Sudden disconnections from the network

[Marcus]

Hi, I've come across a strange problem with a couple of
laptops (same brand, same model) and a desktop machine,
all running Windows XP Pro SP1 (fully patched). I must add
that the laptops work in a sepratae LAN (Domain) and the
desktop machine is in another building, different LAN
segment.

The problem is that they all get disconnected from their
network and they're all prompted to enter their
credentials when reconnecting to network resources, such
as a network printer or a share. I mean, disconnected from
network resources, the communication with the Internet is
okay (DSL router)!!!

The two laptops are in a Windows 2000 domain, while the
desktop machine works exclusively with a Linux PDC through
Samba Server (in a different LAN segment -- no
communication at all with the W2K domain).

I tried to install a PCMCIA Wireless network card on one
of the laptops and they problem never comes back. If the
laptop is wired, it gets disconnected after 10-15 minutes
of idle time... and it is prompted for new credentials...
I remember that IE works fine, Internet is never
disconnected... the cabling is okay as well as the
switches/hubs... the drivers are updated, and we are
talking about 3 different systems in different
environments.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Hans-Georg Michna]

The problem is that they all get disconnected from their
network ...

Marcus,

one possibility could be
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxNetwork.htm#Lose_access_to_shares_and_printers_after_3_minutes.

If not, you could look through the rest of the document for some
more hints.

Hans-Georg