[Ham-Computers] Networking Problem (Hair-pulling puzzling)

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

We have two W2K machines here.  One runs a SQL Server database and stores 
JPG's that the other must see.  Until a month ago there had been no network 
problems for a long time.  Both were connected to a Linksys cable modem 
router/8-port switch.  Both are members of the default workgroup named WORKGROUP.  When I 
bought the D-Link AirCard Router I had to come up with a workaround of 
connecting one port in the D-Link to a port on the Linksys because when I plugged 
both computers into the D-Link, the machine with SQL-Server and the images on it 
could see the other machine and access shared drives on it but not vice 
versa.

Yesterday we had another power outage and after it came back up and I shut 
down the generator and switched back to commercial, the 8-port router would not 
come up.  After Ike, it was intermittent a couple of times but by re-booting 
just it and not the cable modem I got it to work but not yesterday.  So 
yesterday I bought a 4-port because no one in town within 10 miles had an 8-port in 
stock.  Same problem that I had with the D-Link.  The first machine can see the 
second but not vice versa.

Both machines are set up the same.  All of the settings in the network driver 
(accessable by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray, in Control 
Panel, etc.).  If I start Windows Explorer, expand My Network Places and 
click Computers Near Me, the first machine immediately shows itself and the other 
machine.  The second machine, after 30 seconds or so, beeps and shows an error 
message saying that WORKGROUP isn't accessable and that the network path 
can't be found.  I even tried swapping the ports on the router but it didn't make 
any difference.  Aside from changing the IP address range from the default to 
192.168.19.1-50 because of a Xerox printer/scanner with static IP, all of the 
router settings are box stock.  I went through the Network Setup wizard about 
twice on both machines.  Both are set for workgroup, not domain.  Didn't make 
any difference.

I'm pulling my hair out and my wife can't work.  Does anyone have a serious 
suggestion?  Suggestions about switching OS really won't be appreciated at this 
point.

Robert & Susan Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480


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