Can't see computer in Network Places

[Guest]

Wow - I can't believe how complicated this can be.

I have several computers on a home network. I can see all of them in Network
Places but one. The one I can't see I'll call Computer A.

Computer A is running XP Pro. When using Computer B also running XP Pro
(another computer) on the network Computer A does not show up in Network
Places but does show in View Worgroup Computers. When I attempt to connect I
get the following message:

"\\Computer A is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this
network resource. Contact the administrator of thsi server to find out if you
have access permissions."

This is the ipconfig file for Computer A

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : KevinsVaio
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network
Connection
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-11-2F-23-45-AC
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.41
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.2.16.30
68.2.16.25
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
8:56:23 PM
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
9:56:23 PM

This is the Browstat for Computer A:

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SHARON2
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
\\\\SHARON2 . Version:05.01 Flags: 71203 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER
2 backup servers retrieved from master SHARON2
\\SHARON2
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
There are 2 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}


This is the ipconfig for Computer 2

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : VaioPortable
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : LAN-Express AS IEEE 802.11g
miniPCI Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-02-8A-B6-17-82
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.46
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.2.16.30
68.2.16.25
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
9:54:27 PM
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
10:54:27 PM

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network
Connection
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 08-00-46-B7-C5-7F

This is the browstat for Computer 2:

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SHARON2
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
\\\\SHARON2 . Version:05.01 Flags: 71203 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER
2 backup servers retrieved from master SHARON2
\\KEVINSVAIO
\\SHARON2
There are 7 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}

I have no firewall's running and only Norton AntiVirus.

So I guess my question is - Why can't computer B see computer A in Network
Places and more importantly what do I do to recitify that?

 

[Chuck]

Wow - I can't believe how complicated this can be.

I have several computers on a home network. I can see all of them in Network
Places but one. The one I can't see I'll call Computer A.

Computer A is running XP Pro. When using Computer B also running XP Pro
(another computer) on the network Computer A does not show up in Network
Places but does show in View Worgroup Computers. When I attempt to connect I
get the following message:

"\\Computer A is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this
network resource. Contact the administrator of thsi server to find out if you
have access permissions."

This is the ipconfig file for Computer A

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : KevinsVaio
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network
Connection
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-11-2F-23-45-AC
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.41
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.2.16.30
68.2.16.25
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
8:56:23 PM
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
9:56:23 PM

This is the Browstat for Computer A:

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SHARON2
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
\\\\SHARON2 . Version:05.01 Flags: 71203 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER
2 backup servers retrieved from master SHARON2
\\SHARON2
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
There are 2 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}


This is the ipconfig for Computer 2

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : VaioPortable
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Hybrid
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : LAN-Express AS IEEE 802.11g
miniPCI Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-02-8A-B6-17-82
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.46
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.2.16.30
68.2.16.25
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
9:54:27 PM
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Monday, February 27, 2006
10:54:27 PM

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network
Connection
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 08-00-46-B7-C5-7F

This is the browstat for Computer 2:

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SHARON2
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
\\\\SHARON2 . Version:05.01 Flags: 71203 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER
2 backup servers retrieved from master SHARON2
\\KEVINSVAIO
\\SHARON2
There are 7 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}

I have no firewall's running and only Norton AntiVirus.

So I guess my question is - Why can't computer B see computer A in Network
Places and more importantly what do I do to recitify that?

Kevin,

Norton AV contains an antiworm component that is known to cause problems like
yours. My guess it's NAV on KevinsVaio that's the problem.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

KevinsVaio is picking up server datagrams from 8 servers (presumably itself and
the other 7) ("There are 8 servers"), and sees that as 2 workgroups ("There are
2 domains"). VaioPortable sees only itself and 6 other servers, and 1
workgroup.

And yes, Windows Networking is complicated. You have 8 computers, and any of
those 8 could have one or several roles in problems with Network Places.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

What exactly is displayed in Network Places on KevinsVaio and on VaioPortable?

What operating system is on SHARON2?

