Networking problem

**Samapico** · July 20, 2004

Ok.. this is not really SS related, but I know there are some wise people in here that I can trust

Ok... basically, I have two computers at home, connected on a router (D-Link, model Dl604) , which is connected to a DSL modem (which is connected to the phone line, of course).

I am having trouble to configure them properly...

One computer has Windows XP Pro

The other has Windows XP Familial

All cables are connected properly.

I have run the configuration wizard on the router.

I have run the 'new local network connection' wizard on both computers (not sure of the exact name of this wizard in english since my both computers are in french)

[Edited] Firewalls are desactivated on both computers [/Edited]

None of the computers can access the internet through the router.

Only one computer (#1) can access the router (by connecting to 192.168.0.1, which is the router's IP).

That same computer is given a correct IP adress by the router.

The other computer (#2) cannot access the router... I also tried running ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew on the computers, but for computer #2, it gives me an error message saying it is unable to renew the IP adress... And the IP adress the computer has is a random IP not related to the local network...

So I think that this error message might be a source of some problems... but why the -*BAD WORD*- can't he renew its IP???

Also, both computers are logged on the same workgroup (MSHOME) , but each comps doesn't see the other.

That problem seems very weird cause I was with a friend this weekend (and we both know quite a lot about comps) and weren't able to get through that... and we talked to several people knowing more about networking, and none of them could help...

If it can help resolving the problem... me and the same friend have tried to setup a network with my computer #1 and his computer a couple of days ago, while I did not have DSL connection yet and my computer #2 wasn't part of that network. We tried to connect our comps through the router. His computer could see my computer in the workgroup, but he couldn't access it... it gave an error message about having authorizations and stuff... My comp #1 couldn't see his computer at all.

Any ideas?

**Dav** · July 20, 2004

i have the exact same router on my home network so i will be able to help.

Also d/w if its not ss related, its tech support for any tech needs

I often get the problem of computers not being able to see eachother which is caused by the firewall on ty computer (i have norton internet security 2004).

if you have a filewall on computer 2 try to diable it and see what happens.

also can computer #1 get to the internet ok?

**Samapico** · July 20, 2004

Ok, some updates...

Computer #1 couldn't get to the internet before... well I tought it couldn't... I wasn't able to connect to anything via Internet Explorer... but then I tought : "I'll just start continuum, and when the zones turn green the connection works!" ... then all the zones were green... w00t... and I still couldn't go anywhere with IE...

Somehow I managed to get it to work... (that's how I'm actually replying to this ) I'll update the firmware on the router, that may help.

As for the firewall, I disabled them on both machines. (ZoneAlarm and XP's firewall).

Still, the computer #2 gives an error when trying to renew its IP adress... that's weird.

Bargeld · July 20, 2004

in the router make sure of a few things (I am the IT guy at work, so I know routers in general, but am not intimately familiar with your model, so some of this may not apply....)

Start from scratch: hold the router's reset button for 10 secs before you begin the setup.

According to the manual, the default LAN IP of the router is: 192.168.0.1 So go to Comp1 and set the IP to 192.168.0.2 and set Comp2 to 192.168.0.3

It is manditory that all computers on the submit have IPs beginning with 192.168.0 or they will not see each other.

Use either computer to go to the router's config (web browse to 192.168.0.1)

Gateway: The ISP provides this for you.

Subnet: 255.255.255.0 (default)

DNS: if the ISP hasn't told you anything about the DNS, then leave it blank. If they gave you DNS addresses (usually 2) then enter those in the router config.

Set the router to have the ISP assign it's WAN IP. Do not try to specify the WAN IP of the router, unless directed otherwise by the ISP.

Make sure that DHCP is OFF, you don't need to use it, and as you can see, it only complicates the issue. Use static IP's.

Make sure that all static routing, port configs, etc are default (not set to anything.)

On to the PC's...

IPs: see above

Subnet: 255.255.255.0

Gateway: 192.168.0.1 (the router is the gateway)

DNS: same as above

Make sure the workgroup names match.

Save the PC setings and turn them OFF (do not restart)

Save the router settings and then Logout. Then unplug it for 20 secs (do not use the reset button.)

Turn the router on and let it finish doing its thing.

Turn on the PCs.

WHOALA!

Bargeld · July 20, 2004

Problems with web browsing means a problem with your DNS settings. If you were given DNS addresses by the isp, then enter them on each PC's network config.

**Samapico** · July 21, 2004

Ok... I resetted the router's settings (while updating the firmware) And the comp#2 got off the list cause he was unplugged. I replugged it and rebooted it and he's back on the list... 'til now everything seems fine...

But comp#2 still can't access the router / internet / anything... Its IP adress is set to some random thing.. like 169.xxxxxxxxx (too lazy to go back there and check)

What I understand to this is that the router successfully tries to give an IP address to comp #2, but comp #2 is unable to change its IP address... I know this seems to be a very unfamiliar situation..

cmd > ipconfig /renew gives me the following error message:

Original message on my french OS:

[path] >ipconfig /renew

Configuration IP de Windows

Une erreur s'est produite lors du renouvellement de l'interface Connexion au rÃ©seau local : impossible de contacter votre serveur DHC. Le dÃ©lai d'attente de la demande est dÃ©p!@#$%^&*Ã©.

