Lost Local Network on XP Pro?

[MrPig]

Hello all,

I have a local LAN network of 5 computers (all running XP Pro) and while someone was using the main computer (Which serves as a server) it apparently shut down on them, upon re-boot they selected to boot from 'Last Good Config', and now the computer won't detect any of the others on the LAN - nor can it be seen by any of the other computers on the LAN.

I'm not currently at the location of the LAN, so have asked that they check that all the cables are securely connected - other than that, what else can I advise them to try?

Thanks in advance

 

[noellees1]

Try booting in safe mode with network enabled??
Try the winstock fix?
MAke sure the work group / domain is still correct?

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[MrPig]

Thanks for the quick reply

The winstock fix - would that be appropriate seeing as the PC was working just fine before it apparently shut itself down?

The workgroup is still the same as ever, and I'll have to give the safe mode option a go - although I was thinking that maybe it's a hardware problem - do you think it's possible?

 

[bcastner]

Why did it shutdown? Does the Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer give any advice as to the reason for the shutdown?

. Check that the native ICF Firewall is not enabled;
. Check that there are no "bridges" appearing in Network Connections;
. Right-click the network connection tray notification icon, open Network Connections, highlight the local area network connection, and click the Advanced menu choice at the top. Choose Advanced Settings, and make sure that in the binding order that File and Printer Sharing, and Client for Microsoft networks are checked and bound to the TCP/IP Protocol.
. Some delay in appearing in Network Places is to be expected, although the "server" machine should at least see itself fairly quickly.
. I would be tempted to add Netbui in this circumstance; see Scott Finney's notes:

http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/40.htm#tipadaweekp.htm

 

[MrPig]

As is the best way in these situations, I physically changed my location to inspect the LAN.

I had previously advised them to delete the Network card from Device Manager, and re-boot the PC (seems to work for me on most occasions)

On arrival, it turns out that they'd not done this, and had just 'assumed' that it was a hardware fault...

But thanks for your answers again, very educational!