XP and Windows 2000

[Guest]

I have resolved a problem regarding Win XP accessing shared files/printers on
my home network. I changed the XP computers to node "unknown" from "peer to
peer" which I thought resolved the problem. However, now when I try to
access the network on the Win 2K machines I am unable to access either the
web or shared folders/printers. I checked ipconfig/all and it appeared the
subnet mask changed from 255.255.255.0 to 255.255.0.0 on both Win 2K
machines, along with IP addresses that are completely different from the
usual range (192.168.101-.108). The node is listed as "broadcast". I was
able to resolve the issue by setting up manually:
Default Gateway
DHCP Server
DNS Servers
Subnet mask
IP address

But can't I resolve this situation in a different manner? Will I have
conflicts with other machines regarding IP address, since the other machines
are setup to find IP and DNS automatically?

 

[Chuck]

I have resolved a problem regarding Win XP accessing shared files/printers on
my home network. I changed the XP computers to node "unknown" from "peer to
peer" which I thought resolved the problem. However, now when I try to
access the network on the Win 2K machines I am unable to access either the
web or shared folders/printers. I checked ipconfig/all and it appeared the
subnet mask changed from 255.255.255.0 to 255.255.0.0 on both Win 2K
machines, along with IP addresses that are completely different from the
usual range (192.168.101-.108). The node is listed as "broadcast". I was
able to resolve the issue by setting up manually:
Default Gateway
DHCP Server
DNS Servers
Subnet mask
IP address

But can't I resolve this situation in a different manner? Will I have
conflicts with other machines regarding IP address, since the other machines
are setup to find IP and DNS automatically?

Rob,

I'd check for a rogue DHCP server. Put all computers on automatic assignment
(DHCP client), accept settings on all computers, run "ipconfig /all" on each,
and compare the results.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/reading-ipconfig-and-diagnosing.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/reading-ipconfig-and-diagnosing.html

 

[Chuck]

You must be a magician! Problem magically went away. I also re-booted the
router just to make sure each computer received IP address. Checked
ipconfig/all and everything looks fine. The 2 XP computers (one home and the
other pro) show node as "unknown" and the 2 Win 2K machines show it as
"broadcast". Correct me if I'm wrong, but based upon your recommendations,
this should not be a concern...correct?

The only node type problem is "Peer-Peer" - "Unknown" is not a problem.

If the problem comes up again, run "ipconfig /all" from various computers.
You'll probably find a NAT router being used as a switch or access point
somewhere, and serving DHCP.