Windows Explorer - Folder Pane Doesn't Open

[Guest]

Hi

I followed the following instructions, and this activity works perfectly.

You can also create a desktop shortcut to a

particular computer or shared folder, and use that shortcut to access
it. Right-click the desktop, click New | Shortcut, and specify the
location of the item as "\\computer" or "\\computer\share".
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking) <

However, when I double-click on the shortcut for "\\computer", the window
that opens does NOT have the "Folder" pane open. Is there a way to have it
open with the Folder pane open?

Thank you for your help.

 

[Chuck]

Hi

I followed the following instructions, and this activity works perfectly.

particular computer or shared folder, and use that shortcut to access
it. Right-click the desktop, click New | Shortcut, and specify the
location of the item as "\\computer" or "\\computer\share".

However, when I double-click on the shortcut for "\\computer", the window
that opens does NOT have the "Folder" pane open. Is there a way to have it
open with the Folder pane open?

Thank you for your help.

I find it simple to hit the Folder button in the toolbar, after it opens. One
click.

If you want to create a Windows Explorer shortcut, this article will tell you
the switches that you can use. I had Windows Explorer opening as you describe,
long ago, which was fine except I got tired of hunting for the shortcut.
<http://www.visualautomation.com/comprod/secure6/explorer.htm>
http://www.visualautomation.com/comprod/secure6/explorer.htm

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck

Thanks for the help. The solution works perfectly. Previously, when I used
"My Network Places", it would take up to 1 minute to be at the point that
this method drops me at in 1 to 2 seconds. I have no idea what NetBios over
TCP is doing for it to take so long, but it won't bother me to be rid of it.

If I do not need NetBios over TCP for the "browser", is it required for any
other necessary function? All the computers on our microscopic network are
running Win Server 2003 - SP-1, Win XP Pro - SP-2, and Win 2000 Pro. DNS is
activated, and it works perfectly. As per your blog site, I have set the NBT
node type to "Broadcast" on all network computers

For users who may read this thread in the future, I created a shortcut on my
Win XP Pro desktop, and entered the following:
c:\windows\explorer.exe /e,\\server-name

Don't forget to put a comma after the "e" switch. Like Chuck, I am not big

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck

Thanks for the help. The solution works perfectly. Previously, when I used
"My Network Places", it would take up to 1 minute to be at the point that
this method drops me at in 1 to 2 seconds. I have no idea what NetBios over
TCP is doing for it to take so long, but it won't bother me to be rid of it.

If I do not need NetBios over TCP for the "browser", is it required for any
other necessary function? All the computers on our microscopic network are
running Win Server 2003 - SP-1, Win XP Pro - SP-2, and Win 2000 Pro. DNS is
activated, and it works perfectly. As per your blog site, I have set the NBT
node type to "Broadcast" on all network computers

For users who may read this thread in the future, I created a shortcut on my
Win XP Pro desktop, and entered the following:
c:\windows\explorer.exe /e,\\server-name

Don't forget to put a comma after the "e" switch. Like Chuck, I am not big
on hunting for icons on my desktop; in addition, I am not real big on mousing
all over the place, either, so I created a shortcut key of "Ctrl + Alt + S".

Maybe we've been attacking the symptom, and not the problem. I, personally,
teach Enabling NetBT, not disabling it. So how is your computer working without
it? Maybe using native SMB? But that generally won't give name resolution,
particularly if you're using Broadcast.

If you would like to dig deeper, provide "browstat status", "ipconfig /all",
"net config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer (2 or 3
anyway), so we can diagnose the problem. Read this article, and linked
articles, and follow instructions precisely (download browstat!):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck

I shall not be back in our office until April 26, 2006, so I shall execute
these instructions at that time. Do you think that we should create a new
thread with a new subject for this topic?

