Networking Problem

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by urmom, Apr 27, 2007.

  1. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    I apologize for making so many of these threads but I still haven't gotten the problem fixed and the other threads are too old to bump. I'll explain my situation first.
    • My main computer is an Emachines Desktop running Windows XP, which is wired to a router.
    • I also have a Dell running Windows XP and is connected to the internet wirelessly with a wireless PCI card.
    • Finally, I have an HP Laptop running Windows XP Media Center Edition and it is connected wirelessly.
    The problem that I am having it that the Laptop won't connect to the workgroup that both the Dell and Emachines are in, if somebody could help me get them all on the same page that'd be great. This means that I can not print or share files on the network. Recently (about two days ago), I re-installed Windows XP onto the Dell and when set back up it connected perfectly to the network and I could instantly share files. The laptop won't though. I can use the internet and am on the same network, but it won't allow me to share files or print. I would like help on how to properly install the printer onto the network and allow filesharing with the laptop. I'm unsure as to why only the Dell and Emachines work with the features, could it be the minor difference in operating systems? I'm trying suggestions from my previous threads and I'll tell you how those go.
     
    urmom, Apr 27, 2007
    #1
  2. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Last edited: May 1, 2007
    urmom, May 1, 2007
    #2
  3. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Sorry if I seem rude, but I need this problem fixed urgently and it would be useful to have some replies! :p

    Thanks. :)
     
    urmom, May 3, 2007
    #3
  4. cat5e

    cat5e MajorGeek

    Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings,http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

    As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what it is allowed to be shared.

    Vista File and Printer Sharing- http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

    Basic XP - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/filesharing.mspx

    Advanced XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

    Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

    Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357

    Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/922120
     
    cat5e, May 3, 2007
    #4
  5. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Sorry but those weren't of much help. The last few days I've been going through all of the configuration settings with Norton Internet Security 2007 and just random network settings but I still cant figure out why the Laptop won't function properly with the network. There has to be some hidden setting that is preventing access or something.

    I can add more screen shots if necessary.
     
    urmom, May 6, 2007
    #5
  6. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    I going to assume that you have used the default setting and allowed your Workgroup to be named WORKGROUP! Try using a different Workgroup name. For example (use any name you like other than WORKGROUP), on ALL of your PCs, change the Workgroup name to URMOM and then reboot each PC.

    Did that work?
     
    chaslang, May 6, 2007
    #6
  7. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Right now I have all 3 computers in the workgroup 'FAMILY'. That's not the exact name since I don't want to put my name on the message boards, but they are all in the same workgroup. I can try changing the workgroup anyways and see if that works.

    Thanks for the fast reply too.
     
    urmom, May 6, 2007
    #7
  8. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    It is a fairly typical problem with Windows XP that normally only is an issue if you use WORKGROUP as the name. This is the default setting and people typical insist that it is not the problem since they have been using it all along and the problem just started. However I have seen the issue quite a number of time and simply changing to a new workgroup name fixes it. This may not be your problem if you are not using the default workgroup name. It is possible that your Laptop is not getting set to the same network as your other PCs. Check to make sure that not only the IP Address in the same range (i.e, network) as you other PCs but also that they are all in the same Subnet. For example for the three PCs
    Code:
    Network Element    IP Address       Subnet
Router IP          192.168.1.1    255.255.255.0   
main computer      192.168.1.10   255.255.255.0
Dell  Wireless     192.168.1.11   255.255.255.0
HP Laptop          192.168.1.12   255.255.255.0

    You can view the each PCs setting using ipconfig /all issued from a command prompt! You settings may be different and your Router IP and network size/range (which relates to your SubNet mask) is something you configured (and you may have just used the the defaults for your Router. In the ipconfig /all output you will see a Default Gateway and DHCP Server addresses. These will normally be the IP address of your router.
     
    chaslang, May 7, 2007
    #8
  9. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Ok. I checked all of that and it seems to be fine. They are all 192.168.2.100-102 and have the same subnet mask. From the laptop, I can go into Run and type '\\192.168.2.100' and get into the main computer. I can't do it vice versa though or get into the Dell (I think I tried the wrong ip though so I'll go do ipconfig/all on the Dell). That must mean that they recognize they are on the same network, although they still won't work with the WORKGROUP.

    I just noticed that mines 192.168.2.1 instead of 192.168.1.1. When I had cable it was 192.168.1.1 but when I switched to DSL it changed it to 192.168.2.1. That wouldn't cause any problems, right?
     
    urmom, May 7, 2007
    #9
  10. lbmest

    lbmest MajorGeek

    Oh Yes!
    The first 3 IP numbers need to be the same. (192.168.1.x) x needs to be different.
     
    lbmest, May 7, 2007
    #10
  11. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    There all in the same range I think it's just that it's 192.168.2.1XX instead of 192.168.1.1XX.
     
    urmom, May 7, 2007
    #11
  12. lbmest

    lbmest MajorGeek

    As long as the first 3 are identical, that means they are on the same network with the 255.255.255.0 subnet mask. My mistake for not catching your meaning.
     
    lbmest, May 7, 2007
    #12
  13. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Did you mean to say this?

