contention for master browser

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A

anonymous

I have two XP machines on my home network. The Event Viewer on XP box#1
shows a rash of attempts by XP box#2 to declare itself the Master Browser,
forcing an election. What causes this rebellious behavior?

I'd prefer box#1, which is my desktop and hard-networked to the router, to
remain Master over the other stations, which are wireless laptops. (All
boxes stay on roughly 24x7). I'm reluctant to override the "AUTO" parameters
and declare one the master...but I will if its important.

The only other clue I have is that box#2 was having trouble maintaining its
wireless connection -- and maybe, failing to hear the Master but knowing its
part of a network, tries to step in -- and then regains its connection, so
that box#1 hears the declaration? Is that how it works?

Is there significant degradation due to this contention, or is this normal
sausage-making that I just shouldn't worry about?
 
it is the sausage.

Typically in the election process, the latest version of
Windows always wins (except when its Client vs. Server).

In this case you have equally matched turds, one will win
after a brief jolt around the network but it's not
overwhelmingly painful.

The choice it makes is random and is based upon
some "secret" browser service algorhythem.
 
"anonymous" said:
I have two XP machines on my home network. The Event Viewer on XP box#1
shows a rash of attempts by XP box#2 to declare itself the Master Browser,
forcing an election. What causes this rebellious behavior?

I'd prefer box#1, which is my desktop and hard-networked to the router, to
remain Master over the other stations, which are wireless laptops. (All
boxes stay on roughly 24x7). I'm reluctant to override the "AUTO" parameters
and declare one the master...but I will if its important.

The only other clue I have is that box#2 was having trouble maintaining its
wireless connection -- and maybe, failing to hear the Master but knowing its
part of a network, tries to step in -- and then regains its connection, so
that box#1 hears the declaration? Is that how it works?

Is there significant degradation due to this contention, or is this normal
sausage-making that I just shouldn't worry about?
Click to expand...

Master Browser elections can disrupt the network for several minutes
and should be avoided.

To prevent box#2 from attempting to become the Master Browser:

1. Right click My Computer, and click Manage.
2. Double click Services and Applications.
3. Double click Services.
4. Double click Computer Browser. If the Service status is Started,
click Stop.
5. Set the Startup type to Disabled.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
Thanks both of you for your responses. I'll try Steve's suggestion and see
if there's less sausage...

Stew
 
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