Wrong Subnet Mask

[Firephiter]

Having a problem with a simple wireless network just set up in a small office environment for a public agency.

Using a Linksys WRT54G router and WMP54G PCI wireless adapter cards. 3 computers total on network. Purpose of network is to allowing basic file sharing and internet access via cable modem.

Computer #1 runs XP home and is cabled to router.
Computer #2 runs 98SE and uses wireless card.
Computer #3 runs 98SE upgraded from 95 and uses wireless card.

Router has DHCP function enabled.

Computers #1 & #2 have always had correct IP and Subnet Mask (255.255.255.0) assigned by router.

Computer #3 consistently gets a correct IP address but the wrong Subnet Mask (255.0.0.0) assigned. It cannot "see" the other computers in the workgroup or access the internet.

If a static IP, Subnet Mask, Gateway and DNS is assigned to computer #3 it works just fine.

I am curious as to what is causing the wrong subnet mask assignment. I have swapped cards between computers #2 & #3 with no difference observed; computer #3 still has the wrong subnet mask assigned.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Bruce

 

[bcastner]

Try moving the slot that the wireless PCI card occupies on computer #3. It is possible, just barely, but possible this is due to an interaction with another nearby PCI adapter or an IRQ sharing phenomena.

The temptation is nearly overhwhelming to think this is due to some junk lying around from #3 being an upgrade rather than a clean install.

 

[Firephiter]

Thank you for the suggestion. I forgot to mention that I had tried moving the card to a different slot without any effect. Also, the computer had a 10/100 network card installed as shipped from Dell, this has been removed as well as the related adapter and network protocols under the "Network Configuration" settings tab.

 

[foxfire]

It may be worthwhile to boot pc #3 in safe mode and remove all adapters found. Then after re-booting, install the wireless card again. I've also had success fixing problems by removing the tcp/ip protocal then re-installing it.

Good Luck.

 

[bcastner]

This utility will do the Winsock service reset in all versions of Windows, and as foxfire suggested is one avenue you should explore to resolve the problem:

http://members.shaw.ca/techcd/VB_Projects/VB_WinFix.exe