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Can't access windows XP

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6 replies

by eroon

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We have a Win2k server, Win xp pro and win98 clients. An Hp Laser 1300 printer is connected to the xp. We have a recurring problem. Sometimes the win98 clients cannot access the win xp until I run the Network setup wizard to join the xp client to the network. This solves the problem temporarily. The next day or a few days later the problem occurs again and I have to repeat the process. I can access the xp from other xp computers on the network, and even from other win98 clients that log on to a different server (winnt). The problem only started since I changed the DNS settings on the Xp computer so it can access the Internet through our DSL connection, but it does not affect the other computers that also access the Internet. Any ideas on what could be causing the problem, and what can I so to solveit permanently?

6 replies

by jdelcalzo

It seems like you might just need to change your DNS server. You need to point all workstations to your server for DNS first, then make sure the server has your ISP's DNS servers as DNS server 2, 3. The workstations shouldn't have public servers as their DNS.
If you use DHCP, just make sure that your W2K server is the DNS server.

by cg it

Is WINS running on the network anywhere? do you use LMHosts file for NetBIOS over tcp/ip? might consider creating a LMHosts file and use it for you W9X clients or run WINS on the W2K box. XP can run pure TCP/IP but W9X clients need NetBIOS over TCP/IP to find resources. Run WINS or use a LMHosts file ought to solve the W9X problem.

Just a thought.

by eroon

yes I have wins on the win2k server. I thought this would solve the problem but it didn't

by sgt_shultz

could you define 'cannot access the win xp' a little more? sounds like they can't print?
or they can't ping? or wah?

by blackcurrant

Hi

I also think this may be cured by changing your DNS settings.

As stated above, open your TCP/IP properties dialog and make sure your preferred DNS server is the first server listed. Next, do you use a router to connect to the internet? If so, then your router's IP address needs to be the second DNS server address.

Essentially, the 1st DNS address should be the address of the DNS server that provides DNS for your local network. The 2nd DNS address (in a single server environment) should be the address of the device that acts as the gateway to the internet - whether it be a router/computer.

Good luck

by eroon

can ping the xp computer, both by IP address and computer name. Can't browse to it, and can't print to its printer.

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