Problems networking Windows XP and Window ME systems

[Jim Morrissey]

I recently replaced one of my Windows ME machines with a
Windows XP (both E-Machines) system. I have not been able
to get the XP and ME systems to talk to one and other
using the Home Networking configuration utility. Both
computers are connected to the same network hub which is
connected to my cable modem. So when using the Network
Setup Wizzard I select "other" for my connection method
and then chose "This computer connects to the internet
directly or through a network hub. Other computers on my
network also connect to the internet direcly or though a
hub". I have configured both computes with the same
default work group name (MSHOME) and unique computer and
description names for each PC. I created a "Network Setup
Disk" on the XP machine and which I ran on the ME
machine. For some reason I can not get the machines to
see each other when doing a computer search for their
unique names on the other computer. I have successfully
gotten my ME machines to talk in the past and have also
been able to see my ME machine from a Windows 2000 lap top
when connected to the same hub. Please proved advice on
how to remedy the situation. Thanks.

 

[Scott]

Refer to the message I put on the newsgroup page
called, "For Everyone having Networking Problems with XP"
and you will find your answer. Please note, this is the
only message a Microsoft representative responded to, but
I had the same problem and this solved it. Of course,
they didn't like it because they want you to upgrade all
of your machines to XP.

If they have deleted it, contact me directly and I will
help you. I spent over a week dealing with this matter
and I finally solved it this morning. It is a NetBEUI
issue.

 

[Scott]

I have been to that man's site. It didn't help to correct
the problem both you and I were facing. Note, he is an
MVP for Microsoft and doesn't communicate very clearly.
He sends you on a goose chase that ends in the same place
you started.

What I am noticing here is he is only responding to
messages I have posted to resolve this matter and not to
the questions all of us have been posting to get our
networks functioning properly.

You decide for yourself what this is all about. Try what
I suggested because it is a simple process to reverse it
back to its original state because you can delete NetBEUI
as a protocol.

Once again, I ask you, why are these representatives
providing resistance to the solution rather than
answering the questions we present?

 

[John]

I was reading over this posting. I am having the same
problem. However, my setup is using a broadband cable
router. I am using xp pro, my daughter's laptop is xp
home. I completed the setup using the network wizard.
We can both reach the Internet, but we can not see each
other's computer on our local network, nor can she share
the printer connected to my computer. When I go to
network places, I don't even have my own shared files
show up. My daughter's shared files do show uo on hers.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem? If so, how did
ou fix te problem?
Aloha, John

-----Original Message-----

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I was reading over this posting. I am having the same
problem. However, my setup is using a broadband cable
router. I am using xp pro, my daughter's laptop is xp
home. I completed the setup using the network wizard.
We can both reach the Internet, but we can not see each
other's computer on our local network, nor can she share
the printer connected to my computer. When I go to
network places, I don't even have my own shared files
show up. My daughter's shared files do show uo on hers.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem? If so, how did
ou fix te problem?
Aloha, John

Try these tips:

1. 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. Details here:

Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/ic_firewall.htm

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

Windows XP Network Protocols
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/network_protocols.htm

3. Make sure that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on all computers.
Details here:

Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP (NetBT)
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/netbt.htm

4. Run "ipconfig /all" and look at the "Node Type" at the beginning of
the output. If it says "Peer-to-Peer" (which should be
"Point-to-Point, but Microsoft got it wrong) that's the problem. It
means that the computer only uses a WINS server, which isn't available
on a peer-to-peer network, for NetBIOS name resolution.

If that's the case, run the registry editor, open this key:

HLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netbt\Parameters

and delete these values if they're present:

NodeType
DhcpNodeType

Reboot, then try network access again.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[KenC]

Well, I seem to have the same problem, but I cannot access the internet
either.
I upgraded from ME.
So my question: If file and printer sharing is trying to use NETBEUI left
over from ME, how can I determine that, and change it?
NETBEUI is not, of course, available as an option. And there are no
"properties" for file and printer sharing for the LAN adaptor.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Well, I seem to have the same problem, but I cannot access the internet
either.
I upgraded from ME.
So my question: If file and printer sharing is trying to use NETBEUI left
over from ME, how can I determine that, and change it?
NETBEUI is not, of course, available as an option. And there are no
"properties" for file and printer sharing for the LAN adaptor.

To see what protocols are installed, right click the LAN adapter and
click Properties. NetBEUI is available as an option:

HOW TO: Install NetBEUI on Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;301041

The key to Windows networking is to use the same, single protocol for
file and printer sharing on all computers. If the rest of your
network already uses NetBEUI, then install NetBEUI on XP. NetBEUI is
NEVER necessary on a network, but it's fine to use it. I've written
some web pages with more about networks and protocols:

Adding Windows XP to an Existing Network
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/addxp.htm

Windows XP Network Protocols
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/network_protocols.htm
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[KenC]

Thanks, Steve,
I understand what you are saying. My other XPs on this LAN do not have
NETBEUI.
If that's the only way to know, then NETBEUI is not installed for my LAN
adaptor(s). I am hesitant to install it because I know it should not be
necessary.
My other XP home had absolutely no problems connecting (XP as preinstalled).
This is my first "upgrade", from ME to XP home.
My original problem: Cannot see any network machines, nor router, nor any
internet. Even after trying the dial-up connection (as a backup if the DSL
is down) connected, there was no internet. The upgrade identified NETBEUI as
being unsupported and would be removed. Is there some way that it would have
still been left behind?

Thank you for any comments.
Ken

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hope you're still listening....
I tried the NETBEUI thing, and of course it did not help. So I uninstalled
it.
I have rebooted several times (since uninstalling it), and on start-up,
there is an event log message:
"The NetBEUI Protocol service failed to start due to the following error:
The system cannot find the file specified. "

There ARE some references in the registry for NETBEUI:
- There is a "NetBEUI Configuration Notify Object" as a CLSID.
- Some references re when I installed it.
- "My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Nbf"
(description and display name)
"My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\Services\Nbf"
"My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Nbf"
All looking for "System32\DRIVERS\nbf.sys" which is not to be found.

Is it safe to just delete the ControlSet entries? And what is the CLSID?
Delete that too.

Feel like I'm close!
Thanks!
Ken.

I'm sorry, but I don't know which registry entries do what. To get
rid of the NetBEUI remnants, I'd

1. Install NetBEUI as shown here:

HOW TO: Install NetBEUI on Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;301041

2. Un-install it and let XP clean up properly.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[KenC]

Steve, thanks for sticking with me!
I've followed the instructions, and done it all several times now.
The registry entries are still there.

There is (was originally) a NETNBF.PNF file in System32\INF. I don't know
what that means, but without the INF and SYS files, I can still pick NETBEUI
for installation. If I copy the files there (to their appropriate places),
then there are TWO NETBEUI choices to install. Removing the correct (?) one
leaves only one to choose. As long as the .SYS is there it installs.

Anyway, the uninstalls do not change anything. I cannot PING myself, nor the
gateway, nor anything else.
(After the first instal/uninstall, I was able to file share on my LAN!)

So, what are the .PNF files? Similar to .INF?
Thanks again,
Ken.

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Alas, some success!
In MSCONFIG, under Services, I disabled:
"True Vector Internet Monitor" (from Zone labs)
...rebooted, and now have internet access!

With the good, comes he bad: I no longer have LAN access. ??

Re-install ZoneAlarm, then un-install it using the un-install
procedure provided by the manufacturer, not using Control Panel |
Add/Remove Programs.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com