Please let us know if any of these questions and suggestions are of any help.
What you learn may help others in the future, and that's the purpose of these
forums.

 

[Guest]

Kevin,

Norton AV contains an antiworm component that is known to cause problems like
yours. My guess it's NAV on KevinsVaio that's the problem.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

KevinsVaio is picking up server datagrams from 8 servers (presumably itself and
the other 7) ("There are 8 servers"), and sees that as 2 workgroups ("There are
2 domains"). VaioPortable sees only itself and 6 other servers, and 1
workgroup.

And yes, Windows Networking is complicated. You have 8 computers, and any of
those 8 could have one or several roles in problems with Network Places.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

What exactly is displayed in Network Places on KevinsVaio and on VaioPortable?

What operating system is on SHARON2?

Please let us know if any of these questions and suggestions are of any help.
What you learn may help others in the future, and that's the purpose of these
forums.

Chuck

Thanks for your help.

I've looked over NAV (whch is 2004 version) and it does not have any kind of
firewall. Looks strictly like anti-virus. At any rate I disabled it and it
still didn't cure the problem.

I read the browstat for KevinsVaio and the fact it is picking up 8 servers
and the VaiopPortable picking up 6 but not sure what that's all about.

You ask "what exactly is displayed in Netowrk Places on KevinsVaio and
VaioPortable" but I'm not sure how to get the information in this posting. Is
there a way to print the contents to a text file or ??

Sharon2 compter is using XP Pro but no SP2 only SP1. It is a MPC (Micron)
machine that they have not really posted SP2 drivers for all that it can do
so I have left well enough alone.

Appreciate any suggestions on where to start correcting this problem

 

[Guest]

Chuck

Further info to my last reply.

I checked each computer of the eight that are servers they are
1. KW Tablet - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
2. Sharon 2 - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
3. Vaio Portable - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
4. Vaiostorage - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
5. Wine Cellar - running XP Home, No firewall, only NAV
6. Kevins Vaio - running XP Pro - No firewall, only NAV
7. HDstorage - NSD -
8. PS 540205 - Netgear Printserver


I did check all the Network Services and got rid of some stuff and re-ran
browstat on KevinsVaio and Vaioportable and they have changed but still
can't see the KevinsVaio computer on any of the Network Places on any computer

Here are the new browstats:

For KevinsVaio:

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KEVINSVAIO
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master KEVINSVAIO
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}

For Vaio Portable

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KEVINSVAIO
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
Unable to determine server information for browser master: 5
1 backup servers retrieved from master KEVINSVAIO
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}


Hope this helps?

 

[Chuck]

Chuck

Further info to my last reply.

I checked each computer of the eight that are servers they are
1. KW Tablet - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
2. Sharon 2 - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
3. Vaio Portable - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
4. Vaiostorage - running XP Pro, no firewall only NAV
5. Wine Cellar - running XP Home, No firewall, only NAV
6. Kevins Vaio - running XP Pro - No firewall, only NAV
7. HDstorage - NSD -
8. PS 540205 - Netgear Printserver


I did check all the Network Services and got rid of some stuff and re-ran
browstat on KevinsVaio and Vaioportable and they have changed but still
can't see the KevinsVaio computer on any of the Network Places on any computer

Here are the new browstats:

For KevinsVaio:

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KEVINSVAIO
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master KEVINSVAIO
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}

For Vaio Portable

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KEVINSVAIO
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
Unable to determine server information for browser master: 5
1 backup servers retrieved from master KEVINSVAIO
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}


Hope this helps?

Kevin,

You have 2 significant changes there.
# The master browser, as reported by both computers, is now KEVINSVAIO.
# Both computers have server datagrams from all 8 computers ("There are 8
servers"), and both are in the same workgroup ("There are 1 domains").

What does browstat from SHARON2 (the previous master browser) look like?

 

[Guest]

Kevin,

You have 2 significant changes there.
# The master browser, as reported by both computers, is now KEVINSVAIO.
# Both computers have server datagrams from all 8 computers ("There are 8
servers"), and both are in the same workgroup ("There are 1 domains").

