microsoft-ds or 445/tcp

[Doug Fox]

What exactly does "microsoft-ds", 445/tcp, SMB over IP, do?

Is it only for file and print service?
Is it also for file replication?
Is it required for "active directory" replication?
Whatelse do I miss?

I have searched www.microsoft.com and googled the internet. The
microsoft-ds function was not clearly spelled out.

Thanks,

Doug

 

[Steven L Umbach]

It is used for basically everything that port 139 TCP does and allows the
same functionality with netbios over tcp/ip is disabled. Yes it is required
for AD replication traffic and is used for file and print sharing. It is a
core port/protocol for AD replication/Group Policy/authentication on domain
controllers. It may not be needed however on computers that do not need to
offer shares/printers nor be managed remotely via Computer Management/SMB
tools such as a dedicated web server. If you disable/uninstall file and
print sharing you should not see that port used anymore. --- Steve

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;832017 --- Windows
Server port usage.