OK, here’s what’s running: Windows 95B (2.0)workstations (no less than 133mHz, 32MB Ram), network client configuration is Novel Client32 3.12 or 3.21, IPX/SPX protocol, TCP/IP protocol, Services for NDS, and 3Com 905 family NICs. Server is Novell 4.11 SP8 running DHCP with a 23 hour IP address lease time. Currently DHCP is set with 200+ addresses, our max user base at one time 185 users. All workstations are protected with Fortres v.3 to inhibit tampering.
Problem: Occassionally we get aPC that does not refresh its IP address. Consequently, the machine will not access the internet. All other network functions work OK. Attempted releasing address and renewing through winipcfg, cold restarting system without/with desktop security,removing client and replacing, removing individual protocols-restarting-reinstalling, removing all netowrk devices and reinstalling all of them. None of this has been successful at reinitializing the IP lease. The only remaining option has been torebuild the machine from the ground up.
Theory: IP protocol is getting damaged somehow, but damage is not repaired when protocol is removed and reinstalled.
Could someone shed some light on possible whys and what could I do to thwart a rebuild of the PC? Thanks for your assistance and support.