Same message translated by me:

[path] >ipconfig /renew

Windows IP configuration

An error occured while renewing the local network connection interface : Unable to contact your DHC server. The delay for the command is too long.

The ethernet card in the hardware list is activated. All protocols / stuff are activated in the 'local network connection' properties...

...

I supose the problem is on comp#2, since the router detects the computer properly, but the computer is unable to switch IP adress...

Any ideas?

Oh, btw.. a big cookie to Bargeld for that help on the chat

**Dav** · July 21, 2004

go to network connections, then select your connection, and get to tcp/ip properties.

The router you have also runs DHCP which gives anycomputer connected to it an IP adress. This means you need to make sure you have:

get IP address automatically selected,

Obtain DNS server address automatically

and in alternate config you have Automatic privare IP address selected.

this is strange, i have never has this problem with mine :S

**Samapico** · July 21, 2004

Bargeld made me check all that already

this is strange, i have never has this problem with mine :S

As I said, the problem seems to be coming from comp#2, not the router, since both computers are connected the same way to the router and that comp#1 is working fine

**Dav** · July 21, 2004

go to your router when comp #2 is on, is the light on on the router for the port it is connected to?

MasterDrake · July 21, 2004

with my dlink I had to do the internet security activation on the router for only one computer after that you have to make sure the other computer has permissions if ur using xp professional that may be the problem just a little permissions problem

**Samapico** · July 21, 2004

go to your router when comp #2 is on, is the light on on the router for the port it is connected to?

The light on the router is activated for comp #2... but the light beside the ethernet port on comp#2's ethernet card isn't on... I think I'll try to reinstall its card completly...

[Edit:] gahhh... I had seen wrong, there is in fact no light on that ethernet card ... could try to reinstall it anyway..

When I started trying to setup that network, I realised that the ethernet card on comp#2 was desactivated in the hardware list... and after I realised all its protocols were desactivated too... I found that strange[/edit]

I'll do that... I'll post if it worked or not soon...

**Dav** · July 22, 2004

thatb would have been what i was leading on to, hope it works

**Samapico** · July 22, 2004

bah.. couldn't try it tonight... went to see Spiderman 2... (it's good

) ... i'll try that tomorrow

**Samapico** · July 22, 2004

agh... lol I can't do that... the ethernet "card" is actually directly on the motherboard on that computer...

Nurples · July 23, 2004

Few things from my end....

From the computer that doesn't work (Comp #2): Is the Cable good? Can you connect it to the other computer and have it still work?

When you plug in the computer that doesn't work does the green light on the router come on? Does it come on solid or does it flash? If it flashes, is it flashing Fast or Slow. IE: on 2sec, off 2sec, on 2sec.... This is slow :-)

How long are your cables? Did you make them or are they store bought? Have you tried plugging the cable into diffrent ports?

Insure that the lan card is enabled. :-P

------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is something to try on Comp #2

Go to Network Connections

Make sure you do not have a bridge setup If you do, delete it! This will cause the computer to not see the router.

You can delete all connections except one that says "Local area network connection" You only need this one.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

On computer #1 (the one that connects) Check the router settings and insure that the setting allows more than one IP. There should be a setting that says something like "Max IP's" This is set around 240 as default normally. Just make sure it is over 10ish. 200 is good too. This is just the max connections the router will take.

If the router has a firewall, try turning it off. This will not effect computer #2, but it might help your IE problems.

As far as Comp #1 not seeing Comp #2 this is because Comp #2 doesn't see the router. You can't network the computers untill comp #2 gets an IP address from the router.

The IP that Comp #2 is getting (the 169.###.##.###) this is just a default IP for your computer. It is usless to this router.

**Samapico** · July 23, 2004

We tested that cable yesterday... kinda weird:

I have 3 cables...

1 70' blue cable (handmade by the guy from the store)

1 5' grey cable (came with the router)

1 5' yellow cable (came with the DSL modem)

I heard yellow cables are usually cables with a cross-over... but this yellow cable doesn't seem to have it, if I check the order of the wires in the connector, it's the same at both ends.

We thought the long blue cable could be the problem, we tested its conductivity with a multimeter and all 8 pins works fine.... however, when we plug the cable in a ethernet port, it's not "clicking" in place. The light on the router is on and is flashing at the same rate as the light for comp#1 (when they're trying to communicate i guess).

We tried different things...

------------------

Original layout:

Comp#1 ---grey cable____|router|----yellow cable---|DSL modem|

Comp#2 ---blue cable _____|

Comp#1 working

Comp#2 not working

------------------

Comp#2 --- blue cable---|DSL modem|

Comp#2 not able to connect to internet

---------------------

Comp#2 --- yellow cable---|DSL modem|

Comp#2 able to connect to internet

---------------------

wtf?...

is there a need for a cross-over cable anywhere in those kinds of network?

the LAN card, as I said:

When I started trying to setup that network' date=' I realised that the ethernet card on comp#2 was desactivated in the hardware list... and after I realised all its protocols were desactivated too... I found that strange[/quote']
I reactivated all that, of course

btw, <3 nurples

as for the 2nd and 3rd parts of your message, I'll check that tonight, I'm at work right now.

