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PC Disconnects from Novell

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by njbcomptech Jul 17, 2002 last reply Jul 22, 2002

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Have a pc that if it sits idle for 15 minutes or so it will disconnect from the Novell server. Re-logging in works 50% of the time. If doesn't work, re-boot system. There are days when I may re-boot this pc (MINE) 5-6 times. Using Novell client 3.30.0.0 on a Windows 98 Second Edition OS. Any suggestions?

8 replies

by alpha-male Jul 17, 2002

I don't know the type of Netware server you are running or what service packs are installed, so I'll approach this from the client side. If you offer server details, I'll see if I can offer advice there also.

Start with the simplest solution - download and install the latest client for Netware. See if that resolves the issue. It did for me when I faced this exact issue with 98 clients recently.

Second, I'd check my cabling, NIC, and update my NIC drivers.

Third, I'd reinstall TCP/IP (or are you using IPX?)

Fourth, I'd set up a packet sniffer and watch what's going on between the server and the workstation. You can get a very good (and FREE!) one at www.ethereal.com

I consider a packet sniffer an essential networking tool. Take a look at the packets going across the LAN. See what errors are being generated, what the latency is, are there timeouts? Dropped packets? A great site for information about packet level network analysis is www.packet-level.com

Hope this helps!Good luck!

by alpha-male Jul 17, 2002

Forgot to mention, when sniffing the network, watch particularly for the Server's NCP "Watchdog" process. If you go to support.novell.com and search for watchdog process you'll find all kinds of information including the set commands to modify the configuration, etc. You can also set your server to monitor watchdog disconnects.