DNS on Windows Server 2003, 3rd Edition

Simple Dial-up

The easiest way to deal with simple dial-up is to use a name server provided by your ISP. Most ISPs run name servers for their subscribers’ use. And in most cases, the addresses of your ISP’s name servers are assigned to your resolver when you dial in. Occasionally, however, you’ll need to configure them yourself. If you’re not sure whether your ISP provides name servers for your use or if you don’t know what their IP addresses are, check their web site, send them email, or—as a last resort—give them a call.

Some operating systems, including all modern versions of Windows, will let you define a set of name servers for a particular dial-up provider. So, for example, you can configure one set of name servers to use when you dial up SBC and another to use when you dial up your office. Unfortunately, if you’re still using Windows 95, defining name servers for your LAN connection overrides all your precious dial-up settings.

This configuration is usually adequate for most casual dial-up users. Name resolution fails unless the dial-up connection is up, but that’s not likely to be a problem since there’s no use for Internet name service without Internet connectivity. If you have special needs that aren’t addressed by this configuration, take a look at the recommendations in the next section.