networking problem win98 to win2k machine

[Andreas Perfora’tus]

I'm having trouble resolving the IPC$ password error on a network. I cannot
get the win98 machines to login to the win2k box. I have googled till I
dropped and tried everything. Finally I enabled the "guest account" on the
win2k box. Well, that got rid of the IPC$ incorrect password error, but now
the shared resources are not appearing in the win98 boxes. They do however
appear properly on a WinXP box.

Is there anywhere else to go for help to resolve this issue? I even tried
Searching the MS KB. All they said was to run the "Net Logon" service on
the 2k machine. I tried that too, but it auto-shuts-down immediately with
an error saying that I "Don't need to run it because the machine is on a
workgroup and not on a domain." Argh!

Many sincere antethanks.

 

[Doug Sherman [MVP]]

Try:

1. On the Win2k machine, create a user account which matches the user name
and password used to log onto the Win98 machine. If you don't use a
password on the Win98 machine, create one.

2. On the Win98 machine right-click on Network Neighborhood and select
Properties. Select File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks. In the
Properties panel, go to the Advanced tab. Select Browse Master and set the
value to Disabled. Click OK and restart when prompted.

3. After the Win98 restarts, on the Win2k machine, click Start/Run cmd
ENTER:

net stop browser
net start browser
exit

4. Wait 12 minutes and open Network Neighborhood on the Win98 machine.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

 

[James Buttle]

I have found a workaround to that old age problem of browsing WIN2k
from 98.

I was running w2k as a ICS gateway with a 98 (first edition) client.

Forget the internet, it is not important, the trouble I was having was
getting Windows 98 to be able to browse through network beighbourhood.

First I tried forcing 2k to be master browser through registry

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters\MaintainServerList
(can be True, False or Auto)

no joy then I started messing about with guest user, still no joy.
Setting local security policy to allow enumeration without explicit
access (or whatever it is called). This also did not help. I already
had common users and passwords on both machines, so this also was not
the problem.

In the end I found that if you go on WIN98, networking properties,
client for MS networks, and the advanced (or something) you can set
Browse Master = True. I also went in to w2k above reg, and set it to
FALSE.

This way the 98 is master computer browser whatever and was able to
browse! This also meant my gateway is not the master computer browser
which is a bonus. Forget Stupid guest account. Lock down the
enumeration setting in local security policy, and you can STILL browse
and access your network HOOORAY!

anyways, here is your basic checklist to this age old problem.

1 - Put common usernames and passwords for network access on both
machines.

2 - Ensure that client for MS networks is there on both machines. (on
Win98 make sure this is your default log on in the pull down list).
(But please untick this on any connections that are directly on the
internet like dial ups or Adsl Modems - you dont want to share out
your files on the net (which is done by default on almost every
connection I have ever seen - DUH MSFT)).

3 - On win98, go into the file and print sharing setting and tick both
boxes to
enable File and Print Sharing on that box, (this is not necessary to
veiw shares on other pcs).

4 - On 98 machine go into advanced for client for MS networks and set
Master Computer Broswer = True.

5 - Go onto w2k machine and set
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser\Parameters\MaintainServerList
= False.

I think that is all you need. Any comments suggestions please post
follow ups.

Regards

James Buttle

ADDITIONAL NOTE
***************

BTW for security...

1 always have a firewall on your internet connection
2 rename administrator account and have long passwords for all users
3 disable NetBIOS over IP under particular device in advanced, TCP/IP
properties, advanced, WINS.
4 have an up to date antivirus package
5 run lavasoft adaware regularly
6 get all microsoft critical updates
7 Restrict anonymous access / enumeration under local policies,
security options in local security policy.
8 Untick client for MSFT networks and File and print sharing for any
internet connections such as ADSL modems, and dial ups.
9 Disable / kill / remove all guests and other useless accounts
10 If possible leave your computer off and sit in an underground
bunker the rest of your days.

 

[Doug Sherman [MVP]]

Either solution should work. The problem is that Win98 is notorious for
refusing to accept defeat in browser elections with newer versions of
Windows. Forcing either machine out of the election process should solve
the problem.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

 

[Andreas Perfora’tus]

Either solution should work. The problem is that Win98 is notorious
for refusing to accept defeat in browser elections with newer versions
of Windows. Forcing either machine out of the election process should
solve the problem.

Doug Sherman
MCSE Win2k/NT4.0, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

Thank you both. I'll give it a try as soon as I can. Thanks again for your
input. Its very much appreciated.