TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - Windows 7 Service
Provides support for the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution for clients on the network, therefore enabling users to share files, print, and log on to the network. If this service is stopped, these functions might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 8, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 7 edition | without SP | SP1 |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Basic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Premium | Automatic | Automatic |
| Professional | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ultimate | Automatic | Automatic |
| Enterprise | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper |
| Service name: | lmhosts |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | TDI |
| Object: | NT AUTHORITY\LocalService |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service runs as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a shared process. It shares the executable file with other services. If the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper fails to load or initialize, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows 7 startup should proceed, but a message box is displayed informing you that the lmhosts service has failed to start.
Dependencies
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper will not start, if the following services are stopped or disabled:
Restore Default Startup Type of TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 7 edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreTCPIPNetBIOSHelperWindows7.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the svchost.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 7 installation media.