BTW, over the last few weeks, I have already spent a fair amount of time on
your site. The effor that you have put into it shows, and it is greatly
appreciated. If I was at the physical location where the network is, I would
have already posted the browstat status and ipconfig /all output along with a
more thorough summary of the problem. Unfortunately, at least in this
instance, I have only set up remote access to two of the workstations, and I
have not set up either access to the domain controller or even a share to the
command window on it. That is why I just queried whether NBT could be dumped
rather than asking how to "fix" it. My intent was to open a new thread on the
issue of slow access to "My Network Places" next week when I would have
physical access to the network. That said, I am glad that you responded as
you did, because I wouldn't have thought to include "net config server" or
net config workstation in my initial summary.

Have a good weekend, and I shall be back in touch next week.

********************

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck

"Chuck Wrote"

Maybe we've been attacking the symptom, and not the problem. I, personally,
teach Enabling NetBT, not disabling it. So how is your computer working without
it? Maybe using native SMB? But that generally won't give name resolution,
particularly if you're using Broadcast.

If you would like to dig deeper, provide "browstat status", "ipconfig /all",
"net config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer (2 or 3
anyway), so we can diagnose the problem. Read this article, and linked
articles, and follow instructions precisely (download browstat!)
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]

I appreciate you taking the time to review this information for me. Please
let me know if you need more information or clarification. Thank you for your
help.
********************
********************
The following is from the Domain Controller. The Operating System is Win
Server 2003 / SP-1.

Computer: Server3 Browstat Status

Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{90C241DA-EA9C-4428-B362-44ED53755C15}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SERVER3
Master browser is running build 3790
2 backup servers retrieved from master SERVER3
\\SERVER3
\\SERVER2
There are 6 servers in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{90C241DA-EA9C-4428-B362-44ED53755C15}
There are 1 domains in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{90C241DA-EA9C-4428-B362-44ED53755C15}

********************
Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : server3

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

apswest.com

Ethernet adapter Intel 82544GC Based Network Connection - Onboard:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 XT Network Connection

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-11-43-5A-E1-86

DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.27

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.27

********************
Server Name \\SERVER3
Server Comment SERVER3

Software version Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Server is active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{90C241DA-EA9C-4428-B362-44ED53755C15} (0011435ae186)

Server hidden No
Maximum Logged On Users Unlimited
Maximum open files per session 16384

Idle session time (min) 15
The command completed successfully.

*******************
Computer name \\SERVER3
Full Computer name server3.aps.apswest.com
User name Stephen

Workstation active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{90C241DA-EA9C-4428-B362-44ED53755C15} (0011435AE186)

Software version Microsoft Windows Server 2003

Workstation domain APS
Workstation Domain DNS Name aps.apswest.com
Logon domain APS

COM Open Timeout (sec) 0
COM Send Count (byte) 16
COM Send Timeout (msec) 250
The command completed successfully.

*******************
*******************
The following is from a Member Server that does only File/Print serving. The
Operating System is Win Server 2003 / SP-1.

Computer: Server2 Browstat Status

Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SERVER3
Master browser is running build 3790
2 backup servers retrieved from master SERVER3
\\SERVER2
\\SERVER3
There are 4 servers in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}
There are 1 domains in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}

********************
Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : server2

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

apswest.com

Ethernet adapter Intel 82544GC Based Network Connection - onboard:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 XT Network Connection

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0B-DB-92-72-C6

DHCP Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.207

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.27

********************
Server Name \\SERVER2
Server Comment Server2

Software version Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Server is active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E} (000bdb9272c6)

Server hidden No
Maximum Logged On Users Unlimited
Maximum open files per session 16384

Idle session time (min) 15
The command completed successfully.

********************
Computer name \\SERVER2
Full Computer name server2.aps.apswest.com
User name Stephen

Workstation active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E} (000BDB9272C6)

Software version Microsoft Windows Server 2003

Workstation domain APS
Workstation Domain DNS Name aps.apswest.com
Logon domain APS

COM Open Timeout (sec) 0
COM Send Count (byte) 16
COM Send Timeout (msec) 250
The command completed successfully.

********************
********************
The following is from the Workstation AMD. The Operating System is Win XP
Professional / SP-2.

