Network problem

I have three computers A, B, and C. Computer A has windows95, computer B has windows98 and computer c is a laptop with windows2000. I would like to network two computers at a time using the cross wire connection twisted pair system. When computer A is connected with computer C, it works fine. Computer A with computer c (laptop) works also fine. Computer B (windows98) with computer C
(windows2000) does not work. Can you tell me what is wrong with this connection please? Thank you.

2. RE: Network problem
lbyard Nov-25-01 09:31 PM
In response to message 0

Can you tell me what the Network configurations on those two computers look like? Otherwise, we are guessing, aren't we? Larry (Carnak)

3. RE: Network problem
carmar Nov-27-01 05:04 PM
In response to message 2

The network configuration on all three computers is the same. The protocols used are tcp/ip, netbeui, ipx/spx. The three computers have the same workgroup name.

4. RE: Network problem
lbyard Nov-27-01 07:22 PM
In response to message 3

If you want to take the time to elaborate, I would be happy to help. Larry

5. RE: Network problem
carmar Dec-03-01 05:15 PM
In response to message 4

I think the problem definition is clear. Can you specify what kind of information do you want? Can you forward any suggestions please so that I can start looking into the matter?

6. RE: Network problem
lbyard Dec-03-01 06:37 PM
In response to message 5

Computer B does not work with computer C, right? The list of things on computer B at Start, Settings, Network, configuration. Plus the TCP/IP properties and the PC and workgroup names. The equivalent on the 2K computer. The status of the LEDs on the network adapters. Larry

7. RE: Network problem
carmar Dec-05-01 05:33 PM
In response to message 6

Laptop (w2k)configuration:
client for microsoft networks
file and printer sharing for microsoft networks
appletalk protocol
internet protocol(tcp/ip)
nwlink netbios
nwlink ipx/spx/netbios compatible transport protocol
Netbeui protocol
Computer name: Laptop
workgroup: sardonyx
Desktop computer (win98)configuration:
microsoft family logon
client for microsoft networks
file and printer sharing for microsoft networks
internet protocol (tcp/ip)
netbeui
ipx/spx/netbios compatible transport protocol
Computer name: charlie
workgroup: sardonyx

8. RE: Network problem
lbyard Dec-05-01 06:10 PM
In response to message 7

Get rid of nwlink. Larry

9. RE: Network problem
carmar Dec-07-01 02:19 PM
In response to message 8

LAST EDITED ON Dec-07-01 AT 02:21 PM (GMT)
LAST EDITED ON Dec-07-01 AT 02:19 PM (GMT)
I removed the nwlink as instructed. It worked once and I managed to transfer files from one computer to the another. When I tried to ping one computer from the other, I did not succeed. So far it did not matter as long as I can transfer data from the laptop to the win98 computer. The next day I tried to log onto the network and this time the two computers did not manage to communicate. The problem is still there and quite mysterious too.

11. RE: Network problem
lbyard Dec-07-01 05:49 PM
In response to message 9

Symptoms of a flakey crossover cable… You could try getting rid of NetBEUI and SPX/IPX. You may have to uninstall everything network on the Notebook and reinstall. I would purchase a switch or router (http://duxcw.com/faq/ics/diffrout.htm). Every time you play musical chairs with your PCs, they have to sort-out browse masters/lists (http://duxcw.com/faq/network/bm.htm). Larry

12. RE: Network problem
carmar Dec-08-01 07:36 AM
In response to message 11

The mystery about the problem is that the laptop and the computer with win 95 do communicate without problems and with the present configurations. The two computers with win 95 and win 98 also communicate well. I cannot see where the blame. By the way, I also use the same cable. I rule out the cable cross-over connection.

14. RE: Network problem
carmar Jan-04-02 02:02 PM
In response to message 12

Problem solved.
The two RJ45 plugs were removed from the cable and a fresh cut on wires was made. The two plugs were then re-connected in a crossover network way and now the laptop and win98 computers can communicate without difficulty.

17. RE: Network problem
lbyard Jan-04-02 05:39 PM
In response to message 14

For future readers of this thread… About 70% of network problems are caused by faulty cables. My experience shows that that percentage is higher when crossover cables are involved because many of them are custom made by people who do not know how to make them, use the wrong kind of cable/connectors, do not have proper tools, and do not test them (http://duxcw.com/faq/network/catest.htm) at Ethernet frequencies. Understanding and following the instructions at http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable1.htm can avoid most of these problems. Anyone who sells an untested custom cable grossly lacks professional acumen is not worthy of future business. Larry

18. RE: Network problem
mjbearit Jan-07-02 09:21 PM
In response to message 17

Your illustrations in your "How To" cabling section are quite good. I discovered this a long time ago (quite by accident) and I send people here all the time to get them to learn how to do it right! Thanks!