Networking Computers through a router

[eespinosa]

I have just purchased and installed a Linksys' BEFW11S4 wireless access point router w/4-port switch. It installed like a dream. Kudos to Linksys!! My issue now is being able to share files between my laptop (running WinXP) and my desktop (running Win98SE). I want a "residential gateway"-type setting so that one computer doesn't need to be on for the other to access the internet. I was told by a Linksys Tech that the router that I have is automatically configured as a residential gateway and that all I need to do is configure "file and printer sharing" on both computers. Both computers DO have that setting enabled, but I still can't see the other computer from the one I am on and vice versa. Is there anything else that I need to do in order to be able to share files? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.:confused:

[Sterling_Aug]

You need to create a user account on each machine that is the same on both. WinXP uses a higher security configuration which relies on user access rights and permissions. Then you need to create the shared folders or files on the machines before they can actually be shared.

[eespinosa]

Thanx for your response, Sterling. OK. I kept the user account on my laptop and created one on the desktop top with the same name. I went to a folder on the desktop that I wanted to share and made it available (a hand icon appears on the folder). I can't find it on my laptop. I looked in windows explorer and in "My network places." In "my network places" under "entire network/microsoft windows network" I see "Mshome." That's it. I may have read somewhere that the workgroup names need to be the same. Does that apply here?

[tantone]

Yep. Same thing applies. Since you're not on a domain (you're on a peer-to-peer), make both workgroup names the same. Your router should already be assigning IP addresses with DHCP (correct me if I'm wrong) so that shouldn't be a problem.

I've seen issues here and there with a peer-to-peer between XP and 98 before. I usually get frustrated and end up adding NWLink (IPX/SPX) to each and leaving it at that. I don't have a home network, and each time do this is with a LAN party or something.

[eddwebb]

You can also use the "net use" commands from a DOS prompt to map drives even when the machines don't appear in Network Neighborhood or when you search for the name. Example:

net use k: \\darth\storage /persistent:yes

the first is the command, second the drive letter you prefer, third the network path\\Computername\sharename the rest is to ensure that its connected everytime you logon.

I had to use this method to get a XP Home PC to see my W2K server file share. Hope this helps..

Edd

[CrimZon]

Have the same router here for the past few days...

I had the same problems networking 98se and 98se together.

Installing NETBEUI solved those problems, but adding WinXP comlicates issues a bit.

I'm supposed to have a network specialist come in torrow to give me a hand with my network at work, so i should be able to give a few better pointers tomorrow night...

in the meantime, did you have these two PCs networked together before (successfully) or is this a new network (as my home net is).

[eespinosa]

Thanks to all who have replied thus far. Okay, here is the latest. I FINALLY got my laptop (XP) to see the shared folder on the desktop (98SE). I made the workgroup name the same AND I installed NetBeui. Installing NetBeui was the trick. I actually needed to get some files off of the XP installation CD and put them on the hard drive BEFORE I added the netBeui protocol. Anyone interested in the name of those files can let me know and I will send it to them. Anyway, I was able to see the shared folder and its contents, but I was NOT able to transfer files!!! I got a msg to the effect of: "Cannot transfer file XYZ. The computer name is no longer available." Obviously, I have a long way to go.

If anyone knows of this message, I will appreciate any input.

To Crimzon: It is a new network.

To Tantone: NWlink did not work for me and yes, the router IS assigning IP addresses with DCHP, wghich brings me to another issue. I cannot ping either computer from the other.

[Midknyte]

NetBeui is a self configuring, broadcast protocol. That's usually my last resort. Microsoft is trying to get away from using it. Here's what you should do to install it on xp. Dunno if this is the same thing you're talking about.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q301041

What IPs are you getting for each system? Linksys usually uses 192.168.1.x. Can you ping the router? Ping 192.168.1.1 and see what you get. That's the default IP of the router.

[CrimZon]

also, if you can ping the router from the pc, odds are you can from the laptop as well.

I wondering if we shouldn't just post up a list of procedures or a checklist for people to go through (sticky it to the top of the board).



ah yes, I noticed on my net at home, i could not get into the internet while I had static IPs, only if the router assigned them.. and this included after building my lmhosts file. this is a bug that i'm still trying to work around.
for now, you might set ip as automatic. -speaking of which, can the PCs get onto the internet?

