Last computer to boot up dosen't show up in LAN's Network Neighborhood

[Marshall22]

I have a Win2K Server with ICS running on it for sharing internet to all the machines behind it. There are 5 PC's (running Win98se) along with the server all connected to one 8 port hub. When I boot up any of the PC's, in any order mind you, the last one to boot up never shows itself on the other PC's Network Neightborhood. This is really frustrating for the users. Sometimes multiple machines won't show up. Its random. Anyone have a clue as to how I can fix this?

 

[GiaBetiu]

Always such problems are linked with NetBIOS name resolution. Browser service involved, etc.
First you have to clear define this naming resolution.
If you would have on the server WINS server, this will be solved imediatelly.
If you don't want WINS server, then youhave to be carfull with who is who, who is browser server, and who is not. By default in your network the server should be the browser master. It will not be if browser service is not running, or if NetBIOS is not configured to run over TCP/IP (check properties of network interface - internal one of the server).
Also, i suppose that you have a firewal on that server... so, if this is true, then there could be packets rejected by the firewall, and in this way your server will not be able to function as a browser server.
So,... try above ideas.

Gia Betiu
giabetiu@chello.nl
Computer Eng. CNE 4, CNE 5, MCSE Win2K

 

[Marshall22]

I assume that I would have to change all the PC's and server's NIC Adapter settings to employ NetBIOS over TCP/IP?

 

[GiaBetiu]

Yes, if you have W9x you need NetBIOS over TCP/IP on all computers involved (that want to communicate each other).

Gia Betiu
giabetiu@chello.nl
Computer Eng. CNE 4, CNE 5, MCSE Win2K

 

[Marshall22]

Well, I'll certainly give it a try. Thanks for you input friend!