The following sections list a series of common networking problems along with solutions that can usually set things right again.

1. Problem: We cannot ping any computers in the network why?

àSolution :

By default the Windows Firewall is enabled in windows and this should be disabled in a workgroup network or else computers might not be able to communicate.

Steps:

Go to My Network Places Properties>Local area Connection Properties.

In the Advanced Tab>click on settings select OFF to disable the Windows Firewall.

2. Problem: Duplicate computer names?

àSolution:

Make sure that every computer on the network has a unique name. Otherwise, you'll get an error message when you reboot the workstations with networking cables attached.

(You can change the computer name from the System applet of the Control Panel, although you must restart the system for it to be effective.)

3. Problem: Different workgroup names?

àSolution:

Make sure every computer that's supposed to be working together has the same workgroup name. The Windows My Network Places icons display computers by workgroup name.

4. Problem: Shared resources are not available?

àSolution

Make sure that shared resources have been set for any servers on your. If you can't share a resource ensure that File and Printer Sharing has been installed.

5. Problem: All settings are correct but no computers are shown in My Network Places.

àSolution

This can be because the security settings of the windows operating system has been set correctly. These settings need to be changed in order for the computers to be shown. Check these settings on all computers in the network.

Steps:-

Open Control Panel à Administrative Tools à Local Security policy.

Expand Local Policies.

Select Security Options. Here set the following settings:

Network Access: Allow anonymous SID/Name Translation à Enabled.

Network Access: Do not allow anonymous enumeration of SAM accounts à Disabled.

Network Access: Sharing and Security model for local accounts. à Classic.

Then restart the computer. Now computers will be shown in My Network Places.

6. Problem: A user can't access any shared resources (but others can).

àSolution

First, have the user log off and log back on. Next, check cable connections a loose or disconnected RJ-45 cable affects only the computer (or hub) using it. If a Category 5 UTP cable seems to be connected tightly but the user still can't get on the network, check the cable with a cable tester or replace the cable.

7. Problem: Blank Passwords don’t work.

àSolution

In a peer to peer network when we first access computers or shared folders we will be asked for a user name and password here we need to enter the remote computers user name and password to gain access. The user must have a password set because blank password don’t work in a workgroup network.

8. Problem: Message about duplicate IP addresses can't connect to anything.

àSolution

Duplicate IP addresses disable TCP/IP networking. Check the IP Addresses of all computers in the network. We need to make sure that a same IP Address is not assigned to nay computers in the network.

9. Problem: No error message can't connect to Internet or other computers.

àSolution

Check the router, switch, or hub used to connect the computers to each other and the Internet. It needs to be powered, and the data cables must be properly connected between it and each computer.

If your network uses DHCP to dynamically assign IP addresses and the router has lost power or connection, users won't be able to get IP addresses. Restart the router, and have all users log off and shut down. When they restart their systems, they should be able to obtain valid IP addresses and connect with each other.

Trouble shooting Network

PING command

This is a DOS command, used to check connections between all computers in the network.

Go to the Run then type cmd

C:\>ping 192.168.1.1

C:\>ping 192.168.1.2

C:\>ping 192.168.1.3

Example: ping ipaddressofremotecomputer

Ping 192.168.100.4

-If message is given reply four times it means connection is working.

-If message REQUEST TIMED OUT or DESTINATION HOST UNREACHABLE means connection not working. Please again check settings.

T0 Make Automatic Network checking BAT file.

-Open Notepad and then type the following;

Ping 192.168.100.1

Ping 192.168.100.2

Ping 192.168.100.3

Ping 192.168.100.4

-then save as with bat extension for example checking.bat

-then double click on it, it will start checking all computers.

Requirement for Workgroup Networking:

Required Steps:

1. Setting workgroup name. (Workgroup name must be same in all computers.)

2. Setting an IP address. (must be different in all computers)

3. (Optional) Sharing Files and folder.

4. (Optional) Check Network using Ping command.

5. (Optional) Chatting through DOS using net send command.

Required hardware:

1. UTP/STP Cable category (different category has different speed, CAT6 would be fine.)

2. Crimping UTP/STP cable: Straight Through

3. Network card (Only required for old desktop computers. For new desktop computer and Laptops, they have already got it.)

4. Hub/Switch (For networking many computers)

5. Hub (not required if you are going to do networking directly between TWO computers, Use cross crimping UPT cable)

Steps for WORKGROUP Networking
(Networking between Two or More Computers)

Computer-4 , Computer-5 …. Follow the same process as above Finished. Well done you have just completed networking.