Resolved Can't seem to join workgroup on LAN

7 computers in office: (3) WIN7 PRO Business, (4) WIN XP SP3: DSL to modem to 8 port router.

Monday, all was working well. All were (one assumes as there seemed no problems) members of workgroup LIBERTY.

Monday nite was the last day for US Tax season and one of our jokesters - who is now no longer with us - decided that he'd turn off this computer in the front office... by switching off the power strip. Whether or not this had anything to do with losing the workgroup connection I have no idea.

Tuesday we discovered that this (one of the XP computers) is no longer on the LIBERTY workgroup, but now seems to be on MSHOME workgroup.

I've followed the steps for changing a workgroup in XP by running the Network Setup Wizard and changing the group name on the computer to LIBERTY.

Upon viewing the START>CONTROL PANEL>SYSTEM>COMPUTER NAME, I find that the workgroup has changed to LIBERTY from MSHOME, but I am still unable to see the LIBERTY network or the six computers or four printers attached to it. Further, as no one can see this computer, neither can they see or use the printer attached to it.

The other six can see and interact with one another.



I am at a complete loss as to how to proceed.

ADDITIONAL INFO

Router is WIRED, not Wireless.

This computer HAS internet connection but it is excruciatingly slow by comparison to the other units. Now seems to be back to speed.

 

Hi frayed

Very odd that workgroup name changed from just an unexpected power shutdown (turning off the power strip).

Did you reboot the computer after running the network setup wizard?

Since you had to redo the network connection. I’d suspect a software firewall on the computer is preventing communication.

Turn it off to check.
What firewall / anti-virus are you using on the computer – Windows, Norton …..?

Other things to check:
start - control panel - network connections – local area connection – properties –
In the window does File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks appear and is it checked?

Then scroll down to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), highlight it – properties

Are the following checked?
Obtain an IP address automatically
Obtain DNS server address automatically

Advanced button – WINS tab – check Enable NetBios over TCP/IP


ps
start – my computer – tools – folder options – view tab – scroll to bottom
check: Use simple file sharing (Recommended)

 

Very odd that workgroup name changed from just an unexpected power shutdown (turning off the power strip).

Did you reboot the computer after running the network setup wizard?

Yes, we did. Worth noting that of three attempts to reset the workgroup name using the Network Wizard, we were asked to reboot only once...

Since you had to redo the network connection. I’d suspect a software firewall on the computer is preventing communication.

Actually, the network connection (if you're referring to the LAN connection for internet and the like) seems to be just fine... I can connect to the internet OK, it's the internal network (workgroup LIBERTY) which disappeared. I may be misunderstanding you here.

Turn it off to check.
What firewall / anti-virus are you using on the computer "“ Windows, Norton "¦..?
Computer Associates... and a very good point I had completely forgotten! Yesterday when I signed on the first problem I found (before noting the network problem) was that my CA program was disabled AND the computer clock date was set to 2/02/2001! (How I forgot that I'll NEVER know!) When I reset the clock correctly, the CA license became invalid, so I had to reload CA on this computer. I suspect I added an unnecessary component ( "Keep My Internet Safe ")... I am waiting for a message from Corporate to confirm this. (They insist we use CA. I would much prefer using Microsoft Essentials, but I am only a cog...), but I have disabled CA's firewall option as a test and still have the same problem.

Other things to check:
start - control panel - network connections "“ local area connection "“ properties "“
In the window does File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks appear and is it checked?

It is checked.


Then scroll down to Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), highlight it "“ properties

Are the following checked?
Obtain an IP address automatically
Obtain DNS server address automatically

both are checked

Advanced button "“ WINS tab "“ check Enable NetBios over TCP/IP

Was not checked...have checked it, but no change. Do I need to reboot?

 

Computer took a hit that even time was reset.

Wonder if windows firewall was turned on.
Check if turned off: Start – control panel – windows firewall.
Should only be using the CA one.


Not sure if have to reboot after enabling netbios – always did.
Notice my ps in last msg about simple file sharing – do have to reboot if change that.



Check if on same network address.

start – run – type in CMD – enter
in window type: ipconfig

compare the info to another xp computer.

Only thing that should be different is last number in the IP address.
xxx.xxx.xxx. --- part should be the same.

subnet mask, default gateway identical.

 

Back tomorrow... had to leave for the afternoon.

Thx!

 

Frayed – after this is sorted out – or before

Really don’t like that computer was reset to default workgroup name and date just because power was abruptly shut off.

Indicates motherboard cmos battery has died.
Think it vital that it’s replaced asap. It's just a watch type battery.

While computer isn’t working can check that battery – just turn off the computer and then unplug the power cord. Some computers keep minimum power running even when turned off. So that's why unplug the power cord - or turn off power strip.

Wait a few minutes – plug power cord back in and turn computer on.
What’s the date?

 

Well, it's a moot point now.

The owner called up tech support which remoted into the computer and reset everything in about forty minutes.

"So, what did they say was the problem? "

"I didn't ask them... "

"OK, Did they have anything to say as to why the date got reset? "

"I forgot to ask them... Stop asking me this stuff, all I care about is it works again. What's the difference? "


I need a new job.


Thanks for the assist! I can always rely on you guys!