>Good day!
>
>This is a problem with another Windows NT Server installation.
>
>---
>The browser has forced an election on networks
>\device\nwlnknb because Windows NT Server (or domain
>master) browser is started
>---
>
>We are using 3com's 905B-TX card. Has anyone had problem
>with this card with NT? Any special advice?

It's been my preferred NIC for a while now for just about anything but older NetWare, or for servers where I need a much higher performance multichannel card. it's very solid, and easily configured.

The message above is a result of incorrect server configuration - some other system was operating as the Browse Master for the LAN, but the new server was set up to demand to be the Browse Master. As a result, the Server forced all stations to renegotiate the responsibilities on the LAN. This generates lots of traffic. if another system is also set to force itself to be Browse master, and is also running NT Server, you might end up having the two servers 'bickering' and forcing the Master Browser election repeatedly. One of the NT Servers should have the registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters\IsDomainMaster set to True. The following is quoted verbatim from the NT FAQ:

Q. What criteria are used to decide which machine will be the Master Browser?

A. There are 5 roles a machine can have

Master Browser - This machine maintains the list of resources on the network and listens for announcements from other machines to add to the browse list.
Preferred Master Browser - A machine can be designated as the preferred master browser and when this machine starts it will force a browser election and will win unless one of the other machines is the PDC or also has the preferred master browser flag set.
Backup Browser - This type receives a copy of the browse list from the master browser, if it cannot find the Master Browser it will force an election.
Potential Browser - This does not receive a copy of the browse list, but can be promoted to a backup browser by the master browser, or actually become the master browser as the result of an election.
Non-Browser - A non-browser does not maintain a browse list.
When an election takes place, a number or criteria are used. Firstly the browser type

Preferred master
Master
Backup browser
Potential browser
If two machines have the same role then the operating system is used

Windows NT Server that is the PDC
Windows NT Server that is a BDC
Windows NT Server
Windows NT Workstation
Windows 95
Windows for Workgroups
If there is still a tie, the Windows NT version is used

4.0
3.51
3.5
3.1
To set a machine as a certain type of browser perform the following

Start the registry editor (regedit.exe)
Move to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters
Double click on MaintainServerList
Set to
No - for the computer to be a non-browser
Yes - the computer will be a master or backup browser
Auto - will be a master, backup or potential depending on the number of browser currently in action
Click OK
Close the registry editor and reboot

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This FAQ is copyright © 1998 John Savill (SavillTech Ltd). No part of this document should be reproduced, distributed or altered without my written permission. john@savilltech.com