ping request could not find host

[MariaL]

I can ping all the other computers in my network by both IP and Host
Name, except one laptop. That one can be pinged by IP, but not name.
HELP. I am having trouble with files and printer sharing and I think
it is due to this name resolution problem from all I have read.

 

[Chuck]

I can ping all the other computers in my network by both IP and Host
Name, except one laptop. That one can be pinged by IP, but not name.
HELP. I am having trouble with files and printer sharing and I think
it is due to this name resolution problem from all I have read.

Maria,

One of the most common causes of this problem would be a misconfigured or
overlooked personal firewall, or other security component. Read this article
with an open mind.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

We could look at "browstat status" and "ipconfig /all", from the computer, and
from 2 others, and diagnose the problem. Read this article, and linked
articles, and follow instructions precisely (download browstat!):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

 

[MariaL]

I went to the links provided. I am providing logs from all three
computers for, ipconfig all, net configure server, net configure
workstation and browstat status. Hopefully someone will be able to
help. The first two listed for "Gateway" my wired connection and
"silverinspiron" wireless, both work fine, see each other fine and can
share files and printer fine. The "dell2650" is the one with the
problem.

GATEWAY - WIRED CONNECTION

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.
Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : gateway
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network
Connecti
on
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-03-47-C1-09-25
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.6
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, November 06, 2006
12:19:44 A
M
Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Thursday, November 09, 2006
12:19:44
AM

 

[Chuck]

I went to the links provided. I am providing logs from all three
computers for, ipconfig all, net configure server, net configure
workstation and browstat status. Hopefully someone will be able to
help. The first two listed for "Gateway" my wired connection and
"silverinspiron" wireless, both work fine, see each other fine and can
share files and printer fine. The "dell2650" is the one with the
problem.

Gateway - Wireless working fine.

Status for domain KRISTINE43 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{AE5EB51F-D14D-469
B-971A-A1E940D1773D}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: GATEWAY
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master GATEWAY
\\GATEWAY
There are 3 servers in domain KRISTINE43 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
E5EB51F-D14D-469B-971A-A1E940D1773D}
There are 1 domains in domain KRISTINE43 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
E5EB51F-D14D-469B-971A-A1E940D1773D}

SILVERINSPIRON - Wireless working fine.

Status for domain KRISTINE43 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{64EB24E1-3018-49A
0-A4A9-9AF65A4DE63B}
Browsing is NOT active on domain.
Master name cannot be determined from GetAdapterStatus.

DELL2650 - WIRELESS having trouble, can not be pinged by name.

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Maria>ipconfig /all

Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : dell2650
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection 3:

Connection-specific DNS Suffix . :
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-0F-66-A5-33-AF
Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes
IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.4
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1
Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Monday, November 06, 2006
1:13:12 PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Thursday, November 09, 2006
1:13:12
PM

Status for domain KRISTINE43 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A1E95ED9-8C37-42B
3-B5BE-1F0744E783AD}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: DELL2650
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master DELL2650
\\DELL2650
There are 1 servers in domain KRISTINE43 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
1E95ED9-8C37-42B3-B5BE-1F0744E783AD}
There are 1 domains in domain KRISTINE43 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
1E95ED9-8C37-42B3-B5BE-1F0744E783AD}

So Gateway can get server broadcasts from all 3 computers. But Dell2650 is
getting broadcasts from itself only, and has elected itself master browser. And
SilverInspiron is getting no broadcasts at all. All 3 computers are Node Type
Unknown, so no problem there.

Make sure that NetBT is explicitly Enabled on all 3 computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html

Then check all personal firewalls. And other security components.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

 

[MariaL]

I don't know what all that means. I know that Gateway can be pinged
by IP and Name from both Silver Inspiron and Dell2650. Silver Inspiron
can be pinged by IP and Name from both Gateway and Dell2650.
Dell2650 can be pinged by IP address from the other two computers but I
can not ping it from the other two computers by name. I don't know
what to do to fix this name resolution problem, so that the other two
computers can ping Dell2650 by name. From what I read until I have
resolved the name issue, the file sharing won't work.

