Cannot join workgroup

[Guest]

I have 2 XP computers that used to be able to see each other on a workgroup.
Now they cannot: my main computer cannot access the workgroup, but my second
computer can. When I click on the workgroup in My Network Places -> Entire
Network -> Microsoft Windows Network, it says that I do not have access to
this.
Both computers are connected to a switch, and the only changes that I have
made that might influence this problem is installing DNS4Me on my main, and I
have played around with the settings for services. I have tried disabling the
firewall, which didn't help.
DOes anyone know what the problems might be?

 

[Chuck]

I have 2 XP computers that used to be able to see each other on a workgroup.
Now they cannot: my main computer cannot access the workgroup, but my second
computer can. When I click on the workgroup in My Network Places -> Entire
Network -> Microsoft Windows Network, it says that I do not have access to
this.
Both computers are connected to a switch, and the only changes that I have
made that might influence this problem is installing DNS4Me on my main, and I
have played around with the settings for services. I have tried disabling the
firewall, which didn't help.
DOes anyone know what the problems might be?

Most likely cause would be a misconfigured or misbehaving firewall. Is this XP
SP2? Check Windows Firewall, and ensure that the File and Printer Sharing
exception is enabled.

Also check for a browser conflict. The Microsoft Browstat program will show us
what browsers (I'm not talking about Internet Explorer here) you have in your
domain / workgroup, at any time.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=188305

You can download Browstat from either:
<http://www.dynawell.com/reskit/microsoft/win2000/browstat.zip>
<http://rescomp.stanford.edu/staff/manual/rcc/tools/browstat.zip>

Browstat is very small (40K), and needs no install. Just unzip the downloaded
file, copy browstat.exe to any folder in the Path, and run it from a command
window, by "browstat status". Make sure all computers list the same master
browser.

For more information about the browser subsystem (very intricate), see:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=188305
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=188001
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=231312
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q102878/
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winntas/deploy/prodspecs/ntbrowse.mspx>
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/win95/w95brows.mspx>

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

Shouldn't the browser be the same for both XP machines?
Also, I have noticed that even though I have enabled File Sharing and
Printers for the connection and the firewall, I cannot start the computer
browser service. It is always stopped. I switched it to automatic, but I have
a feeling that it is still not starting. The error message that I get when i
try to start it is: "The Computer Browser service on Local Computer started
and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if they have no work to
do, for example, the Performance Logs and Alerts service."

Please not, I do NOT think this has been addressed on the general help
website, because I DO have file sharing enabled on my connection, and I DO
have it as an exception on my firewall. (Which I have tried turning off, but
hasn't helped).

 

[Chuck]

Shouldn't the browser be the same for both XP machines?
Also, I have noticed that even though I have enabled File Sharing and
Printers for the connection and the firewall, I cannot start the computer
browser service. It is always stopped. I switched it to automatic, but I have
a feeling that it is still not starting. The error message that I get when i
try to start it is: "The Computer Browser service on Local Computer started
and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if they have no work to
do, for example, the Performance Logs and Alerts service."

Please not, I do NOT think this has been addressed on the general help
website, because I DO have file sharing enabled on my connection, and I DO
have it as an exception on my firewall. (Which I have tried turning off, but
hasn't helped).

What's the general help website? I have no general help website that I use
routinely, I find the problems here to be so widely variant that any general
help website would be too unwieldy to manage.

We don't know a lot about your problem yet, so far you've given us observed
circumstances, but not a lot of diagnostics. What's the complete and exact text
of the message, and which computer are you seeing it from? Are the computers XP
Home or Pro? What SP?

If you have 2 computers running the browser service, you can get a browser
conflict, which will cause symptoms similar in nature to what you've briefly
hinted at. The master browser does indeed need to be the same on both
computers. We may need to dig a bit deeper to resolve this.

If you're getting an error on starting the browser service, check to see why.
It's probably a dependency problem - that is, the browser service depends upon
other services. Possibilities are the Server (aka LANManServer), TCP/IP NetBIOS
Helper (aka LMHosts), and Workstation (aka LANManWorkstation) services.

Try running "browstat status" on both computers, and compare the results.

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

The general help website that I was talking about was
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=875362
entitled "The Computer Browser service does not start and event ID 7024 is
logged when you restart your Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer"

What's the general help website? I have no general help website that I use
routinely, I find the problems here to be so widely variant that any general
help website would be too unwieldy to manage.