[Edit1]
If the router has a firewall, try turning it off. This will not effect computer #2, but it might help your IE problems.
My IE is working fine at the moment, I'm not sure what I did to the settings, but it works now...

As far as Comp #1 not seeing Comp #2 this is because Comp #2 doesn't see the router. You can't network the computers untill comp #2 gets an IP address from the router.
obviously

The IP that Comp #2 is getting (the 169.###.##.###) this is just a default IP for your computer. It is usless to this router.
guessed so

[/edit1]

Nurples · July 23, 2004

As for the cables.... As long as the light comes on solid (blinking normally with the other computer) The cable is fine.

As far a crossover cables, you do not need one. If you are using one, don't worry about it. Your router will notice it and correct the configuration for the cable automaticly.

I really think your problem is with the Network Connections on computer #2. Let me know how that goes when you get home.

**Samapico** · July 23, 2004

We tried about everything in the network connections setup.... I'll check that but I'm pretty sure everything is set to automatic

Nurples · July 23, 2004

Not only make sure that everything is set to automatic, but insure that there is only one connection on the Network Connections page... There CAN NOT be a bridge. If there is one, you have to delete it.

**Samapico** · July 24, 2004

YEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! IT WORKS!!!

The problem was the long blue cable... the connectors were not correct... The stupid guy at the store didn't even test it when he made it... and he had the thingy to do it... sigh.. We returned the cable and they made us another (they tested it after making it this time... it took 3 or 4 tries to get a working cable lol, they suck) and now it works fine

What is weird is that the router's light was normal... but it probably just detects one or two out of the 8 conductors of the wire ... so there probably was just one pin that was too deep in the connector so wasn't making contact... anyway........

...........

But now, ANOTHER problem shows up...

both comps can connect to internet no problem

but... comp#1 cannot see comp#2 in the workgroup

comp#2 sees comp#1 in the workgroup, but is given an error when trying to access it (missing authorizations)

we had the exact same problem when trying to connect comp#1 and my friend's comp... so I'm guessing the configuration problem must be on comp#1.

how to give those authorizations to comp#2 to access #1 ?

I'm not sure if ZoneAlarm was on or not at the moment of the test, I'll have to try again tomorrow with ZA off... erm I won't be here tomorrow.. so.. emm... sunday probably... or maybe later.. dunno

But I don't think it would be the problem because on the previous attempt while connecting comp#1 to my friend's comp, we've put down the firewalls and it was the same problem, so I'm pretty sure the problem's not there.

I heard somewhere that it is needed to have on both computers the same account name with the same password... Is it true? If so, does it have to be all the accounts? do you have to be logged in a duplicate account? .. The 'guest' accounts are activated on both machines.. heard it could be needed too.

Nurples · July 24, 2004

You do not have to be on the same accounts.... You do need to be on the same workgroup though... IE: Default is MSHOME I have the same problem with my PC. I am not sire why it happens, but after playing with it for a while, it starts to work... I'm not sure exactly what I did.

Here are a few things...

Make sure that you are sharing files on both computers. (Not just "My Shared Folder")

Make sure that you ran the NetWork Setup Wizard for a small home or office.

After this.. I normally just play around till it works. You can also try to ping each computer to insure that they are both seeing each other.

**Dav** · July 25, 2004

try a system restore to a time before you ran the home network wizzard, the computer shoud auto detect the network and accedd the internet without running it again..

Nurples · July 25, 2004

Don't do that... you will be wasting your time...

DAV He already has internet... his problem is that his computers are not seeing each other and sharing files. This process is not automatic, You have to run the networking wizard to set them up to share the files.

**Dav** · July 25, 2004

ok, with my system i found any non connection problems have been resolved by a restore.

Then i manually set up the workgroup and let DHCP in the router do the rest.

**Samapico** · July 29, 2004

You do not have to be on the same accounts.... You do need to be on the same workgroup though... IE: Default is MSHOME I have the same problem with my PC. I am not sire why it happens, but after playing with it for a while, it starts to work... I'm not sure exactly what I did.

Here are a few things...

Make sure that you are sharing files on both computers. (Not just "My Shared Folder")
Make sure that you ran the NetWork Setup Wizard for a small home or office.

After this.. I normally just play around till it works. You can also try to ping each computer to insure that they are both seeing each other.

Ok... did not have much time to work on that network lately... Both computers are set on workgroup MSHOME.

I did set shared folders on both computers.

I did ran the Network Setup Wizard for [...]

Still nothing... comp#1 doesn't see comp#2 in the workgroup, but comp#2 sees comp#1 in the workgroup but cannot access it (authorisations stuff... I could post the exact error message when I get home tonight)

Not sure if I tried to ping the computers... I'll try it but I'm pretty sure it will work

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