This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 Linux server provides file sharing to Windows clients via Samba. The administrator notices that Windows clients are unable to resolve the NetBIOS name of the server. Which two services are essential for NetBIOS name resolution? (Choose two.)
DNS
Why wrong: DNS resolves hostnames, not NetBIOS names directly.
nmbd
nmbd handles NetBIOS name services (NBNS).
DHCP
Why wrong: DHCP assigns IP addresses but does not resolve NetBIOS names.
winbindd
Why wrong: winbindd is used for integrating with domain authentication.
smbd
smbd provides the SMB service over NetBIOS session service.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
nmbd
B is correct because nmbd is the Samba NetBIOS name server daemon that handles NetBIOS name resolution by listening for and responding to NetBIOS name queries on UDP ports 137 and 138. Without nmbd running, Windows clients cannot resolve the server's NetBIOS name to an IP address, which is required for SMB/CIFS communication over NetBIOS.
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.
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS resolves hostnames, not NetBIOS names directly.
nmbd
Why this is correct
nmbd handles NetBIOS name services (NBNS).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DHCP
Why it's wrong here
DHCP assigns IP addresses but does not resolve NetBIOS names.
winbindd
Why it's wrong here
winbindd is used for integrating with domain authentication.
smbd
Why this is correct
smbd provides the SMB service over NetBIOS session service.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse smbd (the file sharing daemon) with nmbd (the name resolution daemon), assuming smbd alone is sufficient for NetBIOS name resolution, or they incorrectly think DNS or DHCP are involved in NetBIOS name resolution.
Detailed technical explanation
NetBIOS name resolution relies on the NetBIOS Name Service (NBNS), which operates over UDP port 137 using broadcast or directed queries; nmbd can act as both a NetBIOS name server (NBNS) and a WINS server. In contrast, smbd handles file and print sharing services (SMB/CIFS) on TCP ports 139 and 445, but does not participate in name resolution. A real-world scenario where this matters is when Windows clients use 'net view' or '\SERVERNAME' and fail because nmbd is not running, even though smbd is active.
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 LPIC-2 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
File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: nmbd — B is correct because nmbd is the Samba NetBIOS name server daemon that handles NetBIOS name resolution by listening for and responding to NetBIOS name queries on UDP ports 137 and 138. Without nmbd running, Windows clients cannot resolve the server's NetBIOS name to an IP address, which is required for SMB/CIFS communication over NetBIOS.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This LPIC-2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LPIC-2 exam.
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