Cisco 678 and WinME hangs on boot up...

[steve2d2]

Hi, I have a Cisco 678 router connected to a network switch that connects a peer to peer network of 4 WinME computers. I have the cisco assign dynamic internal ip addresses and provide internet access to all the machines.

It seems to work most of the time, however, about 50% of the time one or two of the computers will stop booting after the login screen. It's not always the same computer either. I usually have to turn the computer off and on a few times and eventually it will boot properly. If I disconnect the cisco router from the network, all the machines seems to boot fine. So i am thinking it's something to do with the Cisco. Any thoughts?

Also, my LAN ACT light blinks every 2 seconds, even if i turn off all my computers and just the Cisco is on. What's up with that?

I would appreciate any help, and sorry about the length of this question. Thanks

 

[otakuoverlord]

hey - whaddya know? I can actually help on this one!!!

I run a network at my office, with 11 WinME computers linked through a linksys 20 port hub. I had a very similar problem with my network, but I eventually found out it was a configuration error in windows itself.

Maybe my experience can assist you?


INFO NEEDED

Do you have the ME systems set up to ping and confirm the
existence of the other user's drives on startup?

# of ports on the switch/hub, and the manufacturer.

Is your network running on 10 or 100, or does it autosense on every end?

Do all the computers have the same network configuration?
-----------------------------

Solutions-

Try booting all the computers (not simultaneously) with the cisco removed from the network. You might just find out that the problem occurs without the cisco, too.


BTW- The LAN ACT light blinks every two seconds when no activity is detected on the network, it does so until you physically remove the cable from the modem or the hub, or when the hub has no power. This is normal operation. Start worrying when it stops.

 

[otakuoverlord]

Oh, duh- I have a 678 on the network too

 

[steve2d2]

Thanks otakuoverlord, I feel better knowing it wasn't just me. Well we played it safe and upgraded to Win2000 and all is well. Which proves your theory that WinME was causing mischief with the network. I guess when in doubt upgrade.......sometimes. Thanks for the help!|-0