What happens if you boot just the XP machine into safe mode with networking? Can
the W2K machine then at least see the shares? If it can see them but still gets
the name is no longer available message try to access the shares via unc using
the ip address of the XP machine. In the run box enter
\\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx\sharename where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx would be the ip address of the
XP machine. If that works then you have a name resolution problem, if not you
have a deeper problem. Always check Event Viewer for any error events when you
are having problems with a computer. Also try running netdiag on at leas the W2K
machine - I don't know if it is available for XP home. Netdiag will run a bunch
of tests and failed tests can help pinpoint the problem. Look on the install
disk for each operating system and in the tools/support folder run the setup
program there which will install utilities including netdiag. Check the
properties of your network adapters and if you see that they are set to "auto"
for network speed try setting them to the same value such as 100.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;321708
I don't necessarily think you have a virus problem, but it is always a good idea
to scan for such any time you are having problems. If you are using a firewall,
an antivirus program that is up to date and scans all emails, and are keeping
current with all of your critical updates at Windows Update, then your chance of
having a virus drops dramatically. Another concern is parasites and other
malware from internet browsing that are not classified viruses or worms but can
cause system problems. See the link below and scan your computer with something
like AdAware or SpyBot if you have never done such.
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
I have seen network problems also occur from flaky nics or flaky drivers. Check
the manufacture's websites for your nics and see if you are using the latest
drivers. You might also try a new nic card. I have had good luck with D-Link pci
nics and they are cheap. Sometimes I just throw my hands up in the air and
reinstall if nothing else works. The good news is that an upgrade install
usually fixes most problems and leaves data and applications in place, however
first a service pack and then all critical updates need to be installed [no more
than five at a time] after an upgrade install and the computer should not be
connected to the internet unless a firewall is protecting it such as a cable/dsl
nat router or a personal firewall. An upgrade install is done by running the
install disk while you are running the operating system and selecting "upgrade"
when asked for installation type. --- Steve
Matthew said:
I tried all the network commands and pings you mentioned and they all were
successful under normal and safe mode booting. My network ips, subnets all are
fine.
I did have limited success with Safe mode. If BOTH computers were safe mode
booted, I could as before access the W2K system fully from XP system. From the
W2K system I could go a step further this time and see not only the XP computer
but go one level down to seeing its shares. Upon trying to access files inside
the shared folders I got this error: "The specified network name is no longer
available".
I'm not sure if this is unique to Safe Mode (or has any relevance to my
overall problem) but while in it, I shared another folder on the XP system, now
when I return to the W2K system and tried to access the XP computer I get the
"remote procedure call failed" again and am not allowed to see ANY of its
shares, including the previously visible. Unsharing this new folder then puts
me back to the state of being able to see the XP shares as described in the
first paragraph.
I will try reinstalling TCP/IP as suggested as well. I will try the virus
scans as well (I know a virus could strike at any time even with protection but
both OSes are 2 weeks old after partitions were deleted and fresh OSes
installed). I may just "delpart.exe" my W2K system and start over since I don't
have any data on it yet and my partitioning was not well thought out the first
time.
What do think of the new error I got? and, respectfully and out of curiosity,
what is the likelihood of a virus causing these types of network
roblems? --Matt