[eespinosa]

To Mid, yes that is the same procedure for adding NetBeui. The assigned IP addys are 100 and 101. Also, I was able to ping the router from the laptop after changing some settings in Zone Alarm Pro. I couldn't ping the router from the pc and it does NOT have Zone Alarm.

CrimZon:
Yes, I CAN access the internet from both computers. That was a go from the beginning. Also, the IPs are assigned automatically.

[AllGamer]

If Your PC cannot ping the Router

then you are having a problem with the networking and that needs to be fixed

:t

Does that PC has more than one NIC ?

Did you set up the DNS properly?

are you using DHCP or Static?

[csamuels]

Originally posted by AllGamer
Did you set up the DNS properly?

are you using DHCP or Static?

Dns is prolly automatically pulling from the ISP to the router

DHCP is being used. 198.168.1.x/24 i believe.


edit: I find it very unusual that you can't ping the router, but CAN surf the net.

[Midknyte]

I've seen strange stuff with Linksys routers. Hold down the reset button for 10+ seconds and try pinging it again.

[AllGamer]

Originally posted by csamuels
edit: I find it very unusual that you can't ping the router, but CAN surf the net.

i totally agree on this one

usually if you have trouble Pinging, you should not be able to go to the Internet

UNless you are using a Proxy software

:t

[eespinosa]

Midknyte:
I tried the reset procedure, but I still cannot ping the router from the pc. Pinging from the laptop is good.

Allgamer and csamuels:

It IS very odd that I cannot ping the router from the pc, but can access the internet. I assure you that I CAN surf w/no trouble at all. As far as proxy software, I don't know what that is so I'm pretty sure that I did not install it.

Keep the tips coming. lol

[Midknyte]

There could be a problem with the TCP/IP stack on your desktop. remove the network card and all client and protocols from your network properties. reboot then reinstall the NIC and protocols. Try to ping your router after that.

[AllGamer]

Yup!, that should definitely do the trick

But i'm certain the problem resides on the DNS problem

and it Might also be Missing the Gateway settings

:t

[eespinosa]

The pc is using a USB adapter, not a NIC. How can I verify whether the Gateway settings are missing? What settings should I see? The original installation of the router took care of all the settings automatically, so I'm guessing that that includes setting up DNS and I KNOW that it is using DCHP.

I will try clearing out the protocols, as per Mid's suggestion.

[Midknyte]

run winipcfg to see all of your network info. compare the data there to another win98 system.

you can also run ipconfig /all from the command prompt on a winxp system.

USB adapters are kinda flaky. It might be better to just get a real nic for your desktop.

[eespinosa]

When I run ipconfig /all on the pc, there is some info at the top that scrolls up and I cannot retrieve it. There is no scroll bar, similar to the one I get in the XP command window. I'm not sure which info exactly that I am missing out on. Is there a way to view this missing info? Can I send the ipconfig info in a text file, or will I be risking my computer's security by revealing all the info?

[eespinosa]

I removed and re-installed tcp/ip on the pc. At first, i tried removing all the protocols, but that gave me some nasty blue screens upon restart. Anyway, I just noticed something that might be helpful. I created another shared folder on the pc, which the laptop was able to see. I randomly chose a file to copy and paste onto my laptop. I was so shocked to see that it went through!! The hitch is this: The files I was able to transfer were well under 1 MB. The files that were unsuccessful were 709MB and 10MB. Those large files seem to be the ones that for some reason do not go through. After a two or three-minute wait, I get "Cannot transfer file xyz. The computer name is no longer available." Is some kind of time-out at fault here?

PS
Still cannot ping the router from the pc.

[Vernon Frazee]

When I run ipconfig /all on the pc, there is some info at the top that scrolls up and I cannot retrieve it.Try:ipconfig /all|moreCan I send the ipconfig info in a text fileTry:ipconfig /all>c:\ipconfig.txt(Then load "c:\ipconfig.txt" into Notepad).

[eespinosa]

Thanx, Vernon. It worked, but I meant if It is okay to attach the ipconfig files, in txt format of course, in this post so that someone responding can take a look at them and see if there is anything that I am overlooking.

