Quick Answer
The answer is nbtstat, the built-in Windows command-line tool for enumerating NetBIOS names on a network. This is correct because nbtstat directly queries the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) protocol, as defined in RFC 1001/1002, and can display the remote machine’s NetBIOS name table using the -a or -A switches, revealing service types such as file sharing, messaging, and workstation services. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between native Windows reconnaissance tools—a common trap is confusing nbtstat with net view or ping, but only nbtstat provides detailed NetBIOS name table enumeration. A helpful memory tip: think of “nbt” as “NetBIOS Table,” and remember that the -a switch uses the computer name while -A uses the IP address to pull the full name list.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security analyst wants to enumerate NetBIOS names on a Windows network. Which built-in Windows command-line tool should they use?
nslookup
Why wrong: nslookup is used for DNS queries, not NetBIOS enumeration.
netstat
Why wrong: netstat displays active TCP connections, listening ports, and network statistics, not NetBIOS names.
nbtstat
nbtstat is the correct command for NetBIOS name resolution and enumeration.
net view
Why wrong: net view displays shared resources on a network but does not enumerate NetBIOS names directly.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
nbtstat
The nbtstat command is the correct built-in Windows tool for enumerating NetBIOS names because it directly queries and displays NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) statistics, name tables, and caches. NetBIOS name enumeration relies on the NBT protocol (RFC 1001/1002), and nbtstat -a or -A retrieves the remote machine's NetBIOS name table, which includes service types like file sharing, messaging, and workstation services.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
nslookup
Why it's wrong here
nslookup is used for DNS queries, not NetBIOS enumeration.
netstat
Why it's wrong here
netstat displays active TCP connections, listening ports, and network statistics, not NetBIOS names.
nbtstat
Why this is correct
nbtstat is the correct command for NetBIOS name resolution and enumeration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
net view
Why it's wrong here
net view displays shared resources on a network but does not enumerate NetBIOS names directly.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'net view' (which shows network shares) with NetBIOS name enumeration, but nbtstat is the specific tool for querying the NetBIOS name table and cache directly.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, nbtstat uses the NetBIOS Name Service (NBNS) to send a Name Query request to the target's UDP port 137, and the response contains the NetBIOS name table with up to 16 characters per name (15 for the name, 1 for the type suffix like 0x20 for file server). A real-world scenario: during a penetration test, running 'nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10' reveals the target's computer name, logged-in user, and running services, which can be used to identify potential SMB vulnerabilities or user accounts for password spraying.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: nbtstat — The nbtstat command is the correct built-in Windows tool for enumerating NetBIOS names because it directly queries and displays NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) statistics, name tables, and caches. NetBIOS name enumeration relies on the NBT protocol (RFC 1001/1002), and nbtstat -a or -A retrieves the remote machine's NetBIOS name table, which includes service types like file sharing, messaging, and workstation services.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A security analyst runs 'nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10' and receives a table showing the machine name and a list of names registered. Which service is being enumerated?
easyWhy D: The 'nbtstat -A' command performs a NetBIOS name table lookup against a remote IP address using the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT) protocol. It queries the target's NetBIOS name service (UDP port 137) and returns the registered names, including the machine name, workgroup/domain, and logged-in users. This directly enumerates the NetBIOS service, making D the correct answer.
Variation 2. A security analyst runs `nbtstat -A 192.168.1.10` and receives output showing a table with names like COMPUTER<00>, COMPUTER<20>, and DOMAIN<1B>. What type of information has the analyst gathered?
easyWhy A: The `nbtstat -A` command performs a NetBIOS name table lookup against the target IP address using the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NBT) protocol. The output displays NetBIOS names (e.g., COMPUTER<00>, COMPUTER<20>, DOMAIN<1B>) along with their associated service type suffixes (hex bytes), which identify the services running on the host, such as Workstation Service (<00>), Server Service (<20>), and Domain Master Browser (<1B>). This allows the analyst to enumerate the host's NetBIOS names and their corresponding service types.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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