In other words, I can file and printer share between Gateway and
SilverInspiron, but not with dell2650.

Maria

 

[Chuck]

I don't know what all that means. I know that Gateway can be pinged
by IP and Name from both Silver Inspiron and Dell2650. Silver Inspiron
can be pinged by IP and Name from both Gateway and Dell2650.
Dell2650 can be pinged by IP address from the other two computers but I
can not ping it from the other two computers by name. I don't know
what to do to fix this name resolution problem, so that the other two
computers can ping Dell2650 by name. From what I read until I have
resolved the name issue, the file sharing won't work.

In other words, I can file and printer share between Gateway and
SilverInspiron, but not with dell2650.

Well, Maria,

What you've described is normally caused by a firewall blocking name resolution
traffic. The articles that I provided describe the most common causes of your
problem, and what to do about them. If you don't understand something, ask
about it specifically, but when you say "I don't know what all that means.",
then "I don't know what to do to fix this name resolution problem", you're being
redundant.

With Gateway showing "There are 3 servers", a connectivity problem is unlikely.
And all 3 computers show node type of Unknown, so its not that a node type
problem.

A common, and easy to fix problem, would be the NetBIOS Over TCP/IP setting.
That will take you maybe 30 seconds / computer to check and / or fix.

Personal firewalls and other security components will be a bit more time
consuming. You're the one with the computer, though, so all that I can do is
suggest what you should do. I can't do any of it for you.

We'll try to help, but you have to help us to help you.

 

[MariaL]

Sorry, I responded to the first part of your post and didn't see the
bottom part showing links to check out, till after I sent my reply. I
didn't scroll down far enough before responding. I did try enabeling
Netbios over TCPIP. It then made the network unresponsive, I couldn't
even ping by IP. I read somewhere in one of the links from a link,
(I have read so many today I am crosseyed), that mentions the Master
Browser shouldn't be a computer running XP Home Edition. My new laptop
the "Silverinspiron", is running XP professional. I am in the process
of upgrading the gateway and the dell2650 with the XP professional. I
have double and tripple checked the firewalls, there are none.

Once I have all three computers running the same OS version, what do I
need to do to make sure that only one computer is the master browser?
or am I getting ahead of myself? I really appreciate all your
assistance and have been reading all the documentation links.

Maria (Network Novice)

 

[Chuck]

Sorry, I responded to the first part of your post and didn't see the
bottom part showing links to check out, till after I sent my reply. I
didn't scroll down far enough before responding. I did try enabeling
Netbios over TCPIP. It then made the network unresponsive, I couldn't
even ping by IP. I read somewhere in one of the links from a link,
(I have read so many today I am crosseyed), that mentions the Master
Browser shouldn't be a computer running XP Home Edition. My new laptop
the "Silverinspiron", is running XP professional. I am in the process
of upgrading the gateway and the dell2650 with the XP professional. I
have double and tripple checked the firewalls, there are none.

Once I have all three computers running the same OS version, what do I
need to do to make sure that only one computer is the master browser?
or am I getting ahead of myself? I really appreciate all your
assistance and have been reading all the documentation links.

OK, Maria,

Here's the thing. Your original reported problem was "ping by name returns
Cannot find host". Many times, master browser problems can be confused with
name resolution problems. In your case, this is not so. The "cannot find host"
error is plainly a name resolution problem.

So let's work on the name resolution issue first, and the master browser later.

For a small LAN, which you have, the proper name resolution is node type
Broadcast. Unknown, on a LAN without a WINS server, uses Broadcast.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/address-resolution-on-lan.html#Unknown>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/address-resolution-on-lan.html#Unknown

Name resolution broadcasts require NetBIOS Over TCP/IP. Without NetBT enabled,
you need a DNS server for name resolution. I strongly doubt that you have that.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html

Without NetBT, you have to expect "cannot find host". That's the bottom line.

So if you enable NetBT, as you should, and you have an unresponsive network,
then we have to work on that first.

