Using TCP/IP to Connect to a Windows Server
This section documents the use of TCP/IP when connecting to a PSQL server running on a Windows server platform.
Configuring a Client for the Server IP Address
When PSQL operates in a TCP/IP network, your client must be able to obtain the IP address of your Windows server from the name given to that server. There are two mechanisms that enable this address-to-name translation:
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DNS (Domain Naming Service)
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Editing the hosts file
The following procedures provide an overview for how to set up the IP address using each method. For details about network configuration and set up, refer to the documentation for the operating system.
Using DNS to Configure the Server IP Address
When you use DNS, you specify settings that allow your computer to look up the address of the server in a database of servers. Your network administrator can provide the information you need to configure DNS.
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To configure your Windows clients to use DNS to resolve the server IP address
1
From the operating system, access the Network information.
2
Select the Properties for Local Area Connection.
3
Select the Properties of the TCP/IP connection being used (IPv4 or IPv6, for example).
4
Enable DNS and enter the appropriate server information.
Using the Hosts File to Configure the Server IP Address
The hosts file is a way to manually enter a relationship between a name and an IP address. Use this method if DNS is not used in your organization.
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To Edit the Hosts file on your Windows client
1
Find the hosts file on your Windows machine.
For example, on certain Windows platforms it is located here:
%WINDIR%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC\HOSTS
2
Edit the hosts file with a text editor such as Notepad.
3
Enter your server IP address and name in the hosts file as a new line as shown in the following example. Your network administrator can provide you with the IP address.
# the following is an example of a hosts file entry for IPv4 address
146.23.45.2       acctserver
Preventing the Windows Dial-Up Network Dialog Box from Displaying When Using a PSQL Application with TCP/IP
Depending on the settings for your browser, the Windows Dial-Up Networking dialog box can display when a TCP/IP request is made. Usually, this is to make an Internet connection, but this feature can be an annoyance when using PSQL applications and TCP/IP.
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To Prevent the Dial-Up Networking Dialog Box from Displaying Automatically
1
In Control Panel, double-click Internet Options.
2
Click the Connections tab.
3
Clear the Dial whenever a network connection is not present option (select one of the other options, such as Never Dial a Connection).