XP networking problem, does anyone know the problem?

I have two machines both XP Pro, and they both have shared files and worked great for months. Something happened over the weekend and now the machines aren't "talking" to each other. I have read tons of websites and nothing has help to fix the problem.

Here is the info I can provide....

Main machine
IP: 192.168.0.1
SubMask: 255.255.255.0
Defualt Gateway: None
Workgroup: MSHOME

Client machine
IP: 192.168.0.2
SubMask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
Preferred DNS: 192.168.0.1
Workgroup: MSHOME

There is no firewall, each computer has at least one folder shared, services are nearly identical. I can ping 127.0.0.1 and each computers own IP with good results. Pinging the other machine times out.

If I ping the name of the client from the main computer it shows the IP, so names are getting resolved but still it times out. Pinging the IP or name of the main from the client times out.

I can see the client from the main computer when I browse the entire network, but cannot access it. I cannot browse MSHOME from the client, says I may not hame permission.

Lastly...

Sygate runs in the system tray on each computer. If I stop the app on the main computer the icon on the client appears with an X through it. Start the app up again on the main computer, the client app removes the X. This tells me that there is some communication going on between the to computers but not enough to access each computers files, ping each other, or for the client to get on the internet.

Hope this helps diagnose this problem.

 

Contradiction:

Ok, breaking it down, something is blocking port 80, and most likely 445 (file and printer sharing, IIRC). Other than spyware, or firewalls, what do you suppose would do that?

I would try safemode w/ networking too. I have a feeling it works there.

 

Thanks for the response, however still no go....

I tried both computers in safe mode w/networking. I still could not ping each other or connect to each in any way.

 

Still getting ping request timed out?

Or something else?

What network hardware is being used, both inside and outside of the computer?

 

Pinging from either computer times out.

I have got two LAN cards in the main, one connected to a cable modem the other connected to the client computer. The client computer just has one LAN card.

I have noticed that both LAN cards are sending bytes but not receiving any. My internet connection is fine on the main computer.

As a test I set the client computer back to "Obtain IP Address Automatically". I turned the computer off and hooked the internet directly to the client basically removing my network. I could not connect to the intern

 

I wouldn't neglect trying those things that seem like they couldn't be part of the issue: cable connections, re-seat the cards, etc. can make a big difference, even when you get pings and no connections.

 

Using a crossover?

 

Yes, I am using a crossover cable. I have some more info in case it helps anyone, help my problem.

I looked at both network cards and both send out many packets but only receive 5-6 or so. When I first boot the client computer the send/receive lights blink alot, once I get into Windows it eventually stops blinking or maybe once every 10 mins. or so.

Thanks for everyones help already.

 

I suspect the cable.

Try a hub and two cat5 cables.

Less collisions and better speed that way anyway.

 

hey, u might have already resolved the problem, if so, tell me how u did so. But my idea

firstly,

- Nice and simple, check wiring and NIC's.

- Turn both of the computers off, and the cable modem. Then Turn them all back on.

If this doesnt work

------------------------------------------------------------------​

another thing, try going into network connections on both machines and deleting the File and Printer Sharing For Windows Networks service, then adding it again on both machines.. do this my clicking install > services > file and printer sharing. Do this on both machines and restart.

This should kind-of Reset the file and printer sharing on both machines, and hopefully get it going again.





------------: Domje :-------------

 

Another Idea-

On the Machine with the ip : 192.168.0.1 (default machine) :

Click the following = Network connections > set up a small or home office network > Next > Next > This computer connects directly to the internet. Other Computers on the network connect directly through this Computer. > Next. Now just take your time through the setup etc, setting your computer name + Workgroup.

You will then come up with a screen as follows..(example, do not look at names etc)
_______________________________________________________________________
Internet connection settings:
Internet connection: Network_connection_name
Internet Connection Firewall: enabled
_______________________________________________________________________
Network settings:
Computer description: YOUR_COMPUTER_DESCRIPTION
Computer name: YOUR_COMPUTER_NAME
Workgroup name: MSHOME
The Shared Documents folder and any printers connected to this computer have been shared.
_______________________________________________________________________

Click Next > Just Finish The Wizard. I do not need to run the wizard on any other computers. > Finish.


On the Machine with the ip : 192.168.0.2 (Secondary Machine) :

Click the following = Network connections > set up a small or home office network > Next > Next > This computer connects to the internet directly through another computer on my network or via a residential gateway. > Next. Now just take your time through the setup etc, setting your computer name + Workgroup.

You will again then come up with a screen as follows.. (example, do not look at names etc)
_______________________________________________________________________
Internet connection settings:
Internet connection: Network_connection_name
Internet Connection Firewall: enabled
_______________________________________________________________________
Network settings:
Computer description: YOUR_COMPUTER_DESCRIPTION
Computer name: YOUR_COMPUTER_NAME
Workgroup name: MSHOME
The Shared Documents folder and any printers connected to this computer have been shared.
_______________________________________________________________________

Click Next > Just Finish The Wizard. I do not need to run the wizard on any other computers. > Finish.

now Restart both computers.

Things Should work now. If not i have just 1 more idea. Please Don't hesitate to contact me Via MSN Messenger (CutewithouttheD@hotmail.com) and i will Discuss it there, as its hard to explain

 

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Settings, and Sharing.

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.