Computer: AMD Browstat Status

Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{E8AE3701-52F9-4C74-ABC1-1B85CBADAA36}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SERVER3
Master browser is running build 3790
2 backup servers retrieved from master SERVER3
\\SERVER2
\\SERVER3
Unable to retrieve server list from SERVER3: 64

Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{BFB32E30-FAF1-498F-8E01-DBD012112532}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.

********************
Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : AMD

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

apswest.com

Ethernet adapter Hamachi:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Hamachi Network Interface

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 7A-79-05-0F-3D-D4

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 5.15.61.212

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.0.0.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 5.0.0.1

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Thursday, April 27, 2006 8:05:06
AM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, April 18, 2007
8:05:06 AM

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast
Ethernet NIC

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-01-08-01-0B-42

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.18

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.27

********************
Server Name \\AMD
Server Comment Stephen Desktop

Software version Windows 2002
Server is active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{E8AE3701-52F9-4C74-ABC1-1B85CBADAA36} (000108010b42)

Server hidden No
Maximum Logged On Users 10
Maximum open files per session 16384

Idle session time (min) 15
The command completed successfully.

********************
Computer name \\AMD
Full Computer name AMD.aps.apswest.com
User name Stephen

Workstation active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{E8AE3701-52F9-4C74-ABC1-1B85CBADAA36} (000108010B42)
NetBT_Tcpip_{BFB32E30-FAF1-498F-8E01-DBD012112532} (7A79050F3DD4)

Software version Windows 2002

Workstation domain APS
Workstation Domain DNS Name aps.apswest.com
Logon domain APS

COM Open Timeout (sec) 0
COM Send Count (byte) 16
COM Send Timeout (msec) 250
The command completed successfully.

********************
********************
The following is from the Workstation AUTO. The Operating System is Win XP
Professional / SP-2.

Computer: AUTO Browstat Status

Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{E841508D-1BBE-4610-B2C8-70602686A0D8}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SERVER3
Master browser is running build 3790
2 backup servers retrieved from master SERVER3
\\SERVER3
\\SERVER2
There are 6 servers in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{E841508D-1BBE-4610-B2C8-70602686A0D8}
There are 1 domains in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{E841508D-1BBE-4610-B2C8-70602686A0D8}

Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F1F26B4D-5D54-48BC-BFD4-36B3719DF230}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.

*******************
Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : AUTO

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : aps.apswest.com

apswest.com

Ethernet adapter Hamachi:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Hamachi Network Interface

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 7A-79-05-0F-22-F0

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 5.15.34.240

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.0.0.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 5.0.0.1

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Thursday, April 27, 2006 6:39:38
AM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, April 18, 2007
6:39:38 AM

Ethernet adapter APS Network:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network
Connection

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-08-74-EF-F0-EC

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.9

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.222.27

********************
Server Name \\AUTO
Server Comment Tim Office

Software version Windows 2002
Server is active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{E841508D-1BBE-4610-B2C8-70602686A0D8} (000874eff0ec)
NetBT_Tcpip_{F1F26B4D-5D54-48BC-BFD4-36B3719DF230} (7a79050f22f0)

Server hidden No
Maximum Logged On Users 10
Maximum open files per session 16384

Idle session time (min) 15
The command completed successfully.

********************
Computer name \\AUTO
Full Computer name AUTO.aps.apswest.com
User name Timothy

Workstation active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{E841508D-1BBE-4610-B2C8-70602686A0D8} (000874EFF0EC)
NetBT_Tcpip_{F1F26B4D-5D54-48BC-BFD4-36B3719DF230} (7A79050F22F0)

Software version Windows 2002

Workstation domain APS
Workstation Domain DNS Name aps.apswest.com
Logon domain APS

COM Open Timeout (sec) 0
COM Send Count (byte) 16
COM Send Timeout (msec) 250
The command completed successfully.

********************
********************

 

[Guest]

Hi, again

This is an addendum to my previous post.

