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Windows XP needing NetBEUI messes up ICS

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5 replies

by forvirg

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I read with great interest an earlier thread where a poster had problems with accessing other PCs on a Windows XP network where ultimately installation of the NetBEUI protocol fixed the access problem.

I encountered the same problem on a 2 machine network with a Dell desktop and an IBM ThinkPad laptop. Long story short - the IBM's Windows 98 was badly corrupted and network was having problems so I (in retrospect, stupidly) recommended an upgrade to XP. After installation, network connectivity was gone. I did all the usual tests of the hardware before even recommending the upgrade, so know the hardware works. It's all Linksys wireless cards. No router.

Before installing NetBEUI I tried setting up LMHOSTS on both machines - no luck. Only NetBEUI restored ability to see each other. Unfortunately, it also slowed connectivity to a creep.

And I cannot get ICS to work...

Does anyone have ANY workaround to this problem? My (relatively new) client now thinks I'm an incompetent though I'm not too concerned about that, but I would prefer to at least get his shared internet working before bailing on him completely.

But here's the caveat - I can't (read: won't) spend a lot more time over there. I need to know if someone else has actually had real experience with solving this problem.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Virginia

5 replies

by jmk555

1) Are they showing that they belong to the same workgroup?
2) How is the IP info being provided? Static? Are they on the same subnet?
3) Is the access point unit present? I see no mention other than "no router". Do the Linksys wireless cards work without an access point? If an access point is present, defaults are often set at 192.168.0.1 which may cause ICS conflicts.
4) I avoid at all costs doing "upgrades" to any OS. Certainly one that is "hurting" beforehand. I have spent many hours hunting for solutions to such issues, when in fact; within 60-90 minutes I can have a fresh install without the associated headaches of an in-place upgrade. Sometimes, I realize that this is unavoidable.

If none of the above helps, what I would do next is disable the wireless, use a couple of regular NIC's if the units have them, add them temporarily if they do not (I stock 2 USB NIC's for just this purpose so I do not have to open cases), and test the network without the wireless setup. Be sure to use a cross-over cable if you don't have an extra switch or hub lying around. If the network now works, then you obviously know where to look next.

Happy Hunting!

by forvirg

The physical cabling worked beautifully, so I was able to focus on the Linksys cards. Still took a long time with them - turned out to be some weird conflict with the built-in NIC in the IBM that defied logic, but there you go! Thanks!

by brian

Install the NWLINK IPX/SPX Protocol on all the machines it can be easily added to both the Win98 and XP/Win2k machines. Take Netbeui off.

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