Re: Help with long term network problem

On 7 Apr 2006 07:01:14 -0700, "Gallon_Jug" <batsncats@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Good morning Chuck,

OK the plot thickens as they say.

Connectivity depends on what order computers are cold booted to begin
with. As I understand it from your informative pages the Master
Browser will frequently be the first machine started on a network.

I powered off all computers before we went for the morning run and on
return started up DATA, then CMM, then NEOBAT. Dell8400 was not started
and left off as was the notebook.

Now Browstat status for DATA it is listed as MASTER Browser, and all 3
active computers show up in the workgroup WCSBZ on DATA. DATA can now
connect to CMM but not NEOBAT. CMM Browstat shows browsing is active
and 1 master and back up found on DATA and can now connect to the
mapped network drive on DATA and can access the shared printer.

NEOBAT booted last now indicates BROWSING is NOT ACTIVE on NETWORK, and
it can not connect to other computer and they can not connect to
NEOBAT.

NEOBAT does show up in the network workgroup in Explorer from the other
two computers and they show up on NEOBAT, but none are available for
NEOBAT.

I have now booted the Dell8400 and browstat status shows browsing is
active but Master name connot be determined Using \\DATA could not
connect registry error =53. Backup server retrieved from DATA unable
to retrieve server list from DATA :53.

So this is not specific to NEOBAT?

I will begin removing the Panda security and see what happens. Can I
do this with 2 computers and simply have them off of the router nad
only connected via the network switch and test browsing and
connectivity? I can easily connect the other two CMM & NEOBAT directly
to the Router and they will not be part of the network testing.

Or do I need to shut down the entire system to test this?

Cheers from the jungles of Belize

Bruce,

If you're going to test the problem with PIS un installed, you'll have to do
this with each computer ON the router, and connected as normal. As I said
earlier, the value of a personal firewall is to protect the individual computers
from each other. You're going to have to risk it, because with your changing
problem, doing any testing with the computers isolated from each other in any
way is a waste of time. You've got too many variables here, don't add more.

I want to research the router. What is the exact make and model?

How many computers do you have running the browser service? Didn't we discuss
shutting down the browser on all but 2?

And as I asked earlier, how many computers in total are we looking at?

Just in case I haven't shared yet, my approach to solving a problem like yours
is slow and methodical. First, define the scope of the problem, including all
of the computers involved. Next, analyse the problem. Then, make 1 change, and
observe the problem again. You have to make 1 change at a time. Changing the
boot order is a good change. Un installing PIS, and disconnecting computers
from the router (after changing the boot order) wouldn't necessarily be good.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html

When you have multiple computers running the browser, changing the boot order
can be expected to change the symptoms. With no other problems on the network,
a clean restart of all computers should simply elect a new master browser, and
all computers should be fine. No matter if you have 1 computer, 2 computers, or
all computers running the browser, as long as you start the day by powering each
computer up, one computer should be elected master browser and all should be
well.

But you have this scenario where one or more computers shows "could not connect
registry error = 53", and "Browsing is NOT active on domain.". This indicates
problems. As you bring your computers up in a different order, and get a
different master browser, do the computers displaying these errors change?

I have to wonder if the router isn't part of the problem. Googling for "CNET
wireless router" gets me a lot of CNET wireless router reviews. No mentions of
any network hardware branded "CNET". What is the exact make and model of this
router? Be as precise and complete as possible please.

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: XP Pro Cannot see XP Home
    ... A wireless router (has a ... >switch too) and 2 computers connected to it. ... XP Home installed on a laptop ... For more information about the browser subsystem, ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: ICS + Home network trouble
    ... non-blank password on all computers. ... > are a very common cause of browser, and file sharing, problems. ... > Have you used the Registry Editor before? ... Master browser name is: BETA ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: Cant access other computer or printers
    ... and now I can't even View Workgroup Computers. ... I went back in and Started the Browser again and then ran the "Browstat ... we have two XP Home SP2 computers plugged into a router. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: Networking problem running 2 XP Pro SP2
    ... >Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection 3: ... >I have simple sharing checked on both computers ... Check for a browser conflict between the computers. ... Have you used the Registry Editor before? ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)
  • Re: ICS + Home network trouble
    ... >> Do any of the computers have a software firewall ... >> are a very common cause of browser, and file sharing, problems. ... >> Have you used the Registry Editor before? ... > There are 2 servers in domain MSHOME on transport ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web)