What does browstat from SHARON2 (the previous master browser) look like?

Chuck

Here is the browstat report for Sharon2



Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KEVINSVAIO
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
Unable to determine server information for browser master: 5
1 backup servers retrieved from master KEVINSVAIO
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 7 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}


I see it says 7 servers? I ran browstat on KevinsVaio again and it also
shows 7 servers and I think that's becasue the KWtablet is in hibernation and
wireless so my bet is it goes away when that happens.

Hope this helps?

 

[Chuck]

Chuck

Here is the browstat report for Sharon2



Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KEVINSVAIO
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
Unable to determine server information for browser master: 5
1 backup servers retrieved from master KEVINSVAIO
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 7 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}


I see it says 7 servers? I ran browstat on KevinsVaio again and it also
shows 7 servers and I think that's becasue the KWtablet is in hibernation and
wireless so my bet is it goes away when that happens.

Hope this helps?

Kevin,

This is the fun part. You at least appear to have eliminated the segmented
workgroup ("There are 1 domains"). Now try and translate the 7 servers.
Observe Network Neighborhood, which 7 computers are visible? Does that support
the theory that KWTablet being in hibernation causes "There are 7 servers"?

If you don't see all computers in NN, look at the anonymous and invisible
settings, on all computers. One computer, of your 8, has either a firewall
problem, or one of those settings. Read this article with an open, and
inquisitive, mind.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

 

[Chuck]

Chuck

Here is the browstat report for Sharon2



Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KEVINSVAIO
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
Unable to determine server information for browser master: 5
1 backup servers retrieved from master KEVINSVAIO
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 7 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}


I see it says 7 servers? I ran browstat on KevinsVaio again and it also
shows 7 servers and I think that's becasue the KWtablet is in hibernation and
wireless so my bet is it goes away when that happens.

Hope this helps?

Kevin,

This is the fun part. You at least appear to have eliminated the segmented
workgroup ("There are 1 domains"). Now try and translate the 7 servers.
Observe Network Neighborhood, which 7 computers are visible? Does that support
the theory that KWTablet being in hibernation causes "There are 7 servers"?

If you don't see all computers in NN, look at the anonymous and invisible
settings, on all computers. One computer, of your 8, has either a firewall
problem, or one of those settings. Read this article with an open, and
inquisitive, mind.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

And one often overlooked question - do you have shares on all computers? With
Windows XP, a server without shares will be invisible.

 

[Guest]

Kevin,

This is the fun part. You at least appear to have eliminated the segmented
workgroup ("There are 1 domains"). Now try and translate the 7 servers.
Observe Network Neighborhood, which 7 computers are visible? Does that support
the theory that KWTablet being in hibernation causes "There are 7 servers"?

If you don't see all computers in NN, look at the anonymous and invisible
settings, on all computers. One computer, of your 8, has either a firewall
problem, or one of those settings. Read this article with an open, and
inquisitive, mind.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

And one often overlooked question - do you have shares on all computers? With
Windows XP, a server without shares will be invisible.

Fun? Sorry not for me. I barely understadn what's going on here.

I really can't make much sense out fo the article syou asked me to read.

I'm also am not sure I really have 8 server computers. Usnig TCPNP to view
what's on line the eight connections are actually 6 computers, 1 network
attached sotrage device and 1 print server. I don' think the last 2 have
firewalls at least none that I can see.

I checked and rechecked the settings on file sharing for all the computer
and they are all set to simple file sharing and have at least one folder
shareable.

I also ran Network Places on all the machines and unfortunately they all
can't see each other

1 Kevins Vaio - sees everybody
2 Sharon 2 - see but KevinVaio
3 VaioNotebook - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
4 Wine Cellar - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
5 KW Tablet - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
6 Vaio Storage Room - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio, Sharon2, and
VaioNotebook

The browstat is now identical in all of the computers and looks like this:


Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SHARON2
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
\\\\SHARON2 . Version:05.01 Flags: 71203 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER
3 backup servers retrieved from master SHARON2
\\SHARON2
\\VAIOPORTABLE
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}

I've rechecked and there ar eno fire walls of any kind on any computer.