[eespinosa]

Hi, all. I was just checking the post. Did "we" run out of options? lol

[Midknyte]

How far did you get? I was away for a funeral this weekend. :(

[Snix]

Strange problem you've got there, eespinosa. Especially if all the computers have the same workgroup name and are set to automatically obtain an IP address and can access the Internet.:x

[eespinosa]

Repeated from a few days ago:

I removed and re-installed tcp/ip on the pc. At first, i tried removing all the protocols, but that gave me some nasty blue screens upon restart. Anyway, I just noticed something that might be helpful. I created another shared folder on the pc, which the laptop was able to see. I randomly chose a file to copy and paste onto my laptop. I was so shocked to see that it went through!! The hitch is this: The files I was able to transfer were well under 1 MB. The files that were unsuccessful were 709MB and 10MB. Those large files seem to be the ones that for some reason do not go through. After a two or three-minute wait, I get "Cannot transfer file xyz. The computer name is no longer available." Is some kind of time-out at fault here?

PS
Still cannot ping the router from the pc.

Also, I was wondering if I should attach the ipconfig text files from both the laptop and the pc. Someone may be able to notice something that I may have overlooked.

[Midknyte]

yeah, that would be a good idea.

did you update the firmware on the routers? That can make all the difference. I'm had a hell of a time connecting my WET11 to my BEFW11S4 until I updated the firmware on them. It seems to be working ok, but I still gotta tweak it a bit.

[eespinosa]

A repeated message was posted in error. My bad.

[eespinosa]

Here is the ipconfig file for the laptop.

PS
I upgraded the router's firmware, but it did not help.

[eespinosa]

Here is the ipconfig file for the pc.

[AllGamer]

I see what's the problem now

man your Apapters Interfaces setup are all messed up :eek:

ok un install all your NIC or USB nics whatever

remove VPN or any other Tunneling things

remove Dial Up Networking for now

basically remove absolutely you have anything to do with networking

reboot

then Install Only the NIC, the TCP/IP, and MS networking + File Printer share

do the same steps on the XP

both of your PCs has some funky setup that ain't right

:t

[Midknyte]

the win98 pc settings look ok. the xp laptop is all weird, though. Looks like it has IPv6 in there or something very strange. remove all and reinstall on the xp laptop and try it again. Like AG said, you got some odd vpn tunnel type of interfaces.

This is just messed up:
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : fe80::208:74ff:fe4c:9dae%4

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.82.0.6

68.82.0.5

fec0:0:0:ffff::1%1

fec0:0:0:ffff::2%1

fec0:0:0:ffff::3%1


Where is this coming from?
Tunnel adapter Automatic Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:



Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : tybout01.de.comcast.net

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Automatic Tunneling Pseudo-Interface

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : C0-A8-01-64 This should have 12 digits

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : No

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : fe80::5efe:192.168.1.100%2

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . :

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : fec0:0:0:ffff::1%1

fec0:0:0:ffff::2%1

fec0:0:0:ffff::3%1

[eespinosa]

Here is the new ipconfig.txt for the PC.

[eespinosa]

Here is the new ipconfig.txt for the Laptop(XP)

The file is after removing the protocols and then re-installing tcp/ip, and file and printer sharing. I can ping router from laptop, but not from PC (same as before)

NOW, I see the shared folders on the PC, but I can't browse them like I did before. Should I "unshare" and then "reshare" the folders on the pc?

[Midknyte]

ok, tcpip looks good now.

make sure to disable the xp firewall.

sounds like you are down to permission problems. are you sure both systems are in the same workgroup and are using the same usernames? you need to add the win98 user on the winxp system.

[eespinosa]

1st: How do I disable the XP firewall?

2nd: The workgroup IS the same and I also gave the win98 user an account on the XP system. Like I stated earlier, the shared Win98 folders appear in "My Network Places" on the XP system, but when I try to access them, I get an error message telling me that they are not accessible. It also tells me that I might not have permission to use that network resource.