    I thought we had established earlier that you were not using WORKGROUP but were instead using FAMILY. If you want to refer to the network item called Workgroup, do not use all upper case letters. Your Workgroup should all be set to FAMILY on all three PCs.

    Can all three PCs ping each other?

    Capture the output from ipconfig /all from each PC and attach them in a text file here.


    Do you have file sharing enabled on all three PCs? Do you have password protection?
    Is it simple file sharing?
    Are you logging in with the same user ID on each PC?
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2007
    chaslang, May 8, 2007
    #13
  14. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Sorry for the confusion, they are all in FAMILY. I'll be careful saying Workgroup.

    Code:
    Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ipconfig/all

Windows IP Configuration

        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : DOWNSTAIRS
        Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : myhome.westell.com

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:

        Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . : myhome.westell.com
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-12-17-64-2A-EE
        Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
        IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.101
        Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
        Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.1
        DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.1
        DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
        Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, May 08, 2007 4:43:43 PM
        Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, May 09, 2007 4:43:43 PM
    That is what the Dell gives me with ipconfig/all. I couldn't ping either computer from the Dell.

    Code:
    Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\owner>ipconfig/all

Windows IP Configuration

        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : DENISELAPTOP
        Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : myhome.westell.com

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

        Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Eth
ernet NIC
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-16-D4-2E-9B-42

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection 2:

        Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . : myhome.westell.com
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcom 802.11b/g WLAN
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-14-A5-AE-34-26
        Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
        IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.102
        Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
        Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.1
        DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.1
        DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
        Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, May 08, 2007 4:50:43 PM
        Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, May 09, 2007 4:50:43 PM

C:\Documents and Settings\owner>
    Code:
    C:\Documents and Settings\owner>ping 192.168.2.100

Pinging 192.168.2.100 with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 192.168.2.100:
    Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

C:\Documents and Settings\owner>ping 192.168.2.101

Pinging 192.168.2.101 with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 192.168.2.101: bytes=32 time=88ms TTL=128
Request timed out.
Reply from 192.168.2.101: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.2.101: bytes=32 time=1ms TTL=128

Ping statistics for 192.168.2.101:
    Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 3, Lost = 1 (25% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
    Minimum = 1ms, Maximum = 88ms, Average = 30ms

C:\Documents and Settings\owner>
    That's what I got from the laptop.

    Code:
    Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ipconfig/all

Windows IP Configuration

        Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : TREVOR
        Primary Dns Suffix  . . . . . . . :
        Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Mixed
        IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
        DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : myhome.westell.com

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

        Connection-specific DNS Suffix  . : myhome.westell.com
        Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connecti
on
        Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-11-11-A3-DC-EE
        Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
        Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
        IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.100
        Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
        Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.1
        DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.2.1
        DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
        Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, May 08, 2007 8:07:41 AM
        Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Wednesday, May 09, 2007 8:07:41 AM

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>
    Code:
    C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ping 192.168.2.101

Pinging 192.168.2.101 with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 192.168.2.101:
    Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ping 192.168.2.102

Pinging 192.168.2.102 with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 192.168.2.102:
    Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),
    That is from the main computer.

    I think so, how could I check?
    No. I use Trevor for the main computer, Elk*** (sorry I just don't like disclosing my last name on the internet) for the laptop, and Owner for the Dell.
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2007
    urmom, May 8, 2007
    #14
  15. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    The problem appears to be worse/different than you described earlier. Both the DOWNSTAIRS PC (the Dell) and the TREVOR PC cannot ping any other PC. And the DENISELAPTOP PC can only ping the the DOWNSTAIRS PC.

    For some reason you appear to have the Node Types all set differently. You have one set to Hybrid, one set to unknown, and one set to Mixed. I believe you should have them all set to Hybrid.

    This requires a registry change. I will give you a patch to use that will make it easier for you to make this change. You will need to download this patch and run it on the DOWNSTAIRS and TREVOR PCs since they are the two with incorrect Node Types configured.


    Copy the bold text below to notepad. Save it as fixNT.reg to your Desktop. Be sure the "Save as" type is set to "all files" Once you have saved it double click it and allow it to merge with the registry.
    Normally you can just do an ipconfig /release and then a ipconfig /renew after making the change in the fixNT.reg patch. So apply the patch and then do the release followed by a renew. Do this on the DOWNSTAIRS and TREVOR PCs. Then attach new outputs from ipconfig /all.

    Also check for ping capability now and then also check your file sharing ability.