But....I have no idea where I am at.

I have no idea what to try next. I have no idea why the computers all see
each other in Network Places except KevinsVaio. Exception VaioStorage Room
not seeing KevinsVaio, Sharon2 and VaioNotebook.

Sorry I really don't know a lot or how to fix it at this point. Got any ideas

 

[Chuck]

Fun? Sorry not for me. I barely understadn what's going on here.

I really can't make much sense out fo the article syou asked me to read.

I'm also am not sure I really have 8 server computers. Usnig TCPNP to view
what's on line the eight connections are actually 6 computers, 1 network
attached sotrage device and 1 print server. I don' think the last 2 have
firewalls at least none that I can see.

I checked and rechecked the settings on file sharing for all the computer
and they are all set to simple file sharing and have at least one folder
shareable.

I also ran Network Places on all the machines and unfortunately they all
can't see each other

1 Kevins Vaio - sees everybody
2 Sharon 2 - see but KevinVaio
3 VaioNotebook - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
4 Wine Cellar - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
5 KW Tablet - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
6 Vaio Storage Room - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio, Sharon2, and
VaioNotebook

The browstat is now identical in all of the computers and looks like this:


Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: SHARON2
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 5
\\\\SHARON2 . Version:05.01 Flags: 71203 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER
3 backup servers retrieved from master SHARON2
\\SHARON2
\\VAIOPORTABLE
\\KEVINSVAIO
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}

I've rechecked and there ar eno fire walls of any kind on any computer.

But....I have no idea where I am at.

I have no idea what to try next. I have no idea why the computers all see
each other in Network Places except KevinsVaio. Exception VaioStorage Room
not seeing KevinsVaio, Sharon2 and VaioNotebook.

Sorry I really don't know a lot or how to fix it at this point. Got any ideas

OK, stay cool. I use words like fun, because my momma taught me not to say
stuff like %^&*ing ^&**@hit and other words.

Now, the term server is anything sharing resources on the LAN. To Windows
Networking, and computer running Windows (with the server service running), the
NAS, and the print server, are all servers. Servers are what get listed by the
browser in Network Neighborhood.

This, below, is a good start. Is it consistent - that is, if you restart any of
the computers, does it stay the same? If this EVER changes, when we make any
change, I will need to know this.

1 Kevins Vaio - sees everybody
2 Sharon 2 - see but KevinVaio
3 VaioNotebook - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
4 Wine Cellar - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
5 KW Tablet - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio
6 Vaio Storage Room - sees eveybody but KevinsVaio, Sharon2, and
VaioNotebook

Next, the key bit of information in browstat is this:

Master browser name is: SHARON2

Are you certain that SHARON2 is the MB reported by each computer?

Finally, let's start this phase of the investigation with an inventory of
Operating System and status of each computer when browstat was run, and when you
looked at Network Neighborhood. Please list (to your best ability, or "unknown"
if you don't know), for each computer:
# Operating System name, edition (if XP, Home, Pro, MCE?), if XP Pro or MCE, is
Simple File Sharing enabled or disabled?
# When you ran browstat, was SHARON2 logged in?
# When you look in Network Neighborhood (and see or don't see another computer),
was that other computer online? Was the other computer logged in?

 

[Guest]

OK, stay cool. I use words like fun, because my momma taught me not to say
stuff like %^&*ing ^&**@hit and other words.

Now, the term server is anything sharing resources on the LAN. To Windows
Networking, and computer running Windows (with the server service running), the
NAS, and the print server, are all servers. Servers are what get listed by the
browser in Network Neighborhood.

This, below, is a good start. Is it consistent - that is, if you restart any of
the computers, does it stay the same? If this EVER changes, when we make any
change, I will need to know this.

Next, the key bit of information in browstat is this:
Are you certain that SHARON2 is the MB reported by each computer?

