CAUSE
This behavior occurs because workstation computers and member servers have an equal chance to become the master browser during the browser election process. The browser election process determines the master browser for the network segment.
For additional information about the Computer Browser service, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
188001
Description of the Microsoft Computer Browser service
By default, Windows-based servers that are domain controllers receive preference to become the master browser during a browser election.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this behavior and to give Windows Server 2003-based member servers preference to become the master browser during a browser election, install the following update.
Hotfix information
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Windows Server 2003 service pack that contains this hotfix.
To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required.
Restart requirement
You must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.
Hotfix replacement information
This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.
File information
The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the
Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.
Windows Server 2003
Date Time Version Size File name
--------------------------------------------------------------
20-Jul-2004 02:20 5.2.3790.194 395,264 Mrxsmb.sys
20-Jul-2004 02:20 5.2.3790.194 158,208 Rdbss.sys
Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Edition
Date Time Version Size File name
--------------------------------------------------------------
20-Jul-2004 02:20 5.2.3790.194 1,123,328 Mrxsmb.sys
20-Jul-2004 02:20 5.2.3790.194 464,896 Rdbss.sys