As stated before, the error message is "The Computer Browser service on
Local Computer started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if
they have no work to do, for example, the Performance Logs and Alerts
service." This is from my main computer.

Computer specs:
Both are XP pro, SP2
Both are connected by ethernet cables to a switch, which is in turn
connected to a cable modem.
Previously, both have been able to see each other on the network. However, I
have noticed the floowing things:
--The computer browser service does not start on my main computer
--The main computer is no longer able to join the workgroup, even if I try
to rejoin through My computer -> Properties -> Computer Name -> Network ID.
My secondary computer joins the workgroup fine.
--The main computer cannot be connected to through remote desktop
connection, it says that the computer is not accepting connections. My
secondary computer can be connected to through remote desktop.
--Turning on/off Windows Firewall and uninstalling other firewall software
does not make a difference on my main computer.
--My connections use the following protocols: Microsoft TCP/IP version 6,
NWLink NetBIOS, NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol,
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Both computers use these same protocols.


Results of browstat status:
First of all, it shows two "Status for domain myworkgroup on transport"
lines for my main, and 3 for my secondary (maybe one is for wireless? which I
don't use).
For my main:
First line: it says:
"Status for domain myworkgroup on transport \Device\NwlnkNb
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus."
Second line: it says
"Status for domain myworkgroup on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_<xxxxxxxx>" (not X's, but it's a long address).
"Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus."
For my secondary:
First line: it says
"Status for domain myworkgroup on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>" (not X's, but it's a long address).
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser is running from master secondary_comp
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master secondar_comp
There are 1 servers in domain myworkgroup on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>" (not X's, but it's a long address,
same address as above).
There are 1 domains in domain myworkgroup on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>" (not X's, but it's a long address,
same address as above).
Second line:
"Status for domain myworkgroup on transport \Device\NwlnkNb
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus."
Third line:
"Status for domain myworkgroup on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_<xxxxxxxx>" (not X's, but it's a long address, different
from above).
"Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is...." (same as the first line for secondary
computer, except addresses are different.)

I hope this info helps in solving my problem :/

 

[Chuck]

The general help website that I was talking about was
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=875362
entitled "The Computer Browser service does not start and event ID 7024 is
logged when you restart your Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer"


As stated before, the error message is "The Computer Browser service on
Local Computer started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if
they have no work to do, for example, the Performance Logs and Alerts
service." This is from my main computer.

Computer specs:
Both are XP pro, SP2
Both are connected by ethernet cables to a switch, which is in turn
connected to a cable modem.
Previously, both have been able to see each other on the network. However, I
have noticed the floowing things:
--The computer browser service does not start on my main computer
--The main computer is no longer able to join the workgroup, even if I try
to rejoin through My computer -> Properties -> Computer Name -> Network ID.
My secondary computer joins the workgroup fine.
--The main computer cannot be connected to through remote desktop
connection, it says that the computer is not accepting connections. My
secondary computer can be connected to through remote desktop.
--Turning on/off Windows Firewall and uninstalling other firewall software
does not make a difference on my main computer.
--My connections use the following protocols: Microsoft TCP/IP version 6,
NWLink NetBIOS, NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Transport Protocol,
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Both computers use these same protocols.

You've munged the hell out of browstat, and that makes it harder to read.

How about you just post complete and unedited (and uncommented) copies of
"browstat status" and "ipconfig /all" for both computers. There are a lot of
details in there, I will point them out as I look, if you will work with me.

And, contrary to general paranoia, there is no detail in either listing that can
be dangerous to post here. That I say in spite of my personal policy of
paranoia (read my sig).

Right not, if the main computer won't run the browser, and won't provide remote
desktop service, it sounds very much like a service problem. Any messages in
the Event Log? Can you read the dependencies displays in the Services wizard
and find which services the browser depends upon?

IPV6 can cause problems. I learned from research, by asking questions in
another forum, that IPV6 is NOT compatible with Windows Networking (browsing) in
Windows XP. IPV6, NWLink NetBIOS, and NWLink IPX/SPX, can all cause problems.
Do you need all of them?

You really only need the following items in the list:
Client for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks
QoS Packet Scheduler (optional)
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Then, make sure that NetBIOS Over TCP/IP is enabled on both computers. Local
Area Connection - Properties - TCP/IP - Properties - Advanced - WINS - Enable
NetBIOS over TCP/IP.

