Problem with new XP system in a Win2K workgroup

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fred Hebert
  • Start date Start date
F

Fred Hebert

I have a Win2K workgroup with 6 workstations and a NAS. Everything was
working fine. I took my laptop on a trip and connected to a hotel network,
when I came back I could not browse my network. After a lot of trouble
shooting I discovered that the Hotel LAN had changed my node type. I set
it back to 1 and all was well...

Last week I got a new PC and it came with XP Pro. My secretary
(receptionist) couldn't wait and she set it up before I could even run the
network drop. I don't know what she did, but it can't browse the
workgroup.

I have been fighting this for a week and can't figure it out. This is what
I have done so far:
1. Went through the network setup wizard.
2. Checked to make sure browser service and NETBIOS helper services were
running.
3. Checked Node type. It was 8, so I reset it to 1.
Still no luck.
4. Created a LMHOSTS file, now I can map a drive using \\host instead of IP
address, but still can't browse.
5. Disabled Windows Firewall. (system came with Norton Internet Security)

What else can I check?

Is there a problem with Win2K/XP in the same workgroup?
 
3. Checked Node type. It was 8, so I reset it to 1.

It should be 8
4. Created a LMHOSTS file, now I can map a drive using \\host instead of IP
address, but still can't browse.
Click to expand...

Should never ever need an LMHosts file
5. Disabled Windows Firewall. (system came with Norton Internet Security)
Click to expand...

That would be the Symantec Firewall not the Windows Firewall. Remove it,
disabling it isn't good enough. Reinstall Symantec for the AV benefit but
do not install the Firewall portion of it. This is the most likely cause of
your problem.

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp
-----------------------------------------------------
 
It should be 8


Should never ever need an LMHosts file


That would be the Symantec Firewall not the Windows Firewall. Remove
it, disabling it isn't good enough. Reinstall Symantec for the AV
benefit but do not install the Firewall portion of it. This is the
most likely cause of your problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that was it, the Norton firewall that is...

I set the node type back to 8.

I left the LMHOSTS. I know I don't need it, but it won't hurt. It was a
previous suggestion to get things working, but now I know it was the
wrong path...

I went to Symantec site and got their trouble shooting guide and was able
to fix the problem. Apparently my secretary ran the wizard during setup
and got things messed up.

I don't want to debate whos firewlll is better, but I am using their
stuff on 3 other machines with no problem. As the current subscriptions
expire I am installng it on all of the systems. It has really helped in
controlling garbage on our lan.

Almost a year ago we were almost shutdown because of massive spy-ware
infestations. I paid someone to clean up our systems and within a few
months we were having problems again. I fired one employee who refused
to comply with company policy and installed the Norton Internet security
with the firewall and parental control. Since then it has been smooth
sailing.

Thanks again for the help.
 
Fred Hebert said:
I left the LMHOSTS. I know I don't need it, but it won't hurt. It was a
previous suggestion to get things working, but now I know it was the
wrong path...
Click to expand...

That's fine. Just remember it is there in case it causes any problems later.
Almost a year ago we were almost shutdown because of massive spy-ware
infestations. I paid someone to clean up our systems and within a few
months we were having problems again. I fired one employee who refused
to comply with company policy and installed the Norton Internet security
with the firewall and parental control. Since then it has been smooth
sailing.
Click to expand...

I have had to fight the spyware battle here too,..but I don't consider a
"firewall" to be the right tool because Firewalls only deal with Layer3&4
and the spyware battle spans beyond that into Applcation Layer (7) and even
beyond outside the OSI model. But anyway, if you have good success with the
product and are happy withh it, that is what matters.

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp
-----------------------------------------------------
 
That's fine. Just remember it is there in case it causes any problems
later.
Click to expand...
You're probably right, and tonight I will probably delete the LMHOST
file. The main reason I did not do it before was that I forgot to do it,
and I didn't want to stop my architect again...
I have had to fight the spyware battle here too,..but I don't consider
a "firewall" to be the right tool because Firewalls only deal with
Layer3&4 and the spyware battle spans beyond that into Applcation
Layer (7) and even beyond outside the OSI model. But anyway, if you
have good success with the product and are happy withh it, that is
what matters.
Click to expand...

Again you are correct, but the Firewall is just one part of the solution.
I am using their firewall because it is an integrated part of their
solution. I have made a lot of changes to our network to eliminate
wasted time and prevent problems. I am just tired of spending sometimes
thousands of dollars because people are playing on my time, or just plain
stupid. That may sound harsh, but what more can you say when you tell
someone not to download or install "anything" and they do it anyhow.

I mean it can't be much simpler but for some reason people think it is
their personal PC and just do what they want. Then when they can't run
AR or payroll it cost me money and gets everyone upset. That fiasco last
year almost put us out of business. We were down for over a week and the
person who was supposed to be doing the backups didn't inform me that
they were failing every night for months. And when the same person,
started installing the same garbage on her system again, I fired her.

Right now these computes are locked down pretty tight. They have just
what they need to do their job.

Sorry for the ranting but I am just aggravated. I just got through
fussing at my secretary. This whole thing could have been avoided if she
had done as she was told and just let me set up the system. It wasn't
like she didn't have a stack of things to do, but as soon as I went to
lunch she had to open and setup the system. I came back with the ups and
the network cable and she is playing on the new system. The next day my
new architect shows up for work and he can't use his new PC. I am paying
him for a week and he hasn't done a single drawing. She's going to be
the next one to go...

There I go again.

I have issues...

Thanks again for the help.
 
Fred Hebert said:
wasted time and prevent problems. I am just tired of spending sometimes
thousands of dollars because people are playing on my time, or just plain
stupid. That may sound harsh, but what more can you say when you tell
someone not to download or install "anything" and they do it anyhow.

I mean it can't be much simpler but for some reason people think it is
their personal PC and just do what they want.
Click to expand...

That goes on everywhere. Welcome to the club ;-)
they were failing every night for months. And when the same person,
started installing the same garbage on her system again, I fired her.
Click to expand...

We have at least one person who is no longer here due to abusing computer
priveledge.
Sorry for the ranting but I am just aggravated.
Click to expand...

We've all been there. The computers here would always run perfectly fine if
we just didn't have any humans working here. :-)

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp
-----------------------------------------------------
 
Back
Top