XP Pro machine drops off network

[pagel]

Just came on the scene and have a Dell on a p2p network using DSL, LinkSys Router, LinkSys Switch. This machine and three others are XP Pro, 2 are Home Edition, and 1 win '98. Using router assigned IP and this machine has no Remote Access Connection Manager(Shows errors in Event Log and can't start Service)and regularly drops off the network and then reconnects. The Home Editions then show duplicate IP address errors. I'm trying to narrow the list and solve all issues as quickly as possible, but has anyone seen an XP Pro machine drop off the net and then reconnect for no apparent reasons? Could this be causing the Home Editions to have duplicate IP address problems (or is it because Home Edition can't handle a p2p of this size)?

 

[NoobX]

Some modems have power settings with the setup disk that will automatically disconnect after a certain time! Also when it disconnects do they all disconnect? 1 more thing make sure you have the latest drivers for your NIC!

 

[linney]

You receive "Remote Access Connection Manager" and "Remote Assistance Prepare System Restore" error messages in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829779/EN-US/

Inbound connections limit in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314882&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

University Networks and XP Home
thread779-606892

Maximum network connections
thread779-866002

 

[bcastner]

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=297684

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...port/kb/articles/q138/3/65.asp&NoWebContent=1

 

[pagel]

by drop off the net I mean an error message "...limited or no connectivity..." and Repair in Status is unable to release/renew an IP address. Previous Event Log entries how it reconnecting on it's own, but now it won't. Virus/Spy clean. No recent changes, problem is "out of the blue". Power cycling the router always brings it back, but in the meantime the Home Edition machines go wacky (trying to reconnect their mapped drives maybe? ) and lose all connectivity. The other XP Pro machines retain Internet connectivity. And of course the Win 98 just locks up (typical. More detail: this XP Pro machine functions as a limited file server for six other machines, each machine has 5 mapped drives to it. The NIC checks out fine, but I was surprised to discover the Remote Access Connection Mgr was not running and unable to Start the Service. Don't think it's related to autodisconnect. Question: Router/Switch or the computer? I'm leaning towards computer and want to do a clean install. What do you think?

 

[bcastner]

This is not an autodisconnect issue.
A limited or no connectivity issue essentially means that the workstation was unable to contact a DHCP server (your router) and issued an APIA IP to the workstation, (169.x.x.x) which of course will not help you.

If rebooting the router helps:

. Check your DHCP scope. You want to set a scope of 50 DHCP IPs available depending on your lease interval. (This is more than you need, but you will have your issue if there are too few).

. This is very often a router firmware issue. DHCP renewal has been a sore point for many SOHO routers, and most router manufacturers have issued new firmware to resolve the problem.

. While the router reset suggests that your Winsock and TCP/IP service stacks are okay, see the notes in faq779-4625

 

[pagel]

Thanks bcastner; DHCP scope is okay. Will look for router firmware upgrade and/or FAQ. Double thanks for FAQ779-4625, very interesting, will try. Still want feedback re: loss of Remote Access Connection Mgr. Ever seen that?

 

[bcastner]

There is no reason for it to start. "If you use a hardware gateway or router, this service is not required."

See for a further discussion:

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/service411.htm#QoS_RSVP