Appendixes
Start any of these tools by choosing the Tools menu in the Microsoft System Information win- dow. These tools can help you diagnose and fix problems with an individual computer, and
some tools help with network connections.
Looking at hardware resources
The Microsoft System Information window displays information about your hardware resources, including IRQ conflicts and sharing, IO ranges, and memory allocations. Figure A-3
shows the IRQs and devices using each address. All Windows versions are similar in the Hardware Resources feature.
Figure A-3: Find out if your network card has a conflict. To view the Hardware Resources, click the plus sign to the left of the entry in the left pane of
the Microsoft System Information window, and then select any topic in the list. View the con- tents in the right window pane.
Looking at components
Your system components include multimedia, input, display, sound, infrared, modems, net- work, ports, and other devices. When you view information about any system component,
you see the device name, description, CPU usage, data transfer rates, and other information pertinent to the device. You can even view a window containing details about the devices
with which you have a problem.
Figure A-4 shows the Printing components. Note that each printer installed on the computer, even network printers, appears. You can view the version of the files, the date they were
installed, and the language the printers use. Under the Network component, you can view information about the adapter, protocol, and
WinSock. WinSock is a DLL or library file that allows communication between TCPIP and Windows.
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
Figure A-4: View information about your system components.
Looking at the software environment
The software environment refers to device drivers and other software that runs hardware, such as 16- and 32-bit modules, files for starting applications, your startup programs, and
OLE files that affect your Registry. Figure A-5 shows the dynamic link library DLL files loaded in the computer. If you ever have
a conflict of DLL files, find out if you have the latest version by checking here.
Figure A-5: Locate current versions of DLL files.
Appendixes
You can print any of the information in the System Information window. Choose File ➪ Print. The Software Environment category also offers information in Windows 2000 and XP about
signed drivers, environment variables system paths, mapped network connections, startup programs, and more. The Software Environment is a good place to check if you’re concerned
about virus entries, outdated drivers, and the like.
Looking at Internet Settings
Windows 2000 and XP add one more component to the System Information — Internet Settings. Internet settings list DLL file versions and locations, connection and proxy service informa-
tion, security certificates information, plus security settings for various Internet and intranet sites. For example, your local intranet might be set to medium-low security, whereas Internet
restricted sites are set at high security.
Finding problems
A network usually is made up of many different components, each of which can cause prob- lems with connecting to other computers on the network. In addition, two or more compo-
nents could fail at the same time, thus producing confusing symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Depending on the type of network you have, only three or four things can go wrong. If you have a clientserver network, the server can experience a problem. Whether you use
clientserver or workgroup networking, you can have problems with a hub, the cabling, or a workstation computer. Your first step is to figure out which of these is causing the problem,
and then narrow the field of possibilities.
Diagnosing trouble with one PC
Find out if the problem is with one PC, two, or the entire network. If the problem is with only one PC, you want to check for unplugged or broken cables, bad network cards, or other such
hardware problems. If you can’t see any problems, you can try plugging in another computer at that same spot. If the second computer has the same problem, then the cable or a hub is
likely responsible. If the second computer doesn’t have a problem, the first computer is the culprit.
If the PC is new or if you just added an adapter or other hardware, the problem probably involves the system’s configuration. Double-check all configuration settings.
Having trouble with multiple PCs
If you’re having trouble with multiple computers and all of the PCs were working before, then you probably have a problem with a hub or other device, such as a router or gateway, or the
problem could be in a segment of cable. Check the patch cables on the hub as well. If the entire network is having trouble, you might have a problem with your server or host
computer. Depending on the network problem, the server computer might have crashed, lost its network card either a driver was corrupted or the card went bad, received an error
that’s locking it up, or be busy in an involved operation.
Tip Tip
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
Trying the simple solutions
Even though some of the following suggestions sound too easy or even ridiculous, you should check them first. Often the answer to a connection problem is a loose plug or a nicked cable.