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

How about you just post complete and unedited (and uncommented) copies of

"browstat status" and "ipconfig /all" for both computers. There are a lot of
details in there, I will point them out as I look, if you will work with me.

Ok, I will show the unedited details in the following format: first main
computer ipconfig /all, main computer browstat status, second computer
ipconfig /all, second computer browstat status. Here we go:
Windows IP Configuration
Host name : Gigals
Primary Dns Suffix :
Node Type : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled : Yes
DNS Suffix Search List : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller
Physical Address : 00-0C-6E-EE-83-39
Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.171.65.125
Subnet Mask: 255.255.248.0
IP Address : fe90::20c:6eff:feee:8339%4
Default Gateway : 67.171.64.1
DHCP Server : 68.87.75.10
DNS Servers : 63.240.76.4
204.127.198.4
fec0:0:0:ffff::1%1
fec0:0:0:ffff::2%1
fec0:0:0:ffff::3%1
Lease Obtained Thursday, April 28, 2005 12:17:49 PM
Leas Expires : Sunday, May 01, 2005 11:51:08 PM
Tunnel adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix :
Description : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address : FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF
Dhcp Enabled : No
IP Address : fe80::5445:5245:444f%5
Default Gateway :
NetBIOS over Tcpip : Disabled
Tunnel adapter 6to4 Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : 6to4 Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address : 43-AB-41-7D
Dhcp Enabled : No
IP Address : 2002:43ab:417d::43ab:417d
Default Gateway : 2002:836b:213c:1:e0:8f08:f020:8
2002:c058:6301::c058:6301
DNS Servers : fec0:0:0:ffff::1%1
fec0:0:0:ffff::2%1
fec0:0:0:ffff::3%1
NetBIOS over Tcpip : Disabled
Tunnel adapter 6to4 Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix :
Description : Automatic Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address : 43-AB-41-7D
Dhcp Enabled : No
IP Address : fe80::5efe:67.171.65.125%2
Default Gateway :
DNS Servers : fec0:0:0:ffff::1%1
fec0:0:0:ffff::2%1
fec0:0:0:ffff::3%1
NetBIOS over Tcpip : Disabled
____________________________
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport \Device\NwlnkNb
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D2A18202-8202-874C-4C5D-A13F-64E230814749}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.
____________________________
Windows IP Configuration
Host name : IBM_A31p
Primary Dns Suffix :
Node Type : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled : Yes
DNS Suffix Search List : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection
Physical Address : 00-D0-59-CC-0A-54
Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.186.34.1
Default Gateway : 67.87.75.10
DHCP Server : 68.87.75.10
DNS Servers : 63.240.76.4
204.127.198.4
fec0:0:0:ffff::1%2
fec0:0:0:ffff::2%2
fec0:0:0:ffff::3%2
Lease Obtained Friday, April 29, 2005 9:50:05 AM
Leas Expires : Tuesday, May 03, 2005 9:20:53 AM
Ethernet adapter Bluetooth Network:
Media State : Media disconnected
Description : Bluetooth LAN Access Server Driver
Physical Address : 00-80-98-54-50-72
Tunnel adapter Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix :
Description : Teredo Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address : 80-00-FB-F9-BC-45-DC-A6
Dhcp Enabled : No
IP Address : fe80::5445:5245:444f%7
Default Gateway :
NetBIOS over Tcpip : Disabled
Tunnel adapter 6to4 Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : 6to4 Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address : 43-BA-23-59
Dhcp Enabled : No
IP Address : 2002:43ba:2359::43ba:2359
Default Gateway : 2002:cbfe:2682:0:207:50ff:fecf:6140
2002:836b:213c:1:e0:8f08:f020:8
2002:c058:6301:c058:6301
2002:836b:213c::836b:213c
DNS Servers : fec0:0:0:ffff::1%2
fec0:0:0:ffff::2%2
fec0:0:0:ffff::3%2
NetBIOS over Tcpip : Disabled
Tunnel adapter 6to4 Tunneling Pseudo-Interface:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix :
Description : Automatic Tunneling Pseudo-Interface
Physical Address : 43-BA-23-59
Dhcp Enabled : No
IP Address : fe80::5efe:67.186.35.89%2
Default Gateway :
DNS Servers : fec0:0:0:ffff::1%2
fec0:0:0:ffff::2%2
fec0:0:0:ffff::3%2
NetBIOS over Tcpip : Disabled
____________________________
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport \Device\NwlnkNb
Browsing is NOT active on domain
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2F}
Browsing is active on this domain.
Master browser name is : IBM_A31P
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master IBM_A31P
\\IBM_A31P
There are 0 servers in domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2f}
There are 1 domains in domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2f}
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport \Device NwlnkIpx
Browsing is NOT active on this domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.

