Error: "Browse Network Error" in the Client Deployment Wizard

Products

• Endpoint Protection

Issue/Introduction

When using the Client Deployment Wizard to perform a "Remote Push" from the SEP Manager (SEPM) on Windows 2008 & 2008 R2 after clicking next, there is a delay while the tool is searching for computers and then ends with a "Browse Network Error" and after clicking on "OK" there are no computers listed in the "Browse Network" tab within the tool.

• Server 2008

Browse Network Error

"Network Provider: Microsoft Windows Network Error: The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available" 

• Server 2008 R2 

Browse Network Error

"The Client Deployment Wizard cannot browse the network. Make sure that the Computer Browser service in Windows is started and running. Then restart the Client Deployment Wizard."

Cause

On Windows Server 2008 & 2008 R2, the Computer Browser service is set to disabled by default. This causes network discovery of computers by the Client Deployment Wizard to fail and generates the error(s) above.

Resolution

Enable the Computer Browser service by following the steps below before using the Client Deployment Wizard:

1. Click Start > Run
2. Type in: services.msc
3. Click OK
4. Right-click Computer Browser and click Properties
5. Set Startup type to Automatic
6. Click Apply
7. Click the button labeled Start > OK

The Computer Browser service is now started. The service can be disabled again after the Client Deployment Wizard is no longer needed by repeating these steps and setting "Startup type" to "Disabled".