It seems like I've taken a step backwards. My only problem before was being able to transfer files. Now, I can't even open the shared folders.:confused:

[AllGamer]

As Midnite said, the Networking problem has been fixed

now you are just dealing with Persmissions and accounts rights in the shares

:t

[Midknyte]

You had major tcpip problems, so that is a big step forwards.

right click on my network places, and click properties. right click on your network connection and click properties. go to the advanced tab and uncheck the internet connection firewall.

[eespinosa]

The internet connection firewall is already unchecked.

[Midknyte]

did you share the folders on your win98 system with full control? did you set any passwords on the folders?

can your win98 system get to shares on the xp system?

[eespinosa]

Yes. I allowed full control of the folders with a password. The 98 cannot access the shared folder on the xp. In Network neighborhood on the pc, i am told that I am unable to browse the network. the network is not accessible.

[AllGamer]

try doing by IP address

in the address type

\\123.123.123



of course replace those for your real IP number

:t

[tom2tom]

deleted.

[AllGamer]

Originally posted by tom2tom
CCNA,CCDA, CCSA Q&A at $10


Plz STOP!! SPAMMING SYSOPT!!!

you posted this same **** all over the site!!!

[Rocketmech]

I wonder if he's still using NetBeui instead of TCP/IP in W98 ? and the bindings to his adapter and file/printer sharing are correct?
Also, are you sure your logged on to the network in W98?
Check here (http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/winnetprobs.htm)

[Rocketmech]

AG , Midknyte

I always unbound NetBeui and File/Printer Sharing to TCP/IP to keep my internal network secure when all the pcs were W98. When the network has a mix of W98 and XP , I use TCP/IP only. So I'm not sure if you bind them to TCP/IP on a W98 pc in a W98/ XP network it will work. Seems I remember trying to get it to work but gave me trouble.

[AllGamer]

There's Big Difference

are you talking about

NetBeui
or
NetBIOS

?

NetBeui is a protocol

NetBIOS is a feature (not really a "service", but some refers to it as a service)

[Midknyte]

NetBEUI is my last resort protocol. I never use it for production networks, just for quick file transfers. NetBEUI would help for file transfers, but then network would slow down due to the increased overhead of the NetBEUI broadcasts. NetBEUI is a very chatty protocol, which is one of the main reasons I don't use it for permanent networks.:D

[eespinosa]

To Allgamer: Where would I enter the IP address?

As the ipconfig.txt file should bear out, I am not currently using NetBeui, even though through that protocol, I have come the closest to having a functioning network.

[Midknyte]

If nothing else works, you can use NetBEUI. It is self configuring, due to the broadcast nature of the protocol.

What the heck was that CCNA $10 ****? Is someone gonna kick that spammer guy out? GRRR!!!:mad:

[AllGamer]

Yeh Sterling Aug is already spanking that spammer

:p

[AllGamer]

Originally posted by eespinosa
To Allgamer: Where would I enter the IP address?

As the ipconfig.txt file should bear out, I am not currently using NetBeui, even though through that protocol, I have come the closest to having a functioning network.

maybe these pictures will answer your questions

On Win98 http://www.speed.net/images/winmesetup/net-config-tcpip-ip.gif

DNS page for 98 http://ccs.uchicago.edu/technotes/Win95/TCP/dns.gif

On Win2k/XP http://www.activewin.com/reviews/software/operating-sys/winxppro/Images/TCP-IP.jpg

[Rocketmech]

I'm referring to NetBeui ... he's answered the question anyways.

My question is, does it matter if both NetBeui and File/printer sharing are bound to TCP/IP on a W98 pc, will it network and share with an XP pc without NetBeui installed, on TCP/IP? or does it cause a conflict?

[AllGamer]

Originally posted by Rocketmech
I'm referring to NetBeui ... he's answered the question anyways.

My question is, does it matter if both NetBeui and File/printer sharing are bound to TCP/IP on a W98 pc, will it network and share with an XP pc without NetBeui installed, on TCP/IP? or does it cause a conflict?