 

[Chuck]

Ok, I will show the unedited details in the following format: first main
computer ipconfig /all, main computer browstat status, second computer
ipconfig /all, second computer browstat status. Here we go:

You're running Teredo Tunneling, aka IPV6. Do you need access to IPV6
addresses? IPV6 isn't compatible with Windows Networking, and the browser.

Please start by un installing IPV6, aka Advanced Networking, from the list of
items under Local Area Connection Properties. You only need the following items
in the list:
Client for Microsoft Networks
File and Printer Sharing For Microsoft Networks
QoS Packet Scheduler (optional)
Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Then, make sure that NetBIOS Over TCP/IP is enabled on each computer. Local
Area Connection - Properties - TCP/IP - Properties - Advanced - WINS - Enable
NetBIOS over TCP/IP.

If you need IPV6, you can install it later. After you get file sharing working.

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

Ok, so i uninstalled all the protocols for both connections except the 4 that
you listed.
I also made sure that in TCP/IP properties, NetBIOS is enabled over TCP/IP.

My main computer still cannot join the network
Here's the new browstat status for my main:
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D2A18202-874C-4C5D-A13F-64E230814749}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.
_______

Again, when I use my main and try to click on My Network Places -> Entire
Network -> Microsoft Windows Network -> Myworkspace, I get the following
error dialog box: "Myworkspace is not accessible. You might not have
permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this
server to find out if you have access permissions.
The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available"

 

[Chuck]

Ok, so i uninstalled all the protocols for both connections except the 4 that
you listed.
I also made sure that in TCP/IP properties, NetBIOS is enabled over TCP/IP.

My main computer still cannot join the network
Here's the new browstat status for my main:
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D2A18202-874C-4C5D-A13F-64E230814749}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.
_______

Again, when I use my main and try to click on My Network Places -> Entire
Network -> Microsoft Windows Network -> Myworkspace, I get the following
error dialog box: "Myworkspace is not accessible. You might not have
permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this
server to find out if you have access permissions.
The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available"

OK, you've cleaned up the protocol stack, which is a prerequisite to getting
this straightened out. Now we deal with the browser.

The browser requires anonymous access, so look at registry key
[HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa], value restrictanonymous, on both
computers.
<http://www.microsoft.com/windows200...2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/regentry/46688.asp>
<http://www.jsifaq.com/subf/tip2600/rh2625.htm>
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=246261
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=296403

For browsing to work (for each computer to be listed by a browser), each
computer must have a restrictanonymous value of "0".

The above articles refer to Windows 2000. Remember Win2K is NT V5.0, and WinXP
is NT V5.1.

Have you used the Registry Editor before? If not, it's a scary tool, but it's
pretty simple once you get used to it. Here are a couple articles that might
help:
<http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...home/using/productdoc/en/tools_regeditors.asp>
<http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/registry>

Just remember to backup the key (create a registry patch) for
[HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa] before making any changes, if
appropriate.

Straighten this out, then deal with authentication / authorisation, if
necessary. Start by posting updated browstat and ipconfig.

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

I looked in the registry, and found that both computers already had
restrictannonymous REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)
Also, I found that both computers already had
restrictannonymoussam REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (1)

ipconfig for main:
Windows IP Configuration
Host Name : Gigals
Primary Dns Suffix :
Node Type : Broadcast
IP Routing Enabled : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled : Yes
DNS Suffix Search List : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific NDS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller
Physical Address : 00-0C-6E-EE-83-39
Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.171.65.125
Subnet Mask : 255.255.248.0
Default Gateway : 67.171.64.1
DHCP Server : 68.87.75.10
DNS Servers : 63.240.76.4
204.127.198.4
Lease Obtained : Saturday, April 30, 2005 11:37:09 AM
Lease Expires : Wednesday, May 04, 2005 11:29:31 AM
________
browstat status for main:
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D2A18202-874C-4C5D-A13F-64E230814749}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.
________
ipconfig for secondary:
Windows IP Configuration
Host Name : IBM_A31p
Primary Dns Suffix :
Node Type : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled : Yes
DNS Suffix Search List : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific NDS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : Inetl(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection
Physical Address : 00-D0-59-CC-0A-54
Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.186.35.89
Subnet Mask : 255.255.254.0
Default Gateway : 67.186.34.1
DHCP Server : 68.87.75.10
DNS Servers : 63.240.76.4
204.127.198.4
Lease Obtained : Saturday, April 30, 2005 11:32:19 AM
Lease Expires : Tuesday, May 03, 2005 9:20:52 AM
Ethernet adapter Bluetooth Network:
Media State : Media disconnected
Description : Bluetooth LAN Access Server Driver
Physical Address : 00-80-98-54-50-72
________
browstat status for secondary:
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2F}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: IBM_A31P
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master IBM_A31P
\\IBM_A31P
There are 1 servers in domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2F}
There are 1 domains in domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2F}

