Disable NetBIOS on Windows XP

[David]

Hi,

If any of you have wanted to disable NetBIOS in Windows XP, here are some instructions:

1. Go to Start -> Control Panel

If you have Category View for Control Panel selected:

1. Click on 'Network and Internet Connections'.

2. Click on 'Network Connections'.

3. Under 'LAN or High Speed Internet' of the 'Network Connections Window', click once (highlight) the item that is associated with your network card.

4. Right click on that item and select 'Properties'.

5. Under 'Local Area Connection Properties', uncheck 'Client for Microft Networks' and 'File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks'. If you intend to use these either of these with NetBEUI or IPX, then leave them checked.

6. Under the 'General' tab of the 'Local Area Connection Properties' window click one on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).

7. Under the 'General' tab of the 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings' window, click on 'Advanced'.

8. In the 'Advanced TCP/IP Settings' window click on 'WINS'.

9. Select Disable 'NetBIOS over TCP/IP'.

10. Remove the check next to 'Enable LMHOSTS lookup'.

11. Click OK on the Advanced TCP/IP setting window.

12. Click OK in the 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings' window.

13. Click Close on the Local Area Connection Properties window

14. Close the 'Network Connections' window using the using the 'X' button in the upper right corner or File -> Close.

15. Reboot.

If you have Classic View for Control Panel selected:

1. Double Click on 'Network Connections'.

2. Under 'LAN or High Speed Internet' of the 'Network Connections' window, click once (highlight) the item that is associated with your network card.

3. Right click on that item and select 'Properties'.

4. Under 'Local Area Connection Properties', uncheck 'Client for Microft Networks' and 'File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks'. If you intend to use these either of these with NetBEUI or IPX, then leave them checked.

5. Under the 'General' tab of the 'Local Area Connection Properties' window click once on 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)'.

6. Under the 'General' tab of the 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings' window, click on 'Advanced'.

7. In the 'Advanced TCP/IP Settings' window click on WINS.

8. Select 'Disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP'.

9. Remove the check next to 'Enable LMHOSTS lookup'.

10. Click OK on the 'Advanced TCP/IP Settings' window.

11. Click OK in the 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Settings' window

12. Click Close on the 'Local Area Connection Properties' window.

13. Close the 'Network Connections' window using the using the 'X' button in the upper right corner or File -> Close.

14. Reboot.

Alternatively,

If you have the My Network Places icon on your desktop, you can right click on this and select Properties. From that point, just follow steps 3 through 13 of the first group mentioned above or steps 2 through 12 of the second group listed above.

[David]

Here is a gif of my system connections before I made the change.

[David]

Here is a gif of my connections after making the changes listed above. Notice that references to ports 137, 138 and 139 are gone. Likewise, no more entries for the NetBIOS ports are in my Outpost logs.

[David]

***WARNING***

I experienced NO adverse effects on my system. However, if you use File or Printer sharing this may have a negative effect on your ability to share those items if you have a LAN setup using a router or some other LAN infrastructure (network) in your home or business. But, reversing the process should restore these functions if you require them. Disabling NetBIOS will NOT affect your peer to peer sharing programs like Kazaa, BearShare, eDonkey, etc.

[chrisclu]

Hi David,
If somebody is in need of file and printer sharing within a LAN and still desires to disable NetBIOS ( as I did) you can install the old NetBEUI protocol for LAN communication. I heard that MS made it hard to get to on the WinXP CD and doesn't support it ( big surprise there) but it is available and works like a charm.
Chris

[grey ghost]

Hi,

Try this to install NetBEUI on XP.

The files necessary for installing the NetBEUI protocol on Windows XP are Netnbf.inf and Nbf.sys.
Complete the following steps to install NetBEUI:

1. Insert your Windows XP CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive and browse to the Valueadd\MSFT\Net\NetBEUI folder.
2. Copy Nbf.sys to the %SYSTEMROOT%\System32\Drivers directory.
3. Copy Netnbf.inf to the %SYSTEMROOT%\Inf hidden directory.
4. Click Start , click Control Panel , and then double-click Network Connections .
5. Right-click the adapter you want to add NetBEUI to, and then click Properties .
6. On the General tab, click Install .
7. Click Protocol , and then click Add .
8. Click to select NetBEUI Protocol from the list and then click OK .
9. Restart your computer if you receive a prompt to complete the installation.

[David]

Hi grey ghost and Chris,

Thanks for the added information. I imagine that similar steps can be taken to disable NetBIOS on 9x, Me, and 2000 systems. Although, the exact location of the NetBIOS activation and deactivation setting may vary on these other WinOS types. Actually, if I remember correctly, it may be simpler on a 9x or Me system. And, 2000 systems may be very similar to XP.

But, I think that all of this information provides a fairly complete picture concerning the disabling of NetBIOS, at least on XP, and dealing with any adverse side effects that result from that action.

Thanks again..... :D

[muchod]

Originally posted by David
Hi grey ghost and Chris,

Thanks for the added information. I imagine that similar steps can be taken to disable NetBIOS on 9x, Me, and 2000 systems. Although, the exact location of the NetBIOS activation and deactivation setting may vary on these other WinOS types. Actually, if I remember correctly, it may be simpler on a 9x or Me system. And, 2000 systems may be very similar to XP.


Disabling netbios in Win9x and NT:

http://grc.com/su-bondage.htm

As you see, under Win9x it's a little tricky.

Regards,

[MrMcTerse]

Probably the easiest OS to disable NetBIOS on is ME.

Control Panel ..
System ..
Device Manager ..
VxD's ..

If memory serves me correctly the "Enable NetBIOS..." option can be found there. One click, accept or apply, OK,OK,OK and reboot.