Networking problems with Windows 98

[Mark Zinn]

I have two machines running Windows 98 that do not even
show up under "My Networking Places" of my computer with
Windows XP. Likewise, when I try to access the Windows XP
computer from either Windows 98 computer, it says
the "Device does not exist on the network."

I called Linksys tech support but they were stumped. The
Windows XP firewall is disabled, so their is no firewall
blocking access. Interestingly, the XP computer can ping
the Windows 98 machines and vice versa. Finally, the
Windows 98 machines can communicate with each other as
well as three other computers on the network which are
running Windows 2000.

Please help. Thanks.

Mark Zinn

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I have two machines running Windows 98 that do not even
show up under "My Networking Places" of my computer with
Windows XP. Likewise, when I try to access the Windows XP
computer from either Windows 98 computer, it says
the "Device does not exist on the network."

I called Linksys tech support but they were stumped. The
Windows XP firewall is disabled, so their is no firewall
blocking access. Interestingly, the XP computer can ping
the Windows 98 machines and vice versa. Finally, the
Windows 98 machines can communicate with each other as
well as three other computers on the network which are
running Windows 2000.

Please help. Thanks.

Mark Zinn

I've written a web site that should help you solve the problem:

Windows XP Network Troubleshooting
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot

Please pay particular attention to these sections:

1. Firewalls: Permanently disable XP's built-in Internet Connection
Firewall on local area network connections -- it's for use only on a
direct modem connection to the Internet. Disable and un-install all
other firewalls while troubleshooting.

2. Protocols: Use only one for File and Printer Sharing. If the
network needs more than one protocol, unbind File and Printer Sharing
from all but one of them.

3. NetBIOS over TCP/IP: Make sure that it's enabled on all computers.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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