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Win98-one-way network browsing issue

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14 replies

by jason

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2 systems both running Win98SE
TCP/IP protocol (simple 2 system peer-to-peer)

Problem:
The main system (call it system 1) is the print server also. System 2 is mainly a client.

System 2 can browse in Net. Neighborhood fine and see all. System 1 can only see itself. Sometimes there are no icons at all in the window for Net. Neighborhood.

Also, from system 1, you can ping the other system, and the diagnostic server test says that they are connected. When you rename system 1 the same as system2 to look for a conflict, THE CONFLICT DOES OCCUR. So it seems that there is a connection, but you cannot browse the shares. You can even ping the UNC name for system 2 (from system1) and it will resolve its IP and reply. But you cannot see system 2 in the NN windows

I have replaced all the hardware, including the hub and cables. This worked for about two days, and now it is back to only one-way browsing. And I have reinstalled all network protocols several times. I have beenthrough all MS articles and followed all steps and have never seen a simple network be so difficult.

Is there anything I can do from here or do I need to reinstall?

14 replies

by grantcom

Double check and make certain that the workgroup names are the same (exactly. Do you have shares setup on both machines? I would try static IP address such as Machine 1 would be 192.168.0.1 Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 then Machine 2 would be 192.168.0.2 same subnet Mask. I have always had better luck setting one of the machines as the browse master and disable it on the other machine. Also, try setting the NIC speeds by hand...if your network hardware (cable, hub & cards)are capable of 100 mbps then set them to 100 half duplex. If they are only capable of 10 mbps then set to 10 half duplex. I find it to be most important that when Wins98 ask for the CD to setup networking always,always, always give it the proper version and do no, do not, donot use hard drive cab files.

by jason

Thought these were good suggestions but nothing ever worked, no matter what.

Finally reformatted, tetc...works great now! Thanks for all your suggestions.

by bigcheif

have you tried to set browsmaster to enabled on one computer and disbaled on the other. I did this once on a computer running 98 with a large drive and a 95 with a fat 16. a tech told me drive size could be the issue. It did solve my problem but maynot help in your situation with both being 98

by nettek

Browsing in win9x, especially without the benefit of WINs, is unreliable. Since you seem to be able to resolve Host names with IP addresses, try the following:

1. On system 1: Start -> Find -> Computer
2. Find system 2
3. Open Network Neighborhood on system 1
4. Drag and drop the system 2 icon from the Find window to Net. Neigh.
5. You will be asked if you would like to create a shortcut. Say Yes.

The system 2 icon should remain in Net. Neigh. of system 1 after reboot.

Hope that helps.

by jason

Thought these were good suggestions but nothing ever worked, no matter what.

Finally reformatted, tetc...works great now! Thanks for all your suggestions.

by saihib

I have a network setup just like yours. Like the other answers say make sure your subnet mask and IDs are consistent. And that you have something on BOTH machines. Also, in Properties for File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks make sure that both machines have Browse Master set to Enabled and LM Announce set to Yes.

by saihib

Sorry about that. What I meant is to make sure that you have something SHARED on BOTH machines.

by flan

Simple.

In the network properties set the one you can't see so that it will share files and printers. cuz if you don't it won't broadcast that it's available and you won't see it. actually this is good for security, but if you want just to see it. that's what you do.

by aled

Answer 5 would be my first choice, I believe I remember there being something unusual about the way Win98 works, so that you have to do something like this. I wish I could be more help, but my files are in work and I can't honestly remember. But I will tell you this much, I always set the machines with file sharing enabled. Another thing is check that the workgroup name in Control Panel/ Network / Identification is identical, or this can set you back a few hours. (Ps, if anybody else mentionedthe identification thing, I can't remember, sorry:-) )

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