Whether a computer running Windows NT Workstation computer or a Windows NT Server computer can become a browser is determined in the Registry by the MaintainServerList entry under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters key. The possible values for the MaintainServerList entry are shown in the following table:
Table 5.1 Values for the MaintainServerList Entry
Value | Meaning |
No | This computer will never be a browser. |
Yes | This computer will become a browser. At startup, the server tries to contact the master browser to get a current browse list. If the master browser cannot be found, this computer forces a browser election, and can become the master browser. For more information on browser elections, see "Determining Browser Roles," later in this chapter. This is the default value for Windows NT Server computers. |
Auto | This computer is a potential browser. Whether it becomes a browser depends on the number of existing browsers. This computer is notified by the master browser if it should become a backup browser. This is the default value for Windows NT Workstation computers. |
On any computer with a value of Yes or Auto for the MaintainServerList, Windows NT Setup configures the Browser service to start automatically when the computer starts.
Another setting in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters key in the registry has a bearing on which servers become master browsers and backup browsers. Setting the IsDomainMasterBrowser entry to True or Yes on a computer makes that computer a preferred master browser. A preferred master browser computer has an advantage over other computers in master browser elections. Also, whenever a preferred master browser computer is started, it forces a browser election. For more information on browser elections, see "Determining Browser Roles," later in this chapter.