We recently upgraded a former SBS 4.5 network to a new SBS 2000 server. The network has 10 Windows 98 workstations. After upgrading the server and creating all appropriate accounts, the 98 systems take 5+ minutes to log onto the domain and are not steadily on the network (lose connectivity). This includes a newer P4 system that was recently installed (with a data transfer). Client is eventually getting new workstations with XP Pro, but needs to wait for a software update.
After 3+ hours with Microsoft, they are baffled. Server is set up correctly with DNS, WINS, and DHCP. Workstations are getting an IP immediately when refreshed, so connectivity is there. There is one XP machine on the network (functioning as an FTP server) which has no issues, so it is related to '98. Microsoft tried telling us that 98 computers using a network switch (versus a hub) cannot handle the switch traffic and lose packets, but after experimenting with an old hub we still had the same issues (to our expectations).
We can narrow down that there are no hardware issues (since the non-98 system works fine) and have tried replacing the switch with a hub per Microsoft's request.
It seems to be some sort of possible authentication problem since it mostly hangs on the login screen. One working, it works fine for a while.... but then it inevitably falls off the network and you need to completely shut down the system and reboot if you want even a vague chance of connecting.
Put old server back in place for now and everything is working.
Any ideas? Client wants to finally spend $ for the new workstations, but we would like to have this running in the interim since his old server is on its way out...
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