There are 3 functions that may use NetBT.
1) Name resolution.
2) Server advertisement (which is where the browser becomes involved).
3) Server access.

If NetBT is disabled, there are different possibilities.
1) Name resolution requires DNS.
2) Server advertisement packets (SMBs) bind directly to IP, ie SMBs are directly
hosted on IP.
3) Server access packets (SMBs) bind directly to IP, ie SMBs are directly hosted
on IP.

SMBs Over NetBT use ports 137 - 139, but SMBs directly hosted use port 445. You
MUST configure your firewall properly, to pass traffic to the appropriate port.
And this is where you have to look carefully for firewall components. Disabled
firewalls don't always work properly.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

If you have a LAN with 3 computers, all 3 computers need the same NetBT setting,
and the firewalls on each have to be consistent per the NetBT setting. And note
the difference between "Default" and "Enabled".
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html

So having read all of the above, please ask questions. We'll go from there.

 

[MariaL]

I have enabled TCPIP...I have set the windows firewalls up as
instructed. I have actually tried file sharing with all firewalls
disabled and then again with all operational. I have the same mcafee
virus software on all three computers, the firewall is not installed on
any of the computers. At first in both situations I could see all
files between everyone, except dell2650. Dell2650 could not see share
files, but the files on that computer were able to be shared. Then I
shut down, rebooted when I came home after awhile and now I can't see
anyone from dell2650. The other two computers can see/share just fine.
I was able to share files with the dell I am having trouble with
prior to getting a new router. I upgraded to the N type netgear router
over the B linksys router. I just don't understand what is different.
Tech support at netgear told me to disable all firewalls and that I
didn't need them because the router is strongly encrypted. I am using
the WAP key.

Maria

 

[Chuck]

I have enabled TCPIP...I have set the windows firewalls up as
instructed. I have actually tried file sharing with all firewalls
disabled and then again with all operational. I have the same mcafee
virus software on all three computers, the firewall is not installed on
any of the computers. At first in both situations I could see all
files between everyone, except dell2650. Dell2650 could not see share
files, but the files on that computer were able to be shared. Then I
shut down, rebooted when I came home after awhile and now I can't see
anyone from dell2650. The other two computers can see/share just fine.
I was able to share files with the dell I am having trouble with
prior to getting a new router. I upgraded to the N type netgear router
over the B linksys router. I just don't understand what is different.
Tech support at netgear told me to disable all firewalls and that I
didn't need them because the router is strongly encrypted. I am using
the WAP key.

Maria,

If you're using WPA (not WAP, and hopefully not WEP - and will you please verify
this?) then you're adequately protected from malicious WiFi traffic. The NAT
functionality in the router will protect (but is NOT a firewall) from malicious
Internet traffic.

One NAT router, in general, is identical to any other NAT router, with regard to
LAN connectivity. The LAN side of the typical NAT router is simply a switch.
This includes the WiFi component. There is no firewall on the LAN, with ONE
possible exception.

Except for the fact that Gateway browstat reports
There are 3 servers in domain KRISTINE43...
it would be POSSIBLE that the Netgear has Isolation Mode, which is a feature
found on some (and increasingly more) NAT routers. Isolation Mode sets up a
complete and un configurable firewall between all computers on the LAN, both
wired and WiFi. But, if Gateway is receiving server advertisements from the
other 2 computers, this is not likely.

Other than the possible (but unlikely) Isolation Mode, there is NO firewall
between the computers on the LAN. The personal firewall on each computer is
there, intentionally, to protect each computer on the LAN from each other
computer on the LAN. The personal firewall is essential.

If you're going to use McAfee Personal Firewall, you have to ensure that Windows
Firewall is disabled. WF is designed to disable itself automatically when you
install a third party firewall, but that doesn't always happen. With 2 personal
firewalls active, you will get file sharing problems like yours.

If you have McAfee antivirus, check very carefully for an antiworm component,
which will also cause file sharing problems.

