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- Windows Server 2008/2003/2000/XP/NT Administrator Knowledge Base
  - Windows NT
    - Registry Tips
      - Network
        TCP NetBIOS Broadcast Performance Registry Settings

Section(s): Network
Published on Apr 20, 2004.
Last Modified on Apr 20, 2004.
Last Modified by Wayne Maples.
Rated 5 out of 5 based on 4 votes.

Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\MSTCP
Name: BcastNameQueryCount
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 3 default

BcastNameQueryCount determines how many times a NetBIOS name query broadcast will be issued. You can speed things up on a smaller network by setting this value to the minimum of 1.

Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\MSTCP
Name: BcastQuerytimeout
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 750 msec = default

BcastNameQuerytimeout specifies timeout value for NetBIOS name query broadcasts. In a bursty or busy network, increasing the delay somewhat can reduce rebroadcasts. Not recommended in general since this increases delays against unreachable hosts.

Hive: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Key: System\CurrentControlSet\Services\VxD\MSTCP
Name: CacheTimeout
Type: REG_DWORD
Value: 360000 msec = default

CacheTimeout is how long a NetBIOS name is saved in the local host's netbios name cache following a netbios name query. The default is only 6 minutes. I would set this value MUCH higher since even a WINS-based environment, tcpip addresses are static in this time frame.