New Windows 98 can't log onto network domain: Please Help

[pbrelin]

Hi everyone,
I have a very strange problem that I need help on.

I recently downgraded 2 PCs from Windows 2000 to Windows 98 (because 2000 was totally compatible with some of our legacy systems).

I've configured Win 98 to connect to our Win NT network without a problem but these 2 newly configured PCs can't find the Domain server.

When I try and log on I get "No domain server was available to validate your password. You may not be able to gain access to some network resources." This makes it impossible to connect to the network.

Now, I've tried everything under the sun that I know of to get these PCs to connect. Rebooting everything, resetting network passwords, double checking all drivers are working, etc. As far as I can tell the newly configured PCs are configured exactly like the other Win 98 PCs that have no problem connecting.

I don't think it's hardware related because the 2 PCs are completely different (one a fairly new DELL and the other is a old California Electronics machine with some parts cannibalized from other old PCs).

Has anyone encountered this type of problem and what did you do about it?

Thanks a bunch for your help....

 

[wolluf]

Assume you're using TCP/IP - how are machines picking up IP addresses (DHCP or manual)? If DHCP have you checked they are picking them up (run winipcfg) & if they're not, try with a manual one just to see if they can see the server.

If manual - they are in correct range?

Try pinging the server from machines & vice versa.

PS. Silly - but you have spelled the domain name correctly in the 98 machines network details?

 

[pbrelin]

Thanks for the reply Wolluf,
I am using DHCP. (and the domain is spelled right, believe me that's not so silly, I've done that before).

I'm not sure how to manually assign an IP to a client PC or what IP range to assign it. Could you advise on that process?

Much thanks!

 

[Jontmke]

Make sure the name of the PC is not already inuse onyour network. Two PC's can not have the same name.

JON

 

[fmancini]

This is really stupid, but I swear it happens sometimes on my network. In the network settings, select Client for Microsoft Networks,properties, I uncheck the "logon to NT domain " box and then recheck it, restart, and the computer logs on.

 

[pbrelin]

Thanks everyone,
In my frustration I installed NT workstation on the PCs and bada bing, bada boom it works. Thanks again to all who tried to help me on this one.