Finally, let's start this phase of the investigation with an inventory of
Operating System and status of each computer when browstat was run, and when you
looked at Network Neighborhood. Please list (to your best ability, or "unknown"
if you don't know), for each computer:
# Operating System name, edition (if XP, Home, Pro, MCE?), if XP Pro or MCE, is
Simple File Sharing enabled or disabled?
# When you ran browstat, was SHARON2 logged in?
# When you look in Network Neighborhood (and see or don't see another computer),
was that other computer online? Was the other computer logged in?

Chuck

Thanks for your reply. Trust me I'm cool just not having fun.

To answer your questions.

1/ Yes when I restarted the computers one of the visible items in Network
Places changed for Sharon2 computer. It cannot see the KWTablet otherwsie
they are still all the same as previous. All the computers werelogged in when
I checked this

2/ When I rebooted systems they all now have the KWTablet as the Master
Browser. I think this was a matter of rebooting Sharon2 though and then they
call changed. At least it appeared that way.

Sharon2 was logged in when I ran these.

Here are the browstat for ea.

2-Mar Browstat for KW Tablet

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{EFADD922-74E2-4E5A-92A8-BE47196BFABC}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KWTABLET
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master KWTABLET
\\KWTABLET
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{EFADD922-74E2-4E5A-92A8-BE47196BFABC}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{EFADD922-74E2-4E5A-92A8-BE47196BFABC}


2-Mar Browstat for VaiostorageRoom

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{3C490740-6BA3-45F9-A0AF-E49A8C3000CF}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KWTABLET
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of br
owser master: 5
\\\\KWTABLET . Version:05.01 Flags: 71003 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER

1 backup servers retrieved from master KWTABLET
\\KWTABLET
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{3C490740-6BA3-45F9-A0AF-E49A8C3000CF}

2-Mar Browstat for KevinsVaio
Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KWTABLET
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of br
owser master: 5
\\\\KWTABLET . Version:05.01 Flags: 71003 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER

1 backup servers retrieved from master KWTABLET
\\KWTABLET
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{56FC4341-2C3D-40D4-8CA4-F3F012E52D64}


2-Mar Browstat for Winecellar
Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{659B869B-601A-4B60-9827-7DF98EC9292D}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KWTABLET
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of br
owser master: 5
\\\\KWTABLET . Version:05.01 Flags: 71003 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER

1 backup servers retrieved from master KWTABLET
\\KWTABLET
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{659B869B-601A-4B60-9827-7DF98EC9292D}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{659B869B-601A-4B60-9827-7DF98EC9292D}


2-Mar Browstat for Sharon2
Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KWTABLET
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of br
owser master: 5
\\\\KWTABLET . Version:05.01 Flags: 71003 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER

1 backup servers retrieved from master KWTABLET
\\KWTABLET
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{619825E0-1F41-4B4F-832C-976CF53408AA}

Browstat for VaioPortable

Status for domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: KWTABLET
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine build
of br
owser master: 5
\\\\KWTABLET . Version:05.01 Flags: 71003 NT POTENTIAL BACKUP
MASTER

1 backup servers retrieved from master KWTABLET
\\KWTABLET
There are 8 servers in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}
There are 1 domains in domain HOME on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{B344E5A1-60FC-41B2-91F8-2B3B51513865}


Here are the OP Systems for each Computer

Kevins Vaio MCE Sp2
Sharon 2 XPPro Sp1
VaioNotebook XPPro Sp2
Wine Cellar XpHome
KW Tablet XPPro Sp2 (Tablet edition)
Vaio Storage Room XPPro Sp2

Simple File Sharing is on for all the XPPro and MCE systems

That should do it.

KMW

 

[Chuck]

Chuck

Thanks for your reply. Trust me I'm cool just not having fun.

To answer your questions.

1/ Yes when I restarted the computers one of the visible items in Network
Places changed for Sharon2 computer. It cannot see the KWTablet otherwsie
they are still all the same as previous. All the computers werelogged in when
I checked this

2/ When I rebooted systems they all now have the KWTablet as the Master
Browser. I think this was a matter of rebooting Sharon2 though and then they
call changed. At least it appeared that way.

