my first network... troubles :(

[porschefan]

:|

Two computers, both reformatted yesterday.

1st has a 166 Mhz processor, Intel, 32 MB ram.
2nd has a 450 Mhz processor, AMD, 128 MB ram.

Both running Win 98 Second Edition.

They're both set up on Client for Microsoft Windows, both set up on File and Printer sharing.

1st computer is using a Linksys Fast Ethernet 10/100 card, and 2nd one is using a 3Com Ethernet XL TPO 10 Mb card, and they're using CAT 10/100 cables (green in color), hooked up to a Linksys 5-Port hub.

Here is the PROBLEM:

The 1st computer can see itself and the 2nd computer, but cannot access the 2nd computer.
The 2nd computer can see itself but cannot see the 1st computer.

I'm thinking the problem is with the 2nd computer, but since both computers have the same network settings, I'm clueless. I've tried swiching the 3Com card on the 2nd computer to a Linksys card just like the 1st computer uses, but nothing is changed... same problem.

I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[porschefan]

I'd REALLY appreaciate it?

 

[Garion]

Patience grasshopper..... Sometimes it takes a BIT longer than 30 minutes to get a response.

A few questions:

Do you have link lights on the hub for both NIC's?
Are you using TCP/IP or NetBEUI?
If you're using IP, you must have static IP's assigned. Can you ping each PC from the other?
You have file/printer sharing installed on both PC's, but do both have something shared? Unless something is shared on a PC you won't see it in network neighborhood.
In the "identity" tab of the network control panel both PC's are in the same workgroup, right?


If all else fails, install NetBEUI on all the PC's, go to the advanced tab of NetBEUI and choose "set this protocol as default." That should elliminate the oddities of TCP/IP for microsoft networking. A tiny bit slower, a bit more secure and a hell of a lot easier.

- G

 

[Serpent77]

Or if you are running TCP/IP, check your routing tables on both PCs, I've dealt with setups like this where one table is missing a route (or seems to think it does anywho) usually, I goto the CLI and type "route del * [enter]" then try to ping the machine again, it typically clears up the problem, but like garion says, your best bet is to just set up netbeui (which is actually faster than TCP/IP, not slower as there is less overhead involved with routing issues, since netbeui is not routable) make sure the machines have unique names, but belong in the same workgroup, and you should be up and running in no time flat. Hope this helps.

--Serp

 

[porschefan]

"Do you have link lights on the hub for both NIC's?"

Yes, they both have power lights and their speeds are detected by the hub.

"Are you using TCP/IP or NetBEUI?"

TCP/IP

"If you're using IP, you must have static IP's assigned. Can you ping each PC from the other?"

Right now it's on obtain an IP address automatically. Should I assign them static addresses?

"You have file/printer sharing installed on both PC's, but do both have something shared? Unless something is shared on a PC you won't see it in network neighborhood."

Yes, all hard drivers, cd drives and floppy drives are shared.

"In the "identity" tab of the network control panel both PC's are in the same workgroup, right?"

Same name.


So I'm guessing I should assign them static IPs? What numbers should I use?

 

[Serpent77]

actually windows has a "built-in" DHCP server that is assigning address for you automaticly. It sounds to me like you might be better off using IPX/SPX, or even better Netbeui. Do you intend to get on the internet with these machines?

--Serp

 

[porschefan]

Thanks a lot for the help. I just set up NETbeui 2 minutes ago and it's working like a dream, just transferred 1.4 GB. THANK YOU.

 

[porschefan]

Heh, troubles. Whenever I listen to an MP3 on the 2nd computer, the file being stored on the 1st computer, the 1st computer will freeze after about 2 minutes of play, or after about 3 MB.

 

[Serpent77]

Update yer NIC drivers, make sure you've patched Windoze with the newewst updates at Windows Update

--Serp

 

[porschefan]

Hmmm, is there anywhere you can download an executable of the Windows Update, the 'clever' self install will require me to hook up my other computer to the internet, which will be a pain in the...

 

[Cenalian]

You could go back to using TCP/IP instead, especially if your not having any internet sharing going on (even better if you are though).

I've never had any problems playing MP3's with TCP/IP, but have run into your problem once or twice before. Just my 2cents...

if you want to try that and need help setting up TCP/IP, feel free to PM me and I'll guide ya through it

 

[Garion]

<< Hmmm, is there anywhere you can download an executable of the Windows Update, the 'clever' self install will require me to hook up my other computer to the internet, which will be a pain in the... >>



Go out and download an eval version of Sygate. It'll let you share your Internet connection off your first PC to your second. There's an eval version you can use. If you've got a broadband connection (DSL, cable, etc.) don't by Sygate, however. Just use it for a while. Eventually go out and buy a broadband modem like the SMC Barricade discussed extensively in this forumn.

- G

 

[Serpent77]

I could provide you with instructions on how to set up TCP/IP too, but advise against it, cause when it breaks (and TCP/IP does do that from time to time) you're not going to know how to fix it. Stick with Netbeui, research TCP/IP and move to it when you're ready. Yer lockup problem is NOT with NetBeui, I've transfered Gigabye sized PST files with it before, your probrlem is most likely bad drivers, or a windoze bug thats casuing a severe hickup during the file transfer.

--Serp

 

[porschefan]

Updated drivers (actually the Linksys NIC cards only have one version of drivers...), and I downloaded the Windows Update, and switched one of the card with another one I had so that both NICs are the same Linksys model.

Still troubles, the 'streaming MP3' from one computer to another over the network still freezes one of them.

And I tried a LAN multipayer Half Life game, latest version, but whichever computer hosts the game the other can't see.

What's the best software for sharing a cable modem?

 

[speed01]

Just a couple of things, first off, when you're pulling MP3s from one PC to the other, are you pulling from the 166 and playing on the 450 or do you have lockups regardless of direction? As far as playing Half Life, does it work with a NetBEUI protocol? I know some LAN games will only work with TCP/IP such as Unreal.
Getting back to the MP3 thing, what kind of processor is the 450 and what mobo do you have it in? I ran into the same type of problem with my K6-2 pulling from my dual PPro. To fix it, I turned down the memory timings in the bios (specifically I turned the &quot;read around write&quot; setting off).
Lastly, if you should decide to go with a TCP/IP network, it's really not that hard to configure and get up and running.

 

[porschefan]

&quot;Just a couple of things, first off, when you're pulling MP3s from one PC to the other, are you pulling from the 166 and playing on the 450 or do you have lockups regardless of direction?&quot;

It happens when pulling MP3s from the 166 to the 450. I'm storing all the MP3s on the 166, so I've got no interest in going in the other direction, so far I haven't tried. As for the actual action, it's playing the MP3 on the 450 from the 166, and there is no actual storage of the file on the 450, it's just using it from the other computer. Networks CAN do this right?

&quot;As far as playing Half Life, does it work with a NetBEUI protocol? I know some LAN games will only work with TCP/IP such as Unreal.&quot;

Good point, I'll have to check.

&quot;Getting back to the MP3 thing, what kind of processor is the 450 and what mobo do you have it in? I ran into the same type of problem with my K6-2 pulling from my dual PPro.&quot;

It's an AMD K6 450 Mhz running on a SOYO 5SSM mobo. Should I tweak the bios?

&quot;Lastly, if you should decide to go with a TCP/IP network, it's really not that hard to configure and get up and running.&quot;

I might want to switch. What problems could I have had?

 

[porschefan]

Correction, I DO want to switch, TCP/IP seems to be the way to go, most programs which I need will support it only.

So, who would like to guide me through

 

[JackMDS]

Guide to Windows Networking