What a strange problem, I need some help...(Networking plus ICS with Win2K)

[JoLLyRoGer]

I can't figure this one out on my own.

I'm running w2k on both my desktop and my laptop. I'm using ICS from my desktop to browse the web with the laptop (in fact I'm posting from the laptop now). But whenever I click on my network places to view files from my other computer it comes up with an error stating that "A list of servers for (insert workgroup name here) is unavailable.

First I'll give my setup and then I'll give what I've done to trouble shoot.

Setup:
Desktop (gateway server):

700 Athlon Classic
ASUS k7v MOBO
Intel(R) PRO/100+PCI Adapter (Internet Connection to cable modem: Toshiba PCX1100U)
D-Link DFE-530TX+PCI Adapter (Local Area Connection: D-Link DE-805TP Hub)
OS: w2k w/ sp2

Laptop:
900 celery
MOBO:?? Sis-integrated chipset with Ethernet
sis900 PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter (Local Area Connection: D-Link DE-805TP Hub)
OS w2k w/sp2

Just for background information: I've had this setup and running before perfectly. I just did a rebuild on my Desktop and I can't figure out what I've missed.

Here is what I've done to troubleshoot:
1) No firewall software running.
2) Restarted both machines
3) Verified all hardware was installed and connected in the correct configuration.
4) Reinstalled w2k's networking components.
5) Restarted both machines
5) Reversed Internet and Local Area Connections on the NIC's and configured protocols.
6) Restarted both machines.
6) Ran IP config, released and renewed all addresses on all NIC's
6) Verified both computers could ping each other.
7) Changed names and workgroup name on both computers.

Still getting the message. The craziest thing is that ICS is working or I wouldn't even be able to make this post from this machine.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

^anyone?^

 

[Heisenberg]

Sounds like a problem with WINS. I don't use Windows ICS so I don't really know how to fix it. Maybe try putting your desktop's IP in as the WINS server. The way Windows does WINS is still a bit of a mystery to me but one comp should automatically become the master browser if you don't specify a WINS server, but apparently that isn't working.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

ICS is working like it should.

The problem I'm experiencing is that the two computers can't see each other for some reason.
I keep getting that message that the workgroup is not accessable, and a list of servers for the workgroup is not currently availiable.

I know it has to be something simple that I missed when setting all of this up because I had it all working before I rebuilt my desktop.

 

[Tallgeese]

Make sure both machines are using the same WORKGROUP name.
Remove any WINS server entries from each machine.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

Both machines are using the same workgroup name, and none of the NIC's on either machine have any WINS addresses in them. The only things that are checked under WINS are "Enable LMHOSTS lookup" and "USE NetBIOS setting from the DHCP server.

 

[Heisenberg]

Try changing the NetBIOS option to either enable or disable and see if either one works.

 

[Tallgeese]

* Unless you are using LMHOSTS files for name lookup, disable LMHOSTS
* Unless you have a WINS server, and its address is being set by DHCP, change the NetBIOS option to either "Enable" or "Disable" instead of "Use DHCP"(can't remember which one, so you'll have to experiment a bit, sorry).

Not sure if you have a (true) DHCP server in your environment or not (ICS doesn't count).
You may also need to modify the default WINS client behavior of your machines by making sure they broadcast for names, and not try to use any name lookup services.