Sharon2 was logged in when I ran these.

Here are the browstat for ea.

Here are the OP Systems for each Computer

Kevins Vaio MCE Sp2
Sharon 2 XPPro Sp1
VaioNotebook XPPro Sp2
Wine Cellar XpHome
KW Tablet XPPro Sp2 (Tablet edition)
Vaio Storage Room XPPro Sp2

Simple File Sharing is on for all the XPPro and MCE systems

That should do it.

KMW

Kevin,

This is a bit better.
# All computers report the same master browser, which is now KWTABLET.
# All computers see all computers ("There are 8 servers").
# All computers but KWTABLET get "Error = 5" in browstat, because KWTABLET is
running Simple File Sharing.

So, is KevinsVaio still invisible? Did you check the anonymous and the
invisibility settings on KevinsVaio?
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/restrictanonymous-and-your-server.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/restrictanonymous-and-your-server.html
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/hiding-your-server-from-enumeration.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/hiding-your-server-from-enumeration.html

You might want to decide whether you want the master browser to be elected among
all 8 computers, or can you define 2 or 3 that are online consistently? I
presume the idea of having a tablet computer is so you can carry it around from
place to place. Do you really want that computer to be the authoritative
computer for the LAN, telling the others what computers are there?
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html

IMHO, your LAN is a prime candidate for browser conflicts. Do you have any 2
computers that are on and online 7 x 24? If so, those computers should be the
master browser / backup browser for the LAN. Portable computers should not be
the master browser. It's your LAN though.

 

[Guest]

Kevin,

This is a bit better.
# All computers report the same master browser, which is now KWTABLET.
# All computers see all computers ("There are 8 servers").
# All computers but KWTABLET get "Error = 5" in browstat, because KWTABLET is
running Simple File Sharing.

So, is KevinsVaio still invisible? Did you check the anonymous and the
invisibility settings on KevinsVaio?
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/restrictanonymous-and-your-server.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/restrictanonymous-and-your-server.html
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/hiding-your-server-from-enumeration.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/hiding-your-server-from-enumeration.html

You might want to decide whether you want the master browser to be elected among
all 8 computers, or can you define 2 or 3 that are online consistently? I
presume the idea of having a tablet computer is so you can carry it around from
place to place. Do you really want that computer to be the authoritative
computer for the LAN, telling the others what computers are there?
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html

IMHO, your LAN is a prime candidate for browser conflicts. Do you have any 2
computers that are on and online 7 x 24? If so, those computers should be the
master browser / backup browser for the LAN. Portable computers should not be
the master browser. It's your LAN though.

Okay here is what I found

1. After checking all the machines for "restrictanonymous" only one the
wrong desingation, KevinsVaio. I switched this to the appropriate number and
only a couple things hapened.

a. Several, but not all the computers can no see KevinsVaio, The computers
that's can't are Vaiostorage (can't see Sharon2, Kevin'sVaio and
VaioPortable)
KWTablet (can't see KevinsVaio)

2. I've turned off the MB on all but 2 computers that are on all the time.
(Sharon2 and KevinsVaio) All of the Browstat now show Sharon2 as the MB

3, I tried to check the Hidden Server codes but got to thinking if they were
hidden wouldn't they be hidden from all the computers. In other words if one
was hidden I shouldn;t see it anywehre. That's not the case I actually see
all the machines on some computers just not all.

Any more ideas?

 

[Chuck]

Okay here is what I found

1. After checking all the machines for "restrictanonymous" only one the
wrong desingation, KevinsVaio. I switched this to the appropriate number and
only a couple things hapened.

a. Several, but not all the computers can no see KevinsVaio, The computers
that's can't are Vaiostorage (can't see Sharon2, Kevin'sVaio and
VaioPortable)
KWTablet (can't see KevinsVaio)

2. I've turned off the MB on all but 2 computers that are on all the time.
(Sharon2 and KevinsVaio) All of the Browstat now show Sharon2 as the MB

3, I tried to check the Hidden Server codes but got to thinking if they were
hidden wouldn't they be hidden from all the computers. In other words if one
was hidden I shouldn;t see it anywehre. That's not the case I actually see
all the machines on some computers just not all.

