I have several VPN clients running Vista & XP connecting to a Windows 2000 domain (Some are domain members, others arn't). Each VPN client is on it's own subnet (/30), meaning clients will not find any existing Local Master Browser for their subnet and will self promote to Local Master Browsers.

The problem I have is that the Browser service takes a long time to populate the network list (variously 30s-6mins). I have analyzed the traffic; The client immediately sees the Domain Master Browser (WINS), and promotion to Local Master Browser occurs rapidly (and consistently) in about 20s (after election broadcasts),.

However it then takes another 30s or so before sending a "Get Backup List Request" [SMB command 0x09]. Additionally, the first 2-3 "Get Backup List Requests" are usually broadcast requests (which will not route) before attempting unicast to the Domain Master Browser.

My question is: A) Why does the newly promoted Local Master Browser take so long to send a "Get Backup List Request", and B) Why does the client attempt broadcast "Get Backup List Requests" when it is explicitly configured with a WINS server, and C) Most importantly, how do I force the Local Master Browsers to be quicker AND only send out unicast "Get Backup List Requests".

<Please ignore the 'Beginner on this subject' - I forgot to change it, please feel free to reply technically, I should understand>