WinXP "breaks" my LAN

[Guest]

Hi!
I -had- three systems (Win95, Win98SE, WinME) all connected to a
Linksys router (connected to my cablemodem). All three of those
systems could see each other on the LAN, could share files (though
I might not have tried every combo), and could see the Internet
through my ISP. All was wonderful.

Then I added a WinXP Pro (SP2) system as the 4th connection to the
4-port router. Suddenly, NONE of the systems can see ANY of the
other systems. Filesharing is broken. Ping from ANY system cannot
see ANY of the other systems. Yet all can still reach the Internet.
(I'm NOT using ICS; not gonna use it.)

Removing the WinXP system returns the original LAN to working
condition.

So,
1) Why does a WinXP box break the LAN?

2) Even if the WinXP box can't work with the others, why does
adding the WinXP box trash the formerly working parts of
the LAN?

3) What do I need to do to get:

a) the original systems to work together when the WinXP
box is on the LAN?

b) the WinXP box to work with all the others on the LAN?

(I actually don't care about the Win95 box; it's being retired.
The others must be kept.)

Thanks!
Mike

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hi!
I -had- three systems (Win95, Win98SE, WinME) all connected to a
Linksys router (connected to my cablemodem). All three of those
systems could see each other on the LAN, could share files (though
I might not have tried every combo), and could see the Internet
through my ISP. All was wonderful.

Then I added a WinXP Pro (SP2) system as the 4th connection to the
4-port router. Suddenly, NONE of the systems can see ANY of the
other systems. Filesharing is broken. Ping from ANY system cannot
see ANY of the other systems. Yet all can still reach the Internet.
(I'm NOT using ICS; not gonna use it.)

Removing the WinXP system returns the original LAN to working
condition.

So,
1) Why does a WinXP box break the LAN?

2) Even if the WinXP box can't work with the others, why does
adding the WinXP box trash the formerly working parts of
the LAN?

3) What do I need to do to get:

a) the original systems to work together when the WinXP
box is on the LAN?

b) the WinXP box to work with all the others on the LAN?

(I actually don't care about the Win95 box; it's being retired.
The others must be kept.)

Thanks!
Mike

The WinXP box could be becoming the browse master for the network,
which can disrupt network browsing for a few minutes.

During that time, you should be able to access another computer by
typing its name in the Start | Run box in this format:

\\computer

You should also be able to ping another computer by its IP address.

It's especially important when adding XP to a network to use only one
protocol for file and printer sharing. Since Internet access uses
TCP/IP, it's the best choice.

I've written a web page with more tips:

Adding Windows XP to an Existing Network
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/addxp.htm
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Guest]

The WinXP box could be becoming the browse master for the network,
which can disrupt network browsing for a few minutes.

During that time, you should be able to access another computer by
typing its name in the Start | Run box in this format:

\\computer

You should also be able to ping another computer by its IP address.

It's especially important when adding XP to a network to use only one
protocol for file and printer sharing. Since Internet access uses
TCP/IP, it's the best choice.

I've written a web page with more tips:

Adding Windows XP to an Existing Network
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/addxp.htm

Sorry to be replying to a very OLD thread, but I was overloaded
at work and couldn't check in here for your answers.

Steve: It's not just "a few minutes" that it's messed up. It's
FOREVER, as long as the WinXP box is connected, NONE of my systems
can see each other: no "\\computer", no ping, NOTHING. All of them
can see the router and connect to the Internet, but NONE of them
can see any of the OTHERS. I've let it sit for several HOURS and
it's still messed up.

So, I have to disconnect the WinXP box in order to have all of my
other systems talk to each other like they did in the past. That
works great. But adding the WinXP box blocks ANY of those boxes
(and the WinXP box) from seeing ANY of the boxes.

WinXP should NOT be breaking an existing, functioning network like
that.

I'll peek at your website for info, but if you have any good suggestions
you can post here, please do. (I'll try to respond quicker next time.)

Mike

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Sorry to be replying to a very OLD thread, but I was overloaded
at work and couldn't check in here for your answers.

Steve: It's not just "a few minutes" that it's messed up. It's
FOREVER, as long as the WinXP box is connected, NONE of my systems
can see each other: no "\\computer", no ping, NOTHING. All of them
can see the router and connect to the Internet, but NONE of them
can see any of the OTHERS. I've let it sit for several HOURS and
it's still messed up.

So, I have to disconnect the WinXP box in order to have all of my
other systems talk to each other like they did in the past. That
works great. But adding the WinXP box blocks ANY of those boxes
(and the WinXP box) from seeing ANY of the boxes.

WinXP should NOT be breaking an existing, functioning network like
that.

I'll peek at your website for info, but if you have any good suggestions
you can post here, please do. (I'll try to respond quicker next time.)

Mike

Disable the Computer Browser service on Windows XP:

1. Right click My Computer, and click Manage.
2. Double click Services and Applications.
3. Double click Services.
4. Double click "Computer Browser". If the Service status is Started,
click Stop.
5. Set the Startup type to Disabled.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com