Problem - Computer cannot access internet (well not exactly.....)!.

I have the following situation and it's driving me nuts!! Any
suggestions would be most welcome.

Configuration: Wireless home network; 1 laptop running WinXP, 2
desktops running Win98SE. All local communication good and one WinXP
and one Win98SE perform everything OK.....BUT

I have one Win98SE desktop that runs fine EXCEPT that it exhibits the
following behaviour:

1 - sharing: even though the other two computers can see this PC OK on
network neighbourhood, they cannot access any resources on it even
though everything is set properly. This computer can see the local
workgroup through network neighbourhood and access resources on the
other two computers.

2 - When copying files from or to it from one of the other two
computers (using explorer drag and drop) it is incredibly slow!

3 - internet access - even though the the other two computers on the
netowrk can access the internet just fine, this one can never reach a
web page. It does seem to get the typed url resolved to the IP address
OK, but never is able to display the web page. I have tried IE6,
Opera, and Firefox with same result.

I have tried with and without various different software firewalls. I
have swapped the two wireless network cards between the two Win98SE
computers and the problem persists, so I don't think the card is the
problem.

I can ping a url OK from this computer. I can ping this comnputer
from either of the other two on the home network.

Any ideas please?

Len wrote:

> I have the following situation and it's driving me nuts!! Any
> suggestions would be most welcome.
>
> Configuration: Wireless home network; 1 laptop running WinXP, 2
> desktops running Win98SE. All local communication good and one WinXP
> and one Win98SE perform everything OK.....BUT
>
> I have one Win98SE desktop that runs fine EXCEPT that it exhibits the
> following behaviour:
>
> 1 - sharing: even though the other two computers can see this PC OK on
> network neighbourhood, they cannot access any resources on it even
> though everything is set properly. This computer can see the local
> workgroup through network neighbourhood and access resources on the
> other two computers.
>
> 2 - When copying files from or to it from one of the other two
> computers (using explorer drag and drop) it is incredibly slow!
>
> 3 - internet access - even though the the other two computers on the
> netowrk can access the internet just fine, this one can never reach a
> web page. It does seem to get the typed url resolved to the IP address
> OK, but never is able to display the web page. I have tried IE6,
> Opera, and Firefox with same result.
>
> I have tried with and without various different software firewalls. I
> have swapped the two wireless network cards between the two Win98SE
> computers and the problem persists, so I don't think the card is the
> problem.
>
> I can ping a url OK from this computer. I can ping this comnputer
> from either of the other two on the home network.
>
> Any ideas please?
>

First idea is to post your question once, in one group. OK?

Next, start easy...

Turn off the software firewalls in the computers. Your
router should have a hardware (firmware) built-in. Test for
LAN function.

Choose ONE of the computers that you wish to designate as
the "big kahuna" LAN server computer. This is best selected
as the computer which is on all, or most of the time. This
computer will become your default, "MASTER" Browse Master.
While designating the XP machine as the "master" which is
what I see recommended, my six machine system works just
fine with a Win98SE kahuna.

Which ever machine you want to designate as the "master,"
set that machine's Browse Master function to ENABLED.

Setting the browse master:In Win98 you do this in the
Network File and Print Sharing properties. In XP you do this
through control panel | administrative tools | Services |
Computer Browser. Set to the status you choose.

I suggest that the "master" be set to ENABLED and the others
be set to DISABLED. This configuration has a benefit and a
deficit. The benefit is that one computer controls the LAN
and eliminates what Microsoft calls "a network storm,"
meaning it prevents multiple computers from fighting over
which is in charge, which is some contests, has one computer
hiding from another for LAN functions (not ping functions).
The downside is that if the big kahuna goes off-line, the
browse master disabled machines become isolated from the
LAN, and in fact, won't even see their own workgroup
settings from their own file manager.

The Browse Master default setting is AUTOMATIC, which in
theory allows another machine to automatically take over as
the "master" browse master and maintain the integrity of the
LAN if the first big kahuna goes off line. But, there can be
a battle over which is in charge as the computers vie to
be in charge (hold an "election") with the winner being at
the top of a "pecking order," starting with the XP, then
Win2000 then Win98, as long as all the machines came on line
at the same time. But, once the "master" Browse Master goes
off line, the LAN will network storm, and there could be
isolation if two machines both declare themselves "master."
Therefore, I recommend shutting off AUTOMATIC even though it
can maintain LAN integrity, sometimes.

