workgroup pc's gone...well almost

[braddds]

Here is a bit of a puzzler. I recently had all my workgroup computers disappear on my network (home network). However my internet access is unaffected throughout the network.

I have a D-Link DI-604 Router for my internet and home network and the other day my shared folders on each pc disappeared. When I opened "My Network Places" all the available shares would appear...now nothing! And when I click on "View Workgroup Computers" I get an error message "Workgroup not accesable. Blah, blah, blah. The list for this workgroup is not currently available"

Yet, I can ping each pc from the next and use "Search" to find each pc by name and access the shares through there!

I've not played with the configuration for any of the pc's prior to this incident! All my anti-virus, spyware and other protections are current and show no problems when scanned. I therefore believe it has something to do with the router!?

I've re-updated the router...it was current before...and set it to "Factory Default"...still no change!

My three pc's are setup pretty much the same...all XP Pro! Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

 

[bcastner]

Sounds like a Master Browser issue.

http://www.michna.com/kb/wxnet.htm

 

[braddds]

Yeah I thought of that also...but, correct me if I'm wrong, the master browser will default to another pc if that pc becomes unavaiable. Since the "computer browser" service controls that and all pc's have this enabled then another pc will take over this role, as needed! From this understanding and the fact that no pc has been altered prior to this problem - other than the latest critical updates from windows - the only other common denominator is the router!? I guess I could look at the microsoft updates as a potential problem also.

Another thing I've noticed is that I can ping the addresses of any computer but not the computernames from other computers, except their own computername!

Cheers

 

[bcastner]

. Your description is a slightly rough, but you have the central idea.

Issues:

. Netbios over TCP/IP, and Workgroup naming

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318030

. Control Panel, Folder Options, View, you have checked the first box: 'automaticly search for network folders and printers.'

. Somebody did something in the network connections properties sheet to create the wrong 'Node Type':

Start, Run, CMD

ipconfig /all

What does it report for 'Node Type'? If anything else other than Broadcast, Hybrid or <not defined>, you have a problem. Please advise and I will issue a quick fix.

. My fellow MVP buddy Hans-Georg has a terrific site. Enter your problems, or better yet, scroll and read all the resolutions:

http://www.michna.com/kb/wxnet.htm

Keep the forum advised, as this is a resolvable issue.

 

[braddds]

Thanks for the response!

ahh...I see I need to give a little more info...my fault!

The following is how I've setup and have used my LAN/WAN for several years without issue until now:

I have two networks protocols installed IPX and TCP/IP. I use the IPX for LAN. I've removed the bindings for TCP/IP from the file/printer sharing and client for network. The TCP/IP Netbios Helper service is also disabled. I've always setup my services according to "Blackviper" site "SAFE" setting with the exception of the computer browser service which is set to auto.

The netbios over TCP/IP is a moot point as I've always disabled it as it is un-needed. The folder option has always been and is still checked. And no, nobody has done anything to the network as I alone administer it...all other users are "user" only, even I use a "user" account when not updating/administering the pc's. The node type reads as unknown...I beleive it has always read as this but I could be wrong.

I did check out your buddys site...alot of good information...but it says I should remove the IPX network, this I feel is not an option and would like to get it back to it's original setup before throwing in the towel! I have tried many of the other suggestions and various reading but nothing has helped so far.

Hopefully this new info may help lead to a solution. If more info is required please let me know.

Cheers

 

[bcastner]

I apologize in advance as IPX/SPX is to me a mistake. Your network should be TCP/IP protocol based only, with Netbios over TCP/IP to handle legacy browsing issues for users and software.

Novell abandoned the protocol 20 years ago. I understand the attraction as a non-routable protocol in these security concious times. But I think you should plan a change to TCP/IP.

In any case, you are facing a firewall issue or a physical plant issue. For the former, check if you have added any new antivirus or firewall products to any machine. You could well be blocking what the system views as the Master Browser, or what it views as the end-point.

A physical plant issue -- bad cable, network adapter, failing router -- is equally likely. You could end up with an endless Master Browser election sequence without any name resolution.

 

[braddds]

Thx bcastner

I was going to write that I too believe it's a physical plant issue...which it may still be...but then the strangest thing happened. The network started working again...mind you not completely by itself! I restored some old images that eventually worked to get it up again, then re-restored everything back to it's current configuration without the loss of the network! Kind of like giving it a kick start! I've rebooted all the pc's (full power down) and everything is back to where it was...go figure!

I guess I'll sign off on this, but if it turns out to be the router I'm sure it'll fail again soon. But who knows maybe I should just take your advice and dump IPX for TCP/IP and get into the 21st century!

Thanks again.

ps great tool I found on your buddy's site "browstat.exe", very handy

Cheers

 

[cbmudd]

Just a side note. In xp pro if you disable simple file sharing. Disable the guest acount. then go to computer management-local groups and users, disable the guest acount there as well. Now create a new user acount with a password. Now when you go to network places, on another computer, a logon screen will pop up, and you can log on with a username and password, with the acount you created.

The guest acount is the default logon in network places in xp. Not a good idear. The guest acount uses no password. I recomend this to all on a home network.....

 

[braddds]

thx cbmudd

Actually that is exactly what I've always done on all my pc's as part of the of my usual setup routine...except I don't disable simple file sharing...since all acounts are password protected and read only I see no reason to go this route! I also rename my admin account and setup a dummy administrator (disabled) as an added precaution. I also setup "user" accounts for everyone (including myself) for day to day stuff.

These are just a few precautions I impliment on all pc's in my home network, including one's I build for others. Once they get used to this setup they have little problem working in this "safer" enviornment.

Cheers

 

[bcastner]

Regularly run the Computer Browser diagnostic tools so you get a feel for how the browser status works when everything is okay.

Particularly in a mixed-OS setting, I tend to affirmatively assert control over the Browser election process.

Forum member Bob Linn, MVP has some very good thoughts on this:

http://www.chicagotech.net/computerbrowsingissues.htm

 

[braddds]

Just a late update.

It turned out to be the router after all...I fiddled with it and then it began to stop my mail, so I replaced it and voila - all is right in the world again!

thx to all who posted back!

Cheers