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Cannot see computers near me

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9 replies

by rpj

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
Have two servers (W2K)connected to a switch, both have static IP's, Mask,dns,wins are the same. I can see computers near me on one server but not the other. Both are in the same workgroup. The problem is I need to see the servers to run a backup script without mapping drives. If I search, it finds the server.

9 replies

by rapell

you have not told us whether you can ping a node on the network from both servers, otherwise it could simply be a cable problem. Could you please add some details? Also try to \\servername\share from one server and see if you can connect both ways. Keep us posted. Also I see you use workgroup, just make sure of this too before you start bigger things. As you know, the simplest solution is always....

by alex_dunareanu

in your backup script try to define the path to your files to be backuped (\\server\d$\folder), whithout sharing the folder witch contains your backup files (not recommended).

by curacao_dejavu

ip can not be the same, you will have a ip conflict.
assuming the rest is the same.
First check if there is no firewall running that is preventing the browsing (seeing) the servers
then have the servers ping each other.
next look for the newest driver of each nic and also update the win2k with sp4 and later patches.

last.
it takes time browser server to update the browsing list.
If more then 2 hours has passed and you still don;t see the pc in the list, then you have to take a look also at the master browser.
Check with the event viewer on both servers if there is any messages related to that. (usually I clean the ventviewer and do a restart)

hre are 2 links related with master browsers.
http://tinyurl.com/jn53

http://tinyurl.com/2spxo

Let us know

Leopold

by rpj

There on the same switch, no firewall running W2Ksp4, Master browser might help but nothing in the event logs

by deyev

There is problem in Master Browser (MB).
To control which computer is the Domain Master Browser, create a new string value, or modify the existing value, named "IsDomainMaster" and set the value to equal either "Yes", "No" or "Auto".
To prevent a Server (non-PDC) from acting as a browser, create a new string value, or modify the existing value, named "MaintainServerList" and set it "No", the other options are "Yes", "No" or "Auto".
System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters]
Name: IsDomainMaster, MaintainServerList
Type: REG_SZ (String Value)

by d'solve it

Hi,

Curacao_Dejavu's answer about MB issues is OK, but generally when more than one server starts up, they hold an election between themselves to decide on who will be the Master Browser. So... normally this issue is auto-corrected.

deyev@aael.altai.ru's answer involves some amount of reg hacking.

Why don't you simply check to see if "enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled in the WINS tab under the Advanced TCP/IP settings under Internet Protocol settings from the "simple TCP/IP services" are running.

by d'solve it

Hi,

Curacao_Dejavu's answer about MB issues is OK, but generally when more than one server starts up, they hold an election between themselves to decide on who will be the Master Browser. So... normally this issue is auto-corrected.

deyev@aael.altai.ru's answer involves some amount of reg hacking.

Why don't you simply ping one server from the server to find out if there is no cable fault and that the protocol is up and running. Revers the process and the results should be the same.

Then, check to see if "enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled in the WINS tab under the Advanced TCP/IP settings under Internet Protocol settings from the Local Area Connection properties. While you are here, Also check that TCP/IP filtering is not Enabled under the Options Tab.

Check to see if File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks is installed.

Open the services console and check if the following services are enabled.
1. Computer browser
2. Network Connections
3. Simple TCP/IP services
4. TCP/IP NetBios Helper service
5. Workstation

Good luck

by rpj

Found the answer, thanks to all for the info but here was the problem.
Using the NET CONFIG SRV command
This setting can also be changed using the following command:

net config server /hidden:yes|no

? To hide the computer from the Browser List, type net config server /hidden:yes at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.

? To unhide the computer from the Browser list, type net config server /hidden:no at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.

Note: It may take up to 30 minutes for the server to disappear from the Browser lists.

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