Can't connect to server

Every few days my users cannot log into a Windows NT 4.0 SP6 PDC in the
morning when they come in.

Additionally, other computers on the network log browser service errors 8021
and 8032, as this PDC is the master browser, and the browse list is missing
computers or shows none. The PDC logs no errors at all.

Further, when this happens, the PDC can be pinged, but shares on it cannot
be mapped or found. This PDC also runs Exchange and all Outlook clients CAN
connect and function without a problem.

I have moved the PDC around my switch and to different switches. (The
network runs only TCP/IP.) I have deleted and rebuilt my wins server running
on a 2003 server elsewhere on the network.

Some workstations stay logged in 24/7 with connections to mapped shares on
the PDC, and they will remain connected and mapped to this PDC fine. Only
computers shut down and attempting to log in have the problem. If I log out
a computer that is connected, it cannot log back in.

This server has been running fine for years, and I cannot pin point any
network changes that could cause this problem. The only solution to correct
the problem is to reboot this PDC. Then all is fine for another few days to
a week.

Can anyone lead me in some direction?

Thanks




--
Rod

--
Rod

You have the master browser issue. A computer (no DC) may take over the master browser role. Us the browstat to check the status. the following web pages may help,

Event ID Troubleshooting Event id: 8021 - The browser was unable to retrieve a list of servers from ... Windows client that try to use the browse list gets Event ID 8021 or 8032: ...
www.chicagotech.net/wineventid.htm


Computer Browser SYMPTOMS: 1) Event Viewer System log shows Event id: 8021 and Description: The browser was unable to retrieve a list of servers from the browser master ...
www.chicagotech.net/browser.htm



Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
"Rod" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:6ECC33E2-F732-4F5C-AE36-(E-Mail Removed)...
Every few days my users cannot log into a Windows NT 4.0 SP6 PDC in the
morning when they come in.

Additionally, other computers on the network log browser service errors 8021
and 8032, as this PDC is the master browser, and the browse list is missing
computers or shows none. The PDC logs no errors at all.

Further, when this happens, the PDC can be pinged, but shares on it cannot
be mapped or found. This PDC also runs Exchange and all Outlook clients CAN
connect and function without a problem.

I have moved the PDC around my switch and to different switches. (The
network runs only TCP/IP.) I have deleted and rebuilt my wins server running
on a 2003 server elsewhere on the network.

Some workstations stay logged in 24/7 with connections to mapped shares on
the PDC, and they will remain connected and mapped to this PDC fine. Only
computers shut down and attempting to log in have the problem. If I log out
a computer that is connected, it cannot log back in.

This server has been running fine for years, and I cannot pin point any
network changes that could cause this problem. The only solution to correct
the problem is to reboot this PDC. Then all is fine for another few days to
a week.

Can anyone lead me in some direction?

Thanks




--
Rod

--
Rod

Is your PDC multihomed (2 NICS) by any chance? The 8032 / 8021
errors are usually caused by multihoming your domain master browser
as Bob suggests but it doesn't explain why the PDC loses all commuincation
e.g., mapped drives.. What is the exact error? Can we assume network
name cannot be found? If so then I would look elseware. During the issue
or while the problem is occuring before a reboot attempt to open a user
manager for domains on the PDC. Is this successful? If not post the exact
error. Next attempt to open user manager remotely from another server.
If you don't have any BDCs then I would copy usrmgr to another server
on your network. If this fails post the exact error message. Now attempt
to map to a share on the PDC from another workstation / server by tcp/ip
address not by name. If this is not successful post the exact error.

"Rod" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:
> Every few days my users cannot log into a Windows NT 4.0 SP6 PDC in the
> morning when they come in.
>
> Additionally, other computers on the network log browser service errors
> 8021
> and 8032, as this PDC is the master browser, and the browse list is
> missing
> computers or shows none. The PDC logs no errors at all.
>
> Further, when this happens, the PDC can be pinged, but shares on it cannot
> be mapped or found. This PDC also runs Exchange and all Outlook clients
> CAN
> connect and function without a problem.
>
> I have moved the PDC around my switch and to different switches. (The
> network runs only TCP/IP.) I have deleted and rebuilt my wins server
> running
> on a 2003 server elsewhere on the network.
>
> Some workstations stay logged in 24/7 with connections to mapped shares on
> the PDC, and they will remain connected and mapped to this PDC fine. Only
> computers shut down and attempting to log in have the problem. If I log
> out
> a computer that is connected, it cannot log back in.
>
> This server has been running fine for years, and I cannot pin point any
> network changes that could cause this problem. The only solution to
> correct
> the problem is to reboot this PDC. Then all is fine for another few days
> to
> a week.
>
> Can anyone lead me in some direction?
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
>
> --
> Rod
>
> --
> Rod