Windows XP Name Resolution

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pagel

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I have a 3g Router (from Vodacom) connected to a desktop and 2 laptops that then use that as an internet connection and that I would like to form a home network. All computers runs Xp Pro. All IP adresses assigned automatically.

All computers can access the internet. All computers can see the other by IP adress (problem is that these change from time to time). The one laptop and desktop can see each other by name (works perfectly). The other laptop can see neither desktop, nor other laptop by name.

The setup on both laptops is the same (workgroups etc). This is obviously a name resolution issue - I can fix the IP addresses, but need the laptops to connect to other networks that assign IP addresses automatically and don't want to change network settings all the time.

This is driving me crazy - please help!!

The 3G router (firmware 2.00.22) with a E620 Huawei Data Card works great and is very stable by the way.
Regards
Pagel
 
What is the status of your firewalls and have you enabled file and printer sharing on the problematic laptop?
 
Run Zonealarm on all three (to prevent unintended bandwith usage on always on connection) and the range of IP adresses that can be assigned is in the trusted zone - doubt that is the issue as zonealarm is set up the same on all three machines and one laptop and desktop can see each other. Windows firewall disabled.

File and printer sharing eneabled on all machines.
Cheers
Pagel
 
Where are all the networking experts :-)
Cheers
Pagel
 
Install the NWLink IPX/SPX protocol. I've had the same problem before and this worked.

To install, go to My Network Places -> View Network Connections -> Right-click on the network connection that you use to connect, wired or wireless -> Properties -> Install -> Protocol -> IPX/SPX (I can't remember if it lists it as NetBIOS or NWLink?) -> Wait a while

After it's done installing, restart the PC just to be on the safe side and when it's done try to view the Workgroup.

Hope this helps :)
 
Thanks - I will try that tonight and see if it works.
Cheers
Pagel
 
He's using TCP/IP, I can't see how installing the IPX/SPX protocol can solve his problem, strange..
 
XCalibre - I am open to any suggestions :-)
Cheers
Pagel
 
IPX/SPX protocol is old school isn't it?? I remember playing starcraft using that lol :) (thought it was a slower but more reliable option as the connection would transmit/recieve after each other and not at same time)

Anyway it's gotta be a DNS issue. Firstly you can assign a range of IP's on most routers. I don't know that 3G one but see if you can assign a range of three. eg: 10.0.0.5 - 10.0.0.7 (this will just give you more control over the IP's and might help)

Then on the culprit laptop check that under Internet Protocol/DNS all settings are exactly the same as the others. Don't know if you have already. eg: tick (Register this connections addresses in DNS)
 
Ranges has been assigned and settings has been checked - under the connection properties in the "The connection uses the following items" box there are quite a few more items installed/visible on the culprit laptop than on the other.

The NWLink IPX/SPX Protocol was not installed (is now) - can only check whether it works tonight though.

Maybe I should uninstall/uncheck the "extra" items?

Installed and checked items:
-Client for Microsoft Networks
-Odyssey Network Services
-File and printer services for Microsoft Networks
-QoS Packet Sceduler
-NWLink NetBIOS
-NWLink IPX/SPX NetBIOS Transport Prototcol (the one that has been added)
-WLAN Transport
-Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Cheers
Pagel
 
Last edited:
XCalibre - sorry, my mistake.
-File and printer Sharing (not services) for Microsoft Networks
Cheers
Pagel
 
I have got absolutely no idea - but then I assume the question was not aimed at me as I am the problem child here :)
Cheers
Pagel
 
Last edited:
dabbler said:
As far as I remember this is only used for gaming over LAN's, etc.:confused:
Click to expand...

IPX/SPX is a protocol which was usd by Novell Netware. It has been replaced with TCP/IP, even by Novell. It is basically a token passing network, which means that each device on the network gets an equal bite at bandwidth whereas TCP/IP devices contend for traffic, a problem which has been solved by switches by introducing inteligence into the swich in order to route traffic directly between devices rather than broadcasting to all devices.
Wiki will probably offer a more detailed explanation.
 
This may help...

Try adding entries to each of the pc's hosts file (c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts)
 
OK, This has become such a fascinating history lesson, but can we get back to the problem at hand.

So is your desktop connected to a wireless router by cable and the laptops connect wirelessly?

Also their are too many unecessary items (protocols/services) for your network connection (Looks like this port has seen a lot of action):

pagel said:
Installed and checked items:
-Client for Microsoft Networks --->OK
-Odyssey Network Services --->Remove
-File and printer services for Microsoft Networks --->OK
-QoS Packet Sceduler ---> OK
-NWLink NetBIOS ---> Remove
-NWLink IPX/SPX NetBIOS Transport Prototcol --->Remove
-WLAN Transport ---> We'll get back to this one.
-Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) ---> OK
Click to expand...

Ensure everything is set to 'obtain automatically...' for tcp/ip
Configure as above and reboot...

Also is there any other networking software installed on the culprit?
 
Last edited:
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