Any more ideas?

Kevin,

One of the challenges of working on network problems is that many symptoms are
caused by multiple problems, aggregated. You have a LAN with 8 computers.
That's 2^8 possibilities for problems. IOW, a lot of possibilities. Please
read my tutorial on network problems.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html

Now, when you type your messages, you have to be absolutely precise in some
spellings and phrasings. Typing casually, or hurriedly, causes problems for
both of us. What does this mean?
Several, but not all the computers can no see KevinsVaio,

# You meant "can NOT see KevinsVaio"?
# You meant "can NOW see KevinsVaio"?
# You are Scottish, and have reverted to dialect?

To the issue of "hidden", you are theoretically correct. Unfortunately,
everything here does not always work as per theory.
# According to Microsoft (and I have asked them), "restrictanonymous" should
have no effect upon the browser's ability to enumerate a server.
# Consider a quirk of Browstat. When you run browstat, certain portions of it
run under the context of the one running it. Not under anonymous access, as the
browser itself does, and by design. This is why I asked which computers were
logged in, when tests were made.
# The browser itself is a fascinating subject. There are latency periods,
during which one thing could be true, and another perceived. You can only test
browser situations outside of a 48 or 51 minute inaccuracy. If you make any
browser related change, any observation that you make within the latency period
may or may not be valid.

So, having made some restrictanonymous changes, and a few hours having elapsed,
I'll ask you to re inventory everything. Noting that detail here is essential.
Make one mistake, leading us to waste time following down a false clue, and you
can guess the consequences. It's your LAN, and I am guessing that you would
like to get it working.

And you'll kindly pardon me if I refer you (again?) to a couple of my tutorials.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html

 

[Guest]

Chuck

Sorry for the typo - It should read can NOT see KevinsVaio.

All computers have now been up 1 hour and 47 mins. They are all still
reporting the same information as I menioned above on what they can see and
cannot see. Which really has only the 2 anomalies - KW Tablet - Can not see
KevinsVaio and VaioStorage can not see Sharon2, KevinVaio or VaioPortable

I re-checked and all of the systems are running the same Network Protocols.
1. Client for Microsoft Networks
2, File & Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks
3. QoS Packet Scheduler
4. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) - and these all have the "Enable NetBIOS over
TCP/IP
deignation in WINS

It hasn't been 2 or 3 hours since I changed the restrictanonymous so I'll
re-do this again and reply again in a while.

KMW

 

[Chuck]

Chuck

Sorry for the typo - It should read can NOT see KevinsVaio.

All computers have now been up 1 hour and 47 mins. They are all still
reporting the same information as I menioned above on what they can see and
cannot see. Which really has only the 2 anomalies - KW Tablet - Can not see
KevinsVaio and VaioStorage can not see Sharon2, KevinVaio or VaioPortable

I re-checked and all of the systems are running the same Network Protocols.
1. Client for Microsoft Networks
2, File & Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks
3. QoS Packet Scheduler
4. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) - and these all have the "Enable NetBIOS over
TCP/IP
deignation in WINS

It hasn't been 2 or 3 hours since I changed the restrictanonymous so I'll
re-do this again and reply again in a while.

KMW

Kevin,

I'll look forward to seeing what you find out.

Your case is helping me to think about the intricacies involved in the browser
subsystem. Not too many previous cases I can remember where more than 2 or 3
computers were involved, and the owner was able and willing to analyse the
scenario like you are.

 

[Guest]

Chuck

Sorry for the typo - It should read can NOT see KevinsVaio.