You can save a lot of time and trouble by checking the basics first. Make a physical check of the machine, whether it’s a computer, printer, hub, or another part
of the network. If the network cards have ready lights, make sure they are all green. Also, check hub lights to make sure they are ready and functioning. Often, you can simply shut
down the entire network — hubs, switches, server, and all workstations — then bring them up again slowly, and that will reset things back to normal. Try this first.
If you still have problems, turn the machine off and check the following items:
1. Check the power cables to be sure that every cord is firmly in its place. 2. Check the network cable and connectors from one end of the line to the other. Check to
see that connectors are firmly joined and that cables have no nicks, cuts, or bends.
3. Check inside the computer case to make sure that the cables are not crimped, torn,
loose, or split. Make sure the cables are plugged into the appropriate socket and the pins match. Cards should be well seated.
4. If all the physical connections seem to be working, restart the computer. As it boots,
watch for any error messages and listen for beeps that indicate a problem. The com- puter’s manual should include information about what each beep means.
If the problem still exists, you might try exchanging parts. If the keyboard doesn’t seem to work, for example, switch it with another one in the house to see if the second keyboard
works. If it does, the problem is with the keyboard. You can try exchanging many different parts: network cards, printer cables, and so on. If the network cards are not the same brand,
you need to load the correct driver for the card you are trying out.
Investigating computer problems
If you’re having trouble with your Windows computers, on the network or off, you can try several things to help you pin down the problem. First, try booting the computer in safe
mode. To boot in safe mode, press the F8 key during the Windows startup. Choose Safe Mode with
Network from the menu that appears. You can choose different options from the menu to see if the problem resides in the network configuration, sound and video cards, and so on.
Restart the computer each time you want to try a different menu option.
A common Windows problem is caused by Plug and Play hardware. If you have problems with booting, shutting down, or connecting to the network, it might be a Plug and Play problem
with your network interface card. You can disable Plug and Play for that card and try it again. Disable Plug and Play in the Device Manager.
If a user is having trouble connecting to the network, check the user’s logging-on process. Often, users cancel the logon dialog box in order to get to work more quickly. Another possi-
bility is that someone else might have used the computer and entered a different name in the logon dialog box. Most users forget to check the username; they just type in the password
and expect to log on to the network. It usually doesn’t work.
Appendixes
Another simple thing to check is to see if the user has changed any network configurations, added any hardware or software, or had any problems with the computer lately. If you ask
those questions first, you might get to the root of the problem more quickly.
Using the System Monitor
If you have network problems and you use a clientserver network, you can use the System Monitor to help find the cause of the problems on a Windows 98 computer. If you don’t use a
clientserver network, you can view one machine’s use of system resources to help find the bottleneck in your system. The System Monitor enables you to monitor running processes,
memory usage, dial-up access, and more.
In order to use the System Monitor over the network, you need the following: ✦
A clientserver network using either NT Server or Novell NetWare server ✦
User-level security selected for each computer, which removes all network shares you set for a peer-to-peer workgroup
✦ The Remote Registry Service installed on each computer
✦ File and Printer Sharing enabled on each computer
Using the Network Troubleshooter
Windows XP has included a network troubleshooter that can help you determine problems with adapters, terminal services, modem sharing, even TCPIP configuration. To use the
Network Troubleshooter, right-click My Network Places and choose Properties. In the Network Connections dialog box, click Network Troubleshooter.
The Network Troubleshooter performs many tasks. It can perform tests on TCPIP by per- forming the PING command andor the NETVIEW command for you. The Network Trouble-
shooter can check your dial-up or Internet connection as well, automatically.
If you use Windows 2000, you can use Windows Help to locate a variety of networking troubleshooters. One, in particular, is for TCPIP networks; another is for users; another for
hardware; and so on.
