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4.0 Server not in Network Neighborhood

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by rgrowcock

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I have just started having trouble with my PDC over the last week. Upon bootup, which doesn't happen very often, my Server's machine name is visible in Network Neighborhood. Then within about 1 hour, it is no longer visible. I can ping it, and I can access it via "Net Use" in a command prompt, but not through Windows Explorer.

I am running NT 4.0 Server, SP6a. I had to shut the server down last week for maintanence and since it was rebooted, this problem has persisted. The Server originally had an integrated Intel NIC, and I've replaced it thinking maybe the NIC has gone bad. Still, the machine leaves Network Neighborhood.

I am running out of ideas or things to try. I have checked all of my settings, and nothing has changed. This machine is my WINS server, my DHCP, as well as a print server, but it has been for the last 1-1/2 years with no problems. Anyone have any suggestions? This really has me stumped.

The only other thought is that the switch this Server is plugged into has had a couple of ports go bad. I removed the server from it and replaced the cable, but still the same problem.

HELP, Please! TIA

Roger

21 replies

by gigelul

Hi,
You tried from explorer, with find computer (with ComputerName and then with IP)?
You can map a drive/share from command prompt and then you see it in explorer (net use x: \\ComputerName\ShareName)?
What maintenance you performed on this Server?
Check with event viewer for errors.
I recommend you to install a BDC if you don't have yet.

by gigelul

When you changed the NIC, I suppose that you use the same static IP for PDC.
Can be something related to the MAC address and switches database. The new NIC have other. Maybe here is a conflict in switch database (since one switch is not so good can be there two MAC address for the same IP?). Try to reset these devices.

by magnito

Try mapping a drive to the server .. once u can ping the server and connect to the server i wouldnt worry about it not showing up in Network neighbourhood (its flaky). also could be an issue with NetBIOS also or maybe even dns name for your server.
Paul

by rgrowcock

I can do all of this, but I don't know why, all of a sudden, it will not show up in NN. This server has been rock solid for over a year, now this problem. The biggest problem is printing does not always happen. Next would be shares on that system. I have "My Documents" mapped to that drive and I can't always connect to that folder. Any other thoughts?

by rgrowcock

Florinel,

I can map shares and drives, but that doesn't mean I can always access them. The only maintenance was shutting the system down and moving it. I call it maintenance but that really isn't right. I did nothing to the box other than unplugging it and moving it from the shelf it was on. I do have a BDC up and running, so my accounts should be safe, at least for now.

I am looking into getting a new server and upgrading to 2000 Server, but that is a couple of weeks off yet. I have to do a bunch of juggling until then. Any other thoughts?

by gigelul

If sometime works and after that not (without your intervention) I suppose that the network connection is not very good. Try other patch cord or other port in HUB/SWITCH (reseat the NIC).

Also you can schedule a batch like this to test connection:
*****************************
logtime.exe "start ping"
ping ServerName>>logtime.log
logtime.exe "end ping"
*****************************
-logtime.exe - from resource kit
-logtime.log - result of test

by oskiller

If you have had a couple of ports in the switch go bad, I would also try replacing the switch or moving the server's connection to another switch. Your switch could actually be the source of the problem.

I'd also remove and reseat the NIC card just to make sure.

by nettek

Are you seeing any events in Event Viewer that are relative to the issue? Is so, please post.

In the meantime, check the following:
1. Look for an LMHOSTS file on the PDC that might have incorrect settings.
2. On your PDC, Network Properties, TCP/IP Properties, make sure that the PDC (which is running WINS, correct?) points to its own IP address in BOTH the primary and secondary WINS settings.

by rgrowcock

Checked these settings, everything is correct. My LMHOSTS.SAM file is blank, not sure if that is correct or not. No events listed in the EV.

by rabbit_runner

Hi,
1. Your NN works off the browsing service. HAve you checked that service in the services applet?

2. Another thing to check would be finding out which server (PDC or BDC) is the master browser. You will need to check the registry for thissetting.

3. What about WINS? do you have a correct mapping for your server in WINS? Or is there a duplicate entry which conflicts with your correct entry. Since you changed your NIC, is may be possible for duplicate entries.

The above are some ideas for you to check. Hope this helps.

by rgrowcock

Brought up a new PDC and this one works fine now. Seems like it was the Master Browser not functioning like it should. Took it away from this box and it works fine now. Thanks! Roger

by vh_s

Probably your workstation service is not working. How it can happen, I don't know.

But this is my guess, someone has installed something / major upgrades to your computer. But, it doesn't reboot the computer. So, it keep working fine until you restart.

Major upgrades requires re-application of service packs. So, what I would do is to reinstall service-pack as required ( 3->4->6a ?? ).

vh_s

by rgrowcock

Bugs,

I think you may have hit on my problem, the Master Browser service shutdown when another machine stated it was the Master. I've tried to restart the Master Browser service manually and will see it that works.

BTW, I removed the second NIC I installed and went back to the original. Roger

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