Win 98 PCs can no longer see domain controller

[Chris Butler]

Hello,
I have a network of a W2K server with SP4 10 W2k Pro
Workstations and 2 Win98se PCs. Just this week the 2 Win98 PCs can no
longer see the server I have tried reinstalling tcpip but no difference.
Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

 

[Rob Elder MVP-Networking]

Can you PING the DC by name? by IP?

 

[serverguy]

Got WINS?

 

[Chris Butler]

I can ping the server both by name an ip address. WINS is installed and
running. If I do net view \\server_name this fails with error 53.
Strangely there is another DC on the network at our southern
office. This is linked via a vpn tunnel. The windows 98 machines can see
this one, but not the local server.

 

[serverguy]

If you can ping the server by name and ip, that is not the same as not being
able to "see" the server as you originally posted.
What else is running on the dc? Dns?
How are the Win98 machines getting their ip's? static or dhcp? Are they on
the same subnet? More info would help. ...and I have to tell ya' it's
painful troubleshooting 98. Why not upgrade them all to 2000? or better
yet, XP? Might save you some time.

 

[Chris Butler]

all machines are getting their IP by dhcp and they are on the same
subnet.

I am considering doing as you suggest upgrading to XP.

I hate a mystery though.