multi os pier to pier network

[GinjaNinja]

We have a pier ro pier network with 11 machines running different versions of windows (95, 98 & XP) most of the machines can see each other but it seems to be very unstable. there are only a couple of machines that can see every network connection the rest can see about 3 or 4 machines (the machines they can see very). Does anyone know how to make the network more stable so that every machine can see each other.

Thanks

 

[smah]

What protocols are you using for your network? NetBUEI has problems with this many computers.

 

[OzCDN]

Likely you do not have NetBUEI installed on the XP machines (due to the fact that it is not an option on the list). You can install it if you copy a couple of files from the XP CD. Here is the instructions from Micro$oft:

Installation instructions for NetBEUI protocol on Windows XP and Windows 2002.

* copy nbf.sys into the %SYSTEMROOT%\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ directory
* copy netnbf.inf into the %SYSTEMROOT%\INF\ directory
* open network connection properties and use "Install..." button to add NetBEUI protocol

Once the nbf.sys and netnbf.inf are in the correct locations NetBUEI will be on the network protocols list ... just install it, there are no settings to make.

Once all the machines are running NetBUEI check to see if you are still having problems. If you are it may be that you have multiple masters. No computer is permanently defined as the master with NetBUEI ... they vote to elect one. If some of your computers are Florida voters then the whole system gets confused. Usually it clears itself but, if necessary, there are commands to force an election.

Later ...

 

[SgtJarrow]

Okay,

Not solving your problem, but it is HIGHLY recommended, by Microsoft, myself, and probably anyone else you talk to, not to have a peer-to-peer network in this type of environment....Ten is the max....and I work off the limit of six....anything more than that and forget it...it is just too tough to manage.

You need to get a server package, set it up, and buidl yourself a small, very basic domain network structure. For your environment, you really don't even need a BIG server...a P4 1.4GHz or so should be more than sufficient. Just get Windows 2000 Server, load it up, get a couple of good manuals on 2000 Server...and set it up.

You might even want to consider hiring a consultant to do the istallation and setup if you are uncomfortable with it. You will find much better performace from your network, administration will be much easier, and you will not suffer from the problems you are currently experiencing.

Just my $0.02 Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. (Albert Einstein)

Robert L. Johnson III, MCP, Network+, A+
Access Developer/Programmer
robert.l.johnson.iii@citigroup.com

 

[firewolfrl]

on the XP machines run wmiprvse.exe at boot ( helps with 98 & 95 machines networking)
goto
World of Windows Networking

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/Contact.htm

this page will explain alot of your problem better then I could and might even fix the problem.

Browsing the Network/
Browse-Master

http://www.wown.info/j_helmig/browse.htm