If your WinXP does not have NetBeui

then, no they will not communicate

is like one person talking french, and the other talking Chinese

is very unlikely they'll understand each other

but if both were running TCP/IP only then yeah it will connect just fine

or if they were both only running NetBeui

but when you use a Mixture
then the Dumb OS will always only pick the lowest form of comunication

in that case 98 was trying to use NetBeui, but XP was expecting TCP/IP chat

:x :rolleyes:

[Rocketmech]

Thanks AG , its as I figured and just wanted to be clear on it. Didn't mean to **** in , always like following you two mutes threads . :D

[eespinosa]

I entered the IP address, but I'm not really sure what the Host and domain names are. In the IP config file, for "host name" the entry is "Geneva.tybout01.de.comcast.net" Which is the host name and where does the domain name begin?

[omendata]

Just a thought but make sure netnios is bound to tcp/ip in the WINS section of the tcpip tab in XP.

That will most certainly stop you in your tracks if DHCP on the router has disabled it (which I guess is what is happening) or if the tab is deselected - best bet is to select the second option and manualy enable.

Netbios is the service bound to tcp/ip for microsoft networking.
Remove it and its snafu.

You can use tcp/ip to tcp/ip as long as bothhave netbios enabled but its hard but not impossible to disable it in 98.
If you look carefully in tcpip in 98 you can see it enabled but its greyed out.

Also make sure services - server , browser are running on xp - not the first time i've seen things fail because of a service that hasnt started. Make sure tcp/ip netbios helper service is running as its the cause of many win98 not seeing xp and conversely.

Ok hope that sorts browsing out,
Keep us updated espinosa man - interesting topic.

[eespinosa]

Okay. I enebled the Netbios over tcp/ip option.

Omendata, you mentioned services. My only options for services are QoS packet and service advertising protocol. I don't see any mention of server and/or browser. I also don't see "tcp/ip netbios helper service" mentioned. As of now, 98 is not showing up in "my network places" in XP and I cannot browse the network neighborhood when on 98.

[omendata]

Services are located in the administrative tools folder of XP - Not the networking services installed for the nic.

It can be quite complicated to get the right services running if you have no idea what each does and how they interact.

Make sure browser and server are running - Netbios enabled now should have helped? Im sure your problem will be down to the fact that server service is not running.

If you still have problems email me your address and I'll send you a batch file which switches on all services - that way you should see everything on the network - It can be a real lifesaver when troubleshooting.

Also make sure the service "Internet Connection Firewall (ICF)/Internet Connection Sharing(ICS)" is also off as this will snafu netbios ports 137-139 as well which you will need.

[eespinosa]

I did the services thing. Both Browser and server were running already, but just to be sure, I stopped and restarted them. Also, the XP firewall is NOT enabled. I have logged into both systems with the same username, but still no luck. spmething is keeping from being able to ping the router from the pc, even though I can surf from it.

[omendata]

I think the router may have a firewall set to discard icmp echo/requests.
Have you tried attaching both pcs using a hub or crossover cable and checking their connectivity first?

What is still not working?

Sounds like its the router thats causing the problem by blocking netbios ports 137-139 - lost track of the thread cos its so long.
Can you update?

Enable SSDP Discovery service
Enable Universal plug and play device host
This should help with firewall detection etc.

Hell just enable all services and see what happens if that doesnt work.

[eespinosa]

No, I haven't tried a crossover cable. I started the sssp and the Univer pnp. No dice.

Basically, I have a linksys wireless router w/a 4 port switch. I am using the Laptop(XP) on port 1 and the pc(98) on port 2. I can surf the net from both with no problems. I just cannot transfer files from one to the other. I cannot even see one from the other in "my network places/network neighborhood" I am using tcp/ip, file and printer sharing. I set up shared folders on both computers. I can ping the router from the xp sys, but I cannot ping the router from the pc, even though, like I mentioned earlier, I CAN surf from the pc.

[Midknyte]

there is just something weird going on. If you can't get netbeui to work, that's just messed up. netbeui does everything for you.

The router should not block anything on the LAN. I don't think that's the problem. It only does NAT to the WAN.

are you setting static IPs?
I entered the IP address, but I'm not really sure what the Host and domain names are.

you shouldn't have to enter host or domain names if you are using dhcp through the router. if dhcp is running on the router, check the dhcp table and check what the IPs are for each system. you may need to clear out the routing table and refresh.

[eespinosa]

I was attempting a connection manually, but it didn't work. I'm back to dhcp and all else in auto. I don't want to use netbui. I got the connection to work thru netbui, but transferring files was hit or miss.

