SuSE9.3, nis and /etc/nsswitch.conf

Hello all, SuSE9.3 with NIS client running, ypwhich, and domainname return correct information, nis entry is in /etc/nsswitch.conf file, /lib/libnss_nis.so.2 is there. but the computer doesn't recoganize the host which is in nis, but not in dns. any suggestions for what could be wrong? TIA! Lisa PS. /etc/nsswitch.conf file passwd: compat group: compat hosts: files nis dns networks: files nis dns services: files nis protocols: files nis rpc: files nis ethers: files nis netmasks: files nis netgroup: files nis publickey: files nis bootparams: files nis automount: files nis aliases: files nis shadow: compat