TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - Windows Vista 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, 7, 8 and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Basic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Premium | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Business | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ultimate | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper |
| Service name: | lmhosts |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\lmhsvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | TDI |
| Object: | NT AUTHORITY\LocalService |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service starts as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService and runs in a shared process of svchost.exe. If TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the lmhosts service has failed to start.
Dependencies
The TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service won't start, if the following system components are stopped or disabled:
Restore Default Startup Type of TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreTCPIPNetBIOSHelperWindowsVista.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 lmhsvc.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows Vista installation media.