HOW TO: Hide a Windows 2000-Based Computer from the Browser List (321710)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

This article was previously published under Q321710
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

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SUMMARY

You can configure a computer so that it does not send announcements to browsers on the domain. If you do so, you hide the computer from the Browser list, which can help reduce network traffic. This article describes how to hide the name and the comment from a Windows 2000-based computer from other computers in the Browser list.

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How to Use the NET CONFIG SERVER Command to Hide a Windows 2000-Based Computer from the Browser List

Use the following command to hide or unhide a computer from the Browser list:

net config server /hidden:yes|no

  • To hide the computer from the Browser List, type net config server /hidden:yes at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
  • To unhide the computer from the Browser list, type net config server /hidden:no at the command prompt, and then press ENTER.
NOTE: It may take up to 30 minutes for the server to disappear from the Browser lists.

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How to Use Registry Editor to Hide a Windows 2000-Based Computer from the Browser List

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
  1. Start Registry Editor (Regedt32.exe).
  2. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters

  3. On the Edit menu, click Add Value, and then add the following registry value:

    Value name: Hidden
    Data type: REG_DWORD
    Value data: 1

  4. Quit Registry Editor.
NOTE: It may take up to 30 minutes for the server to disappear from the Browser lists.

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Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/19/2003
Keywords:kbhowto kbHOWTOmaster KB321710 kbAudITPro