[omendata]

Personally I would connect the two pcs together with a hub or crossover cable and test to make sure its the router.

99% sure it is the router.
Have you tried a different port on the router/switch - may be the port that is snafu if you are having intermittent problems. Could be the port is vlan tagged.

I would agree with Midknyte - I would have tried netbuie long ago - it always works.

At least then you know its the protocol thats the problem or the router itself - You need to narrow it down to the pc , router or os.

Are you running simple file sharing on XP? Or the full bhoona?>

Next I would have checked the manufacturers website for issues , firmware upgrades to the router/switch. Have you done so?

LMHOSTS?

Have you tried accessing the router and resetting it or configuring it in any way?

What is the make model of the switch/router.

[Midknyte]

Yeah, there is something fishy there. try a crossover and Netbeui like omendata said.

[omendata]

Just checked the website looks like its the Linksys BEFW11S4 and it does perform traffic filtering (firewall mayhap?) so that may be the issue after all.

Switch off traffic filtering.

Duh - Just checked the site - your problem may be this if you dont have the right firmware ->

http://www.linksys.com/download/firmware.asp?fwid=160

Seems like this sorts things out. Hmmm - Suck it and see!!!

Also check this

http://www.linksys.com/faqs/default.asp?fqid=36

Also note what it says and follow the instructions :->

"Note: If you have an XP computer on your network please see our area about file and printer sharing for Windows XP)"

[eespinosa]

I have not forgotten about this post. I am currently in "upgrade-firmware hell." I tried to upgrade the firmware, but it has gone terribly wrong. Linksys' tech support has me resetting the router in a million different ways, but I am about to ask for a replacement. This sux. Stay tuned. I shall return...eventually.

PS
I plan to make a crossover cable in the next few days to see if the computers will communicate that way. Also, I purchased a NIC for the pc, just in case the USB adapter is acting funky.

[omendata]

Thats computing for ye...

Wouldnt be the same without a challenge...

[eespinosa]

Well, my router is on its way back to linksys for a replacement. In the meantime, I made a cross-over cable, but I still can't communicate with my pc from my laptop. The saga continues...

[omendata]

Sounds like you could very well have a NIC problem hardware.

[Midknyte]

well, it ain't the router then. the crossover should have worked. try swapping out nics. you could have a bad one, like omendata said.

it could be that your tcpip stack is so corrupted that it would take a reformat and reinstall of windows. I've only had to do that once, but it happens. on that particular system, pings were inconsistent, drive shares would disappear. I uninstalled and reinstalled tcpip, nic drivers, etc. I swapped out nics, cables, etc. It only worked normally after a clean install.

[omendata]

Yep very unusual but i had the problem only once as well - strange one but it turned out to be an obscure tcpip dll - i couldnt reformat and very rarely ever do as it would take me weeks to reinstall all the stuff ive got on my main pc so had to selectively replace dll until i found the errant one but if you havent a lot on the pc reformat and reinstall.

I had a very similar problem last night - dont know if youve dseen this one Midknyte but I always like a clean pc with all essential services turned off - tried in vain to kill CTFMON.EXE - saw a post on another site about how to get rid of it -got rid of it and lo and behold i ended up with a nightmare of officexp problems - took me the whole of last night to finally get it fixed couldnt reinstall officexp no matter how many times and different methods i tried until i decided to omit Alternative user input in the officexp install - apparently the fact the ctfmon.exe was removed prevented windowsxp from allowing officexp to reinstall as it was listed as a protected windows file - ah the delights of microsoft eh.

Then again perhaps I should have followed the microsoft instructions on knowledgebase rather than some lameass website : -

http://dvdfix.cjb.net/ (avoid this at all costs)

I do have a tape backup 24gb but had just performed major registry changes after the backup so was reluctant to restore and lose a night worth of registry edits - most of which have made a helluva difference to the speed of my machine - only a duron 750 oc/ed 833 with 256mb pc100. Murhpys law it seems lives and survives in the world of computers eh.

In case there are any other registry/services optimizers out there check this link :-

http://www.liutilities.com/products/wintaskspro/processlibrary/ctfmon/

Its rather good and informative...