win2kAS network problems

[edmicman]

Hey all, I was wondering if maybe you had some ideas for a problem I'm having. We recently went from an NT4 server to a win2AS situation. Our "upgrade" basically involved copying the data files from the NT4 machine to an empty win2k machine due to an emergency situation basically. Anyhow, we had to set up the win2k machine settings from scratch essentially. We access and use databases that are on the server. Our problem is occuring with what seems to be network connection or dropping issues. We keep getting errors on multiple machines about the network connection when working with the database files. I do'nt think the cables are at fault, so its probably either a win2k software issue or something with our hub, NIC in the server, or the sonicWall firewall we have implemented. My question is what do you think? Are there any known networking issues with win2k that might make things quirky? Are there NICs that are better suited for a server environment, or are there settings for the NIC that should be done for a server environment? Also, what is the thing about having to enable Netbios on win9x machines to use the win2k network? We've had this problem on both win2k and win9x machines, but I thought maybe there was something in that. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Peter

 

[randal]

[joke] first things first, give us the IP addresses in your network, and take out SonicWall ... [/joke]

seriously though, replace cables, check the hub ... i'll bet that it's hardware.

$.02
randal

 

[Shadow07]

To answer you questions, I think your problem lies with the hub. You will need to post back the manufacturer for your networking hardware.

There is no issue with Windows 2000 that pertains to what you are experiencing. Also, NetBIOS should be enabled on the Windows 2000 machines. NetBIOS is enabled by default with Windows 9x/NT 4.

You don't have to supply the IP addresses, and I really doubt that the problem is with the firewall, unless you have setup a VPN connection and the database resides on the other side of the VPN connection.

 

[edmicman]

Thanks guys....I think we've narrowed it down to either the hub like you mentioned or the firewall, and we're leaning towards the firewall. The way we have it set up is the databases are on the web server, which is on the DMZ port of the firewall. The lan is on the lan side of the firewall. We took the web server off the firewall and put it directly into the lan hub, and so far things look to be working without problem now. Kind of ticks me off since I called the sonicwall people and they said that what I described "tells us that the sonicwall is doing its job" psssh..... We might still look at the hub, but at this point it loos like the sonicwall port is at fault. Thanks again

Peter