Win 98 and Win 2000

I have the following set up:
Cable Modem connection with 2 IP addresses
8 port hub
Desktop with Win 98
Laptop with Win 2K Pro

The cable connection comes in through the hub and both computers are connected to it. Each computer has both TCP/IP and NetBEUI installed and running.

Both computers connect and I can share files where I need them and printing (through desktop) there are no set up issues.

Where I have the problem is every so often, seems totally random, the 2 computers just stop seeing each other. I could be passing a directory of files and it would either do it all no problem, do half and **** out, or do nothing at all. If I am using explorer it may show me the other computer just file (or not) and then all of a sudden I click on a directory and it locks, scanning flashlight pops up, scans for a while and then either tells me the resource is no longer available or sometimes it goes back and finds the computer and displays what I am looking for just fine.

I am no network master and have spent a long time wondering why this would happen. It just seems so random. One minute everything is good, running fine, then is goes kaput, then the next minute everything is good again.

One last note, I thought it may have somehow been related to my hub (I had a 4 port before) so my boss gave me the current one I use but it is no different.

 

Well, there are other hardware issues to consider:
Either network card could be bad, or a bad wire. I always check my connections before doing anything else. If everything seems okay and it the problem persists, I replace the network cable. Cables go bad easily if they are exposed to being crushed, bent, whatever.
If you have never had a similar problem surfing the internet, use that cable as a replacement for one of your cables and see if it solves your problem. If not, then use it as a replacement for the other cable.
If neither of these provides any changes, then check your NICs. If you have an intermittent network card problem, then you will have problems like the one you are describing.
At least this gives you a place to start.
Skid