Examining the Network Hardware and Software
Network connection problems sometimes affect only one computer, but they often affect all computers on the network. When you have a problem, you can check a computer’s network
interface card, cabling, and then the network hub. You also can check the protocols used on the network. TCPIP configuration often causes
connection problems as well. A problem with network speed might have to do with hardware and software. If you have problems with bottlenecks, you should check certain areas of the
network.
When experiencing network connection problems, ask yourself the following questions to help diagnose the problem:
Note
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
✦ Did the connection work before, or did it just recently stop working?
✦ If it just recently stopped working, what equipment or software have you added?
✦ Did something happen or change since it last worked?
If the connection never worked, you probably have configuration problems or a bad cable. If it recently stopped working and you added something new to the network, remove that
added equipment and see if the situation improves. If nothing’s changed and the connection quit working all of a sudden, check network cards, cabling, and hubs, in that order.
If you have a problem you cannot solve on your own, check the Microsoft Knowledge Base for help. The address is www.support.microsoft.com.
Exploring network card problems
If your computer won’t connect to the network, you might have a problem with your network card. If the computer is new and you just added the card, check the IRQ interrupt request
and DMA direct memory access addresses. Configuration might be the problem. If the card worked and then just stopped working, the card might need to be replaced.
The easiest and quickest troubleshooting solution for a network that is not connecting is to delete everything from the network properties dialog box — TCPIP, client, services, and net-
work adapter — reboot, and then install everything anew. This often refreshes corrupted soft- ware or settings and makes the network magically work.
Checking in the Device Manager
If you’re having a connection problem, check to make sure that Windows sees your network interface card. If you see a red or yellow icon to the left of the NIC, then there’s a problem
with your card. Figure A-6 illustrates the Device Manager tab of the System Properties dialog box. To check the adapter card in the Device Manager, follow these steps:
Figure A-6: Check your system devices.
Tip Tip
Appendixes
1. Choose Start ➪ Settings ➪ Control Panel ➪ System in Windows 98. In Windows 2000 and
XP, right-click My Computer ➪ Properties; click the Hardware tab and then Device Manager. The System Properties dialog box appears.
2. Choose the Device Manager tab in Windows 98, and choose the View devices by type
option.
3. Click the plus + sign to the left of Network adapters. 4. Check to see if your adapter has a yellow exclamation point in a circle or a red x. The
yellow exclamation point means the device isn’t working properly; the red x means the device isn’t working at all.
5. If your adapter card does display one of these icons, select the adapter and then click
the Properties button. The adapter card’s Properties dialog box appears, as shown in Figure A-7.
Figure A-7: Look at the adapter’s properties.
6. In the General tab, view the Device status area for a definition of the problem. 7. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.
8. Close the System Properties dialog box, and then close the Control Panel.
Some network cards, especially the Plug and Play cards, come with special software that you can use to configure the card. If you’re having trouble with the IRQ or other addressing infor-
mation, check to see if your card manufacturer supplied this software.
Checking network settings
You also should verify that all your settings in the Network dialog box are correct. To check your adapter settings, follow these steps:
1. Choose Start ➪ Settings ➪ Control Panel in Windows 98. The Control Panel window
appears. In Windows 2000 or XP, right-click My Network Places ➪ Properties.
Note
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
2. Double-click the Network icon in Windows 98. In Windows 2000 or XP, right-click Local
Area Connection and Properties. The Network Windows 98 or the Local Area Connection Properties Windows 2000 and XP dialog box appears.
3. In the Configuration tab, select your network adapter card, as shown in Figure A-8 in
Windows 98. In Windows 2000 or XP, click the Configure button.
Figure A-8: Select your network card.
4. Click the Properties button in Windows 98 or the Resources tab in Windows 2000 or XP.
The adapter’s Properties dialog box appears.
5. Choose the Resources tab if you’re using Windows 98, as shown in Figure A-9.
Figure A-9: Check the IRQ and IO address range.
Appendixes
For more information about IRQs and IO addresses, see Chapter 25.
