Computer Browser - Windows XP Service
Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, 8 and Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows XP edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Professional | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Computer Browser |
| Service name: | Browser |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\browser.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
Default Behavior
The Computer Browser service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process. It shares the executable file with other services. If the Computer Browser fails to load or initialize, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows XP startup should proceed, but a message box is displayed informing you that the Browser service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Computer Browser will not start, if the following services are stopped or disabled:
Restore Default Startup Type of Computer Browser
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows XP edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreComputerBrowserWindowsXP.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Run the downloaded batch file.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the browser.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows XP installation media.