Computer Browser issues w/ XP

[videobruce]

1. This isn't a hardware issue,
2. I never had a problem w/ 2k,
3. I don't leave my boxes on 24/7 (wasn't a problem before),
4. I use the same username and workgroup in all three boxes,
5. I have enabled simple file sharing on all drives (partitions),
6. NO firewall,
7. All have static IP addresses,
8. I can ping each PC.

After reading about the "Computer Browser" service it appears this is my problem. My question is;
What has changed in FP, er XP that is making this a problem that 2k didn't have?

If I try to "View Workgroup Computers", it times out after 45 seconds with the message "The list of servers is not available" which apparently means there is a problem with this Master Browser.

It was suggested to use the 'lmhosts' file. I read through this;
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windowsnt/4/server/reskit/en-us/net/sur_lmh.mspx?mfr=true
and created this file (not actual computer names); 192.168.1.2 Xy1 #PRE
192.168.1.3 Xy2 #PRE
102.168.1.4 Xy3 #PRE I also added 'NetBios" to the list of protocols under 'Local Area Connection Properties'. Under the "Advanced TCP/IP Settings/Wins" I added the three addresses of the three PCs'. IPCONFIG looks like this: Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : xy1
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 04-4B-80-80-80-03
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
Primary WINS Server . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.2
Secondary WINS Server . . . . . . : 192.168.1.3
192.168.1.4

Anyway it didn't work (which I didn't expect).
What's wrong or is there a better/easier way?

[Ghost_Hacker]

Why people still use the net 'hood window to find computers and then waste days troubleshooting it when it fails is beyond me. It is a relic from the mid '90s, used back in the day when windows servers where still a Billy Gates wet dream and "Big Red" ruled the world!

Take a step into the new century :D

The simply way is to open the "run" window and type \\computer name or IP address Once you find the share or printer you looking for map it or connect to it and be done.


If you must use the net 'hood window. Try this tool browcon (http://searchwinit.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid1_gci955291,00.html) to troubleshoot masterbrowser errors and problems.

Good luck :)

[videobruce]

I do it because that was the way that worked w/ 2k.
I can't help M$ has to keep changing things because of their security hole called Idiot Exploiter. :mad:

I tried typing in the computer name in the address bar, that worked (I didn't use the \\ the first couple of times I tried it).
It also seemed to work to see the other box.
WTF??? Why is this apparently working and the 'old fashioned way' isn't?

FP sucks! :mad: Worked fine in 2k.

[Ghost_Hacker]

It could be a number of resons why it's not working, but it all boils down to a problem with your Master Browser. Use the browcon tool to help troubleshoot that. Also just as an FYI it can sometimes take up to 30 mins to an hour for the Master browser to update its table. Sometimes you just have to wait for it to catch up.

Good Luck :)

[Ghost_Hacker]

This link (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/188001) helps explain the dif between win2000 and winxp with the browser service.

A quick overview of the documentation shows that in an all XP network there is no master browser unless you have a domain controller (browcon should have show that too). Windows 2000 browser service is for backwards compatability with other older Windows systems.

Like I said its a relic of another age, sorry.

[videobruce]

it can sometimes take up to 30 mins to an hour for the Master browser to update its table.I have had the box on for hours and there was no change.in an all XP network there is no master browser unless you have a domain controllerThen how can I have a Master Browser issue if there isn't suppose to be ome running? :confused:
All I have now is XP (unfortunately).

Then why does it work if I type in the address?
Since things seem to be working now, how do I now create shortcuts to drives in the other PCs' since I can't use 'Add Network Place'?

[Ghost_Hacker]

I have had the box on for hours and there was no change.Then how can I have a Master Browser issue if there isn't suppose to be ome running? :confused:
All I have now is XP (unfortunately).

Then why does it work if I type in the address?
Since things seem to be working now, how do I now create shortcuts to drives in the other PCs' since I can't use 'Add Network Place'?


Well, your master browser is not running THATS the issue :), which explains why het hood doesn't work.

Net hood works by requesting a list of computers from a master browser it then displays that list in the net hood window. So...no master browser... means no list.... which means net hood window is empty.

Computers can sometimes take awhile before they show up on this list which is ONE reason net hood might not work (there are more, many more which I did not bother to list). In the old days when networks where small and network resources where close at hand this wasn't a problem, but now days networks can be very big and resources can be half a world away..hence the reason nethood and its bothers are going the way of the dino (yes I know what you may be thinking... home networks are always small, but Micorsoft doesn't care about home networks it makes its money off the business networks and these networks are no longer the small one floor LANs or one building LANs of the past).


\\computername, on the other hand, works by simply opening a connection to that computer....no need for any list... no need for a masterbrowser. Do you begin to see why it is silly to use nethood or "find computer" when using \\computername is so much easier to use and troubleshoot? :) Of course if you don't know what computer your looking for that could be an issue!


Anyways...to map a drive just right click the shared folder and choose "map network drive".


Good luck :)

[videobruce]

Do you begin to see why it is silly to use nethood or "find computer" when using \\computername is so much easier to use and troubleshoot?Agreed. It just would of been nice to get the old way working again.