Event ID 8021 The browser was unable to retrieve a list of servers from the browser master

Question

We have a LAN where workstations are randomly losing network connectivity for brief moments of time. The workstations can also take a long time to login to the domain.

During our troubleshooting we have found an error log on a few Windows 7 workstations:

Warning BROWSER 8021 The browser was unable to retrieve a list of servers from the browser master \\random-pc on the network \Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{BBABCDE9-D8A0-4399-93F2-492FE0848B12}. The data is the error code.

What do these errors mean? What computers should have the Computer Browser service enabled, workstations and/or servers?

The environment is a mix of Windows 7 & Windows XP workstations on a Windows Server SBS 2011 SP1 domain.

Solution

Doesn't sound like you need the Master Browser service, all your workstations are DDNS compatible, you shouldn't use legacy name resolution options like NetBT or WINS.

Check out this article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/135404 (most interesting for you is probably the WORKAROUND section, namely turning it off)

Comments

[Nick Westgate]

Linkrot. There is no longer a Workaround section. This is why the essentials of that should be in your answer! ; - )