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General discussion

New computer - having network/internet access problems

Apr 23, 2005 4:54PM PDT

I recently have upgraded to a new Dell 8400 desktop computer with Windows XP Media Center Edition. My old computer is a built system running Windows 98. The old Win 98 is currently the host computer on a home wireless network. I would like the new Dell computer to be the new host computer on the network and get rid of the Win 98 computer entirely.

My internet is a cable modem hooked up to a D-Link DI-624 wireless router (two other computers will eventually be networked on this as well, plus a notebook computer is wirelessly connected). I have the new Dell on the network to the point that the computers are "seeing" each other (I had to manually enter an IP address on the Dell - auto configuration wasn't working). But this is where I'm totally stuck. The Dell has Norton Internet Security 2005, and the Win 98 has ZoneAlarm Pro.

Do I need to install the router software in my new Dell? (Actually, I tried this, but had problems). Any ideas on what else to do. I hope I've provided enough info - I'm not literate on computer networking and am very overwhelmed right now.

Discussion is locked

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What Host computer?
Apr 23, 2005 5:07PM PDT

common connection is:

D-Link DI-624 wireless router --> PC's

Try to disable the firewall and/or NIS.

Remember to update your modem firmware.

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This is where I'm stuck>>>>
Apr 23, 2005 10:45PM PDT

"I have the new Dell on the network to the point that the computers are "seeing" each other (I had to manually enter an IP address on the Dell - auto configuration wasn't working"

What happened when this PCs TCP/IP properites were set to have it's IP/DNS obtained automatically?

And what is really the problem?

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Maybe I better start over on my question...
Apr 24, 2005 3:14AM PDT

Bear with me here...I'm new with this networking thing, so I may not be articulating myself well.

I should preface by saying I wasn't the one who set up the original network so I wasn't entirely sure what the exact set-up was. Actually, last night I did realize that my Win 98 was not the host computer afterall (reading through "Wireless Home Networking for Dummies" set me right. Happy) You might say I've taken a three day crash course on how to do all this...I'm learning some of the lingo but not perhaps it's proper usage.

So, I guess my updated question is this: My Win 98 computer is the one I receive my e-mail on (using IE and Outlook Express 6). How do I transfer those settings to my new computer so I can open my e-mail there? (Yikes, I guess this question is really not quite the same one is it? Like I said, beginner on this networking thing).

And to clarify an earlier question...I've managed to hook up the Dell to the router, and I can see my Win 98 computer listed as part of the network when I view the network connections, and I can see the Dell listed in the same way on my old Win 98. I just can't seem to the Dell to access the internet. When I open IE 6, all I get is the "Page cannot be displayed" message (and I tried several URL's I know work on my Win 9Cool. I tried installing the D-Link router software on my Dell, but in order to access settings, I have to type the IP Address into IE 6, and all I get is the same "Page cannot be displayed" message. I can access this from my old computer however. Can I change settings there (if indeed I even need to change settings?)

Also, in regard to obtaining the IP addresses automatically...when I do this, it assigns an IP address to the Dell that isn't even on the same subnet. The rest of our computers are numbered something like "192.168.0.xxx", but the Dell was assigned "169.254.108.xxx" using autoconfigure. Plus it did not assign any DNS server. After reading through what info I had, I decided to try manually entering an IP address that was at least in the same subnet ("192.168.0.xxx), and entering the DNS server addy. ("Subnet mask" was already correct). When I did that, at least I was able to get it connected to the network. I just can't seem to get it connected to the internet. Firewalls on both systems are set up to allow computers on network through - at least I think they are. (I entered all computers IP addresses into the "trusted zones" - do I need to do more?)

Hope this clarifies my questions a bit more.

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First thing first... OE Back-up
Apr 24, 2005 3:34AM PDT

The Outlook express account, you need to go to the Tools, account... then click your account(s) name.. and export... save it somewhere.

While in OE, open your address book, click file, export, addressbook (WAB).. save it..

Know go to OE tools, options, maintenance, store folder,.. note the location... go to that location.. copy the folder .. (this a folder containing all your email)

You will need those files (Do Import in your new pc) when you ready to move it to your new PC.

If you have configured a Filter/blacklist ... this is where have to go to microsoft .. and search it there .. 'How to backup outlook express"

Now, for your network connection.. I'll post after this..

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Thanks! :-)
Apr 24, 2005 4:18AM PDT

I'll go give your suggestions a try and post what happens. (Hopefully, I'll be posting from the Dell - crossing fingers...)

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Now your network connection
Apr 24, 2005 3:56AM PDT

Basically the connection would be like:

Modem-->router-->PC's (is this how you connect now?)

Check your router setup.. from your Win98 pc (the one that you type an IP address in IE) and see if the DHCP is enabled.

(Remove the IP address and dns thing, that you put manually, in your Dell.)

Check the IP on the Dell.. it should be 192.168. something... try browsing the internet..

Then in the Dell, go to control panel, Network and Internet connections, Setup or Change your home or small office network.. click this computer connect through gateway or other computer, type your computer name, type your Workgroup name (This Should be same with workgroup name in your windows 98 -- look in your win98, Control panel, network, identity .. or something like that--).. then click 'Just ... (I forgot what it say.. but it is the last choices) then you might need to restart your pc.

... then go to your network neighborhood (in W9Cool or My network place (in Win XP), click Entire network.

See if you can connect to each other... On the Dell, don't forget to enable 'file and printer sharing'

Note: your windows 98 might not see your Dell pc IF it is formatted using NTFS...

I hope this can atleast give you an idea what to read in the help.. Happy

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(NT) (NT) Additional info, Disable all firewall temporarily..
Apr 24, 2005 3:59AM PDT
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This is not so>>>>
Apr 24, 2005 4:06AM PDT

"Note: your windows 98 might not see your Dell pc IF it is formatted using NTFS..."

Only when the drive is located within the same computer, does this become an issue. On a network this problem does not exist.

When your router settings are:
1) set to be a DHCP server
2) no MAC filtering going on

And your network cards TCP/IP setting is to be obtained automatically, you should then be able to access the internet through the router.

If you wish to statically assign an IP, you must enter the proper IP/Subnet/DNS numbers so they jive with the routers.

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(NT) (NT) Thanks for the correction, MG
Apr 24, 2005 4:27AM PDT
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SUCESS! Now posting from my new computer...
Apr 24, 2005 11:39AM PDT

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. The one that finally worked was updating the firmware on my D-Link DI-624 and resetting the the unit. After that, I could get my Dell to obtain valid IP addy's automatically. Not only that, but I was able to network the other two computers as well (both of my parents computers). I just have to work on getting the laptop (wirelessly connected) back to accessing the internet (another problem entirely but I think I have this one solved).

Now onto switching my e-mail account over and I can finally start dismantling the old computer. YAY!

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(NT) (NT) We are glad that you solved the problem
Apr 24, 2005 5:20PM PDT