Please note that the Hamachi adapter which is referenced in the "ipconfig
/all" for both AMD and AUTO is a virtual adapter that is used to connect with
a VPN-like service. That is why the IP address is 5.x.x.x. If you wish to
learn more about it, the url is www.hamachi.cc. For those wondering where .cc
is located, they are in Vancouver, Canada.

 

[Chuck]

Hi, again

This is an addendum to my previous post.

Please note that the Hamachi adapter which is referenced in the "ipconfig
/all" for both AMD and AUTO is a virtual adapter that is used to connect with
a VPN-like service. That is why the IP address is 5.x.x.x. If you wish to
learn more about it, the url is www.hamachi.cc. For those wondering where .cc
is located, they are in Vancouver, Canada.

Well, that may make a difference. I've been reading about Hamachi, haven't had
too much direct experience yet though.

If file sharing is bound to the VPN, browser and name resolution will go there.
What's at the other end of the tunnel? There's apparently no server running the
browser down there.
(From Auto):
Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F1F26B4D-5D54-48BC-BFD4-36B3719DF230}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.

Now, you do have some odd issues too.
(From AMD):
Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{E8AE3701-52F9-4C74-ABC1-1B85CBADAA36}

Unable to retrieve server list from SERVER3: 64

A 64 error ("The specified network name is no longer available.") is another
name resolution problem. AMD is another Hamachi client, so I think we need to
resolve that first.

But there's yet another issue.
(From Server2):
Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SERVER3
Master browser is running build 3790
2 backup servers retrieved from master SERVER3
\\SERVER2
\\SERVER3
There are 4 servers in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}
There are 1 domains in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}

Do a "net view" from Server2 and Server3, and compare the results.

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck

Well, that may make a difference. I've been reading about Hamachi, haven't had too much direct experience yet though.

If file sharing is bound to the VPN, browser and name resolution will go there.

In the "Adapters and Bindings" tab on AMD, the binding order is first "Local
Area Connection" and then Hamachi. Both adapters have "File and Printer
Sharing for Microsoft Networks" checked in the Bindings box.

What's at the other end of the tunnel? There's apparently no server running the
browser down there.

Hamachi acts as an authentication server, only. After the Hamachi server
authenticates a computer as a member of the Hamachi network that I have set
up, the computer will talk directly to the other computers in that network
that are on-line and authenticated without going through the Hamachi server.
The Hamachi-authenticated network is a completely separate network from our
internal network. All Hamachi network addresses have a 5.x.x.x address.

(From AMD):
Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{E8AE3701-52F9-4C74-ABC1-1B85CBADAA36}

Unable to retrieve server list from SERVER3: 64

A 64 error ("The specified network name is no longer available.") is another
name resolution problem. AMD is another Hamachi client, so I think we need to> resolve that first.

Both AMD and AUTO have Hamachi adapters; are on the same Hamachi network; as
far as I can tell, are set up the same on the Hamachi network. AMD returns
the error 64, but AUTO doesn't. In addition, I have tried to set them up the
same on the internal APS network, too. It appears that I have made a mistake
somewhere, though. Any ideas on where I should look.

But there's yet another issue.
(From Server2):
Status for domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SERVER3
Master browser is running build 3790
2 backup servers retrieved from master SERVER3
\\SERVER2
\\SERVER3
There are 4 servers in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}
There are 1 domains in domain APS on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{54D22944-8771-4780-9F6F-228C068BC63E}

Do a "net view" from Server2 and Server3, and compare the results.

I don't know why Server2 only saw 4 servers on the domain at the time that
there were 6 of them. Unfortunately, I did not know about "net view" at that
time.

I just ran "net view" on both of them, again, and they both list the same 7
machines. (When all computers are up on the APS network, there are 7 of
them.) And, now, when I run "browstat status" on Server2, it outputs the same
number of servers as Server3. Perhaps, it was just a momentary glitch. (How's
that for whichful thinking?)

Thanks for the help.

