Different IP addresses will not allow XP and Win2K workgroups to see each other

[Guest]

I have about 10 computers in a small office setting running Win2000 as a workgroup on a peer to peer network to share printing capabilities and a small data base. I recently added 5 more computers that are running XP Pro. The XP Pro machines recognize only the other XP Pro machines in their workgroup although both workgroups have the same name
I think my issue is with the IP addresses
The 10 Win2000 computers have IP addresses and defualt gateways starting with 208.xxx.xxx.xx
The 5 XP Pro computers have IP addresses and default gateways starting with 64.xxx.xxx.xx

I am wondering if there is anyway to get these to recognize each other. I would be happy with the XP Pro computers at least being able to see one of the Win2000 machines that holds the database and printer capabilities

Short of getting similar IP addresses, is there anything that I can do

Thanks for any help offered

Matthew

 

[Guest]

I am setting up a network of XP Home, ME and Linux at home and have dual stage routing so I might be able give you a little help

First, from the IP of the gateway you gave, I think the Win2K machines and the XP Pro machines belong to two different subnets and that could be the reason that the two "groups" cannot see each other

Second, how are all these machines connected? Without that info. it is hard to think of a possible solution

PS: If you are familiar with IP routing, try "route PRINT" at the command prompt and check your routing table.

 

[Guest]

Hey John
Thanks for the suggestion. I was unfamiliar with the 10 connection limit. The idea about setting up a small server may be the route to go
To answer your question, the two different IP ranges (one starting with 208 and the other with 64) are both utilizing the same subnet mask and DNS, but they are both using different default gateways
I really appreciate your help
Best
Matthew

 

[Guest]

Hey newbie_d, thanks for your input
To answer your questions
All the computers are using the same Subnet Mask and the same DNS. The differences are in the IP ranges (one starting with 208 and the other starting with 64) and the default gateways. I do not own the IP addresses (they are the property of a temporary office space that I am using) and therefore do not control the computers that were assigned the default gateway IPs.

The machines are connected through eternet outlets and then recognize each other because of the similar IP addresses and workgroup assignments. Other than being allowed to plug them into the wall, I have no control over the router or the rest of the system

Does this shed any light on the situation? Again, thanks for your help
Matthew

 

[Guest]

Matthew, from the info. you gave me, it looks like you have two different routers "hidden" behind the wall. Both routers have their own DHCP and each giving out their own "set" of IPs, one with 208.x.x.x and other 64.x.x.x. Here is the step I would take

1. shutdown and unplug one win2k machine and one XP-Pro machine. Switch the ethernet outlets they was using.
2. the win2k machine should now be assigned with a 64.x.x.x IP and the XP-Pro should get a 208.x.x.x IP
3. now see if that win2k machine can use the resources (files and printers) on the four XP-Pro machines which also have 64.x.x.x IPs.
4. do the same as in 3. but now see if the XP-Pro machine with 208.x.x.x IP can use the resources (files and printers) on the four Win2K machines which also have 208.x.x.x IPs.

Please tell me if all 4 steps are fine with no problems and please tell me if you have one extra outlet that gives either a 208.x.x.x IP or a 64.x.x.x IP. I think the machine with DB on its local drive and printer attached to it needs to connect to both subnets. (ie. you need one extra LAN card on that machine.

As a reference, here is what I had at home

XP-Home Machine with two LAN interfaces. One connected to a router with DHCP that assigns a 192.x.x.x IP and other connected to a Linux Box, IP is manually configured (169.x.x.x) for that interface. The XP-Home can connect to the internet via the 192.x.x.x interface and also logon to the Linux Box via the 169.x.x.x interface.