6. Make sure the configuration is correct, and then click OK. 7. In the Configuration tab Windows 98 or the General tab Windows 2000 or XP, check
to be sure you have the Client for Microsoft Networks installed.
8. Next, check the Identification tab of the Network dialog box in Windows 98, as shown in
Figure A-10, to make sure that you’re using the correct workgroup name and that your computer name is unique in the network. For Windows XP, you must right-click My
Computer ➪ Properties and choose the Computer Name tab. For Windows 2000, right- click My Computer ➪ Properties and choose the Network Identification tab. The com-
puter name and workgroup name are listed. You can change either by clicking the Properties button.
Figure A-10: Make sure you have the right workgroup name.
9. Click OK. Restart the computer if prompted.
If your power management is on, try turning it off. Sometimes power management features can cause network problems. In the Control Panel, double-click the Power Management
icon. In Settings for Always On Power Scheme area, choose Never for the following two items: Turn Off Monitor and Turn Off Hard Disks.
Looking at protocol problems
When two or more PCs have problems communicating with each other, you could have a pro- tocol mismatch. Say that one PC cannot see others on the network. Check that PC’s protocol
settings and bindings. Compare the protocols listed in the Network dialog box of a working computer to the one that isn’t connecting. Check all protocol properties as well.
Tip Cross-
Reference
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
For information about protocols, see Chapter 10 or Appendix B. If you’re having trouble with network connections, it could be the protocol. When running
TCPIP, configuration is usually the first thing you should check. Use PING, an MS-DOS prompt command you use to test TCPIP configuration, to verify that the TCPIP configuration is cor-
rect, that local computers are communicating with each other, and that remote computers are communicating. For more information, see Appendix B.
Use IPCONFIG to display the IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways for all net- work adapter cards on each computer. Make sure that the IP addresses are unique, that sub-
net masks match, and so on. IPCONFIG is a command you use to test IP addressing. For more information, see Appendix B.
Use NETSTAT to track down strange or unusual network problems. You can troubleshoot incoming and outgoing packet errors with this command. NETSTAT is an MS-DOS prompt com-
mand you use to test TCPIP configuration. For more information, see Appendix B. Use WINIPCFG, an MS-DOS prompt command you use to test TCPIP configuration, if you’re
having trouble with your Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DHCP lease. DHCP is a utility for assigning TCPIP addresses to workstations automatically. Many DHCP servers provide
networked computers with a lease that enables them to use the same number for a limited amount of time. You can use this command to release a lease when you stop using DHCP or
renew a lease that you want to continue. For more information, see Appendix B.
See Appendix B for more information about troubleshooting techniques to use with a TCPIP network.
Troubleshooting cabling problems
You might be using coax, twisted-pair, phone line, or power line cables for your network. For reasons of safety, problems with your power line are best taken care of by an electrician. Phone
line problems may require a professional as well, although you can check some of the phone line yourself.
If you didn’t install your own coax or twisted-pair cabling, you might want to call for help in checking the cabling. But you also can check some problems yourself.
For more information about coax and twisted-pair cables, see Chapter 6. For more informa- tion about phone and power line network cabling, see Chapter 8.
Looking at the phone line
You can check the phone wiring that connects the computer to the wall jack for nicks, crimps, and other problems. If you see an obvious problem, replace the wiring. You can buy a short
length of phone wire, with the RJ-11 connectors attached, at a hardware store, discount depart- ment store, or any place that sells telephones.
If you don’t see a problem but still think it might be the phone wiring, try trading the current wiring with another phone line wire to see if it works. You then can replace the bad wire if
that will solve the problem.
Cross- Reference
Note Cross-
Reference
Appendixes
Considering coaxial cable
Check all of the cable in the system for nicks or breaks first. Also check all the terminators to make sure that they are securely fastened to the cable and to the computers. Even if all looks
okay, you still might have a break in the connection; it’s difficult to tell with coaxial cabling. You can try replacing the terminators and T-connectors, if you’re comfortable with that. You
also can try swapping out one cable with another too, unless your cabling goes into walls or under flooring.
