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BTullos

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How do I re-map a path to my server?

I am running Microsoft Server 2003 and have both Windows XP and Windows 2000 on my six station network.  I have lost the connection to my server from all of my work stations.  I must have them back due to the fact that my most-used program is on the server.  Can you assist me in giving me step-by-step instructions on how to re-map the path to the program on the server?  Assume I am an idiot when it comes to this type of thing!  I'm sure this is something very easy, but my entire business is down until I get these paths re-mapped.
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Rob Williams
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To map a drive you can go to a DOS Window and enter:
net  use  Z:  \\YourServerName\SharedFolderName
or open My Computer, on the menu bar choose Tools, then "Map Network Drive" and then enter the drive letter and browse to the server, and shared folder.
If you choose the same drive letter as before you shouldn't have to make any changes to the application.

HOWEVER, I doubt if you have lost the connection to all computers this is the problem. Can you browse the server's shares? To test enter  \\ServerName   in a browser window or the Start | Run box from one of the workstations.
If not can you ping the server. If not familiar with the ping command at a command prompt (DOS Windows) enter
ping <ServerName>      such as       ping  Server1
or better yet ping the IP address. To get the IP address, on the server, at a command prompt, enter
ipconfig
It will return several values including the IP address then try from a workstation:
ping  <IP Address>     such as     ping  192.168.1.100
You should an output showing "reply from..." 4 times. If you get "Request Timed Out". You have a basic connectivity problem.
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BTullos

ASKER

I have "pinged" the server and have gotten the Request Timed Out, which evidently means I have a basic connectivity problem.  I am going to assume that is a bad thing...and can I solve it or am I in big trouble??  What is a "connectivity problem", it sounds expensive!
>>"it sounds expensive!"
:-)  not necessarily. There is likely a physical break between the workstation and the server. Not sure how familiar you are with networks and computer systems so I'll take it slow. You probably have a server, which is connected to a switch or router and then to the various workstations. The switch or router acts as a distribution point for the connections to each computer or server. Since none of the computers can connect it is probably the switch/router, the server, or the connection between them.
-do you have access to the server? is it running ?
- can you find the cable connecting the server to the switch or router. The end of it should look like an over sized phone jack. Where it plugs in to the server there should be a green or orange light on if there is a connection.
-follow the wire to the router/switch. Are there any lights illuminated on the unit indicating there is power? If so the cable should be plugged into the switch/router and there is likely a number next to it. Probably between 1 and 16. Find the matching light number on the router. Is it lit. If so there should be a connection between the two.

See how you make out with that.
If everything looks OK so far...
-I didn't think to ask before if the server is located on your site or in a remote location. That is another story if so.

-There can be other switches or routers between the switch or router above and your workstations. Can you physically follow the wires or match panel numbers to wall outlets to verify there is nothing else in between. If you come across another switch or router verify lights are illuminated as before.
-If all cabling and lights look OK I would unplug the switch or router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the ping command from the workstation again. Sometimes switch ports can get "locked"
-Next you could try to reboot the server, in case it has a "locked" network adapter, or frozen service

After this you are into a little more detailed trouble shooting. I will be around for a while, as I am sure will others.
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ASKER

Okay, the server is running, I have traced the wire from the back of the tower to the Ethernet Switch box through the ceiling to the router.  It is plugged into the router in position 7 and the lights are on in that row.  I guess we have a bigger problem than I thought.  All of my workstations are individually wired and go into the router from all over the office.  There is one cable coming from the router to the Ethernet Switch box and then that is plugged into the modem.  The server does have internet access as do all of my workstations, but none of the stations are able to access the server.  
If they can all access the Internet it sounds like all connections and network adapters are OK. Have there been any updates made to the server, especially service pack 1, or any applications added such as a firewall?

Also the configuration you described above sounds odd, unless by "Ethernet Switch box" you mean a patch panel, a connection point for all cables but not a powered device. Similar to:
http://www.nce.ufrj.br/ensino/cisco/fotos/dsc06421.jpg
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ASKER

Yes, it looks something like the picture, on the back of the router.  The Ethernet Switch box is smaller, has the one line from the router plugged in, the line from my fax/network printer plugged in and another Ethernet cable that goes to the modem, plus the power plug.

This whole mess started last Tuesday afternoon when I changed my DSL provider, and the previous provider pulled the plug, literally.  The new provider hadn't hooked up yet.  New alert!!!!!!!!  I just got my computer to access the server and have checked all the others and we are back in!!!    I can't thank you enough!  The only problem I have now is that I can't log in to one of my computers with the password.  Can you send me instructions on how to change the log in and the password for a Microsift Windows 2000 OP?  With that response, you can close out this Q&A.  You guys ROCK!  Thanks again, and have a great rest of the weekend.
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Rob Williams
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BTullos, were you able to get this resolved?
--Rob