Network Problems


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I have 2 computers networked together via Cat5e Ethernet Crossover cable.

The WinXP Pro computer is the host (ICS via USB ADSL Modem) and Win98SE PC is the client.

The Win98SE PC can always "see" the WinXP PC and can access its shared files but the WinXP PC can sometimes see and access the Win98SE PC but often it cannot.

What can I do to fix this problem?

WinXP PRO PC is using VIA OnBoard 10/100 NIC while Win98SE PC is using USB to Ethernet NIC.

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I would almost bet money that the problem is due to the USB device! I used to be a hardware tech for Dell and I can't tell you how many phone calls I got about USB problems. I can offer suggestions as there really is no fix just workarounds. This problem is not machine specific. Meaning you could hook that USB adapter to another computer and it may work perfectly. Most of the time it was a BIOS issue. There was nothing wrong with the BIOS it was just an update the fixed the issue. So I would first flash the BIOS to the lastest version. Also, make sure that you have turned off all power savings settings. If I were you I would even go in and uncheck "Load power profile" from your startup group. Make sure you have all the latest Win98 updates (Although, since you are a neowinian I would imagin you stay on top of all the updates). If none of that helps, download the latest drivers for your VIA chipset as you did mention this was an onboard LAN. Should you need assistance with anything, please feel free to contact me.

-Todd

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Does it? Wasn't the NetBEUI protocol "dropped" (Not supported) in WinXP?

Btw, the only listing in the "protocol" section was "Microsoft IPV6 Developer Edition", "Network Monitor Driver" and "NWLink IPX/SPX NetBIOS Compatable Transport driver".

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Does it? Wasn't the NetBEUI protocol "dropped" (Not supported) in WinXP?

Btw, the only listing in the "protocol" section was "Microsoft IPV6 Developer Edition", "Network Monitor Driver" and "NWLink IPX/SPX NetBIOS Compatable Transport driver".

Netbeui is on the Windows XP CDROM.

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Netbeui needs to be installed on xp box

you don't need that as they both use TCP/IP on the network since it's faster.. The Win98 PC would already have TCP installed so you don't need now NetBeui

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Crossover cables do work... Did you make it yourself or did you buy the cable? Also... Are you using static or dynamic IP's... I'd suggest static - that's been known to fix numerous network problems.

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It's not a problem with the cable (unless it's homemade, I could see that possibly causing problems). Incidently, NetBEUI is faster than TCP/IP, however, it is a non-routable protocol and is useless on most modern networks. ICS is a pretty crappy implementation of a network service, as DHCP causes more problems than is necessary (not because it's bad, but because people just don't understand it very well).

I would statically assign both network adapters. Set the Windows XP machine's IP to 192.168.1.1, and its subnet to 255.255.255.0. It doesn't need a gateway or DNS server(s). On the 98 machine, set the IP address to 192.168.1.2, the subnet to 255.255.255.0, the Gateway to 192.168.1.1, and the DNS servers should match your XP machine's DNS servers for it's external NIC. To ensure that both computers see eachother, it would be wise to add the two following lines to BOTH of the computers' HOSTS file (c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts):

192.168.1.1 Windows_XP_Machine

192.168.1.2 Windows_98_Machine

This will help them identify each other since a WINS server is absent. I would also unbind the "Client for Microsoft Networks" and "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" from your Windows XP computers' external NIC - this is just a good idea all around, and should have the added benefit of preventing your XP computer from getting "confused".

Well, good luck.

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If Vlad's technique doesn't work... It should - bit more complex than it needs to be but hey... If all else fails - Upgrade to XP... That'll fix it... If that doesn't work I'm selling a 25lb sledge hammer on eBay you may be interested in.

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Try this..

Start --> Settings ---> Network Connections

Right click on your NIC (Local network card) and choose Properties

Click on Internet Protocal (TCP/IP) ---> choose Properties

Click on Advanced

Click on WINS

Choose "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP

Ok.. Ok.. Close

Hope it work for you.

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One more thing to add: I have disabled UPnP and blocked svchost.exe from accessing the internet/network with my firewall. Do I need to enable those two things?

since u had blocked svchost.exe to access ur network, i think that's y sometime ur winxp can't see the win98 box since some of the hardware profiles are missing. so it will be better to enable svchost.exe to access your network

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Don't know one MUST enable NetBeui, do know that *I* have fixed an XP to 98 network glitch by doing so. worked a treat. rock solid thereafter. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...kb;EN-US;301041

MUST be copied in before protocol installed. NOT installed 'by default'. G'luck.

alternate link tutorial: http://www.perfectdrivers.com/howto/addingnetbeui.html

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