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck


In the "Adapters and Bindings" tab on AMD, the binding order is first "Local
Area Connection" and then Hamachi. Both adapters have "File and Printer
Sharing for Microsoft Networks" checked in the Bindings box.

Hamachi acts as an authentication server, only. After the Hamachi server
authenticates a computer as a member of the Hamachi network that I have set
up, the computer will talk directly to the other computers in that network
that are on-line and authenticated without going through the Hamachi server.
The Hamachi-authenticated network is a completely separate network from our
internal network. All Hamachi network addresses have a 5.x.x.x address.

Well, look at the browstat and net config logs. NetBT is bound to 2 TCPIP
devices, and Hamachi is one.
Workstation active on
NetbiosSmb (000000000000)
NetBT_Tcpip_{E8AE3701-52F9-4C74-ABC1-1B85CBADAA36} (000108010B42)
NetBT_Tcpip_{BFB32E30-FAF1-498F-8E01-DBD012112532} (7A79050F3DD4)
Ethernet adapter Hamachi:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Hamachi Network Interface
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 7A-79-05-0F-3D-D4

Both browsing (ability to see other computers), and name resolution (ability to
identify other computers) will take longer to work, with NetBT bound to multiple
transports, and using each to get results. Having the Hamachi transports is
going to have the same effect as having IPX/SPX, IPV6, or NetBEUI - it will drag
down performance.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/fix-network-problems-but-clean-up.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/fix-network-problems-but-clean-up.html

Now I don't know that Hamachi is the only problem here. And I'm not sure that
simply removing Hamachi will solve your current symptoms. But if you're asking
for help still, I'll tell you that that's where I would start.

Both AMD and AUTO have Hamachi adapters; are on the same Hamachi network; as
far as I can tell, are set up the same on the Hamachi network. AMD returns
the error 64, but AUTO doesn't. In addition, I have tried to set them up the
same on the internal APS network, too. It appears that I have made a mistake
somewhere, though. Any ideas on where I should look.


I don't know why Server2 only saw 4 servers on the domain at the time that
there were 6 of them. Unfortunately, I did not know about "net view" at that
time.

You're learning - so am I. I just learned about "net config" a couple months
ago.

I just ran "net view" on both of them, again, and they both list the same 7
machines. (When all computers are up on the APS network, there are 7 of
them.) And, now, when I run "browstat status" on Server2, it outputs the same
number of servers as Server3. Perhaps, it was just a momentary glitch. (How's
that for whichful thinking?)

Both browsing and name resolution are cache based - they don't operate on a
second by second basis. So if your computers ever get disconnected or turned
off, the cache on each computer won't be up to date. And no 2 computers will
always refresh / update cache at the same time. Out of date cache leads to
discrepancies like you just mentioned.

So are your problems solved now? Let us know if we need to do some more
diagnoses.

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck

Both browsing (ability to see other computers), and name resolution (ability to

identify other computers) will take longer to work, with NetBT bound to
multiple
transports, and using each to get results. Having the Hamachi transports is
going to have the same effect as having IPX/SPX, IPV6, or NetBEUI - it will
drag
down performance. <

I searched the Hamachi forum to ascertain whether or not NetBIOS over TCP/IP
needs to be bound to the Hamachi virtual adapter. Unfortunately, I didn't
locate anything germaine. I shall post a question in a Hamachi forum asking
if NBT does need to be bound to it, and I shall let you know. Because I shall
be away from computer access for the rest of the week, you won't hear from me
for probably a week.

Both browsing and name resolution are cache based - they don't operate on a

second by second basis. So if your computers ever get disconnected or turned
off, the cache on each computer won't be up to date. And no 2 computers will
always refresh / update cache at the same time. Out of date cache leads to
discrepancies like you just mentioned. <

That was probably the cause of the discrepancy. I shall test again, multiple
times, on a random basis to see how it all holds together.

Thanks for your assistance.




