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XBedoya

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Join a Workgroup

My computer won't accept the change of workgroup and won't map my network drives.

What can I do?
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3cc3ntric
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Can you go into more detail please?

Error messages etc

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XBedoya

ASKER

We have a windows network with 4 servers. The computer is new but that outlet has always worked before. I am actually able to go on-line and see people in the network but I can't map the Servers. It keeps saying that the can't recognized the network, but everytime that I try to change the workgroup from the computer name tab it goes back to MS-HOME.

Thank you,

XBedoya
ok a couple of ideas.

Ensure that the workstation service is running (possibly give it a restart)

Try to connect using the IP address directly ie Start > Run > TYPE "\\192.xxx.xxx.xxx" > OK (Enter)
***Where 192.xxx.xxx.xxx is the address of the machine you're connecting to.
that should bring up a connection of some sort or give an error, either one is a step in the right direction!

If it works then check your DNS settings, and point to a local server before trying an external server

If it doesn't work please pass on the error message
Also make sure the new pc isnt running a firewall, such as norton internet security. Alot of these third party app's will block protocols and ports that are needed on a domain
Another thing to try is changing the workgroup name in safe mode.  

Push F8 before the Splash screen and select safe mode with networking.  Then try to change the workgroup name.

If this works, it was probably some sort of firewall/spyware issue.  
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ASKER

Hello,

I had re-start the PC and enable the firewall before. Now I will try to change the workgroup from the safe mode. I'll let you know the results.

Thank you for the comments,

XBedoya
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I tried and works perfectly in safe mode, I mapped the drives rebooted and the drives are there but no connection. Went back into safe mode and all is good. Wont connect to snap servers in regular mode.

What could I try next.

XBedoya

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I am increasing the point value for this question.

I apreciate your help/

XBedoya
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Hello,

I am still trying to do this. I even tried to re-install the network card drives but didn't work. I have everything in place , it accepted the workgroup and network drives are listed after running safe mode, but still the machine won't connect to the storage servers. THe message is:

An error occurred whilw reconnecting to :\\ .... Microsoft windows network: The network path was not found. This connection has not been restore.

Could I get more ideas this is driving me nuts.

Thank you,

XBedoya
Hi XBedoya,
Can you ping the servers, I asked earlier but don't think you answered.
If you can, it could be a DNS issue in which case you could work around that quite easily using an LMHosts File.
Failing that, if you can't ping them by name or IP, then it is almost definitely interaction from a program starting that isn't available in safe mode.
Try using MSConfig to turn on/off startup services/programs to diagnose.
Another quick check is to Windows Firewall > Exceptions and ensure that File and printer sharing is ticked.

Good luck!
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ASKER

I did ping the Servers and got answer back. How can I use the LMHost file?

Pinging their name or IP?
if you pinged their names and got answers, then ignore the next bit! but please post back and i'll see what I can do.

lmhosts.sam is usually located in c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\
This is a sample file (with the most useful bit at the bottom)
Enter in the details accordingly.
Now save it without an extension, i.e "lmhosts." and then open a command window
Now to refresh you can either reboot or alternatively
Start > run > cmd
type "nbtstat -RR" (no quotes)
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ASKER

I don't quiet understand what is that I need to do to the lmhosts file.

I found it but which changes do I have to make?

Sorry!

Open the sample file (lmhosts.sam) in notepad and edit it so that it looks something like this:

myserver1     192.168.100.xx1
myserver2     192.168.100.xx2

now saveas and select All files. Save it as "Lmhosts." no extension on the end. then follow the nbtstat flush as detailed above.
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3cc3ntric
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What is this supposed to do?

Should I change the servers address to my network address?
and Do I need to make a new line as many servers I need to connect to?

It will resolve names to IPs, so yes as many servers as you need, but try one first.
If we're going down an incorrect path, there is tons more we can check (I'm sure you'll be glad to know!)
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Hello 3cc3ntric,

I tried the lmHosts option and did not work. What else do you suggest?

XBedoya
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Actually it did connect to the servers and I can log into them but it doesn't allow me to open any files.

What could that be?
It's most likely permissions, are you getting a directory and file listing?
I'd recommend checking permissions on a file from the server, what Os are the servers running?
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Hi 3cc3ntric,

I ran again the lmHosts file and reboot the machine that did it.

Thank you for all your help!

XBedoya
XBedoya you're very wellcome, my pleasure!

3c
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One more thing. The antivirus firewall setting (we use Norton) needed to have the servers addreses as a trusted connections.