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Disappearing P2P Network

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13 replies

by traci-anne

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We have 20 machines running P2P (through hub) and have been having horrible difficulties getting "booted" off the network right in the middle of working with files. I have already performed the following troubleshooting:

1) TCP/IP on all machines configured to automatically get IP address. Gateway assigned to the internet connection (part of a t1).
2)No other protocols running.
3) Workgroup name is consistent on all machines.
4) Three machines configured to "enable" for Browse Master - all others disabled.

We do not have a true server, but do have one machine that acts as our server and is basically where all files are stored and accessed from.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

13 replies

by yagar

Here is what I am assuming

You have a unique name for each computer in the ID tab.
The Primary Network Logon is "Client for Microsoft Networks"
Access Control is "Share level"

In the main network Window you see

Client for Microsoft Networks
(the nick card)
TCP/IP
File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks (where needed)

Check these

Under TCP/IP-Properties

Assign all the computers an IP address (my suggestion)
192.168.1.100

Subnet Mask
255.255.255.0

WINS - off

Gateway

If you need to access the Internet use the appropriate gateway otherwise use the IP address you assigned the "server"

Bindings

Client for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharing (if applicable)

The other thing to checkis
Some NIC cards work better if you specify the speed that it is suppose to work at (ie 10 or 100 ) rather than leave it on auto detect.

Hope this helps

by yagar

When assigning the IP address Start at 192.168.1.100 and add 1 for each machine so you will end up with a different IP for each machine.

by traci-anne

Thanks for the thorough explanation - I had it that way before, but the internet connection requires that gateway assign the IP addresses...

The problem is being complicated by the server machine (remember not true server), rebooting itself on a whim as well as loooooong connection times to this machine.

by nettek

Windows 9x has a lot of browser problems when using TCP/IP without the benefit of a WINs server. If you are not using any type of Internet connection sharing, I would recommend installing NetBEUI on all the PCs and removing TCP/IP.

by traci-anne

Point value changed by question poster.
Additional notes: gateway MUST assign IP addresses they cannot be static. Other symptoms include spontaneous rebooting by the server machine as well as extremely long connection times to this machine.

by yagar

This is just a thought

You can get by the Gateway needing to assigning The IP by picking up a Connection sharing router like the Linksys 4 or 8 port. Then you can configure the internal network anyway you want. I think they go for around $140.

I have been using one for over a year for 5 machines and have no problems. I have just a Win98 "server" that has the printer attached like your setup, it is the file server so to say. You can uplink your hub to it and keep the most important users direct to the switch on the Router.

by addison99

I have setup many networks like yours.

If you use the internet use TCP/IP and assign each machine a IP address as mentioned earlier.

If you dont use internet use IPX/SPX and NET beui as your network protocols.

Both these should work fine. Do use a router for you internet connection.

When you loose the network is it just because the serve PC locks or restarts.

This may not be network related.

When does this happen. Can u provide more information as to you problem.

by rvkempen

If you are using NT4.0 workstation, you have a problem.
It only accepts for a maximum of 10 or 15 (don't know the exact number)concurrent ip sessions.
The same restrictions go for w2000 pro.

However you might be able to find a registry setting on the internet somewhere,so I might suggest you try a fox hunt.

Sorry I cant be more helpfull

Ron.

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