Previously, when I used
"My Network Places", it would take up to 1 minute to be at the point that
this method drops me at in 1 to 2 seconds. I have no idea what NetBios over
TCP is doing for it to take so long, but it won't bother me to be rid of it.

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck


identify other computers) will take longer to work, with NetBT bound to
multiple
transports, and using each to get results. Having the Hamachi transports is
going to have the same effect as having IPX/SPX, IPV6, or NetBEUI - it will
drag
down performance. <

I searched the Hamachi forum to ascertain whether or not NetBIOS over TCP/IP
needs to be bound to the Hamachi virtual adapter. Unfortunately, I didn't
locate anything germaine. I shall post a question in a Hamachi forum asking
if NBT does need to be bound to it, and I shall let you know. Because I shall
be away from computer access for the rest of the week, you won't hear from me
for probably a week.

second by second basis. So if your computers ever get disconnected or turned
off, the cache on each computer won't be up to date. And no 2 computers will
always refresh / update cache at the same time. Out of date cache leads to
discrepancies like you just mentioned. <

That was probably the cause of the discrepancy. I shall test again, multiple
times, on a random basis to see how it all holds together.

Thanks for your assistance.

OK, I'll await your update. I'm betting that a few folks may use the Hamachi
service, so what you find out may help somebody else. That's why we have these
forums.

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck
It took awhile, but I am finally back home for a few days. My response to
your last post is at the end of this message.

OK, I'll await your update. I'm betting that a few folks may use the Hamachi
service, so what you find out may help somebody else. That's why we have these
forums.

****************************

I observed, on multiple occasions, that both the extended time to navigate
through "My Network Places" and the "error 64" in AMD's "browstat status"
output were eliminated when, on AMD, I navigated to "Network Connections;
"Advanced" menu; "Advanced settings"; "Adapters and Bindings" tab;
"Connections" box; Hamachi entry; "Bindings for Hamachi" box; and I UNchecked
"File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks".

After several days of use, the only negative aspect of this action has been
the inability to use the "Browse" function in Hamachi. This function
permitted one to sit at their local computer; open a Windows Explorer window
on their local computer, and have it list the shares on the remote computer
to which they are connected. However, since I only use Hamachi as an
authentication server, the "Browse" function is, effectively, irrelevant for
my needs. Besides using Hamachi's "Browse" function to navigate to local
computer directories was like wading through mud because it was so sloooow!
For my needs, its only useful feature was that I could copy/move files
between the local and remote computers. Fortuitously, the RealVNC program
that I use in conjunction with Hamachi has just added a feature that allows
me to copy/move files between local and remote computers.

As I stated in a previous message, I posted a question on the Hamachi
support forum concerning the length-of-time-to-navigate matter, and the
developer (post name is Apankrat) responded.

My question was: >For a Windows XP Pro / SP-2 computer, what are the effects
if I do NOT bind NetBIOS to the Hamachi virtual adapter?

I have experienced very slow access to areas of "My Network Places" when the
Hamachi adapter is "bound" to NetBIOS, and fast access when it is not. I have
made sure that the physical Network Interface Card with which I access my
network is first in all binding lists.<

Apankrat's response was: >If I remember correctly NetBIOS over TCP/IP is
generally required for
Win2k <> Win2k/XP communications. If you have two XP boxes, File
Sharing, which is implemented with SMB protocol, can go directly over
TCP/IP .. ie NetBIOS is not needed.

All in all, Windows File Sharing does have major performance issues when
it is used over laggy or lossy links. It's a known issue, it cannot be cured.<

Oh, well. I use the same links with Hamachi bound and unbound and the
transmission is, relatively, fast to respond with Hamachi unbound and very,
very slow with it bound. In addition, the "error 64" is eliminated when
Hamachi is unbound. UNBOUND - it works for me.

BTW, What does NBT do for us? In an earlier post, you stated that you "teach
Enabling NBT". In that same paragraph, you mention that it is needed for
name resolution, but I isn't that what DNS does in Win 2K & XP machines?