 

[Chuck]

I looked in the registry, and found that both computers already had
restrictannonymous REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (0)
Also, I found that both computers already had
restrictannonymoussam REG_DWORD 0x00000000 (1)

ipconfig for main:
Windows IP Configuration
Host Name : Gigals
Primary Dns Suffix :
Node Type : Broadcast
IP Routing Enabled : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled : Yes
DNS Suffix Search List : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific NDS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller
Physical Address : 00-0C-6E-EE-83-39
Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.171.65.125
Subnet Mask : 255.255.248.0
Default Gateway : 67.171.64.1
DHCP Server : 68.87.75.10
DNS Servers : 63.240.76.4
204.127.198.4
Lease Obtained : Saturday, April 30, 2005 11:37:09 AM
Lease Expires : Wednesday, May 04, 2005 11:29:31 AM
________
browstat status for main:
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D2A18202-874C-4C5D-A13F-64E230814749}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.
________
ipconfig for secondary:
Windows IP Configuration
Host Name : IBM_A31p
Primary Dns Suffix :
Node Type : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled : Yes
WINS Proxy Enabled : Yes
DNS Suffix Search List : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific NDS Suffix : hsd1.pa.comcast.net.
Description : Inetl(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection
Physical Address : 00-D0-59-CC-0A-54
Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.186.35.89
Subnet Mask : 255.255.254.0
Default Gateway : 67.186.34.1
DHCP Server : 68.87.75.10
DNS Servers : 63.240.76.4
204.127.198.4
Lease Obtained : Saturday, April 30, 2005 11:32:19 AM
Lease Expires : Tuesday, May 03, 2005 9:20:52 AM
Ethernet adapter Bluetooth Network:
Media State : Media disconnected
Description : Bluetooth LAN Access Server Driver
Physical Address : 00-80-98-54-50-72
________
browstat status for secondary:
Status for domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2F}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: IBM_A31P
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master IBM_A31P
\\IBM_A31P
There are 1 servers in domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2F}
There are 1 domains in domain MYWORKSPACE on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{D97FC479-0AAB-447D-B50B-CA9B4DE42B2F}

OK, what we know so far (verify please):
- The browser service won't run on Gigals.
- Gigals reports "Browsing is NOT active on domain.".
- The browser is however running on IBM_A31p.
- Both computers are running CMN, FPSMN, and NBT.

Is there any firewall, or was there ever any firewall, on Gigals?

Compare the services running on Gigals with those on IBM_A31p, something besides
the Browser service is probably not running.

How are Gigals and IBM_A31p connected to each other? To the internet? How are
they protected from each other, and from the internet?

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

OK, what we know so far (verify please):

- The browser service won't run on Gigals.

Correct. I try to start the service, and it just turns itself off, saying:
"The Computer Browser service on
Local Computer started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if
they have no work to do, for example, the Performance Logs and Alerts
service."

- Gigals reports "Browsing is NOT active on domain.".
- The browser is however running on IBM_A31p.

This is what I got from running browstatus status

- Both computers are running CMN, FPSMN, and NBT.

Are these shortened forms of Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Printer
Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and NetBIOS over TCP/IP? I have these three
as listed protocols under the LAN connections for both computers.

Is there any firewall, or was there ever any firewall, on Gigals?

Yes, I am using Windows Firewall, with exceptions made for File and Printer
Sharing. However, I did set it to allow exceptions, so I should at least get
a dialog box before it attempts to block anything.

Compare the services running on Gigals with those on IBM_A31p, something besides
the Browser service is probably not running.