    If you still see Node Type = Unknown for the DOWNSTAIRS PC, see this: Ipconfig /All Command Shows the Node Type as Unknown
     
    chaslang, May 9, 2007
    #15
  16. Colemanguy

    Colemanguy MajorGeek

    all your ips need to be 192.168.1.x or 192.168.2.x not a mix, unless your using a special type of networking setup. Thats why you can't ping your other pcs,
     
    Colemanguy, May 9, 2007
    #16
  17. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Read the text again! All the IPs are on the same network. The PCs are all on the 192.168.2.x network with the DHCP server. Only the DNS server is different and that is okay as long as it is correct.
     
    chaslang, May 9, 2007
    #17
  18. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Here is the ipconfig/all from Trevor's Computer.

    That is from the Downstairs computer.
     
    urmom, May 9, 2007
    #18
  19. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Okay, now they both say Node Type = Hybrid. However you did not say whether this fixed your problem.
     
    chaslang, May 9, 2007
    #19
  20. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    It still sais that I cannot access Deniselaptop. How can I check to make sure that all of the sharing settings are correct?
     
    urmom, May 9, 2007
    #20
  21. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    First you need to tell me if each PC can ping the others now! File sharing will not work if you cannot even ping. Physical network connectivity is the first thing you have to get working.
     
    chaslang, May 9, 2007
    #21
  22. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Downstairs to Main Computer : Failed
    Downstairs to Laptop : Failed

    I'll update this in a little bit with the Main Computer and Laptop's pings.
     
    urmom, May 9, 2007
    #22
  23. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Hmm, since it wouldn't let me edit my post:

    Main Computer to Downstairs : Failed
    Main Computer to Laptop : Failed

    And by failed, I mean that 0/4 of the packets sent were recieved.
     
    urmom, May 9, 2007
    #23
  24. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Can the DOWNSTAIRS pc ping the router ( 192.168.2.1 )?

    Can you ping the DNS Server? And what piece of equipment is the DNS Server address you are showing associated with. The DNS Server address is typically an address from your ISP not an address like 192.168.1.1 which would be a more typical address of a user configured network with a home router.

    Why do you have DNS Suffix Search List setup? Do you really have a DNS Server? In your Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties, do you have your system set to Obtain DNS server address automatically (this is the normal configuration) or are did you check Use the following DNS server address? If so, did you make 192.168.1.1 your Preferred DNS server.

    What do you get when you enter nslookup at a command prompt?
     
    chaslang, May 9, 2007
    #24
  25. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    The Downstairs computer can ping the router.

    The Downstairs computer can also ping the DNS server. For equipment, I have a Westell 6100 modem with a WRT54G Wireless Router from Linksys.

    I'm unsure as to what a DNS Suffic Search List is and whether or not I have a DNS Server. How could I check to see if I have a DNS Server? And in the Internet Protocol, both are set to check automatically.

    Code:
    C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>nslookup
Default Server:  dslrouter
Address:  192.168.1.1
     
    urmom, May 9, 2007
    #25
  26. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Do you have firewall software installed? If so which one?
     
    chaslang, May 9, 2007
    #26
  27. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    On the main computer, Trend Micro PC- Cillin 2007. On the Dell, just the free AVG spyware/firewall thing, and on the laptop Norton Internet Security 2007.
     
    urmom, May 9, 2007
    #27
  28. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Have you described your network to the firewalls so that it knows to allow communication for the IP Address range of your network (192.168.2. 0 thru 192.168.2.255)? Your network must be in your Trusted Zone.

    Have you tried disabling the firewalls just to see if the firewalls are getting in your way?
     
    chaslang, May 10, 2007
    #28
  29. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    I tried to find a way to allow that range of IP's in Norton but couldn't. Tomorrow I will try disabling them all and seeing if that works.
     
    urmom, May 12, 2007
    #29
  30. lbmest

    lbmest MajorGeek

    (I'm using Norton IS 2006 settings)
    Start NIS, under Personal Firewall, Configure button, Networking tab, Trusted tab, use Wizard to add network address.
     
    lbmest, May 13, 2007
    #30
  31. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Thanks LBMEST. Norton IS only had 192.168.1.0 in the trusted zone. I put 192.168.2.0 in and it seemed to make a little progress. From the laptop, I can now go to View Workgroup Computers without the error message. The only problem is that no computers show up. That is now a problem on my Main computer too. For some reason, it won't show Deniselaptop or Downstairs anymore.

    Yay! I was able to correctly install the network printer on the laptop! I still have a semi problem with the computers not showing up in View Workgroup Computers though.
     
    urmom, May 13, 2007
    #31
  32. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Hello, anyone there? *echo* *echo* *echo*......
     
    urmom, May 17, 2007
    #32
  33. Dublin PC Services

    Dublin PC Services Private E-2

    Are you now able to create shares and map drives?
     
    Dublin PC Services, May 17, 2007
    #33
  34. urmom

    urmom Private First Class

    Do you mean like right clicking on something like My Documents and clicking Share? I think I can do that. The problem right now is that the computers icon doesn't stay up in the View Workgroup Computers thing. The printer sharing thing is working perfectly right now.
     
    urmom, May 17, 2007
    #34

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