XP Network Problem.....

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I have one computer {call it A} in my network that others {B and C} are
unable to see. While B and C can successfully ping A using the IP address,
pinging using the computer name returns a "53 error". Additionally, when
addressing A from B or C using the net view command, an invalid path message
results. This is true using either A's IP address or its name.

A is able to see all the files/folders/printers in B and C that are enabled
for sharing -- and works exactly as expected.

All three computers have been set to "Broadcast" node; NetBT has been
enabled on each computer; and there are no problem entries in either the Host
or LMHost files.

Finally, I have a Linksys BEFSR 41 v 1 with the latest firmware -- for what
it's worth.

Computer A is a Lenovo T60 notebook on a docking station running XP Pro; B
is an eMachine desktop running XP Home; and C is a Dell desktop running ME.

Thanks........
 
I have one computer {call it A} in my network that others {B and C} are
unable to see. While B and C can successfully ping A using the IP address,
pinging using the computer name returns a "53 error". Additionally, when
addressing A from B or C using the net view command, an invalid path message
results. This is true using either A's IP address or its name.

A is able to see all the files/folders/printers in B and C that are enabled
for sharing -- and works exactly as expected.

All three computers have been set to "Broadcast" node; NetBT has been
enabled on each computer; and there are no problem entries in either the Host
or LMHost files.

Finally, I have a Linksys BEFSR 41 v 1 with the latest firmware -- for what
it's worth.

Computer A is a Lenovo T60 notebook on a docking station running XP Pro; B
is an eMachine desktop running XP Home; and C is a Dell desktop running ME.

Thanks........
Click to expand...

Lee,

An "error 53" is name resolution error, which typically comes from SMBs being
blocked somewhere, ie by a personal firewall (not the BEFSR41, which is a switch
on the LAN).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html

Let's look at "browstat status" and "ipconfig /all", from each computer, so we
can 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
 
Chuck said:
Lee,

An "error 53" is name resolution error, which typically comes from SMBs being
blocked somewhere, ie by a personal firewall (not the BEFSR41, which is a switch
on the LAN).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html

Let's look at "browstat status" and "ipconfig /all", from each computer, so we
can 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
Click to expand...

Hi Chuck -- The links that provide browstat apparently require registration.
I was denied access to the pages, so was unable to download. I googled for
other sources and came up empty. Any other places I might go? Thanks......
 
Hi Chuck -- Thanks for the links. Unfortunately, they didn't work -- I was
denied access to the sites. Apparently these are blocked to the public. I
googled trying to find other sources and came up empty. Any other
suggestions for finding this software? Thanks.........
 
Chuck said:
Lee,

An "error 53" is name resolution error, which typically comes from SMBs being
blocked somewhere, ie by a personal firewall (not the BEFSR41, which is a switch
on the LAN).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html

Let's look at "browstat status" and "ipconfig /all", from each computer, so we
can 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
Click to expand...

Thanks, Chuck. I was able to locate Browstat by installing the full
Microsoft Support Kit. Here are the results you requested, and there is
obviously something very wrong!

A. Below is ipconfig and browstat results for Lenovo T60 notebook running
Win SP Pro, Version 2002 with SP2:



1. Ipconfig Results:

Windows IP Configuration



Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Lenovo

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net



Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:



Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Network Connection

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-13-02-30-8D-3C



Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:



Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net.

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 PL Network
Connection

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-16-41-53-8C-2B

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.102

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.74.162

68.87.68.162

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Sunday, October 15, 2006 3:53:20
PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, October 17, 2006
3:53:20 PM




2. Browstat Results:

Status for domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{89E85437-B0DA-4A46-9C6D-3A566BECEE58}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: EMACHINE
Could not connect to registry, error = 53 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 53
\\\\EMACHINE . Version:05.01 Flags: 51203 NT POTENTIAL MASTER
1 backup servers retrieved from master EMACHINE
\\EMACHINE
There are 2 servers in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{89E85437-B0DA-4A46-9C6D-3A566BECEE58}
There are 1 domains in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{89E85437-B0DA-4A46-9C6D-3A566BECEE58}



B. Below is ipconfig and browstat results for eMachine T3256 running Win XP
Home Edition, Version 2002 with SP2:


1. Ipconfig Results:

Windows IP Configuration



Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : eMachine

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net.



Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:



Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net.

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : NVIDIA nForce MCP Networking
Controller

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-40-CA-87-58-5B

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.101

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.74.162

68.87.68.162

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Sunday, October 15, 2006 1:37:58
PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, October 17, 2006
1:37:58 PM


2. Browstat Status Results:

Status for domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F812AD5A-E955-435F-984B-A20BEB2F6229}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: EMACHINE
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master EMACHINE
\\EMACHINE
There are 2 servers in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F812AD5A-E955-435F-984B-A20BEB2F6229}
There are 1 domains in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F812AD5A-E955-435F-984B-A20BEB2F6229}

C. I did not run either for the 3rd computer, the Dell Desktop running ME.
The command window disappears immediately after opening...
 
Chuck said:
Lee,

An "error 53" is name resolution error, which typically comes from SMBs being
blocked somewhere, ie by a personal firewall (not the BEFSR41, which is a switch
on the LAN).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/mysterious-error-53-aka-name-not-found.html

Let's look at "browstat status" and "ipconfig /all", from each computer, so we
can 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
Click to expand...

Second Try -- Thanks, Chuck. I was able to locate browstat by installing
Microsoft Support Tool. Here are the results which seems to indicate
something is wrong!

A. Below is ipconfig and browstat results for Lenovo T60 notebook running
Win SP Pro, Version 2002 with SP2:



1. Ipconfig Results:

Windows IP Configuration



Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : Lenovo

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net



Ethernet adapter Wireless Network Connection:



Media State . . . . . . . . . . . : Media disconnected

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Network Connection

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-13-02-30-8D-3C



Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:



Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net.

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : Intel(R) PRO/1000 PL Network
Connection

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-16-41-53-8C-2B

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.102

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.74.162

68.87.68.162

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Sunday, October 15, 2006 3:53:20
PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, October 17, 2006
3:53:20 PM




2. Browstat Results:

Status for domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{89E85437-B0DA-4A46-9C6D-3A566BECEE58}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: EMACHINE
Could not connect to registry, error = 53 Unable to determine build
of browser master: 53
\\\\EMACHINE . Version:05.01 Flags: 51203 NT POTENTIAL MASTER
1 backup servers retrieved from master EMACHINE
\\EMACHINE
There are 2 servers in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{89E85437-B0DA-4A46-9C6D-3A566BECEE58}
There are 1 domains in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{89E85437-B0DA-4A46-9C6D-3A566BECEE58}



B. Below is ipconfig and browstat results for eMachine T3256 running Win XP
Home Edition, Version 2002 with SP2:


1. Ipconfig Results:

Windows IP Configuration



Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : eMachine

Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :

Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Broadcast

IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

DNS Suffix Search List. . . . . . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net.



Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:



Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net.

Description . . . . . . . . . . . : NVIDIA nForce MCP Networking
Controller

Physical Address. . . . . . . . . : 00-40-CA-87-58-5B

Dhcp Enabled. . . . . . . . . . . : Yes

Autoconfiguration Enabled . . . . : Yes

IP Address. . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.101

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.1.1

DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 68.87.74.162

68.87.68.162

Lease Obtained. . . . . . . . . . : Sunday, October 15, 2006 1:37:58
PM

Lease Expires . . . . . . . . . . : Tuesday, October 17, 2006
1:37:58 PM


2. Browstat Status Results:

Status for domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F812AD5A-E955-435F-984B-A20BEB2F6229}
Browsing is active on domain.
Master browser name is: EMACHINE
Master browser is running build 2600
1 backup servers retrieved from master EMACHINE
\\EMACHINE
There are 2 servers in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F812AD5A-E955-435F-984B-A20BEB2F6229}
There are 1 domains in domain WORKGROUP on transport
\Device\NetBT_Tcpip_{F812AD5A-E955-435F-984B-A20BEB2F6229}

C. I did not run either for the 3rd computer, the Dell Desktop running ME.
The command window disappears immediately after opening...
 
