No DNS Server Found error

[tahoe2]

Wireless Small Business Server 2003 Network with 4 laptops and two printers, all hooked up and running fine.
A desktop unit was purchased, a wireless card installed and the machine was powered up and configured.
The PC finds two other wireless networks, just not ours.
When I try to join the domain, I get a "No DNS server was found...)" error.
I tried static IP, No Static IP, setting the IP of the DNS server, nothing works.
What am I missing?

Thanks!
Corie

 

[Beowulf005]

Try a static IP
In The primary DNS type the SBS server address
In the secondary DNS try 4.2.2.2

 

[G0AOZ]

When you say "The PC finds two other wireless networks, just not ours", do you mean there is no signal picked up at all from your server AP? Even if you can't connect to it, I'd expect the desktop WiFi card to at least see the signal...

Check newly purchased wireless card is compatible with the AP on the server, i.e. both are 802.11 b/g or 802.11a. Card on same channel?

What distance between desktop and server? Too many obstacles in the way like walls, floors, etc., could attenuate the signal to the point where it cannot be picked up. Try temporarily moving the desktop nearer to the server AP.

You didn't say if the other PCs are wireless or hardwired. If you have a hub or switch, try a direct cable connect with this desktop.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[tahoe2]

I tried a static IP, no luck. I'll try it again with the secondary DNS and see what happens, thanks!

No signal at all from our server AP.
Everything is 802.11 b/g.
12 feet between PC and server, no obstructions, not even a table. Both are in the same room.
The other computers are all laptops with built-in 802.11g wireless capability, and all connect fine.

We directly cabled the PC from its on-board NIC to the switch and it hooks up fine.

Corie

 

[G0AOZ]

I don't think DNS is the issue here, at least not yet. There has got to be some reason why the card will not see your server signal. You have stated that the card sees other wireless networks, which presumably belonging to your neighbours. This at least proves the card is receiving signals. What channel numbers are these other networks using, and what channel is your server WiFi set to? Can you force the desktop card to use the server's channel if it is not already doing so? I suggest rechecking the WiFi card protocol, and also the TCP/IP settings.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[tahoe2]

Thanks for the replies.
The boss decided to hard wire the PC, so he returned the wireless adapter, so I'll never know if it was a driver or channel issue.

Thanks all, and next time I know what to look for.

Corie

 

[G0AOZ]

Just out of interest, now the card's gone back...

You said you installed a wireless card in the desktop. So presumably you had an AP (access point) connected to the server. Was this AP not providing wireless comms for other PCs? If not, how do know it wasn't this device that was at fault??!!

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[tahoe2]

Every other PC was able to connect via the AP. The fact that the PC in question saw other networks, just not ours, makes me think TCP/IP is not the issue.
I don't think the new wireless card was faulty, but maybe it needed a different driver, or the channel was not set properly. In any event, the fault was with this PC, but an impatient boss made the problem go away.

Corie

 

[G0AOZ]

All understood re the AP and the boss! Yes, sounds like it was a configuration issue with the card in the desktop. The fact that it could see other WiFi networks indicates the card was probably ok.

Oh well, when the boss gets tired of tripping over the cable, maybe you'll get to put another WiFi card in.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[tahoe2]

Thanks, Roger! At least it's one less thing.
Now all I have to do is bring an NT domain into the 21st century!

Corie