One can control how a computer participate in the Master Browser election, with these STRING registry keys :

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \System \CurrentControlSet \Services \Browser \Parameters]
MaintainServerList = "Auto" (Pro = "Auto", Server = "Yes", Off = "No")
IsDomainMaster = "True" (On = "True", Off = "False", Default = "False")

The MaintainServerList controls if it should participate in the election at all.
The IsDomainMaster gives the computer a higher priority in the election.

Note to discover/detect the current master browser on the network use the reskit tools browmon or browstat.

Note if the service Computer Browser is disabled then the computer will not participate in the election. Setting MaintainServerList = No will keep the Browser service from starting, any attempt will give the following error:

A service specific error occurred: 2550.

More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 3547

More Info MS KB112595

Related Description of Master Browser in the Microsoft Network
Related Hide your computer from the network

More Info MS KB136712
More Info MS KB191611
More Info MS KB818092 (Includes browstat)

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