NT Networking

[hursty]

I have setup a small network consisting of Windows 98 on two machines and Windows NT Server 4.0 on another. The Windows 98 mahcines can see each other, however the NT Server can not. The Server Manager shows no other computers. The Windows 98 machines CAN obtain files of the NT server and connect to shared resources. I am using the IPX protocol at the moment, since most games require it. I need the NT server working properly, and be able to see the other computers.

[Jin Vitas]

Install File and Printer sharing on the Win 98 systems..

[hursty]

FIle and Print sharing is already installed on both Win98 machines, yet the NT Server can stil not access the other machines.

[hursty]

File and Print sharing is already installed on both Win98 machines, yet the NT Server can stil not access the other machines.

[ktwebb]

Very few games use IPX anymore, but that really doesnt matter because you should be able to use any protocol to share files. When you say the Server cannot access the 98 machines, what are you using to test connectivity. If it is Network Neighborhood, stop using it as an tell-all tool. Use the Find computer from the start menu or right clicking on network neighborhood, using the Netbios computer name of the remote machine. It may just be a master browser issue, which you can likely solve by going to FIle and Printer sharing properties on the 98 machines and disabling the master browser capabilities. That should force the NT box to be the master browser. One other thing. Is the Server a domain controller? If so, have the 98 machines logon to the domain.

[mourikise]

Hi,

First, a good point to start is to tell us if the server is a PDC (primary Domain Controller) or a Standalone Server. As ktwebb said if it's a PDC make the clients to logon to the domain.

Second, it is right that even with IPX you should be able to browse the PCs on your network, but TCP/IP is highly recommended! Besides, all new games (and even old ones) run with TCP/IP. Install TCP/IP and if you want you can also leave IPX to co-exist with the TCP/IP (well never tried myself).

Then, to troubleshoot a network FIRST TRY TO PING THE COMPUTERS. If your server cannot ping the other PCs then don't expect anything else to work!

Tell us how it's going...

[hursty]

Thanks for all your help, both of you. I have finally fixed the problem. The server was a PDC, and I solved the problem by disabling 'Browse Master' on the Windows 98 FIle & Print services and also enabling NETBIOS over the IPX protocol. I can now access the other machines from the NT Server. Thanks alot.

Dave