You also can use a cable tester, if you have one. Cable testers are devices that test for loose connections, faulty cables, and other cabling problems. You can buy cable testers over the
Internet and at some computer stores. Cable testers cost between 50 and 250.
Looking at twisted-pair cabling problems
Twisted-pair cabling usually displays a link light on the back of the computer, in the area of the network card port. As long as the link light is lit, the cable doesn’t have a problem.
Again, check for physical problems with the cable: cuts, crimps, coiled cable, and so on. Check the connectors. If you have a cable tester, use it. If all else fails, you can call a cable
professional to test the cabling for you and replace it as necessary.
Considering hub problems
If you have only one hub on your network and it fails, the entire network goes down. If you have multiple hubs on a network and one fails, only the segment serviced by that hub goes
down. It’s also possible that one port on a hub will fail — and that affects only one computer. That is a difficult situation to troubleshoot, because you usually start diagnosing the PC, net-
work card, and cabling before you get to the hub.
If you think you have a cabling problem but find nothing wrong with the cable, change the hub port to see if that’s the solution.
You also can remove one workstation at a time to see if the other computers work. If remov- ing one workstation eliminates the problem, there’s something wrong with that workstation’s
cable. Make sure that the cable length is acceptable.
Examining bottlenecks
If your network is slow and everyone’s complaining about it, you probably have a bottleneck somewhere in the system. A bottleneck is usually one network component causing sluggish
traffic flow. If all your networking hardware works well together, you won’t have bottlenecks. If you do, you need to locate the problem and alleviate it.
Memory is always a prime suspect for a slow computer or network. A server, for example, or a workstation that carries most of the load could be a bottleneck on the network. When
everyone accesses one computer, its processes slow down. Adding memory can improve the situation.
Applications often create a bottleneck if they’re faulty or a little buggy. Make sure that you use the latest upgrades to any program installed on your computers. If you think a program is
running slowly, check with the manufacturer to see if there is an available upgrade or a patch that solves the problem.
When anyone on the network transfers several large files — such as images, sound clips, or motion files — from one computer to another, that transfer can cause a log jam. You might
save those files to a Zip disk or CD-RW to help ease a network traffic problem.
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
Investigating Peripheral Problems
Each peripheral in your computer can cause multiple problems by itself or in conjunction with other peripherals. If you have a problem you cannot solve, check the peripheral’s docu-
mentation and the manufacturer’s Web site for extra information.
Examining network printer problems
Often, simple things cause printer problems — such as an unplugged network cable or a prob- lem with the application. Other problems can be more difficult to find. If you have trouble
with your printer and you’ve tried all the following suggestions, you should check with the manufacturer for more specific information refer to the printer documentation or the manu-
facturer’s Web site for contact information.
General printer check
As with any network equipment, you want to physically check a printer that’s giving you problems before you check anything else. Make sure that the printer is turned on and online,
check the paper tray and path, and check all power cords and cables. Always try turning the printer off and then back on again to reinitialize it, in case some settings are corrupted. If
your printer doesn’t have an onoff switch, unplug the printer for 10 seconds or so and then plug it back in.
Next, run the printer’s self-test to see if the problem is in the printer or elsewhere. If the printer passes, use Print Screen from an MS-DOS prompt to see if the computer can communi-
cate with the printer. The easiest method of printing with the Print Screen button on your keyboard is to first go to the MS-DOS prompt, and then type dir so that you have something
on the screen. Press the button on your keyboard labeled Print Screen to see if the directory on your screen prints. If this second test fails, replace the cable between the printer and the
computer. If this second test is successful, check the application that is printing to the printer.
If the printer works from MS-DOS but not from Windows, you might have a Windows problem. Try removing the printer driver and then installing it again.
If the printer still won’t print, check the server if there is one, or the computer to which the printer is installed locally. For example, if the printer’s icon in the user’s Print Folder is
grayed, or dimmed, that means the printer is offline or turned off. Next, have the user print another document — something simple from WordPad, for example.