All computers have now been up 1 hour and 47 mins. They are all still
reporting the same information as I menioned above on what they can see and
cannot see. Which really has only the 2 anomalies - KW Tablet - Can not see
KevinsVaio and VaioStorage can not see Sharon2, KevinVaio or VaioPortable

I re-checked and all of the systems are running the same Network Protocols.
1. Client for Microsoft Networks
2, File & Print Sharing for Microsoft Networks
3. QoS Packet Scheduler
4. Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) - and these all have the "Enable NetBIOS over
TCP/IP
deignation in WINS

It hasn't been 2 or 3 hours since I changed the restrictanonymous so I'll
re-do this again and reply again in a while.

KMW

Chuck

I checked again and the rsults are the same. Two (2) computers still can't
see everything.
1. KW Tablet can not see KevinsVaio
2. VaioStorage - can not see Sharon2, KevinsVaio, VaioPortable


Any ideas on what to check now?

KMW

 

[Guest]

Chuck

I checked again and the rsults are the same. Two (2) computers still can't
see everything.
1. KW Tablet can not see KevinsVaio
2. VaioStorage - can not see Sharon2, KevinsVaio, VaioPortable


Any ideas on what to check now?

KMW

Okay a new day a new dawn.

For some totally unexplainable reason this a.m. the KWTablet started showing
all the devices in Network Places including the previously missing
KevinsVaio. The only thing that happened on this machine since my last
message that I can think of is a re-boot after it had gone into hibernation.
Go figure?@#$%

So with all machiens now in order EXCEPT the VaioStorage computer which
still had Sharon2, KevinsVaio and Vaioportable still missing from Network
Places I again went through a checklist of everything I had previously set
and/or looked at in all the machines and low and behold !#?%$ I had missed
turing on the Guest Account. "I'm bad". I couldn't believe I missed this.
Talk about the forest for the trees. Once on it immeidately saw all the
missing machines.

In closing, I appreciate all you help Chuck and the steering. WHile at the
same to MSFT I have to say You Make Being Able To See All Of Your Attached
Devices Using Network Places WAY TO COMPLICATED!

Thanks

 

[Chuck]

Okay a new day a new dawn.

For some totally unexplainable reason this a.m. the KWTablet started showing
all the devices in Network Places including the previously missing
KevinsVaio. The only thing that happened on this machine since my last
message that I can think of is a re-boot after it had gone into hibernation.
Go figure?@#$%

So with all machiens now in order EXCEPT the VaioStorage computer which
still had Sharon2, KevinsVaio and Vaioportable still missing from Network
Places I again went through a checklist of everything I had previously set
and/or looked at in all the machines and low and behold !#?%$ I had missed
turing on the Guest Account. "I'm bad". I couldn't believe I missed this.
Talk about the forest for the trees. Once on it immeidately saw all the
missing machines.

In closing, I appreciate all you help Chuck and the steering. WHile at the
same to MSFT I have to say You Make Being Able To See All Of Your Attached
Devices Using Network Places WAY TO COMPLICATED!

Thanks

Kevin,

All right, that's great news! Just for our education though, which computer
needed the Guest account turned on? Which computer is the master browser? Was
the master browser computer logged on or off when the invisibility problem was
observed?

 

[Guest]

Kevin,

All right, that's great news! Just for our education though, which computer
needed the Guest account turned on? Which computer is the master browser? Was
the master browser computer logged on or off when the invisibility problem was
observed?

Chuck

THe computer that had the Guest Account turned off was the VaioStorage room.
The master browser is now KevinsVaio as Sharon2 (which was the MB for all
the machines before Sharon2 was rebooted after a Windows Update)

Only 2 machines have Computer Browser Services turned on now. Which are
KevinsVaio and Sharon2.

When you ask "Was the master browser computer logged on or off when the
invisibility problem was observed?" I'm not sure what you mean. But I can
state that yesterday all the machines were on (running and logged in) until I
went to sleep and they all had Sharo2 as the MasterBrowser. This a.m. as I
mentioned KWTablet rebooted after hibernation after which it saw all the
machines. Not sure what MasterBrowser it saw after the reboot but but Sharon2
was still running so I assume it was Sharon2. Later this a.m. Sharon2 had a
windows update that also requied a reboot afterwhich all the machines saw
KevinsVaio as the MasterBrowser.

KMW