nbtstat: Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT (NetBIOS over TCP/IP).

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3693]
(c) Copyright 1985-2023 Microsoft Corp.

C:\\WINDOWS>


Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP connections using NBT
(NetBIOS over TCP/IP).

NBTSTAT [ [-a RemoteName] [-A IP address] [-c] [-n]
        [-r] [-R] [-RR] [-s] [-S] [interval] ]

  -a   (adapter status) Lists the remote machine's name table given its name
  -A   (Adapter status) Lists the remote machine's name table given its
                        IP address.
  -c   (cache)          Lists NBT's cache of remote [machine] names and their IP 
addresses
  -n   (names)          Lists local NetBIOS names.
  -r   (resolved)       Lists names resolved by broadcast and via WINS
  -R   (Reload)         Purges and reloads the remote cache name table
  -S   (Sessions)       Lists sessions table with the destination IP addresses
  -s   (sessions)       Lists sessions table converting destination IP
                        addresses to computer NETBIOS names.
  -RR  (ReleaseRefresh) Sends Name Release packets to WINS and then, starts 
Refresh

  RemoteName   Remote host machine name.
  IP address   Dotted decimal representation of the IP address.
  interval     Redisplays selected statistics, pausing interval seconds
               between each display. Press Ctrl+C to stop redisplaying
               statistics.

Here are some examples of using the `nbtstat` command in the Windows command line (`cmd`): Example 1: View local NetBIOS name statistics:

nbtstat -n

This command displays the local NetBIOS name statistics, including registered names and their types. Example 2: View remote NetBIOS name statistics for a specific computer:

nbtstat -a computer name

This shows the NetBIOS name statistics for a remote computer named "computername". It displays the name table and associated IP addresses. Example 3: Show local and remote NetBIOS name and cache information:

nbtstat -c

This command displays both local and remote NetBIOS name and cache information, including the cached names and their IP addresses. Example 4: Obtaining information about the NetBIOS name of a remote computer:

nbtstat -A IP address

This retrieves detailed information about the NetBIOS name of a remote computer with the specified IP address. It displays the name table and their types. Example 5: View local session statistics for NetBIOS:

nbtstat -s

This command displays the local session statistics for NetBIOS, including the number of open sessions and the total number of sessions. These examples provide an overview of some useful features of the `nbtstat` command on the Windows command line. Note that some options may vary depending on the version of Windows, and you can get more information about the command by typing `nbtstat /?`.

Yes, there are some important points to pay attention to when using the `nbtstat` command: 1. OS Compatibility: The available options and behavior of `nbtstat` may vary depending on the version of Windows. Make sure you check the documentation for the specific version of the operating system you are running on. 2. Administrative Privileges: To run all functions of `nbtstat` you need administrative permissions. Run Command Prompt as administrator to ensure you can access all the resources you need. 3. Firewall Settings: When accessing a remote computer and using `nbtstat`, the firewall settings on the target computer must be configured to allow access to the required ports and services. 4. Name Resolution: The `nbtstat` command is based on NetBIOS, an older name resolution protocol. DNS is often used in modern networks. It is important to understand how name resolution is configured on your network as this can affect the behavior of `nbtstat`. 5. Exact IP addresses or computer names: Be sure to provide accurate IP addresses or computer names when using `nbtstat`. Entry errors can lead to incorrect or unexpected results. 6. Safety Concerns: NetBIOS is vulnerable to security issues. In modern networks, it is recommended to switch to more secure protocols such as DNS and Active Directory. Use `nbtstat` only when absolutely necessary and all security considerations have been taken into account. 7. Check documentation: Microsoft's detailed documentation for the `nbtstat` command may provide additional information and options. You can check this by typing `nbtstat /?` in the command prompt. By considering these points, you can ensure that you use the `nbtstat` command safely and effectively in your network infrastructure.