WIn 2K and WIn NT master browser issues

[Waidesworld]

How do I stop all the systems wanting to be the "master browser" and as a result losing my network connectivity. Is there a check box somewhere?

As I am constantly swapping systems around and each set of systems will consist of 3-6 computers (both OS's) can I do something that will even prevent having to check boxes.

 

[pweegar]

Is one of your computers a Prim. Domain Controller (PDC)? If so, it will ALWAYS win the browser election. If the PDC fails, then a Backup Domain Controller, which becomes the PDC wins.

You can do a google search (I tried browser elections and got many hits.) One site is:

http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/54/

And it tells you what registry key you need to add.

 

[bcastner]

Change the Master Browser in w2k or XP:
Go to Program files, Admin tools, services then in the right panel right click on Computer Browser, double click and go to properties. Stop the service. Set its startup type to Disabled. Or type regedt32, and scroll to this key change value to False
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters IsDomainMaster=FALSE

Change master browser in 9X:
From network neighborhood properties select File & print sharing, select and click properties then select "Master Browser" from the right list and choose disabled from the left list.

 

[bcastner]

Bob Linn notes,

http://www.chicagotech.net/

To encourage singlehomed computers to become the browser servers, open HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters\IsDomainMaster and change the value of this key to yes, quit Registry Editor, and then restart your computer. NOTE: The registry settings in this article do not work on a Windows 2000 DC if it is the PDC emulator.