Compare the network NIC TCP/P, Client for Microsoft Network
settings and File and Printer properties between the Win98s
and make sure they are the same (except the browse master
setting if you choose one Win98 as the kahuna).

If you are using WEP, insure that the codes are the same for
each wifi machine.

If you use passwords, make sure all three machines have the
same usernames and passwords as one of the users.

Turn OFF all your computers.
Turn off (NOT reset), the WiFi router and the broadband
modem. Bring the router and the modem back up, one at a
time, after waiting one minute.
Next, bring up the designated "master" computer.
After windows is finished loading, bring up the next
machine, after that is ready, bring up the last machine.
Be aware that Microsoft says it can take up to 15 minutes
for the LAN to establish itself.

If this does not work, report back.

Hi
In General you can debug the Network Setting of the computer following these
steps.[/
Step One. Check the Network parameters in the Computer's Device Manager.
Make sure that the drivers are installed correctly; there is No IRQ
conflict, and No Ghost installation. http://www.ezlan.net/faq#ghost
Step Two Verify Basic network setting in the OS:
http://www.ezlan.net/Installing#verify
If the above two Steps indicates that every thing looks good but
functionally it does not work.
Step Three. Check (and repair if necessary) the Socket Layers, Winsock, and
or refresh the TCP/IP Stack. http://www.ezlan.net/clean#refreshnet
If need to Reinstall; Log to this page it have a lot of links to
instructions for Windows Network Installation -
http://www.ezlan.net/Installing.html
Jack (MVP-Networking).


"Len" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) oups.com...
>
> I have the following situation and it's driving me nuts!! Any
> suggestions would be most welcome.
>
> Configuration: Wireless home network; 1 laptop running WinXP, 2
> desktops running Win98SE. All local communication good and one WinXP
> and one Win98SE perform everything OK.....BUT
>
> I have one Win98SE desktop that runs fine EXCEPT that it exhibits the
> following behaviour:
>
> 1 - sharing: even though the other two computers can see this PC OK on
> network neighbourhood, they cannot access any resources on it even
> though everything is set properly. This computer can see the local
> workgroup through network neighbourhood and access resources on the
> other two computers.
>
> 2 - When copying files from or to it from one of the other two
> computers (using explorer drag and drop) it is incredibly slow!
>
> 3 - internet access - even though the the other two computers on the
> netowrk can access the internet just fine, this one can never reach a
> web page. It does seem to get the typed url resolved to the IP address
> OK, but never is able to display the web page. I have tried IE6,
> Opera, and Firefox with same result.
>
> I have tried with and without various different software firewalls. I
> have swapped the two wireless network cards between the two Win98SE
> computers and the problem persists, so I don't think the card is the
> problem.
>
> I can ping a url OK from this computer. I can ping this comnputer
> from either of the other two on the home network.
>
> Any ideas please?
>

Thanks for the reply - I thought multiple group posts would increase
the chances of help! Guess it's not good netiquette?

I have done everything you suggested in the order above. I had
already covered much of it, especially the Browse Master issues.
However, I am no further forward. The symptoms are still exactly as
described.

Any other suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks, Len

Thank you for the reply.

I have tried what you suggested above but without success.

Any other suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Len

Len wrote:
> Thanks for the reply - I thought multiple group posts would increase
> the chances of help! Guess it's not good netiquette?
>
> I have done everything you suggested in the order above. I had
> already covered much of it, especially the Browse Master issues.
> However, I am no further forward. The symptoms are still exactly as
> described.
>
> Any other suggestions would be most appreciated.
>
> Thanks, Len
>
Try designating a different computer as Browse Master
ENABLED and DISABLE the others.

Rebuild the network:
As long as you have the NIC software/driver install disk,
try removing via Control Panel | Network. the TCP/IP
protocol for the NIC and then remove the NIC itself from
networks.
Remove File and Printer Sharing. Do not reboot.
Remove the NIC from the Control Panel System Hardware Device
Manager. Reboot.
Windows should find the NIC and reinstall it. If not, run
Find New Hardware from Add New Hardware or use the NIC
install disk. Re-set up your network protocol using only
TCP/IP and no other. Make sure Browse Master is as you want
it designated, and the the File and Printer sharing service
is Added and present.

Report back.