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losing connectivity

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by shortstuff

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Hi. I have a network setup with 8 machine all going through a netgear switch to a Netgear R238 ISDN Router. Everythings working fine except for one system. It sometimes loses connectivity.
So far I've checked the sockets, wiring, tried the system on another network socket, changed the N/W card. Whenever I'm there it always works fine!
A simple reset of the system usually sorts the problem if not , however my customer always say resetting it never works for her, so I have to travel to do it.
The IP address is assigned dynamically. Would I be better making it fixed for this machine only? would that work? I tend to think 95% of the problem is the customer, but I'm stuck for any more answers. Any suggestions anyone?? it's driving me nuts ... Also is there a way (or software) I can monitor the network (& in particular her machine)
They're running windows 98SE on all the machines.
1.4 Ghz Athlon.
Thanks,
glenn

11 replies

by opatzg9

You could always set it up with a modem and run nortons pcanywhere to cut down on your traveling time. It sounds like you've tried most the solutions available, have you tried using a different socket for the network card or different connection onthe router. Is the cabling protected from people issues (off the walk path, away from power lines, etc..)? Good Luck

by shortstuff

I've already tried changing the port on the switch. The cables are off the walkways too. No direct access to an outside line I'm afraid, so that would complicate things.
I've tried the different socket, with much the same results.
Is it possible for someone to be interfearing with it from within the company network??

by hereinoz

Does it lose all network connectivity or just drive mappings. Have you asked the person to reset it in front of you. I tend to feel that it is Operator Excruciosis, and there is something that she is doing.
If you set a fixed IP address you may lose your Internet connection via the router.
When she resets is she getting connectivity but no drive maps? If so, she could be saying "do not re-connect at next log on" at the map fail notice if there is a temporary loss of connection.
Good luck indeed.

by shortstuff

Thanks for the reply. Not really sure about 'drive mapping'. To make things simple for her I put the folders etc she needs to access on a favourites menu! sometimes she can see those, sometimes she says not! Unfortunately she doesn't really understand whats happening. So I finish up going over there.
There has been the odd occation when I get there and find shes accessed the folders, (i.e they're open on her desktop)but when she opens network neibourhood the other systems are not available. How would I identify and correct 'is she getting connectivity but no drive maps? If so, she could be saying "do not re-connect at next log on" at the map fail notice if there is a temporary loss of connection'
thanks,

by opatzg9

OK, did another computer have the same problem in the same switch socket? I don't suppose you have a packet sniffer? That would get you more info on what's going on network wise but if it is okay most the time, you'll have a lot of info to sift through.

by shortstuff

I connected another computer to her socket without any problems, but I did that just to check the cable integrity (I also checked it with a tester)

by skenny

Type in a static IP address and Gateway.
You can use the same ip it is getting from DHCP now and type it in manually. This sometimes will fix the problem.
The other thing I would look into is power management, make sure it is all shut off.

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