XP, 98, w2k3 conflict (is this a server persistance issue)

Wednesday Afternoon

We are adding a number of new comps.

The new server is a w2k3 box.

One of the new XP boxes is a replacement for a 98 comp.

We name the workstations for their location.

Last week:
So, to setup the new box, I name it "nsr1b" as it is to replace "nsr1. "

I connected it to the network, copied the documents, email store, address book, accounts, and cookies, from the old 98 comp.

I shut down both computers.

I started the new XP box. I changed the name to "nsr1." Restarted and continued the setup: import the email store, setup the accounts, activate the software,...

I, disconnected, and started the old "nsr1," changed the name to "nsr6," shutdown, connected to router, restarted.

The new "nsr1" stopped working: no network places, cannot get to server.
I shut down the old 98 comp, reboot the XP comp, and rest, so work can be accomplished by the user.

Monday:
I searched the new computer's drive and registry and changed all references of "nsr1b" to "nsr1. "

I searched the old computer's drive and registry and changed all references of "nsr1" to "nsr6. "

I searched the new w2k3 server's drive and registry and removed all references of "nsr1b. "

I shut down the server, router, and all workstations. And pulled the plug: complete power down.

I started the router and server. And then the new xp comp. All is well. I start the 98 computer. All seems to work.

I shut down the 98 comp and the xp comp.

This time I start the 98 comp. Works fine.

I start the XP comp: cannot access the server. Net View eventually finds the 98 comp. But not the server.
IE times-out. Ipconfig reports a correct IP address, which is different on the two computers, as it should be.

No domain: just a work group.

All computers auto logon using TweakUI. No passwords. XP comp logs on as Administrator.

IP addresses are assigned by the router.

I need some guidance.

J

 

First thing I'd try is completely removing all traces of networking from the 98 PC
- safe mode and device manager to remove the NIC
- shut down and remove the NIC
- make sure the XP PC is now working correctly
- reboot then shut down again
- reinsert the NIC and reload networking.

Make sure when you are doing the setup part that the 98 PC is set never to try to become the domain master browser.

Also a good idea to stop and disable browser service on the XP PC.

In fact, you should do this to all the PCs except a couple of servers if you have more than one or server and one XP workstation.

If you still have a problem after doing the above then start the two PCs in the order that makes them work and use nbtstat from a DOS window to see what values you have. Then start them in the wrong order, nbtstat again, and see what is different.

 

Thank you for you response and guidence.

I will get to do this on Monday.

I will report upon my experience.

J