I dont know enough about WINS...

I have been having problems on my network.
1 of the BDC's and its PC's could not browse the network (DNS was OK).
the rest of the network could catch brief glimpses of this BDC.

There was no traffic on the network and all pings were replying OK.

The WINS databases had references to old workgroups and PC's. I was unable to remove individual entries, so the entire WINS data was removed (Delete Owner).

The network has since recovered to its usually carefree (NT ?) ways.

I am sort of curious as to why old entries (1-2 years) don't die, and was deleting owner the right approach.
Are there guidlines as to what I should have done?

And lastly - I have the option to backup the WINS database, but not to restore.

Pointers and sharp intakes of breath would be read with relish.

NB.