Changing the NetBIOS computer name

[Scott Freeman]

I am looking for the location where I can change the
NetBIOS computer name. There is no reference to this in
standard help or on the Microsoft Website.

Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Logged in as Local Machine Administrator

The standard approach to changing computer names:

Right click on "My Computer"
Select "Properties"
Select "Computer Name"
Push "Change..."

Here you can change the "computer name", but not the
NetBIOS computer name.

Press "More..."
This page displays the NetBIOS computer name, but it
CANNOT BE CHANGED here.

Where can it be changed?

Thanks for your help.

Scott Freeman
Beijing, China

 

[Pat Garard]

You do not tell us much about the LAN, however try:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;298593
which may help.

 

[Scott Freeman]

Pat:

Yes, that did it -- thanks. However, it only worked
because I have admin privileges on our domain... not
exactly a simple method for general use. Whatif a Windows
XP user is not part of a domain? How can he/she then go
about changing the NetBIOS name?

Scott

-----------------------------------------

 

[Pat Garard]

That's a GOOD question!
If they are not on a LAN, they probably wouldn't have a NetBIOS name!
(If they ARE on a LAN, you wouldn't want them to be able to change it
without Admin Priv)