w2kpro wXPpro peer-to-peer network HELP

[klimber]

about three or four times a day the w2k machines are unable to see the two wXP machines. problem is temporarily fixed after i cycle the power on the hub. but sure enough, few hours later same problem

here is the set up

8 w2kpro machines browser off
1 wXP machine - set up as psuedo file server - browser off
1 wXP machine - set up as psuedo file server - MSTR Browser

 

[bcastner]

Have you considered using WINS instead of Netbios browser services? You are perfectly configured to do so. This would be the best solution for you.

I would be curious what the results of using the Resource Kit browstat.exe tool would be when the XP machines go missing; or any error messages from the Win2k machines if a net view command is issued.

I have a slight preference towards not disabling the computer browser service, but configuring this value as appropriate:

; Set a machine not to participate in elections:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters IsDomainMaster=FALSE

 

[klimber]

Have you considered using WINS instead of Netbios browser services? You are perfectly configured to do so. This would be the best solution for you."


any suggestions as to where and what to do to make this change?

 

[bcastner]

I mis-spoke, as LMHOSTS in the absence of a server OS is necessary.

As I am sure you are aware, under each workstations TCP/IP Properties, Advanced, there is an WINS tab.

Under that tab is a checkbox to enable LMHOSTS lookup, and if desired to import the LMHOSTS database file from a central location.

The format of the LMHOSTS file is slightly tricky, as the number of spaces allocated for any entry has to be exactly the right number.

This freeware utility will make short work of the task:

http://www.netadmintools.com/art46.html