Unless you have a Novell file server remove the Client for Netware Networks. If you need IPX/SPX for games, the games should work without the Novell client. If you don’t need IPX/SPX for games, etc., remove it as well. Larry*********************************
Q. What are the rules for assigning computer and workgroup names in a Microsoft Windows network?
Answer.
1. Each computer must have a unique name.
2. Workgroup and computer names can be up to 15 characters long.
3. Workgroup and computer names may not contain blank spaces.
4. If the network has a server, Domain Controller, such as Windows NT Server or Windows 2000 Server, than the workgroup name must be identical to the name of the domain that the computer logs into.
5. Larry says: Don’t use any “funny” characters in computer or workgroup names. All caps is the safest choice. WORKGROUP is a good workgroup name.
The Resource Kit for Windows 98 states that the following characters may be used in workgroup and computer names:
! @ # $ % ^ & ( ) - _ ' { } . ~
However, Microsoft Knowledge Base Article ID: Q250927, How to Configure a Peer Network, at http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q250/9/27.ASP? states that the following characters should not be used in computer and workgroup names:
/ \ * , . " @
There is also a problem using alternative workgroup names with lower case characters.
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Q. What are the configuration requirements to browse (see) computers and shared resources (files, drives, and printers) on a Windows peer-to-peer network?
A. The following requirements must be met to browse the Network Neighborhood/My Network Places (share files and printers):
1. You must have at least one of the NetBIOS protocols installed. The NetBIOS protocols are: NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and TCP/IP. If TCP/IP does not work by itself, go to Start, Setting, Control Panel, Network, select the instance of TCP/IP bound to the network adapter for your local network, Properties, Bindings and be sure the Client for Microsoft Networks and File and Printer Sharing check boxes are checked. They should not be checked for any network adapters used to connect to the Internet.
2. All of the computers must be running a common protocol.
3. You must login to Windows or the Microsoft Client for Windows.
4. A unique computer name must be specified in Network configuration.
5. The workgroup name must be specified in Network configuration and should be the same as the other workstations.
6. File and Print Sharing must be installed to see yourself in Network Neighborhood. If File and Print Sharing is not listed in Network Configuration on other peers/workstations then you will not be able to view that machine in Network Neighborhood.
7. If the above requirements have been met, disable or enable Browse Masters. A computer that is infrequently used should not be a Browse Master. There must be at least one Browse Master.
See How to Network Two Windows 95/98 Computers for installation details and for instructions on sharing files and printers. Also, Windows help is useful.
If all else fails, install the NetBEUI protocol in addition to the TCP/IP protocol. If the NetBEUI protocol does not work with Windows 98, see Unable to Browse Network With the NetBEUI Protocol.