These are the differences:
The following services are started on Gigals, while IBM_A31p doesn't have
them started:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (both comps on manual)
Fast user Switching Compatibility (Gigals on automatic, IBM_A31p on manual)
Logical Disk manager (Gigals on automatic, IBM_A31p on manual)
Both are started, but on different startup type:
COM+ System Application (Gigals on automatic, IBM_A31p on manual)
The following services are started on IBM_A31p, while Gigals doesn't have
them started:
Computer Browser (both comps on automatic)
Help and Support (Gigals on manual, IBM_A31p on automatic)
Wireless Zero Configuration (Gigals on disabled, IBM_A31p on automatic)
There are lots of services that IBM_A31p has that my main doesn't, and vice
versa. The ones that seem like they might be relevant are:
Peer Name Resolution Protocol
Peer Networking
Peer Networking Group Authentication
Peer Networking Identity Manager
Simple TCP/IP Services

How are Gigals and IBM_A31p connected to each other? To the internet? How are
they protected from each other, and from the internet?

They are connected to a switch, which is connected to a cable modem. They
are not (to my knowledge) protected from each other, and neither the cable
modem nor the switch have firewalls enabled. Both computers use Windows
Firewall, with exceptions enabled.

 

[Chuck]

Correct. I try to start the service, and it just turns itself off, saying:
"The Computer Browser service on
Local Computer started and then stopped. Some services stop automatically if
they have no work to do, for example, the Performance Logs and Alerts
service."


This is what I got from running browstatus status


Are these shortened forms of Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Printer
Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and NetBIOS over TCP/IP? I have these three
as listed protocols under the LAN connections for both computers.


Yes, I am using Windows Firewall, with exceptions made for File and Printer
Sharing. However, I did set it to allow exceptions, so I should at least get
a dialog box before it attempts to block anything.


These are the differences:
The following services are started on Gigals, while IBM_A31p doesn't have
them started:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (both comps on manual)
Fast user Switching Compatibility (Gigals on automatic, IBM_A31p on manual)
Logical Disk manager (Gigals on automatic, IBM_A31p on manual)
Both are started, but on different startup type:
COM+ System Application (Gigals on automatic, IBM_A31p on manual)
The following services are started on IBM_A31p, while Gigals doesn't have
them started:
Computer Browser (both comps on automatic)
Help and Support (Gigals on manual, IBM_A31p on automatic)
Wireless Zero Configuration (Gigals on disabled, IBM_A31p on automatic)
There are lots of services that IBM_A31p has that my main doesn't, and vice
versa. The ones that seem like they might be relevant are:
Peer Name Resolution Protocol
Peer Networking
Peer Networking Group Authentication
Peer Networking Identity Manager
Simple TCP/IP Services


They are connected to a switch, which is connected to a cable modem. They
are not (to my knowledge) protected from each other, and neither the cable
modem nor the switch have firewalls enabled. Both computers use Windows
Firewall, with exceptions enabled.

Your service then is two ip address - dynamic or static addresses?

You are running Windows Networking between two computers connected directly to
the internet, and with WF and the FPS exception enabled. What is the Scope for
FPS? Have you opened the FPS exception up to the internet? Gack. Probably not
relevant to the problem, but not good. At all.

What AntiVirus do you have on each computer? Is it up to date?

Did you look in Event Viewer for further information when you tried starting
Browser on Gigals?

Peer Networking is an IPV6 component.
<http://web.archive.org/web/20041130030655/www.blackviper.com/WinXP/service411.htm#Peer_Networking>
(from my XP system):
SERVICE_NAME: p2psvc
DISPLAY_NAME: Peer Networking
Provides Peer Networking services
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 1 STOPPED

Simple TCP/IP Services supports some old school UNIX networking services.
<http://web.archive.org/web/20041130...m/WinXP/service411.htm#Simple_TCP/IP_Services>
(from my XP system):
SERVICE_NAME: SimpTcp
DISPLAY_NAME: Simple TCP/IP Services
Supports the following TCP/IP services: Character Generator, Daytime, Discard,
Echo, and Quote of the Day.
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING

What status for each service on Gigals and IBM_A31p?

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net.

 

[Guest]

Your service then is two ip address - dynamic or static addresses?

Comcast gives me a dynamic ip address. Since I'm using Comcast for both
computers (through the switch and cable modem) they both get dynamic ip
addresses.

You are running Windows Networking between two computers connected directly to
the internet, and with WF and the FPS exception enabled. What is the Scope for
FPS? Have you opened the FPS exception up to the internet? Gack. Probably not
relevant to the problem, but not good. At all.

