Issue with Network Browsing over Domain

[Aspnce]

Having an Issue with Network Browsing

The Network has two servers currently on the Domain EXAMPLE

Server A runs active directory, DHCP , DNS, Exchange and pretty much everything that a domain controller runs. (is SBS 2008 SP1)

Server B is a defunct server and has been in place before I came in to look at the network. It has some shared folders and that’s about it. (is Windows Server 2003 SP2)

I am having issue with Client computers not able to browse the network if they go to
Network Places >> Entire Network >> Microsoft Windows Network >> EXAMPLE

Getting the following error
Example is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.

The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently not available

Information Gathered so far

On the SBS 2008 server manager console
1. under Features >> WINS >> Active Registrations I don’t see EXAMPLE Listed as Domain Controller as well as Master Browser
(I say this by looking at a similar deployment that works fine and has the domain name listed as domain controller and master Browser)
EXAMPLE is only listed as Type [00h] Workgroup and IP address point to Server B

2. Coming back on track, Under Active directory Users and Computers, the DC type for server A is GC whereas that for server B is DC

3. When I run a browstat status on the domain I get
Browsing is not active on the Domain
Master Browser is held by: B
Master Browser is running build 3790

4. On Server B registry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\Browser\Parameters\IsDomainMaster has been set to FALSE.

5. For Some reason IsDomainMaster key was not found in Server A registry (dunno if it’s a SBS 2008 thing)

Action items

1. I want to have server A as the master browser

2. Browsing needs to be enabled under browstat status and master browser pointing to server A

Please let me know if more troubleshooting info is required.

 

[ShackDaddy]

Make sure that the WINS Server service is installed and running on ServerA. Make sure that ServerA is pointed at itself for WINS. Set up ServerB to point at ServerA for WINS and make sure that DHCP in the network also directs clients to use ServerA for WINS.

You may also need to verify that NetBIOS-over-TCP/IP is turned on in the adapter TCP/IP advanced properties on ServerA. If it is not, that would explain why it's not becoming the Master Browser.

Once you've made any of these changes, do a 'nbtstat -RR' on both servers and check the WINS registrations again.

Dave Shackelford
ThirdTier.net

 

[Aspnce]

Thanks for your reply Shack,

i checkd the stuff you asked me too and things ar epoitn in the right direction. the output for the nbstat - RR on both servers has been

The NetBIOS names registered by this computer have been refreshed.

Just wanna make sure how do I set the DHCP on Server A point client to server A for WINS.

i am confused since I see it at two different places under DHCP options.

Also on one of the Client under ipconfig /all i See

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

I checkd under TCP IPv4 advanced settings and it seems correct

Thanks for the Effort