Netgear tech support, like most router tech support, is not very experienced in
network security. Telling you to disable your personal firewalls because the
router is encrypted is ignorant.

If you cannot see any other computers from Dell2650, then you likely have a
firewall problem. Make sure that the WF / ICS service is running. If you have
to disable WF, always disable it by the WF control wizard - never disable WF by
stopping the WF / ICS service.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

Always run browstat from each computer, when you restart one. Make sure that
you don't end up with a browser conflict.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html

 

[MariaL]

I am using the WPA security mode on my router. I reset my tcpip last
night, I renamed my workgroup and my computer, uninstalled virus
protection and disabled windows firewall, enabled tcp/ip. I am back to
square one. When I connect the blackdell wirelessly, I have the
problem. When I connect with my ethernet connection, all is fine.
Here is the browstat status on each connection. I have read and read,
followed all instructions..I just don't get it. The only thing I can
think of is that somehow the router "N" which is a new technology,
isn't letting the wireless adapter communicate properly, since it is a
different style "B", even though it is supposed to be compatible.

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Maria>C:\browstat status

"BLACK DELL WIRED"

Status for domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A5FC885F-1159-4A9
E-9EDB-38FA9C8FD139}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: MYGATEWAY
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine
build of br
owser master: 5
\\\\MYGATEWAY . Version:05.01 Flags: 51203 NT POTENTIAL
MASTER
1 backup servers retrieved from master MYGATEWAY
\\MYGATEWAY
There are 3 servers in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
5FC885F-1159-4A9E-9EDB-38FA9C8FD139}
There are 1 domains in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
5FC885F-1159-4A9E-9EDB-38FA9C8FD139}

C:\Documents and Settings\Maria>c:\browstat status

"BLACK DELL WIRELESS"
Status for domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A1E95ED9-8C37-42B
3-B5BE-1F0744E783AD}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: BLACKDELL
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master BLACKDELL
\\BLACKDELL
There are 1 servers in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
1E95ED9-8C37-42B3-B5BE-1F0744E783AD}
There are 1 domains in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
1E95ED9-8C37-42B3-B5BE-1F0744E783AD}

"MYGATEWAY - WIRED"
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>c:\browstat status


Status for domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{AE5EB51F-D14D-469
B-971A-A1E940D1773D}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: MYGATEWAY
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master MYGATEWAY
\\MYGATEWAY
There are 3 servers in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
E5EB51F-D14D-469B-971A-A1E940D1773D}
There are 1 domains in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{A
E5EB51F-D14D-469B-971A-A1E940D1773D}


"SILVERDELL WIRED"
Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Maria.LAYORT-INSPIRON>c:\browstat status


Status for domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{64EB24E1-3018-49A
0-A4A9-9AF65A4DE63B}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: MYGATEWAY
Could not open key in registry, error = 5 Unable to determine
build of br
owser master: 5
\\\\MYGATEWAY . Version:05.01 Flags: 51203 NT POTENTIAL
MASTER
1 backup servers retrieved from master MYGATEWAY
\\MYGATEWAY
There are 3 servers in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{6
4EB24E1-3018-49A0-A4A9-9AF65A4DE63B}
There are 1 domains in domain KRISTINE63 on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{6
4EB24E1-3018-49A0-A4A9-9AF65A4DE63B}

 

[MariaL]

I finally found ONE way I can connect the network so that I can share
files with the older laptop on my network with the Linksys Wireless-B
Notebook adapter. I have to have my advanced wireless setting
engryption OFF and I have to set my wireless setting to A/B mode. I
can't use it in the advanced N mode. If I have it set this way
firewall doesn't make a difference. I have set the wireless connection
to only allow the two adapters on my two laptops to connect. Since
the laptop I am trying to get to fileshare is an older system with a
bad monitor, I won't be using it often..However I was determined to
figure out a way to file share with it, that didn't require connecting
it through the ethernet port. I will change my settings to this less
secure method, if and when I need to file or printer share.

Now if I can find a cheap replacement LCD monitor for the computer, my
kids will have a decent laptop to use.