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XP cannot browse the workgroup, not accessible??
I have been configuring networks both Workgroup and Domain environments for years. This one is strange.
We recently acquired a customer with this simple LAN setup.
9 XP PRO workstations drawing from a database on an XP PRO pc/server.
Problem: from any pc , even the xp server - you cannot browse the workgroup. "workgroup is not accessible" ...... path not found.
1. All users have the same login and pass, all pcs are in the same workgroup.
2. The router is simply connected DHCP to cable ISP and is the gateway
3. All pcs get ips from the router DHCP table.
4. I have reset the router to factory to rule out old dhcp table etc.
5. We introduced a new pc (XP) to the lan - initially we could browse and see all LAN pcs in the workgroup, now it TOO! cannot - same error as above.
*OF note - the only change recently was a new 16 port switch was installed*
6. We formatted one of the existing XP pcs - same error!
There really is NO DNS so I cant see a problem there.
Does anyone have input on this? Is there somehow a chance the switch could be the problem? NOTE - all other networking, speeds and programs are working fine on the LAN??
PLease help!
We recently acquired a customer with this simple LAN setup.
9 XP PRO workstations drawing from a database on an XP PRO pc/server.
Problem: from any pc , even the xp server - you cannot browse the workgroup. "workgroup is not accessible" ...... path not found.
1. All users have the same login and pass, all pcs are in the same workgroup.
2. The router is simply connected DHCP to cable ISP and is the gateway
3. All pcs get ips from the router DHCP table.
4. I have reset the router to factory to rule out old dhcp table etc.
5. We introduced a new pc (XP) to the lan - initially we could browse and see all LAN pcs in the workgroup, now it TOO! cannot - same error as above.
*OF note - the only change recently was a new 16 port switch was installed*
6. We formatted one of the existing XP pcs - same error!
There really is NO DNS so I cant see a problem there.
Does anyone have input on this? Is there somehow a chance the switch could be the problem? NOTE - all other networking, speeds and programs are working fine on the LAN??
PLease help!
Check below settings
Enable "Client for Microsoft Networks".
Enable "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks"
and also see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318030
Enable "Client for Microsoft Networks".
Enable "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks"
and also see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318030
the problem some time happen because you don't have DNS server
first of all, make sure you have a shared folder or driver on every computer you want to access through. maybe this will resolve the issue.
if you already have, try to access through the IP for computer's not the name
by typing for example: \\192.168.1.2 (but your correct IP address) . this will solve your problem.
after that you can create a map network drive for shared folder you want.
Regards
first of all, make sure you have a shared folder or driver on every computer you want to access through. maybe this will resolve the issue.
if you already have, try to access through the IP for computer's not the name
by typing for example: \\192.168.1.2 (but your correct IP address) . this will solve your problem.
after that you can create a map network drive for shared folder you want.
Regards
ASKER
afthab this is all enabled - remember everyone this is Every pc on the network
I know I would prefer an actual server running dns and dhcp but I have to work with this xp box.
I can use ips no problem to grab printer shares etc on pcs I cannot use netbios though
I know I would prefer an actual server running dns and dhcp but I have to work with this xp box.
I can use ips no problem to grab printer shares etc on pcs I cannot use netbios though
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Ok the above post is long but I suspect the following to get you sorted
1st of all Run the Network Wizard in All the PCs.
Configure the Network
1. First try this: Go to: Control Panel/System and click on the "Computer Name" Tab. Then click on "Network ID", select "This Computer is part of a business network...." then, "My Computer uses a network without a domain".
Don't forget to give a name for both the WORKGROUP and the PC.
2. If the Above didn't sort the issue, go to control panel and run the wizard: "Network Setup Wizard"
1st of all Run the Network Wizard in All the PCs.
Configure the Network
1. First try this: Go to: Control Panel/System and click on the "Computer Name" Tab. Then click on "Network ID", select "This Computer is part of a business network...." then, "My Computer uses a network without a domain".
Don't forget to give a name for both the WORKGROUP and the PC.
2. If the Above didn't sort the issue, go to control panel and run the wizard: "Network Setup Wizard"
ASKER
New Alex wow that is extensive - remember shares are not the problem - if I go by IP i can see all shares on the server
This has to do only with browsing - the users are used to going via my network places and browsing computers by name they cant do this anymore
Toxacon - I am going to try your suggestion - I think you may be on the right track - should I do this on the serving xp box?
This has to do only with browsing - the users are used to going via my network places and browsing computers by name they cant do this anymore
Toxacon - I am going to try your suggestion - I think you may be on the right track - should I do this on the serving xp box?
