Why is W2K network neighborhood browsing so slow?

[kvizbar]

Anyone have any suggestions?

TIA

 

[Woodie]

How many protocols do you have loaded? Do you have a W2K domain? a DNS? WINS?

--Woodie

 

[Workin']

If you are browsing other Win2k machines, don't know what to tell you.

If you are browsing Win 9x machines try this:

Start->Run regedt32

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace

Under that branch select the key {D6277990-4C6A-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}, then back it up by under the Registry menu ->Save Key named as Scheduled.reg. This will let you restore the key if there is a problem. Now delete the key. The change takes effect immediately, and your surfing of Win 9x boxes should be a lot faster.

 

[kvizbar]

I tried deleting that registry key already, and it didn't seem to have any effect. I'm trying to browse for Win98 boxes, once I actually get into the shares it is fine, but it takes about 30 seconds to bring up the list of the computers in the work group. I only have two protocols loaded, TCP/IP and NetBEUI.

 

[Woodie]

With two protocols, it shouldn't be that bad....is the W2K box up all the time? (Are you seeing many browser elections?) Are you trying to browse right after you bring up the W2K box?

Do the event logs show anything interesting? (Browser elections, etc..)

What DNS server is the W2K box set to look for? and is it on your subnet?

I know, lots of questions, no answers. Browsing can be a real PITA to figure out, because it's mostly automated by MS, so it's hard to tweak.

--Woodie

 

[kvizbar]

It happens anytime on the Win2K box, whether it's just been booted or been on for a week. I didn't see anything interesting in the event logs. I have the DNS set to look at my DSL router for this information. (Which is on my subnet of course) Should I be pointing it elsewhere?

 

[MulLa]

Not here to help but what is a browser election? I see them in my logs sometimes and wonder what they do.

 

[randal]

mulla --

A browser election is a normal network occurance. An election provides a means to guarantee there is never more than one master browser present in a domain/workgroup. A master browser is elected in the following priority:

NT Server installed as PDC
NT Server
NT Workstation
other

...

Windows 95 machines can only participate in a browser election if they are configured for File and/or Print sharing. This is accomplished in Control Panel / Networks. To set or check the browser settings, scroll the network Configuration for File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks. Highlight this entry and click the Properties button. Select Browse Master and choose from Disabled, Enabled, or Automatic.

from: http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBA/tip0100/rh0148.htm

$.02
randal

 

[MulLa]

I see. Thanks for the info and the link!

 

[Woodie]

To add to the election...the newest OS is always higher in the list, so add W2K Server, then W2K Professional to the top. If there is a tie in OS, then the device that has been on longer wins.

Elections are specific to MS networking, and there's a "Master Browser" for each protocol. Hence the question about what protocols were running.

--Woodie