[Marcs41]

You're welcome.
I am not using it either.

Marc
[sub]If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!
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[Zelandakh]

Marc - I had a feeling that the Outlook check username routine resolves the server name using WINS rather than DNS which is why the paper details a requirement for WINS.

That may have been Outlook XP or even 2000 though.

 

[Marcs41]

It states indeed:
"Note: Additionally, Microsoft Outlook clients that are earlier than Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 also require NetBIOS name resolution."

But it all depends whether you depend on Netbios for something or not.
I did not have to use WINS, and where possible, I alway try it without it.

Marc
[sub]If 'something' 'somewhere' gives 'some' error, expect random guesses or no replies at all. Please specify details.
Free Tip: The F1 Key does NOT destroy your PC!
How Do You Get Great Answers To my Tek-Tips Questions? [/sub]See faq222-2244

 

[Zelandakh]

But WINS is GREAT! Bring back NetBEUI...

 

[Marcs41]

lol