Workgroup

[massctrl]

Workgroups in a windows environment have never been my favorite,..;

I have following problem:

5 boxes (mixed stuff 98, W2k)
2 boxes with XP pro on it
1 switch

Let's say that every requirement made by microsoft to have a functioning workgroup is met.... All client receive their IP from a router's DHCP server.

The 2 XP pro systems don't seem to find any computers in the network neighourhood, all the other ones work fine and can see the XP computers.

When looking deeper into the cause of the problem i found out that on the XP boxes could ping other hosts by their IP addres but NOT by their computername, which is the cause of the problem i guess.$

Client for microsoft networks is installed
file and printersharing is installed

What could be the cause of this or has anyone else seen this behaviour.

thanx in advance !!

 

[jrbarnett]

Do you have one box set up as an internal DNS server or have you set up name to IP mappings in the HOSTS file?

John

 

[bcastner]

1. Netbios over TCP/IP enabled on the XP boxes in TCP/IP Properties, Advanced, WINS tab. LMHOSTS disabled.
2. A share of something on every computer.
3. Guest account enabled on XP boxes.
4. XP boxes logon with OK or a password, not with hitting the Escape key or Cancel.
5. Computer Browser enabled on XP boxes in Services.
6. XP boxes can see themselves in Network Neighborhood. Otherwise something is misconfigured.
7. Workgroup name is spelled correctly. Computer Name is <= 15 characters. The shared resource has a share name <= 12 characters on the XP boxes.

Because you likely have Netbios browsing service enabled on all computers it can take a while to fully populate every machines Network Places listing. If you have an NT or higher box that is always on, make this the Master Browser by disabling Computer Browser on the XP machines that are not always on. (The < NT boxes will defer always to the => NT boxes for Browsing. XP can fight about it.)