Regards

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck
It took awhile, but I am finally back home for a few days. My response to
your last post is at the end of this message.

Dang Top poster.

****************************

I observed, on multiple occasions, that both the extended time to navigate
through "My Network Places" and the "error 64" in AMD's "browstat status"
output were eliminated when, on AMD, I navigated to "Network Connections;
"Advanced" menu; "Advanced settings"; "Adapters and Bindings" tab;
"Connections" box; Hamachi entry; "Bindings for Hamachi" box; and I UNchecked
"File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks".

After several days of use, the only negative aspect of this action has been
the inability to use the "Browse" function in Hamachi. This function
permitted one to sit at their local computer; open a Windows Explorer window
on their local computer, and have it list the shares on the remote computer
to which they are connected. However, since I only use Hamachi as an
authentication server, the "Browse" function is, effectively, irrelevant for
my needs. Besides using Hamachi's "Browse" function to navigate to local
computer directories was like wading through mud because it was so sloooow!
For my needs, its only useful feature was that I could copy/move files
between the local and remote computers. Fortuitously, the RealVNC program
that I use in conjunction with Hamachi has just added a feature that allows
me to copy/move files between local and remote computers.

As I stated in a previous message, I posted a question on the Hamachi
support forum concerning the length-of-time-to-navigate matter, and the
developer (post name is Apankrat) responded.

My question was: >For a Windows XP Pro / SP-2 computer, what are the effects
if I do NOT bind NetBIOS to the Hamachi virtual adapter?

I have experienced very slow access to areas of "My Network Places" when the
Hamachi adapter is "bound" to NetBIOS, and fast access when it is not. I have
made sure that the physical Network Interface Card with which I access my
network is first in all binding lists.<

Apankrat's response was: >If I remember correctly NetBIOS over TCP/IP is
generally required for
Win2k <> Win2k/XP communications. If you have two XP boxes, File
Sharing, which is implemented with SMB protocol, can go directly over
TCP/IP .. ie NetBIOS is not needed.

All in all, Windows File Sharing does have major performance issues when
it is used over laggy or lossy links. It's a known issue, it cannot be cured.<

Oh, well. I use the same links with Hamachi bound and unbound and the
transmission is, relatively, fast to respond with Hamachi unbound and very,
very slow with it bound. In addition, the "error 64" is eliminated when
Hamachi is unbound. UNBOUND - it works for me.

BTW, What does NBT do for us? In an earlier post, you stated that you "teach
Enabling NBT". In that same paragraph, you mention that it is needed for
name resolution, but I isn't that what DNS does in Win 2K & XP machines?

Regards

What is the advantage of using NetBIOS Over TCP (NetBT), rather than direct
hosted SMBs? Direct hosted SMBs are not supported by all versions of Windows,
just Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=204279

DNS is the current server based name resolution standard, replacing WINS. If
you have a DNS server, it's the way to go for the future. NetBT based broadcast
name resolution is used by 90% (my guess from this forum anyway) of small LANs.

Setting up a DNS server, though, is not a casual project. For a typical small
LAN (1 - 6 computers), broadcast based name resolution, and NetBT makes sense.
But, if you setup a server, and a domain, adding a DNS server isn't a lot more
work. And a domain makes a lot of sense, for even 3 - 4 computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/setting-up-domain-or-workgroup-plan.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/setting-up-domain-or-workgroup-plan.html

Now, as you've discovered, if your small LAN includes a (relatively) slow data
link to another network, having NetBT bound to the slower data link will cause
problems. Setting up a small LAN complete by itself is easy; setting up a small
LAN with a link to another LAN is not so easy. You have to selectively unbind
NetBT.

BTW, if you include an actual link to your Hamachi forum thread, the interested
folks here can learn with you. We post here to learn.

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck

The questions, to which I have a response, are listed immediately after the
question.

