Question

Server not showing up in browser list of network computers. (although typing UNC works)

Asked by: crcdatatech

On a client's 2003 server network (w/ AD) we are able to ping all computers on the network.  We're able to referennce all file shares by typing the UNC in the address bar.  But when we use the computer browser, the SERVER does not show up in the list of computers in the domain.

1.  We did not configure this server.  It was done by another consulting company who is no longer available to contact.  I think it is posslible they may have turned off the way that the system advertises to the discovery protocol.  My understanding of how the browser works is very limited.

2. The DNS is the primary servewr.  Name resolution appears to work just fine.  Again, we can use the UNC path to access any data we need.

3. The client is a bit stubborn and insists that somethng is "wrong with the network" because this feature is not available through the server.  They and their employees are comfortable browsing and don't want to use the UNC as a workaround.

Can anyone help/educate me on how the computer browser works.  Is the discovery protocol even used in a domain environment where the DNS is estrablished?  Is there a way to turn off a computer being published on the master browser list?  Excuse the vernacular due to my weak understanding of this issue.

Cameron Rowe
crowe@crcdatatech.com

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Asked On
2007-08-30 at 05:53:05ID22797068
Tags

showing

,

server

,

network

,

up

,

list

Topics

WINS

,

Internet Protocols

,

Domain Name Service (DNS)

Participating Experts
8
Points
500
Comments
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Answers

 

by: chuckyhPosted on 2007-08-30 at 06:09:50ID: 19799686

You need to have NETBIOS over TCP/IP enabled on all the machines, You can set that up as an option on the DHCP server.
this doc shows how to disable NETBIOS, but you need it enabled. so make sure it's not set like this on the DHCP server.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/313314

 

by: toniurPosted on 2007-08-30 at 06:14:24ID: 19799723

Hi!

I don't know where to start. ;) Should I simply say that Browser service is an awfull service which works only with broadcasts. It's responsible only for displaying computers in Network Neighberhood (or My network places). Here is KB article how it works: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/188001

Browser service has nothing to do with DNS. If you want to display computers from different subnets in Network Neighberhood you have to install WINS servers on each subnet and make them replication partners, because browser broadcasts can not pass through routers.

The bottom line is that browsing through Network Neighberhood should be banned.

And yes, you can easily hide your computer from browser list with the following command: "net config server /hidden:yes"

Waiting for your questions...

Toni

 

by: superizPosted on 2007-08-30 at 06:51:12ID: 19800056

Key:    HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters
Value:    Hidden    (REG_BINARY)
Range: 0 or 1
Default: 0

This determines whether the server's computer name and comment can be viewed by other computers in the domain. If the value is configured to 0, the server's name and comment can be viewed by other computers in the domain. If the value is configured to 1, the server's name and comment cannot be viewed by other computers in the domain.

 

by: toniurPosted on 2007-08-30 at 06:57:12ID: 19800115

No need to even open registry editor in this case.

Type: "net config server" to se the "hidden" value and use switceh /hidden:yes or /hidden:no to change registry value. ;)

 

by: DeadNightPosted on 2007-08-31 at 12:10:01ID: 19810696

I'm glad someone else did a rant about the 'browser service' (toniur:) I couldn't agree more.  If you want the server to show up and it isn't hidden, just reboot the server.  It's simple and stupid but so is the browser service.  From time to time the browsing service (which is probably on the server) will drop names, to fix this boot the highest order browse master in the network (the server) and it should show up again.  You can also try stopping and restring the computer browser service on the server, but rebooting seems to be more reliable.  If they don't like UNC's (I know people go on and on about how it worked yesterday and if it isn't woking today.. blah blah blah) My solution to this has been to make shortcuts to the UNC path on their desktop (these are faster than going through a list and finding the server)  Good luck, Maybe someday Microsoft will get rid of browsing and use something based on DNS and this question will stop popping up again, and again... but until then reboot! make shortcuts.. and giggle at the people that think something is wrong with the network when the microsoft browser doesn't show a name.  Good Luck!

 

by: Bill_FleuryPosted on 2007-09-06 at 16:01:21ID: 19844341

I'm betting this is a smaller network with only one subnet, and all the other machines are configured to use Netbios.  As chuckyh said, enable Netbios and it should appear.  You do this in the TCP/IP properties of the network connection:

Open TCP/IP Properties,
Press "Advanced"
Go to WINS tab.  Enable Netbios over TCP/IP.
Press ok a few times to get back to where you started.
Now wait an hour- or reboot.  The server should show up in the list (given it's not hidden like Toniur and DeadNight were talking about)

And yes, the browser service sucks.  Netbios sucks.  It adds un-needed overhead to your network by making every computer send broadcasts.  However, try to explain that to users who are used to using the Network Neighbourhood, it's less fun than eating styrofoam.  Good luck!

 

by: toniurPosted on 2007-11-12 at 08:06:19ID: 20264909

Unfortunately asker did not respond to our suggestions. I hate to see question like this one deleted, because suggestions about troubleshooting Browser service were good.

Split or delete?

 

by: keith_alabasterPosted on 2007-11-12 at 11:11:11ID: 20266337

I agree with you - my leaning is to an equal split amongst all contributors

 

by: Computer101Posted on 2007-11-20 at 15:33:13ID: 20324359

Forced accept.

Computer101
EE Admin

 

by: Dan5406Posted on 2010-03-15 at 15:33:01ID: 27659467

I am not the original poster, but I do have this issue.

I have taken all steps suggested with no response.

My case is a W2K3 member server that was moved in a forest migration to a new forest/domain. All other machines in this process show correctly. I have verified all IP settings with respect to DNS and WINS. The server does respond by URL, and does show as a valid member server in AD.

I am open to responses and will acknowledge any that I get. Thank you in advance... Dan

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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