Check the print queue on the computer attached to the printer to see if the job is listed. If the job isn’t listed, check to see if the network user who is trying to print is logged on to the net-
work. Also check to see if the user has permission to print, if the printer is shared, and so on.
Network printer check
If the previous steps don’t solve or address your printing problem, try these network printing troubleshooting steps.
Print to a local printer. If that works, print to a file and copy the file to the network printer. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Choose Start ➪ Settings ➪ Printers. The Printers window appears. 2. Right-click the printer’s icon and then choose Properties. The printer’s Properties dia-
log box appears.
3. Choose the Details tab, as shown in Figure A-11.
Appendixes
Figure A-11: Set to print to a file.
4. In Print to the Following Port, choose FILE: Creates a file on disk. 5. Click OK to close the dialog box.
6. Print any file from any application. When prompted, enter a filename for the print job.
To print the file, open the MS-DOS window and, at the prompt, type the following:
copy path\filename networkprinter b For example, type copy c:\docs\letter.prn \\Sue\win98hp b. The b makes the file a binary
one, which means the entire file will print. If you don’t use a b, only part of the file might print.
If this printing process works, the problem lies with the computer. If the printing process doesn’t work, the problem is with the connection to the network printer.
You also can try capturing the printer port, as described in Chapter 15. Sometimes a captured printer works when a printer using a universal naming convention UNC connection won’t.
Solving Spool32 errors
When you’re printing to a network printer, you might receive a Spool32 error. Spool32.exe manages print spooling, which enables the computer to process a job more quickly and effi-
ciently. Following are three samples of Spool32 errors: SPOOL32 caused a Stack Fault in module Kernel32.dll at ...address.
SPOOL32 caused an Invalid Page Fault in module Kernel32.dll at ...address. SPOOL32 caused a General Protection Fault in module Kernel32.dll at
...address.
Your first step should be to make sure you have the most updated printer driver for your printer. Check the printer manufacturer’s Web site or call the manufacturer to see if an
updated version of the driver has been released. Often, manufacturers release another version of their printer driver when they find a coding error in the previous driver version. Replacing
the driver not only clears the Spool32 error but also makes your printer run more efficiently.
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
An antivirus program, a terminate-and-stay-resident program a DOS program that stays loaded in memory, such as calendars or calculators, or some other program could be block-
ing your printing. You can figure out what is blocking the printing by following these steps:
1. Disable the config.sys, autoexec.bat, winstart.bat, system.ini, and win.ini files all at the
same time. You can do this by using System Information, as described in the section “Using Microsoft System Information,” earlier in this chapter.
2. Restart the computer. Now print. If you still have problems, go to Step 3. If this takes
care of the problem, complete your printing, and then go back to System Information and enable the files you disabled in Step 1.
You probably won’t run into a Spool32 problem very often. If you do, however, you can find out which program is causing the problem by enabling only one of the files listed in Step 1,
starting your computer, and printing. If the printing works, enable another file and try again. When one file blocks the printing, open the file in a text editor and see what programs it’s
loading. You can disable each program, one at a time, to find the cause of your Spool32 error.
3. Print directly to the printer by changing the spooling format from Enhanced Metafile
EMF to RAW. You do this in the Details tab of the printer’s Properties dialog box. In the Spool Settings dialog box, click Print Directly to the printer; in the Spool Data
Format box, click RAW.
Looking at remote connection problems
As often as not, remote connection problems are the fault of the remote computer. Before you spend too much time on your end searching for the cause, check with the person running the
remote modem and computer to see if he or she has a problem.
Printing and Dial-Up Networking
If you have trouble printing a remote page, such as a Web page or an intranet page, over a dial- up connection, you might be trying to print on a different subnet than your dial-up connection.