C. I did not run either for the 3rd computer, the Dell Desktop running ME.
The command window disappears immediately after opening...
Click to expand...

Well, "ipconfig /all" for the 3rd might be useful, and you might yet end up
running it. Let's see what we can diagnose from the other 2 though.
# Both computers are on the same subnet (192.168.1.0/24), and both are using
Broadcast name resolution.
# Both computer browsers see 2 computers. ("There are 2 servers in domain").
# Here's a possible problem:
Windows IP Configuration
Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : eMachine
Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection:
Connection-specific DNS Suffix . : hsd1.fl.comcast.net.
Description . . . . . . . . . . . : NVIDIA nForce MCP Networking
Controller
Click to expand...
The nVidia nForce is a known problem here.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/02/hidden-personal-firewall-nvidia-nforce.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/02/hidden-personal-firewall-nvidia-nforce.html
# You also might want to make sure that the browse master is NOT running on the
Windows ME computer.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/windows-9x-9598me-and-browser.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/windows-9x-9598me-and-browser.html
 
Chuck said:
Well, "ipconfig /all" for the 3rd might be useful, and you might yet end up
running it. Let's see what we can diagnose from the other 2 though.
# Both computers are on the same subnet (192.168.1.0/24), and both are using
Broadcast name resolution.
# Both computer browsers see 2 computers. ("There are 2 servers in domain").
# Here's a possible problem:
The nVidia nForce is a known problem here.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/02/hidden-personal-firewall-nvidia-nforce.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/02/hidden-personal-firewall-nvidia-nforce.html
# You also might want to make sure that the browse master is NOT running on the
Windows ME computer.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/windows-9x-9598me-and-browser.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/windows-9x-9598me-and-browser.html
Click to expand...

Hi again, Chuck.

I read the procedure about de/reinstalling the NVIDIA Controller drivers and
am a little nervous about this activity. With eMachine tech support help I
was able to locate the driver, so I am ready to go. During my conversation
with the tech he told me that the settings for the hardware firewall were set
by the antivirus program -- in my case, Norton Antivirus 2005. The only
"non-virus" component of that system is a worm protector which Security
Center identified as a firewall. I turned it off, and Windows Firewall, with
no luck. So, I'm not sure the tech was right about resetting the hardware
firewall. However, before I plunge into this terrain, I want to be sure
there isn't something else we might first try.

Here is an idea...

In your articles you comment that one should not "host" the browser in an XP
Home OS machine. And that's exactly what I have done. How do I switch the
hosting to the Lenovo with the XP Pro? And might that not fix my problem?

Maybe it's important to remember that the Lenovo can see and manipulate the
shared resources in the eMachine computer and in the Dell running ME. The
eMachine and Dell are able to see and manipulate each other's shared
resources. While the eMachine and the Dell lists the Lenovo's presence (in
Network Neighborhood), neither can see the Lenovo's shared resources, much
less access them.

I just want to explore anything else before I fiddle with drivers and create
a non-standard configuration in an otherwise totally standard machine.

Thanks again...........Lee
 
Hi again, Chuck.

I read the procedure about de/reinstalling the NVIDIA Controller drivers and
am a little nervous about this activity. With eMachine tech support help I
was able to locate the driver, so I am ready to go. During my conversation
with the tech he told me that the settings for the hardware firewall were set
by the antivirus program -- in my case, Norton Antivirus 2005. The only
"non-virus" component of that system is a worm protector which Security
Center identified as a firewall. I turned it off, and Windows Firewall, with
no luck. So, I'm not sure the tech was right about resetting the hardware
firewall. However, before I plunge into this terrain, I want to be sure
there isn't something else we might first try.

Here is an idea...

In your articles you comment that one should not "host" the browser in an XP
Home OS machine. And that's exactly what I have done. How do I switch the
hosting to the Lenovo with the XP Pro? And might that not fix my problem?

