Windows – Cannot access Windows machines by Name over PPTP VPN but can access ip address

dnsnetbiosvpnwindows

I have a PPTP VPN Incoming Network Connection setup on a windows 8.1 machine which is where I have all my computers setup on a local intranet (say machine X, Y and Z)

I VPN into the Windows 8.1 machine from my Windows 7 machine using the microsoft VPN software. Works fine, I can access the internet resolve all internet DNS' etc. I see my ISP's DNS assigned to my Windows 7 VPN adapter along with a remote local intranet 192.168.x.x IP address.

Now I can ping the Windows 8.1 machine by NAME and IP ADDRESS. But I cannot Ping/Resolve ANY other machine on the remote local intranet by NAME (x, Y or Z), ONLY by IP ADDRESS.

Why can't I resolve a machine name on my remote network via the VPN connection? I don't have a Domain server or WINS server setup. I've tried disabling the firewall on both sides, no difference. I've tried using the remote machine as the DNS server (forced) but it doesn't work either. I've tried settings the remote network router (running tomato + dnsmasq) as the DNS for the windows 7 vpn adapter, still doesn't work.
The only thing I can think of is that the VPN doesn't allow NetBIOS to work. Any thoughts here.

Best Answer

Okay I finally found website that answers my question - but if ANYONE has any alternate ideas please post here.

According to this website: https://kb.meraki.com/knowledge_base/resolving-netbios-names-over-client-vpn

It is NOT possible to resolve NetBIOS names over a VPN. Quoting:

NetBIOS name resolution is a layer-2 broadcast based name discovery protocol. Layer-2 broadcasts do not traverse layer-3 boundaries such as the Client VPN interface on an MX.

The only way to use NetBIOS over a VPN is to setup a WINS server. Quoting:

WINS is service that provides centralized name resolution of NetBIOS hostnames. NetBIOS clients register their hostnames on the WINS server and other NetBIOS clients query the WINS server to resolve NetBIOS names. To allow hosts that utilize NetBIOS names to find network resources over Client VPN, specify the IP address of a WINS server in the Client VPN configuration. This is done using the WINS setting on the Configure > Client VPN page.

Related Question