Confusing network problem

[Curt]

I have 3 computers networked via a Linksys BEFSR41-v2 router which in turn
is connected to a cable modem.
This setup has worked for over 3 years reasonably well until a few days ago.
All 3 computers can still see each other and see the contents of all shared
folders but files will not transfer. Trying from any of the 3 results in a
freeze up for several minutes although occasionally very small file have
transferred. All three computers can access the Internet with no problem
except during the freeze up time. The OS is WinXP. File sharing is on where
ever required. Any suggestions great appreciated.
Curt

 

[Malke]

I have 3 computers networked via a Linksys BEFSR41-v2 router which in
turn is connected to a cable modem.
This setup has worked for over 3 years reasonably well until a few
days ago. All 3 computers can still see each other and see the
contents of all shared folders but files will not transfer. Trying
from any of the 3 results in a freeze up for several minutes although
occasionally very small file have transferred. All three computers can
access the Internet with no problem except during the freeze up time.
The OS is WinXP. File sharing is on where ever required. Any
suggestions great appreciated. Curt

This sounds like a hardware issue. Troubleshoot by working on one
computer at a time. Here are some things for you to check:

1. Since you have XP, look in Event Viewer (Start>Run eventvwr.msc
[enter]) for clues on all machines.

2. Start with one computer and transfer a file to another one. Take
notes during your troubleshooting. Does the problem occur? If not, see
if it happens when you transfers files to a different computer, etc.
IOW, does the problem happen between all computers or only when one
specific machine is involved?

3. Swap out the cables for known-working ones. Unless you are skilled at
making your own, use commercially-made cables, not homemade ones.

4. Try a different network adapter (NIC).

5. The router may be failing. They don't last forever. Because a router
is more expensive to test (by replacing with a new one), check cables
and NIC's first. If new NIC's and cables don't make a difference, then
change out the router.

Malke

 

[Curt]

I have 3 computers networked via a Linksys BEFSR41-v2 router which in
turn is connected to a cable modem.
This setup has worked for over 3 years reasonably well until a few
days ago. All 3 computers can still see each other and see the
contents of all shared folders but files will not transfer. Trying
from any of the 3 results in a freeze up for several minutes although
occasionally very small file have transferred. All three computers can
access the Internet with no problem except during the freeze up time.
The OS is WinXP. File sharing is on where ever required. Any
suggestions great appreciated. Curt

This sounds like a hardware issue. Troubleshoot by working on one
computer at a time. Here are some things for you to check:

1. Since you have XP, look in Event Viewer (Start>Run eventvwr.msc
[enter]) for clues on all machines.

2. Start with one computer and transfer a file to another one. Take
notes during your troubleshooting. Does the problem occur? If not, see
if it happens when you transfers files to a different computer, etc.
IOW, does the problem happen between all computers or only when one
specific machine is involved?

3. Swap out the cables for known-working ones. Unless you are skilled at
making your own, use commercially-made cables, not homemade ones.

4. Try a different network adapter (NIC).

5. The router may be failing. They don't last forever. Because a router
is more expensive to test (by replacing with a new one), check cables
and NIC's first. If new NIC's and cables don't make a difference, then
change out the router.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"

Thanks Malke but no go. The problem exist on all computers and even when
substuiting a 4th computer in the mix. I have also tried different
combinations of just 2 computers at a time. I can transfer very small files
normally, from any computer using any computer and any computer can access
the internet so I would think that would rule out cables and Nics. I guess I
may just bite the bullet and get a new router.
Thanks again, Curt

 

[Malke]

Thanks Malke but no go. The problem exist on all computers and even
when substuiting a 4th computer in the mix. I have also tried
different combinations of just 2 computers at a time. I can transfer
very small files normally, from any computer using any computer and
any computer can access the internet so I would think that would rule
out cables and Nics. I guess I may just bite the bullet and get a new
router. Thanks again, Curt

I think that may be your best bet. Of course, if you have a friend with
a router - or a store with a decent return policy - you could try out a
new router to test. Home routers aren't really that expensive, anyway.

Malke