Viewing 'networked computers' comes and goes inexplicably in "Network Neighborhood"

Hi All -

Please know from the git-go that I'm relatively new to this 'networking' stuff because, until very recently, I didn't need a "network ". So . . . . please bear with me.

I recently changed ISPs. I went from a very local wireless broadband "mom and pop ISP" to Alltel DSL. The reason doesn't really matter because I've had the same problem with both ISPs.

Firstly, the main computer (mine) is running Win98SE and the other computer (my step-daughter's) is running Win98 - updated from an original installation of Win95.

The problem (he said with a look on his mug), is that sometimes when I open "Network Neighborhood ", I can see the icons for the "Entire Network" and/or my computer (Enigma) and her computer Abigail (for lack of a better word). Then there are times that I can open "Network Neighborhood" and sit here for 10 minutes and see nothing at all appear in the "NN" window. What's up with that?

As I stated earlier, the 'main' computer is running Win98Se and the other is running Win98 (updated from the originally installed Win95). I have a Siemans Speedstream 5200 DSL modem from Alltel and a Netgear RP614v3 router. Obviously, because I can see the "network" and both computers sometimes, the cables are hooked up correctly. What am I missing? What can I do, or where can I go, to fix this problem?

When both computers 'show up' in "Network Neighborhood" the shared files are accessible by either computer. When either computer, or the 'network' itself, doesn't show up in "NN ", nothing is accessible to, or from, either computer. I'm flabbergasted and feeling very schtoopid and helpless!!

Any and ALL help will be greatly appreciated by me, personally. AND . . . an avid and active "eBayer" !!

TIA


Mike

 

It may have to do with the order you are starting the PCs up , as one of them may be getting its IP address from the other, but not visa versa.

When started out of order (the PC fetching its IP form the "other" is on before the "other" PC is) one PC is not in the IP range of the other, and they cant network.

Best idea would be to put static IPs in both PCs. Let me know if you dont know how to do this and i will provide instructions.

 

Hi Dez -

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, plesae tell me how I can do this. This weekend is going to be spent working on computers and I would like to get this problem solved while I'm doing everything else.

Please make your explanation as understandable (and simple) as possible. My old brain sometimes gets overloaded and shows a BSOD so I have to walk away or go insane. Your help will be greatly appreciated.


Mike

 

Ok, the basics for setting an IP on a 98 PC. I am doing this from my head by the way, hopefully my memory is working. This is as i dont have a 98 PC here to refer to at this momemt.

1) Right click on Network Neighbourhood on the desktop, choose Properties
2) In the box that appears, and the page it shows first, you should see a binding along the lines of TCP/IP > ACME Network Adapter, ACME being your brand of network card. Select it and choose Properties button, or just double-click on the item in the list. Do not do any of the suggested changes to TCP/IP > Dial-up Adapter which may also be in the list.
3) On the IP Address tab, choose Specify an Address and type 192.168.0.2. Then type 255.255.255.0 in the Subnet Mask field.
4) On the WINS configuration tab check Disable WINS resolution
5) Hit the Apply button. You shouldnt have to do anything with the DNS Configuration, Gateway or Bindings tabs, unless you are sharing an internet connection. If this is so, let me know and i tell you what to put in these to help shared internet work.

6) Very important....now do all the above steps on the 2nd PC, but make the IP address 192.168.0.3. All the other settings as above. To be on the same network (aka same subnet) the IP addresses have to match in the first 3 parts and the last number is between 1 and 255 and different on each PC. 192.168.0.1 is usually used for Gateway devices or a PC sharing its internet connection, so best to leave it free.

eg use 192.168.0.x, where x is a number unique to that PC between 1 and 255. the 192.168.0 part should be the same on all PCs on the same network.

Anyway see if this helps. If you were able to see the files sometimes, i am not including instructions how to set the Workgroup names to be the same, as you msut already have them that way.

 

Hi again, Dez -

I apologize for not getting back here sooner. I've been too busy to sit down in front of this thing for more than a couple of minutes a day.

I tried your suggestions and the intermittant problem remains. My ISP's software for the DSL connection doesn't allow for many 'network' changes without changing everything back to the way it was. I am in contact with them and will post back, if and when a solution is found.

Thanks again.


Mike