I'm not sure how it's configured in regards to this. Basically, the firewall
has FPS listed as an exception in the exceptions dialog box.

What AntiVirus do you have on each computer? Is it up to date?

I use Symantec (Norton) Corporate Ed., and I check for updates every day on
both computers.

Did you look in Event Viewer for further information when you tried starting
Browser on Gigals?

Ok, when I try to start the browser on Gigals, I get 3 events in the system
log:
Source: Service Control Manager
Event ID: 7035
Description: The computer browser service was successfully sent a start
control.

(next event)

Source: Service Control Manager
Event ID: 7036
Description: The Computer Browser service entered the running state.

(next event)

Source: Service Control Manager
Event ID: 7036
Description: The Computer Browser service entered the stopped state.

There are no events between this that say why it stopped.

Peer Networking is an IPV6 component.
<http://web.archive.org/web/20041130030655/www.blackviper.com/WinXP/service411.htm#Peer_Networking>
(from my XP system):
SERVICE_NAME: p2psvc
DISPLAY_NAME: Peer Networking
Provides Peer Networking services
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 1 STOPPED

Simple TCP/IP Services supports some old school UNIX networking services.
<http://web.archive.org/web/20041130...m/WinXP/service411.htm#Simple_TCP/IP_Services>
(from my XP system):
SERVICE_NAME: SimpTcp
DISPLAY_NAME: Simple TCP/IP Services
Supports the following TCP/IP services: Character Generator, Daytime, Discard,
Echo, and Quote of the Day.
TYPE : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
STATE : 4 RUNNING

What status for each service on Gigals and IBM_A31p?

On Gigals, Peer Networking doesn't exist (not in the list), and neither is
Simple TCP/IP services.
On IBM_A31p, Peer Networking is on Manual, and not started. Simple TCP/IP
services is started on automatic.

 

[Chuck]

Comcast gives me a dynamic ip address. Since I'm using Comcast for both
computers (through the switch and cable modem) they both get dynamic ip
addresses.

OK, there's the answer. You have 2 physical (MAC) addresses. Each MAC address
is assigned an address by Comcast. There is no guarantee that the two addresses
will be on the same subnet, and if they are not on the same subnet, they will be
unable to communicate by TCP/IP. Even if we solve all other communications
problems (if any still exist to be solved), you won't be able to network these
computers this way. See below.

I'm getting better at seeing this occasional situation. I only missed seeing
the clue (below) 2 conversation exchanges ago. Last time it was 3 or 4, the
time before that numerous. Each time, I have to slap my face in disgust though.

I'm not sure how it's configured in regards to this. Basically, the firewall
has FPS listed as an exception in the exceptions dialog box.

You are opening your Windows Networking service ports to the internet as a
whole. This is not a good idea.

I use Symantec (Norton) Corporate Ed., and I check for updates every day on
both computers.

OK, Symantec CE is just AntiVirus (I think). Occasionally, someone posts here
with a problem like yours, and has no firewall causing the problem. Until they
realise that Norton AntiVirus that they are running is a Norton Internet
Security component. Another component of NIS is Norton Personal Firewall, which
they forgot about.

The clues to the answer (DOHH):

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name : Gigals

Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.171.65.125
Subnet Mask : 255.255.248.0
Default Gateway : 67.171.64.1

Windows IP Configuration
Host Name : IBM_A31p

Dhcp Enabled : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled : Yes
IP Address : 67.186.35.89
Subnet Mask : 255.255.254.0
Default Gateway : 67.186.34.1

Different subnets = TCP/IP is useless. Plus, it's dangerous.

If you are going to have 2 computers using separate Cable Broadband internet
connections, you absolutely should not be connecting them for file sharing using
TCP/IP, unless you setup a VPN between the two. Open file sharing using the
internet is a very bad idea; if you can see shared data on another computer, so
can everybody else on the internet.

This is (one of the very few cases) where you need to use IPX/SPX on both
computers. IPX doesn't route, so it is only visible between the two computers.
Install and enable IPX/SPX, and unbind file sharing from TCP/IP, on both
computers.

This web page written by Steve Winograd will help explain how to do this.
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/network_protocols.htm

A far better solution would be to get a NAT router, and share one ip address.
By not paying for 2 IP addresses, you could save enough money to pay for the
router in a few months, and after that, who knows what you could find to spend
your saved money? Send it to me if you have no imagination.