Maybe it's important to remember that the Lenovo can see and manipulate the
shared resources in the eMachine computer and in the Dell running ME. The
eMachine and Dell are able to see and manipulate each other's shared
resources. While the eMachine and the Dell lists the Lenovo's presence (in
Network Neighborhood), neither can see the Lenovo's shared resources, much
less access them.

I just want to explore anything else before I fiddle with drivers and create
a non-standard configuration in an otherwise totally standard machine.
Click to expand...

Lee,

I recommend not using XP Home for the browser, if you have a choice, simply
because diagnosing browser problems is slightly easier using XP Pro. XP Home
will run as a browser if there are no problems. I highly recommend ensuring
that any Windows 9x (95, 98, ME) computer not run the browse master.

Both seeing a computer (as a server in browstat status, and in Network
Neighbourhood) and enumerating them, both involve SMBs. The former, though,
involves SMBs broadcast by the computer being seen. The latter involves a
direct exchange of SMBs.
1) eMachine to Lenovo: "Please list your shares".
2) Lenovo to eMachine: "Here is the list".
So the latter is more susceptible to interference by any problem that blocks
SMBs. This could be the hardware firewall (which also involves software
components in the LSP - and I don't know why that is), or it could be NAV and
the anti worm.

The nVidia nForce has been known in various forums for causing problems with
file sharing. If you read some of the linked articles, and the posts from other
folks seeking help, you'll note that some versions of the nForce just don't
work. I'm not going to condemn the nForce point blank though, as I'm not sure
that the problems are totally caused by their drivers. Unfortunately, I can't
exonerate them either.

And you have NAV 2005, and the anti worm protection. Did you configure that
properly? That's also been found to be a problem. If you can't configure it,
then you may have to un install NAV. And there are two problems there.
1) Un installing NAV is a major pain in the butt.
2) You are un protected when you do this.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/un-install-security-products-carefully.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/un-install-security-products-carefully.html

So let's discuss these issues, but in the end, it's your computer. I'll advise
you with all that I know.
 
Lee,

I recommend not using XP Home for the browser, if you have a choice, simply
because diagnosing browser problems is slightly easier using XP Pro. XP Home
will run as a browser if there are no problems. I highly recommend ensuring
that any Windows 9x (95, 98, ME) computer not run the browse master.

Both seeing a computer (as a server in browstat status, and in Network
Neighbourhood) and enumerating them, both involve SMBs. The former, though,
involves SMBs broadcast by the computer being seen. The latter involves a
direct exchange of SMBs.
1) eMachine to Lenovo: "Please list your shares".
2) Lenovo to eMachine: "Here is the list".
So the latter is more susceptible to interference by any problem that blocks
SMBs. This could be the hardware firewall (which also involves software
components in the LSP - and I don't know why that is), or it could be NAV and
the anti worm.

The nVidia nForce has been known in various forums for causing problems with
file sharing. If you read some of the linked articles, and the posts from other
folks seeking help, you'll note that some versions of the nForce just don't
work. I'm not going to condemn the nForce point blank though, as I'm not sure
that the problems are totally caused by their drivers. Unfortunately, I can't
exonerate them either.

And you have NAV 2005, and the anti worm protection. Did you configure that
properly? That's also been found to be a problem. If you can't configure it,
then you may have to un install NAV. And there are two problems there.
1) Un installing NAV is a major pain in the butt.
2) You are un protected when you do this.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/un-install-security-products-carefully.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/un-install-security-products-carefully.html

So let's discuss these issues, but in the end, it's your computer. I'll advise
you with all that I know.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that explanation. How do I establish a particular computer as
the host for the browser? Think I'll try to set the XP Pro machine as the
browser host as an initial step and see what that does. Takin' baby steps
here..... ;-)

BTW, during the past several diagnostic sessions the machine running ME has
been turned off. ( Doesn't effect the remaining machines' behaviors. ) And
it has not been listed as the browser host at any point.
 
