Networking Windows XP

[aspeck]

You computer gurus are so good and appreciated! I hate to bug you, but I am having major difficulty networking new computer to existing network.<br /><br />Old computer has Windows ME installed. A couple of the computers in the network are 95, a couple are 98, and 3 are ME. Network works fine - no problem.<br /><br />Upgraded my office computer (came with XP). Now it will point to the server, and a couple of other 'puters (all with 98 or ME), but I cannot read anything from them.<br /><br />So, is there any way to get XP to work with the others, or do I need to format the new computer and start from scratch?<br /><br />By the way, would love to upgrade to all computers being XP, but that isn't in the church budget.

 

[bdirect]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Is it XP pro or Home edition?

 

[aspeck]

Re: Networking Windows XP

pro

 

[aspeck]

Re: Networking Windows XP

One last holler before I format and reload. Any other suggestions?

 

[chuckz]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Where I used to work we ran Windows 98, Windows ME and Windows XP all on the same network. I vaguely remember having to do something special to get XP to talk to the rest of the network. Check Microsofts Knowledge Center for information. I think you'll find the answer.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Gees, It's probably too late, but look to see if all of your boxes have the same workgroup setting.<br /><br /> 1. Select Start<br /> 2. Right click "My Network Places"<br /> 3. Select Properties<br /> 4. Select "Network Setup Wizard"<br /> 5. Enter Workgroup or MShome as appropriate...

 

[aspeck]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Yep, they did, checked, double checked, and triple checked. Works on all the computers 'cept the new upgrade. Need to get back to it, cause I want the upgrade, just haven't made the time. Looks like tomorrow I will move all "privte" data to the "server" (it is a peer-to-peer network with one of the peers being the shared computer with all the others). Then I will format the new HD and reinstall everything. Will take a lot more time than I was bargaining for, but will do what I have to do.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Networking Windows XP

It has been years since I used a peer network, & I never set one up. I'm not very schooled in all this, mostly self taught. But my school site has many XP machines, many windows 2000, & many W98. Thankfully no W95. Yes, we have multiple servers which solve many problems and create a few new ones occasionally. Seldom ever see any issues with setup. Normally with MS Networking the 2000 & XP don't even get assigned a workgroup- (domain only), though they can be and probably should be in your case. Theoretically WINS doesn't have to be enables either, though lately we have been anyway. Are you running some form of Microsoft networking? Subnet mask the same- or is this even present? <br /><br />I'd make the XP machine leave the workgroup then rejoin again. I have seen this work in my environment. <br /><br />Are the permissions in XP set appropriately? Both local & network permissions. I'll reveal a lot of ignorance here probably, especially since I have no experience with small peer networks. I hate to see you have to reinstall because 99.9999% chance it is some little setting overlooked. Been there done that.<br /><br />Either way hope you get it without much further hassle.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Did you do the SP2 upgrade for WinXP?? If you did, read this:<br /> Link <br /><br />What protocol are you using for file and print sharing?? If you're using TCP/IP, think about installing and using Netbeui, it's not transportable across the net. MS was kind enough to remove the Netbeui from the choices (in protocols) but, it's on the WInXP CD.<br /><br />Here's the install for Netbeui in WinXP:<br /> Link <br /><br />Be sure you go back to Network and Dialup connections, at the top menu, click on Advanced, then Advanced Settings.<br />In the section for File and Print Sharing, be sure to un-check TCP/IP and leave Netbeui checked. What you're doing is unbinding the TCP/IP protocol from your file and print sharing, which is safer.

 

[b20]

Re: Networking Windows XP

aspeck,you will have to update the other machines to the XP network drivers(done it a few times myself).when you run the 'setup network' wizard in XP it'll let you create an update disc.just have to walk round and update the other machines.not sure if it'll work on the 95s,might have to upgrade then to 98SE,minimum.and don't use NETBEUI,too many security holes,just stick with TCP/IP.

 

[Xman_x007]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Check your DHCP list to verify there are no IP overlaps. Xcusme is right there is a difference between NetBIOS’s from 95B & 98 to XP and the DHCP gets confused. If you have a gateway router you may want to power it down, cycle it. This will clear its DHCP table and any other issues. I have 8 PC's on a P2P domain which has Win98, Win2K, and WinXP on it and from time to time I have issues with IP conflicts due to this issue. One trick is to manually set the offensive PC and then turn it back to Automatically Obtain this almost always works. I have never needed to create the floppy as B20 stated but that may work. You DO NOT WANT SP2 on any XP machine too many bugs even MS apps have problems with the new holey patch.<br /><br />Added:<br />You can check your individual machines IP's quickly by doing the following.<br /><br />Win95B/98SE<br />-----------<br />1. Click on Start button then select Run...<br />2. Type COMMAND and press Enter.<br />3. At DOS prompt in shell type IPCONFIG /ALL, not case sensitive, and press Enter.<br /><br />Win2k/XP<br />-----------<br />1. Click on Start button then select Run...<br />2. Type CMD and press Enter.<br />3. At DOS prompt in shell type IPCONFIG /ALL, not case sensitive, and press Enter.

 

[Rudderman]

Re: Networking Windows XP

I usually set the IP addresses manually, specially if there is a mix of XP/98 machines. TCP/IP is the way to go.<br /><br />Example:<br />Computer one:<br />IP 192.168.0.2<br />Computer two:<br />IP 192.168.0.3<br />Computer three:<br />IP 192.168.0.4<br />The subnet mask for all computers should be 255.255.255.0<br /><br />Make sure the old pc has the same workgroup name as the others.<br />On the old machine, in the network settings, click on the one that says TCP-IP-->(model of your network card). Go to advanced and tick the box at the bottom to set it to the default connection method.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Networking Windows XP

One more thing to consider with XP.....<br /><br />Temporarily or Permanently Disable Firewalls<br /><br />The Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) feature of Windows XP computers will interfere with peer-to-peer file sharing. For any Windows XP computer on the network that needs to participate in file sharing, ensure the ICF service is not running. Misconfigured third-party firewall products can also interfere with LAN file sharing. Consider temporarily disabling (or lowering the security level of) Norton, ZoneAlarm and other firewalls as part of troubleshooting file sharing problems.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Thanks guys - have been away for a few days (called out of town, sick, etc.) and haven't been able to look at it. Busy for the next couple of days, am hoping to get to it soon! I certainly appreciate all the help and will report back on the fix (if I can figure it out).

 

[aspeck]

Re: Networking Windows XP

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, but it has been hectic. Gave the computers their own IP addy and all is working fine. Thanks for the ideas and the help. I am typing on the upgraded computer right now.<br /><br />Thanks again one and all.