The network path could not be found

[Antonimo]

I have two computers connected together using a 3COM Linkbuilder TP/8 network hub. One is running Windows 2000 and the other has Windows 98SE

The computer are connected with LAN cards to this hub.

I used to be able to access the drives and folders on each computer from the other with permissions granted in the firewalls. The IP addresses appear to be static (at least, they have never changed). Indeed, I used to have the Win2K machine automatically re logon after every re-boot.

The IP addresses have been checked and they are correct.

ipconfig confirms the IP addresses.

I used to connect to the other computer using either

1. (from Explorer) Tools... Map Network Drive
2. from batch file

The errors I am receiving are detailed below: (xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx represents the actual IP number)
~~~~~~

1. Map Network Drive

Drive: z:
Folder: \\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx\c

Attempting to connect to \\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx

The network path \\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx\c could not be found
~~~~~~

2. Batch file containing the line:

net use z: \\xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx\c$

After a short period of time, the DOS command box disappears and nothing seesm to happen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At the same time, Microsoft Netmeeting is working correctly on both computers with the ability to transfer files.

This "network" is only a temporary solution until I get hold of some better equipment. Can anybody help me to make this "network" function again?

 

[ImpetusEra]

check that the shares still exist, also look in network neighborhood and see if you can see both computers. Pings go through ok I would assume?

 

[Antonimo]

Thanks for replying ImpetusEra

I just tested with PING and yes, it did work.

I mostly use the W2k machine and connect to the W98. The W98 still has the sharing set up (the little blue hand appears at the bottom of the folder icon).

Is the problem anything to do with the client or other set ups in Control Panel - Network?

The strange thing is that it used to work so I am uncertain about what to do.

 

[ImpetusEra]

If neither can see eachother in network neighborhood than it would seem it is an issue with either the firewall or they are in different workgroups. For the 98 system to access the 2k system you would need to list the logon name in computer management of administrative tools. Even without that in place it should still be visible though. If your trying to connect to the share using an IP and it has since changed for whatever reason then of course that would cause such a problem. Check to make sure the IP it is trying to connect to is assigned to that system and that they are within the same subnet.

 

[Antonimo]

Thanks to ImpetusEra for his assistance - we have ruled out some possible causes...

Right clicking on "My Network Places" and seaching for other computers did not reveal anything...

IP addresses were correct...

PINGing was successful...

Microsoft Netmeeting connected the two computers...

I have now learnt that MS Netmeeting (and PINGing) go through the Internet so that is why they were able to communicate, as both PCs had Internet connections.

Here is the solution...

On the W2K machine, I removed "Client for Microsoft Networks". When I then re-installed it, everything was back to working order.

Thanks again to ImpetusEra for the assistance - hope my "epilogue" will assist others.

 

[sagegeek]

Another possible cause of "network path not found"... running 3 computers off my Linksys router, found that the Zonealarm firewall was blocking connect attempts from one of the other computers which was using Sygate Personal Firewall. Added the subnet to "trusted zones" in Zonealarm and that fixed the problem.