What is the advantage of using NetBIOS Over TCP (NetBT), rather than direct
hosted SMBs? Direct hosted SMBs are not supported by all versions of Windows,
just Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=204279

Since the only operating systems on our client/server network are Win 2K Pro
- Win XP Pro and Win Server 2003, then it appears that we do not have a need
for NetBT. At least for the Hamachi virtual adapter, and it seems that it is
not really needed for the APS Domain and its physical network card, either.

DNS is the current server based name resolution standard, replacing WINS. If
you have a DNS server, it's the way to go for the future. NetBT based broadcast name resolution is used by 90% (my guess from this forum anyway) of small LANs.

We have a DNS server set up on the Domain Controller which runs Windows
Server 2003, and it operates without any known problems.

Setting up a DNS server, though, is not a casual project. For a typical small
LAN (1 - 6 computers), broadcast based name resolution, and NetBT makes sense.
But, if you setup a server, and a domain, adding a DNS server isn't a lot more
work. And a domain makes a lot of sense, for even 3 - 4 computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/setting-up-domain-or-workgroup-plan.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/setting-up-domain-or-workgroup-plan.html

Now, as you've discovered, if your small LAN includes a (relatively) slow data
link to another network, having NetBT bound to the slower data link will cause
problems. Setting up a small LAN complete by itself is easy; setting up a small
LAN with a link to another LAN is not so easy. You have to selectively unbind
NetBT.

I hve UNBOUND "File and Print Sharing" on the Hamachi adapter, and it
appears that my problem(s) is(are) solved.

BTW, if you include an actual link to your Hamachi forum thread, the interested
folks here can learn with you. We post here to learn.

In my last post to you, I included the entire thread. It consisted of my
question and the developer's response. Because it was so short, I posted the
thread rather than a link to it. However, here it is:
http://forums.hamachi.cc/viewtopic.php?p=29366#29366

BTW, do you think that it would be beneficial for me to set up my Domain
Controller as both a WINS server and as a DNS server. If so and if my memory
is correct, I would then change the Node Type from Broadcast to, I think,
Hybrid.

Regards

Steve

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck

The questions, to which I have a response, are listed immediately after the
question.



Since the only operating systems on our client/server network are Win 2K Pro
- Win XP Pro and Win Server 2003, then it appears that we do not have a need
for NetBT. At least for the Hamachi virtual adapter, and it seems that it is
not really needed for the APS Domain and its physical network card, either.


We have a DNS server set up on the Domain Controller which runs Windows
Server 2003, and it operates without any known problems.


I hve UNBOUND "File and Print Sharing" on the Hamachi adapter, and it
appears that my problem(s) is(are) solved.


In my last post to you, I included the entire thread. It consisted of my
question and the developer's response. Because it was so short, I posted the
thread rather than a link to it. However, here it is:
http://forums.hamachi.cc/viewtopic.php?p=29366#29366

BTW, do you think that it would be beneficial for me to set up my Domain
Controller as both a WINS server and as a DNS server. If so and if my memory
is correct, I would then change the Node Type from Broadcast to, I think,
Hybrid.

Regards

Steve

Steve,

DNS (in Windows XP / 2000) was intended to replace WINS. WINS was the Microsoft
equivalent of DNS for many years. I believe that DNS, properly setup, should be
sufficient. Not to say you couldn't use both DNS and WINS, but why do you want
to? Here's the referential document (warning - long URL):
<http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...00/server/reskit/en-us/cnet/cncd_win_nidh.asp>
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...00/server/reskit/en-us/cnet/cncd_win_nidh.asp

If your entire domain is just Windows 2000 and XP, I suspect that you could
probably dump NetBT, if your only concern is name resolution. I have not,
personally, tested browsing without NetBT. Give it a go, if you're adventurous.
And please let us know how it works for you.

 

[Guest]

Hi Chuck

If your entire domain is just Windows 2000 and XP, I suspect that you could
probably dump NetBT, if your only concern is name resolution. I have not,
personally, tested browsing without NetBT. Give it a go, if you're adventurous.
And please let us know how it works for you.

Will do. Thanks for the help.