Master Browser?

[Fitz]

I have 4 computers networked (as a Workgroup, not a Domain) via a Linksys 8
port router to a DSL modem. I am getting recurring Warnings and Errors in
Event Viewer (Application) under the heading of ESENT.
It reads:
SOURCE: Browser
Category: None
Event ID: 8021

The browser was unable to retrieve a list of servers from the browser master
\\TESSA-1 on the network
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{5861C454-1B3E-499E-B052-52D0FB343013}. The data is the
error code.

Why is one computer designated the "master" on a network where all computers
are connected through the router as a Workgroup? I am also getting multiple
emails (the same email being recieved multiple times, sometimes over 100).

The OS is WinXP Pro w/SP2. AVG 7 antivirus. I have run AdAware SE and
Registry Mechanic with nothing other than stored cookies found. HijackThis
doesn't reveal anything unusual.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Fitz

 

[Carey]

originally posted by Steve Winograd:
In my opinion, browsing in a Windows peer network is a fragile process
that usually works OK. It can take up to 15 minutes after a computer
boots before it appears in Network Neighborhood or My Network Places.
Later OS versions have priority over earlier OS versions as the master
browser, so starting XP after Me causes a master browser election.


Switching to a new master browser can disrupt network browsing for a
time, so it's best to minimize or eliminate elections. Designate one
computer as the master browser and leave it running all the time.
Then, other computers coming and going don't cause disruptions. In a
mixed 9x/XP network, the XP computer is the best choice for master
browser. Set "Browse Master" to "Disabled" on all but one or two 9x
computers, and set it to "Automatic" on them. This setting is in
Control Panel | Network | File and Printer Sharing | Properties.

 

[Fitz]

Using WinXP, I could find no "Network" header in the Control Panel (there
was Network Connections, but no File and Printer Sharing in Properties. I
ran the network wizard, and turned it off through that. The Service in XP
to Disable is Computer Browser vs Browse Master. I ran the command prompt to
verify which computer on the network was the Browse Master and disabled it.
Apparently, for a computer to participate in the election process, it has to
have something shared.
Anyway, we'll see if the errors stop.

Thanks for the help- it certainly pointed me in the right direction.

Fitz

 

[John Wunderlich]

I have 4 computers networked (as a Workgroup, not a Domain) via a
Linksys 8 port router to a DSL modem. I am getting recurring
Warnings and Errors in Event Viewer (Application) under the
heading of ESENT. It reads:
SOURCE: Browser
Category: None
Event ID: 8021

The browser was unable to retrieve a list of servers from the
browser master \\TESSA-1 on the network
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{5861C454-1B3E-499E-B052-52D0FB343013}. The
data is the error code.

Why is one computer designated the "master" on a network where all
computers are connected through the router as a Workgroup?

You don't say whether TESSA-1 is one of your computers or not.
It is possible that your local network is getting out on the internet.
Try going into your Router configuration and block the following ports
from the internet. This will prevent outside interference with your
network:
UDP port 137
UDP port 138
TCP port 139
TCP port 445

Normally, one computer on each subnet is elected as a "Master Browser"
to collect the names of other machines on that subnet (via broadcast)
and report that list to a PDC for inclusion in a WINS database. Do you
have a WINS server? Are any of your computers configured with a WINS
server address?

HTH,
John

 

[Fitz]

Yes, the identified computer is on the Network. No Wins Server- All the
machines are WinXP set up as "connects directly to the internet. Other
computers on this network connect directly to the internet" using the
Network Wizard. There is a workgroup identified, but no Domain.

Thanks,
Fitz