TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (lmhosts) Service Defaults in Windows 8
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.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Automatic |
| Display name: | TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper |
| Service name: | lmhosts |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | TDI |
| Object: | NT AUTHORITY\LocalService |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted |
| File: | %SystemRoot%\System32\lmhsvc.dll |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lmhosts |
| Privileges: |
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Default Behavior
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it is starting automatically during the operating system startup. Then the TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper service runs as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper fails to start, the error details are added to Windows 8 error log. When the operating system startup is complete, the user is being notified that the lmhosts service hasn't been started.
Dependencies
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper can't start, if any service from the list below is disabled or not available:
Restore Default Startup Configuration of TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config lmhosts start= auto
sc start lmhosts
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The lmhosts service is using the lmhsvc.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 8 installation media.