Windows '98 Can't See Each Other

[rtccom]

I'm pretty sure this is a Windows issue. I have 3 machines with '98SE on them. When I connect a crossover cable between PC's 1&2....1&3....2&3 each machine can see each other files etc... Now here's the problem. When I connect them to a Linksys Router they will not pick up an I.P. from the router i.e. 192.168.1.??? Now get this I can Staticly assign an I.P. for each machine and use a switch and the same problem exist which makes me think it's the machine's settings somewhere. Here is what I have done: 1. Tried two other routers (Linksys BEFSR41) and 1 other switch. 2. Ran new Cat5e and tested O.K. with my overpriced LanCats. (another issue LOL). 3. Installed new NIC's. 4. Removed ALL protocals and added them back. I'm afraid if I don't get this figured out soon the A+ Certification People will revoke my status. LOL To recap: with the crossovers I can flood them with pings but on a switch/router can't resolve I.P.'s. Any help would be great. P.S. Did I mention this is one of four churches in our town that got struck by lightning that I had to replace the entire network guts. maybe it's a sign! Thanks again!

IT Technician

 

[comtec17]

Have you tried to set your NIC's from Auto Detect to the speed of your LAN?

 

[MattWray]

Well, first, when you connect them to the Linksys, do you have link lights? On the router and on the NICs?

Thanks,

Matt Wray

http://www.total-tec.com

http://www.sss-steel.com

 

[rtccom]

comtec17----I'm not really sure what your asking.

mattwray----Yes the link lights do come on on both and since the first post I used the routers at other locations to test them. I am still puzzled by this and stuck.

IT Technician

 

[wolluf]

Take it you're NOT using crossover cables to connect to router?

If you connect 2 machines to router and give each a manual IP address, can they communicate with each other? Can they ping the router?

 

[rtccom]

Correct... I am using a straight thru cable on the router and even tried a 4 port switch. I get the link lights but can't ping anything. With the same static ip's and using a crossover between two machines I can ping....see files...print...etc..

IT Technician

 

[wolluf]

And changing to picking up IP addresses automatically is no good.

What about (just to check stuff out), installing netbeui on 2 machines, connecting both to router & see if they can connect to each other?

NICs & router are compatible speed?

 

[rtccom]

I found the problem...........Seems they had another device about 10 feet away that was leaking EMI!! (for wireless microphones)I could drag the router in and out of the "EMI zone" and it would lose association. I relocated EVERYTHING to another room.

Thanks for all the help guys. Be sure to remember this one!

IT Technician