Cluster Shares Appear in Browse List Under Other Names (170762)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
  • Microsoft Cluster Server

This article was previously published under Q170762

SYMPTOMS

If you create a file share resource within Microsoft Cluster Server, you may be able to see the share in browse lists under multiple servers.

CAUSE

Microsoft Cluster Server allows resources to be moved from one server to another in a cluster. When a network share is defined as a cluster resource, the share is offered by the server service on a particular cluster node. Because of multiple network names that may belong to the same computer, shared resources may appear under these names and may also be accessible through them. This is by design.

NOTE: It is very important to use the network name associated with the group to which the shared resource belongs. If the group fails over to another cluster node, the resource will only be available through the group's network name and through other network names on the other node. Thus, if a client uses the wrong network name, it may not re-establish network connections after failover.

Additionally, if you create shares on the server and do not create them as a resource within the cluster software, the share will not be able to fail over to another node. Then it is considered a local share.

RESOLUTION

To avoid client connectivity interruptions, make sure that clients use the network name associated with the group in which the shared resource belongs.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/5/2006
Keywords:kbprb kbsetup KB170762