Win 98 Machine Loses Network Connection

I have a problem with a Win 98 machine losing its connection to our network.

The network consists of four machines.
2 Win 2000 Pro
1 Win 98 SE
1 iMac (using Thursby Software's DAVE)

The two Win 2000 machines are connected to a Linksys 10/100 hub.
The Win 98 machine and the iMac are connected to a 3com 10/100 hub.
The two hubs are connected to one another, of course.

The problem is this:
After a period of time, the Win 98 machine always loses its connection to the network. When the network connection is lost, the other computers on the network may or may not still be listed in the Win 98 machine's Network Neighborhood. If they are listed, clicking on a computer produces an error message of this type:

"\\LJ is not accessible. The computer or sharename could not be found. Make sure you typed it correctly, and try again. "

Re-booting the Win 98 machine always restores its network connection, but after a period of time, the Win 98 machine always loses its connection again. The connection is usually maintained for an hour or more, sometimes for several hours, but in the end, it is always lost.

When the Win 98 machine loses its connection, the other three machines can still see one another and use their shared resources.

The network uses TCP/IP. No other protocols are installed (no NetBEUI, no IPX/SPX). Client for Microsoft Networks and File and printer sharing for Microsoft Networks are installed. I've assigned each computer a unique IP address in the range of 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.4. Internet Connection Sharing is not is use; each machine has its own dial-up connection.

Additional information: Looking at the 3com hub, the port activity lights are constantly flashing. The Collision light is continuously flashing as well. Is this normal?

Your troubleshooting suggestions will much appreciated. Let me know if I can provide additional information.

Thanks,

Jeff DeTray
jeff@detray.com

 

Install NetBEUI protocols in all win computer, in my mind, your network is just a peer-to-peer mode, there is no WINS, DNS server, so it will use NetBEUI protocols to parse computer name.

When your win98 is down, could you use ping to ping other IPs? I think it would work, but you could not use browser to "see" other computers in your network.

 

Problem Solved

I've solved the problem. The solution had nothing to do with software or network protocols.

The solution consisted of replacing the 3com hub with a Linksys hub. As soon as that was done, all problems immediately disappeared and have not returned.

Apparently, there was an incompatibility between the 3com hub and the other Linksys hub. Now that both hubs are identical Linksys units, all is well.

 

That is very dangerous to have File and Printer sharing bound to TCP/IP and being on the Internet. Your whole LAN is wide open to the World.

That is not just my say so either. GRC.com will tell you the same and so does Symantec.

GRC has ( or did have anyway ) a great diagram showing these things.

I think you would be better off ( and safer ) to Install Netbeui & IPX/SPX and plug the four machine into a Router.

The Router will keep the Internet and the LAN separated.

And unbind F&PS from TCP/IP.

I have four machines plugged into a Router and NOTHING is bound to TCP/IP.

BillyBob