Master-Browser Failure

When a master browser fails, a backup browser detects the failure within 12 minutes and forces an election of a new master browser.

If a client performs its browse request (using the NetServerEnum API call) after a master browser fails but before a backup browser detects the failure, the client forces an election. If a master browser fails and there are no backup browsers, browsing in the workgroup or domain does not function correctly.

During the gap between the failure of a master browser and the election of a new master browser, the workgroup or domain can disappear from the lists that are visible to computers in other workgroups and domains.