Workstations unable to ping each other 2

[mkirros]

Win2K AD Server as PDC, with about 40 workstations, mixed Win2K and WinXP. Some of the workstations are unable to ping each other. Some can ping one way but not the other. None of the workstations have problems pinging servers or connecting to the network or the internet. All of the problem workstations are in a single room, connected to the network through a patch panel and an unmanaged switch. My computer (which is not in that room) can ping all computers in the office. Shutting down the Zone Alarm Firewall doesn't seem to have any effect, and we've tried rebooting the DSL modem/router and the switch, with no change. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[cyberspace]

Are all the machines on the same subnet?

eg, one machine could have the IP address 192.168.1.2 255.255.0.0, another could be 192.168.2.2 255.255.255.0

This should mean that the 192.168.1.2 machine will be able to ping 192.168.2.2 because the 255.255.0.0 mask encompassess the 255.255.255.0 subnet, but not vice versa.

(I may have got that jumbled up so please anybody correct me if so! - you get my point though im sure.)

Could be a possible reason why the communication is one way!

Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[mkirros]

They're all on the same subnet.

 

[cyberspace]

That is puzzling in that case....you have already clarified everything else so that 'should' be working ok.

I'm sure somebody else will be able to help

Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[kordaff]

Can you make tcp or udp connections from the problem workstations to a workstation outside that room (since ping is usually icmp...)?

Have you looked at that unmanaged switch as a possible culprit? Does it do any icmp filtering?

Kordaff

 

[speshalyst]

Hi,
reboot both machines
Run IPCONFIG /all on both machines...
do they return the bound IP ?

Ping local IP - works ?
connected to a hub ? try a cross-over(loop-back) cable..


So it Shall be Written!
So it Shall be Done!!

 

[DTracy]

Make sure all the XP's have thier firewall disabled.

Regards,
David.

 

[mkirros]

Thanks for all the help, folks. It turned out to be related to the Windows Firewall in XP. One of the Service Packs was causing the Firewall to be active even though it was supposed to be disabled.

 

[cyberspace]

That simple eh!

Thats a great tip though, will remember that one

Systems Administrator
BSc Network Computing, CCNA. Both in training!

 

[DTracy]

Thanks for the stars! I haven't has a star in years, have to try harder I guess.

Best regards to all,

David.

 

[HockeyGod19]

I am having the same problem in our office with a PC with Service Pack 2. It's going Internet Connection is fine, but It cannot be pinged within the office, including from a pc that's plugged into the same switch it's on.

We have all the windows firewall crap disbaled but it's doesn't act like it.

What did you do to force the pc to disable the windows firewall setting even though it was clicked disabled?

 

[DTracy]

HockeyGod19-

I agree, that firewall is a pain in the butt when you are connected to a LAN. If the Local Area Connection Properties>Advanced tab>Windows Firewall>Settings>OFF is checked, that's it, its off.

Can you ping the workstation by its name? ie: ping mydesk

Did you look at the ipconfig /all settings to make sure you have the right IP? DHCP will change the IP without telling you.

Let us know, OK?

Regards,
David.