a networking problem

Problem: My networked computers can access the shared Internet connection with no problems, but often can’t recognize each other or themselves on the network. Doing a Find -> Computer comes up with the computer in question, but any attempt to access it results in a hang or crash.

Details: I have a gateway router that connects my cable modem to my 100 mbps hub. The desktop computer is running Win 98 2nd, and the laptop is running ME. Each computer is on the same workgroup and has a unique computer name. The other network settings are the same on both machines: File and print sharing is enabled, but I have shared resources password protected. Network logon is set to Client for Microsoft Networks. WINS ans DNS are both disabled, IP is set to automatic, no gateways are installed.

Anybody have any answers? My ISP doesn’t do tech support for shared connections. My friend who happens to work there has boosted my connection speed to a max of 3 mbps :smiley: but doesn’t have any solution for my other problems.

What adapters, clients, and protocols do you have installed in the network control panel. And, what are the protocols bound to? Do you have anything installed on your computer that intentionally screws up Windows networking (AOL comes to mind – it’s HORRIBLE about trying to take over everything it can).

Make sure you have TCP/IP bound to your ethernet card, and also I think NetBEUI may be a good idea (it’s a protocol). I don’t think I use it at home, but I’ll double-check. The thing is, it’s the NetBUI that’s responsible for broadcasting “who you are” in the Network Neighborhood. If both computers have NetBEUI, you should be able to browse and connected with no problem.

If your router has a firewall and you have no DMZ or open ports, you may try disabling the firesharing password to eliminate possibilities. You can always turn it back on when you’re done troubleshooting.

If your using a router for your cable modem, then you should be able to setup a static IP network on the inside of the router…I’d give that a try and see how it works for you.

AOL? I’m not some uninformed backwoods villager you know. I make scuptures out of their omnipresent junkmail CDs. I don’t think I have any other software installed that might muck things up.

As for the rest, I have Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks, Ethernet adapter, dial-up adapter (still use the modem occasionally) IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, TCP/IP, all bindings are active. On the desktop I didn’t have NetBEUI for some reason I can’t remember but I put that back.

New problem: The desktop can now access files on the laptop with no problems, but the laptop still can’t access the network normally. Network Neighborhood doesn’t show either computer. Attempting to Find either computer returns a result, but attempting to access it fails, although the system doesn’t hang or crash. However, I can still get online from the laptop, and use the printer (which is connected to the desktop)

I would try getting rid of any firewall software first.

Sounds like a Win ME thing. I’ve had a bugger of a time getting ME to work right on Win98 NetBEUI networks.

That would be my first guess.

“Sounds like a Win ME thing”

ME has its very own Network disk you have to make for any computers on the network. I have no idea what it changes but it seems to work okay.

“I’ve had a bugger of a time getting ME to work right on Win98 NetBEUI networks.”

Thats true, thats why I got rid of any firewall software & it worked.

Hmmm… my WinME at home doesn’t have any special “Network Disk” installed. In fact, WinME seems to work identically to Win95 and Win98, small differences in appearance aside. I enable sharing just like always…

On the other hand, I’d be interested in discovering something about WinME that distinguishes it from 9x. Again, only stupid little appearance things aside, there’s no difference over the hood.

Sturmhauke, uh, you’ve already demonstrated that you’re smarter than this questions, but, you DID activate sharing on something on your machines, right?

My two Macs using Sharity talk to WinME just fine. Both using Virtual PC (Win98) talk to WinME just fine. I don’t think I did anything special, other than ensure NetBUEI was installed on all three Windows’ OSs (and TCP/IP of course).

TCP/IP would be the only protocal you need, and when I used TCP/IP and NetBEUI I would have recognition problems. Your computers are not having an internet connection problem, because they all look at the same address provided by the internet service.

I would go with TCP/IP protocal only. Here’s a link at a starting point you should find useful. You may Know a lot of the information, but I’m sure something in there might help you.

http://www2.sharkyextreme.com/hardware/guides/home_lan_guide/3.shtml

ME’s Network disk just sets stuff in the Network Properties for you, as far as I can tell. I have all the drives and such I want shared set up properly. Haven’t had time to check out that link yet, but thanks. I may have to wait on solving this problem as I have finals coming up.

“Hmmm… my WinME at home doesn’t have any special “Network Disk” installed.”
Its a disk you create on ME for your other computers. Try the Network Wizard, it should create one for you. Or try START:H & type in NETWORK.

For the Record:
[list]
[li]WinME on the laptop[/li][li]Win98 on the desktop[/li][li]Both are connected to a D-Link 713-P router[/li][li]Netgear NIC in the desktop, Dell NIC in the laptop[/li][li]Everything I can find to share is shared[/li][li]NetBEUI protocol bound to everything[/li]
Like the OP, both computers can get to the net. The desktop can see the laptop (it can both put and get files), but the laptop can’t see the desktop. Both machines can ping the router, and ‘net diag’ recognizes both machines in both directions. Every setting under Network Properties I can find is identical. Lastly, I can’t figure out why, but when the WinME laptop boots up, it displays a domain-less login screen. Not sure what else I can post here, I think I’ve addressed all of the questions people asked so far. It seems as if ** sturmhauke** went off to finals and either solved it on his/her own or never made it out of the exams. Any suggestions?
Thanks!!!

Rhythmdvl

I’ve had quite the opposite success. I frequently get networks where the computers dont see one another or cannot move files on TCP/IP alone. By adding IPX/SPX and NetBEUI I frequently get the network working…YMMV

I searched several places for some answers. From an earlier SD thread (Home networking question - broadband router), Gut recommended going with this site. In a few easy steps, they recommended using NetBUIE as a protocol, and unbinding the shared features of TCP/IP for security reasons. How would IPX/SPX fit into the picture? And re: Harmonious Discord’s recommendation, what about just TCP/IP? Thanks.

Rhythm