Thanks for that explanation. How do I establish a particular computer as
the host for the browser? Think I'll try to set the XP Pro machine as the
browser host as an initial step and see what that does. Takin' baby steps
here..... ;-)

BTW, during the past several diagnostic sessions the machine running ME has
been turned off. ( Doesn't effect the remaining machines' behaviors. ) And
it has not been listed as the browser host at any point.
Click to expand...

If either one of the Windows XP computers stays up and online 7 x 24, or at
least when the other 2 computers need resources from each other, then you can
use that computer as the browser exclusively. And all that you need to do is
shut off the browser on the other 2. See my article for a good explanation of
why all this is necessary, and of how to do this.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html
 
Hello Chuck -- My problem seems to be solved. And, boy, did I go around the
barn to find the problem! To try to isolate the problem computer I ran the
network with 2 computers at a time, turning off the master browser on one
computer. Then checked browstat and network neighborhood. I then did the
same for the three computer network. The results seemed very consistent --
pointing to the Lenovo as the machine blocking access. For example, whenever
the Lenovo browser was the only browser available to the network, the only
server the Lenovo saw was itself and the other computers saw none.

I then began experimenting with firewall settings and -- lo and behold --
when I turned off the Windows Firewall on the Lenovo, everything behaved; no
problems in this configuration. I tried reconfiguring the Firewall to permit
all things that might be permitted using the advanced tab to no avail. The
only solution seems to be turning the thing off. This is not a terrible
situation -- I have a built-in firewall in the router and my computer also
has a Symantic firewall available. The Symantic firewall had previously been
turned off -- didn't want two of these alive at a time. But after turning
the Symantic firewall on, I continued to have no trouble with the network.
So I think I'll leave things this way.

Wonder what's going on with the Windows Firewall? I remember reading a line
in one of your articles that said turning it off was not advised and could
cause {neetwork??} problems.

Thanks for the help; I've certainly learned a great deal in this acitivity
-- just enough to make me dangerous because I still lack a fundamental
understanding for how networks operate -- you know, the services, processes,
whatever necessary to keep them healthy.

But at least I'm up and operating for now...............
 
Hello Chuck -- My problem seems to be solved. And, boy, did I go around the
barn to find the problem! To try to isolate the problem computer I ran the
network with 2 computers at a time, turning off the master browser on one
computer. Then checked browstat and network neighborhood. I then did the
same for the three computer network. The results seemed very consistent --
pointing to the Lenovo as the machine blocking access. For example, whenever
the Lenovo browser was the only browser available to the network, the only
server the Lenovo saw was itself and the other computers saw none.

I then began experimenting with firewall settings and -- lo and behold --
when I turned off the Windows Firewall on the Lenovo, everything behaved; no
problems in this configuration. I tried reconfiguring the Firewall to permit
all things that might be permitted using the advanced tab to no avail. The
only solution seems to be turning the thing off. This is not a terrible
situation -- I have a built-in firewall in the router and my computer also
has a Symantic firewall available. The Symantic firewall had previously been
turned off -- didn't want two of these alive at a time. But after turning
the Symantic firewall on, I continued to have no trouble with the network.
So I think I'll leave things this way.

Wonder what's going on with the Windows Firewall? I remember reading a line
in one of your articles that said turning it off was not advised and could
cause {neetwork??} problems.

Thanks for the help; I've certainly learned a great deal in this acitivity
-- just enough to make me dangerous because I still lack a fundamental
understanding for how networks operate -- you know, the services, processes,
whatever necessary to keep them healthy.

But at least I'm up and operating for now...............
Click to expand...

Hi Lee,

Thanks for the update. My advice about the Windows Firewall is probably re the
WF service. Stopping the service appears to make the network fail open
sometimes, and stop all traffic. Disabling the firewall is a better
alternative.

Anyway, if you can enable the Symantec product, and things work, you are
probably protected. So we can leave it at that.

And remember, if you break things, you're using your computer. If you don't
break things, then you have a computer. Danger won't kill you, here.
 
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