Server 2000 not seeing 2 XP Pro machines ??

[computerg33k]

PROBLEM: 2 of 4 systems cant see the network now that I've changed the static IP addresses.

The server is running Windows 2000 Server w/ SQL Server (Domain)

The workstations are three Windows XP Professional machines that must log on to the domain.

The machines are connected by an 8 port DLink Network hub/switch (not a router).

Initially, each machine had it's own separate dialup access with a modem. I told the client that they would be better served to get cable internet and they did. So, I had to go into each machine and remove the static IP addresses that were assigned to them. I'm not that familiar (at all actually) with DHCP but I understand that it hands out IP addresses. The cable company said that we had a range of 4 or 5 so I figure this will work with this small setup of 4 systems. I go into the Server's network connections and change TCP/IP to "Obtain an IP address automatically. Deleted any references to the old IP and gateway, etc. Also, went it under "advanced" and unchecked "Register this connections addresses in DNS". Did the same thing on the 3 WinXP machines and all 4 are connecting to the internet just fine.

Now, the problem:

I turn off all the workstations and the server. Fully boot up the 2000/SQL server then start up the XP workstations, and now only one of the XP machines is able to access the banking program on the server. The other 2 workstations can't even see other machines on the network or connect up to the server. They are all still getting cable internet and that works great. I've tried looking at the configuration of the machine that DOES connect to the server/banking program, but I dont see any settings that the other 2 don't already have. I'm probably missing something fairly obvious but I just cant get them to connect.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Teva24]

If you have having each computer get a real ip address from the cable provider you are setting yourself up for being hacked.

You should implement a router (linksys or something) and use NAT. If each computer is getting a valid internet address without a firewall you are inviting everyone on the internet to come to your computers and hack them, make them zombies for ddos attackes and stealing private information.

Server should be static ip on a private subnet (192.168.0.x, 10..x.x.x, 172.198.x.x (i think)) workstations should be dhcp private address (or static, with only 4 it shouldn't matter)

default gateway should be router.

Cablemodem->Router->Switch
|> Server
|> Workstation1
|> Workstation2
|> Workstation3
|> Workstation4


You could even use your server as a router if it had 2 network cards, as long as you implemented a firewall of some sort on the interface (but just buying a cheap router is alot less hassle)

 

[computerg33k]

Thanks Teva24. We got a linksys router and set everything up and it works great. Thanks again.