ASKER
NEw Alex I can try this but - In 10 years of networking I have never used the wizard in all honesty - with our new setups this has never happened - however I have no idea what the previous IT has done here - I am attempted to rebuild the whole thing but it will be costly to the client.
Does anyone think the switch in anyway could be involved?? It is unmanaged so I cant possibly see how - the client is about an hours drive away - I am tempted to bring a small test switch and place the server and one pc on it as a test - however i really cant imagine the switch is involved
Does anyone think the switch in anyway could be involved?? It is unmanaged so I cant possibly see how - the client is about an hours drive away - I am tempted to bring a small test switch and place the server and one pc on it as a test - however i really cant imagine the switch is involved
It is possible that the switch is involved but is very-very unlikely. Usually, it's the broadcast control that ruins the browsing but it's not likely that an unmanaged switch has that.
ASKER
The only reason I point to this is that as you know with IT troubleshooting "what was changed recently"
With our take over with replaced 3 daisy chained old dlink switches with a proper rack mount patch panel and 16 port DLINK GIG switch.
With our take over with replaced 3 daisy chained old dlink switches with a proper rack mount patch panel and 16 port DLINK GIG switch.
Is it XP you use or some streamlined version. (I personally use TinyXP version)
Anyway,
Try
Control Panel /System / Computer Name
There should be the name of your Computer. Play with the settings there. (Network ID etc)
Also check the Area Connection Properties. The computer I am writting from is a part of a network and has the following elements in the Area Connection Properties Window.
Ok
Anyway,
Try
Control Panel /System / Computer Name
There should be the name of your Computer. Play with the settings there. (Network ID etc)
Also check the Area Connection Properties. The computer I am writting from is a part of a network and has the following elements in the Area Connection Properties Window.
Ok
Other than that I suspect a virus around
Are you sure in "Network ID", options "This Computer is part of a business network...." and then, "My Computer uses a network without a domain" are selected?
If you can see the WORKGROUP in the My Network Places but you can't browse it, it could be vital to see why on very low level. I suggest you install Microsoft Network Monitor to one PC and capture traffic to see what kind of request and response you send/get to/from the network when you start to browse it.
if you can, set static IPs to workstations.
change work group name
check computer browser service on all pcs.
after doing these turn off network switch & restart all pcs. you can do this with two pcs instead of all.
what is about anti virus ?
change work group name
check computer browser service on all pcs.
after doing these turn off network switch & restart all pcs. you can do this with two pcs instead of all.
what is about anti virus ?
I think you may have a name resolution issue.
You may want to setup a WINS server in this network. But if this is not an option, then, try to force the type of NetBIOS name through DHCP option.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/121005
...
NetBIOS Node Type (46): The NetBIOS node type option allows NetBIOS over TCP/IP clients that are configurable to be configured as described in RFC 1001/1002. The value is specified as a single octet that identifies the client type as follows:
Value Node Type
----- ---------
0x1 B-node
0x2 P-node
0x4 M-node
0x8 H-node
________
You want an H-node (Hybrid) so that your clients can perform all types of name resolutions, including broadcasting. If your DHCP server is on your router, you will have to customize its setting.
also, make sure that you do share the IPC$ admin share on all your computers.
Just run
NET SHARE IPC$
from cmd on all the Windows XP computers.
HTH
You may want to setup a WINS server in this network. But if this is not an option, then, try to force the type of NetBIOS name through DHCP option.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/121005
...
NetBIOS Node Type (46): The NetBIOS node type option allows NetBIOS over TCP/IP clients that are configurable to be configured as described in RFC 1001/1002. The value is specified as a single octet that identifies the client type as follows:
Value Node Type
----- ---------
0x1 B-node
0x2 P-node
0x4 M-node
0x8 H-node
________
You want an H-node (Hybrid) so that your clients can perform all types of name resolutions, including broadcasting. If your DHCP server is on your router, you will have to customize its setting.
also, make sure that you do share the IPC$ admin share on all your computers.
Just run
NET SHARE IPC$
from cmd on all the Windows XP computers.
HTH
ASKER
We are trying to convince the client to get an actual server
Let's split the points...
There have been very valuable leads and, last but not the least, some of teh experts' comments may help others in the future.
New_Alex deserves some points for sure. Toxacon too. And maybe myself and few others...
There have been very valuable leads and, last but not the least, some of teh experts' comments may help others in the future.
New_Alex deserves some points for sure. Toxacon too. And maybe myself and few others...
This question has been classified as abandoned and is closed as part of the Cleanup Program. See the recommendation for more details.
ASKER