Mixed OS networking problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kevin J Prince
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K

Kevin J Prince

I have a problem with networking. I have 3 XP Pro, 3 ME and 3 W98 PC's
on a network. Using a Hub
I have a plotter on an ME machine, and a couple of printers on both W98
and XP machines. All are shared devices and have at some point been
visible to all machines on the system.

My problem is that sometimes for a couple of days, I can't see the
plotter, or some of the printers. Then without any messing or changes,
they become visible again.

Can anyone suggest what the problem might be please, it's driving me
crazy.

Well as for hardware, it's even more of a mixed bag.

What I can say is that they are all 1Gig or higher, either HP /Dell/
Homebrew by a local firm (no longer in existance). They all have 100Neg
RJ45 type network cards, all cards are working. There is a 16 port hub,
also checked and working. All machines have greater than 396Meg of RAM.

I seem to remember, I thought in this NG, a similar thing being
mentioned years ago. But can't for the life of me remember. I know it's
getting to annoy people who can start the week with all or none of the
printing and access ability, only to find later in the week they vanish,
then a couple of days later return.


Cheers
 
OK lets try with a little more information.......

Basic set-up is a Peer-to-Peer network using a 16-port hub. Dell1 has an
HP plotter attached. All PC's are required to

print to that plotter. PC's Ref C, G and H are unable to see the B, and
therefore can't print.
If I remove the NetBEUI from the PC's using it and set them to use
TCP/IP then nothing can print to the Dell.

Computer Ref OS Protocol Visible
Not visible Can plot
Workstation2 A ME NetBEUI & TCP/IP Self, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
- Yes

Dell1 B ME NetBEUI & TCP/IP A, Self, D, E, F
C, G, H Yes

Lindseyb C XP TCP/IP A, Self, D,E, F,
G, H B No

Workstation3 D 98 NetBEUI& TCP/IP A, B, C, Self, E, F, G, H
- Yes

Workstation4 E 98 NetBEUI& TCP/IP A, B, C, D, Self, F, G, H
- Yes

Workstation7 F 98 NetBEUI& TCP/IP A, B, C, D, E, Self, G, H
- Yes

Workstation9 G XP TCP/IP A, C, D, E, F, Self,
H B No

Reception H XP TCP/IP A, C, D, E, F, G,
Self B No


XP is pro version.


It has been suggested to me that ME is a major problem with the other
two OS's and that I should consider upgrading all

the PC's to XP.

Has anybody got a similar set-up, which is working? If so HOW the heck
can I sort it out. I have been through the various

suggested papers and www pages indicated on the NG. But still can't get
things working.


Kevin
 
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