Computer Browser Service?

[ajf]

Just moved to a 2008 domain. New servers, not upgrades.

Now, PCs can only see other PCs and any servers on their local subnet.
I have done some googling and think this is due to the Computer Browser Service not running?

Does it sound as simple as that?
Is there any reason NOT to enable the service, and once enabled, how long does it take for all PCs to become visible to each other? Approx 250 PCs in one physical building.

 

[ecksmen]

Just moved to a 2008 domain. New servers, not upgrades.

Now, PCs can only see other PCs and any servers on their local subnet.
I have done some googling and think this is due to the Computer Browser Service not running?

Does it sound as simple as that?
Is there any reason NOT to enable the service, and once enabled, how long does it take for all PCs to become visible to each other? Approx 250 PCs in one physical building.

This sounds like firewall issues.

 

[smargh]

Depends on your definition of "see other computers" - ping? are you trying to "browse" the network somehow? My current worklpace domain has the Computer Browser service stopped on clients by group policy, because it's annoying.

Firewall or routing, probably.

 

[mr.bond]

Just moved to a 2008 domain. New servers, not upgrades.

Now, PCs can only see other PCs and any servers on their local subnet.
I have done some googling and think this is due to the Computer Browser Service not running?

Does it sound as simple as that?
Is there any reason NOT to enable the service, and once enabled, how long does it take for all PCs to become visible to each other? Approx 250 PCs in one physical building.

To cross subnet browse you need WINS, either a central WINS server or multiple WINS server setup as replication partners.

 

[ajf]

Thanks. I'll ask the others here about the couple of things mentioned. It is mainly for network neighbourhood browsing I have seen the 'problem'. It was OK before the domain upgrade.
I wasn't directly involved in that but there shouldn't be any changes other than the new 2008 DCs from what I am aware.

Andrew

 

[Nutbusta]

NEtwork neighbourhood is rubbish and discourages user from storing data in a central, backed up location. The discovery protocols are considered a bit insecure too.

Are you sure you actually want to fix this?