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General discussion

Network problem

Mar 7, 2004 5:21PM PST

I have a 4 computer network. 2 x XP Pro,P4-2.6 and one is P4-1.7 with XP Home and a laptop with XP Home. I have an HP OfficeJet connected to one XP Pro.
The whole system has run well for about a month, now the printer cannot be shared and the shared folders sometimes dissapear for about 1/2 hour then come back. Have reinstalled everything with all computers turned on and connected to network, with same result,ICS is working ok. Any help would be great!

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Re:Network problem
Mar 7, 2004 5:33PM PST

"Have reinstalled everything with all computers turned on and connected to network, with same result,ICS is working ok."

Meaning you have done a clean reinstall the OS, motherboard/NIC/sound/modem drivers?

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Re:Network problem
Mar 7, 2004 7:31PM PST

Try creating a new Workgroup name. Goto System Properties, click on the Computer Name tab and click on the Change button. Change the Workgroup name on any two PC's including the one with the Printer. Restart the PC's and see if they can see each other and print on the shared printer. If this works set all the remaining PC's to the new workgroup name.

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Re:Network problem
Mar 7, 2004 8:22PM PST

Are you using ICS?.."and connected to network, with same result,ICS is working ok."

With several PCs on the Network and routers being so cheep (cheaper than a switch!) you should use a Linksys Router for your Network and Internet connection.

Review these links:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=813936
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking/xp_network.htm
http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm#9
http://www.homenethelp.com/ics/ics-install-arch.asp
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306126