I have been dealing with a name resolution problem involving 95/98/NT/2000 machines. The machines are set up under an NT server from which they receive IP, DNS, and WINS addresses. Currently they are on an ISDN line that occasionally goes out. When the Internet is gone the DNS server is gone and Outlook name resolution that relies on DNS first will time out and the PC?s will receive errors. Eventually after telling Outlook to retry it will find the server. What I am looking to do is find the best possible solution to solve this problem. I know I can create a HOSTS file, or build a DNS server. I have also read several articles in TechRepublic on changing the registry to make WINS search before DNS (I have not been able to successfully change the registry so this will work). I would like to know what the best way to solve this problem is. I would appreciate opinions on this issue so I can better decide pros and cons in deciding what would be the most efficient and effective solution. Any other possible solution to this dilemma is welcome.
The following are the TechNet articles I found on changing the registry to change the search order. I have not been able to get it to work.
Q139270 How to change Name Resolution order on Windows 95 and Windows NT
Q171567 Windows NT 4.0 Service Provider Priority Values Not Applied
Q170619 Windows 95 ServiceProvider Priority Values Not Applied