You can work around this problem by printing the page while on the Web or intranet. Next, quit the Dial-Up Networking connection. Choose Start ➪ Settings ➪ Printers. Right-click the
network printer, and then click Use Printer Offline to remove the check from the check box. Press F5 to refresh the printer’s status and close the Printers folder. The Web page should
print normally now.
Error 645 with Dial-Up Networking
An error 645 occurs when Dial-Up Networking cannot complete a connection. The error reads as follows: “Dial-Up Networking could not complete the connection to the server.”
The problem generally occurs when the Require Encrypted Password option is enabled. To alleviate this problem, follow these steps:
1. Open My Computer. 2. Double-click Dial-Up Networking.
3. Right-click your connection icon and choose Properties. 4. Select the Server Types tab and then click the Require Encrypted Password check box
to remove the check.
5. Click OK. Tip
Appendixes
Problems opening Dial-Up Networking
Problems with your DLL files can result in the Dial-Up Networking folder disappearing, not opening, or appearing briefly before disappearing. Even reinstalling Windows doesn’t help.
The problem could be caused by any of the following DLL files being missing or damaged: ✦
Wsock32.dll ✦
Wsock32n.dll Windows 98 doesn’t have the Wsock32n.dll file unless you have upgraded from Windows 95
or you installed a program that also installed the file. ✦
Rnaui.dll ✦
Msvcrt20.dll ✦
Rasapi32.dll ✦
Rnaapp.exe You can resolve the problem by following these steps:
1. Restart the computer, but when you see Starting Windows appear on-screen, press the
F8 key.
2. From the menu, choose Safe Mode, Command Prompt Only. 3. Rename the Wsock32.dll, Wsock32n.dll, Rnaui.dll, Msvcrt20.dll, Rasapi32.dll, and
Rnaapp.exe files found in the Windows\System folder to the same filenames but use a different extension, such as aaa or ccc. Wsock32.dll, for example, becomes Wsock32.aaa,
and so on. Be careful not to use an extension often used in Windows, such as exe or com. If the files do not exist, skip this step.
4. Restart Windows. 5. Extract a new copy of the files from the original Windows CD-ROM. See online help for
information on extracting files.
Decreasing logon time to ISPs
Often you see a long logon delay when you’re dialing your ISP or other service provider. By default, Windows enables the software compression and log on to network options for Dial-
Up Networking. It also binds NetBEUI, IPXSPX, and TCPIP to the dial-up adapter by default. By changing some of these options, you can speed up the logon process.
You can cut down the delay time in Windows 98 by doing the following:
1. Open My Computer. 2. Double-click Dial-Up Networking.
3. In the Dial-Up Networking window, select the connection. Right-click the connection
and choose Properties.
4. In the Properties dialog box, choose Server Types. Figure A-12 shows the default
options that are set.
5. Deselect Log on to the Network, NetBEUI, and IPXSPX Compatible. 6. Click OK.
Note
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
Figure A-12: Disable some default options.
Solving Specific Problems
You can experience some pretty specific problems on a network. The Internet is a wonderful source for finding solutions to networking problems. You also might try to contact the manu-
facturer of the products you’re using or take a look at the Web site of the manufacturer or vendor for ideas. Following are some of the more common problems you may encounter.
✦ Computer crashes randomly and inconsistently — Insufficient RAM usually causes fre-
quent and random computer crashes. You might want to check to see if the RAM chips are well seated first. If a chip is not well seated, remove and replace the RAM chip.
✦ Conflicts with a card or other device — If you have problems with installing a new
adapter card or other device, check to see that the IRQ isn’t already in use. IRQs are limited in number, and no two devices can share the same one. For more information,
see Chapter 25.
✦ Defective data, printing problems, monitor static — Power problems generally are
related to damaged computer components. Line noise, power surges, spikes, and black- outs can overheat your hardware or corrupt data. If you notice problems with your
lights or other electrical equipment, you can assume your computer equipment also is affected by these power problems. A UPS and surge protector are your best defense.
See the section “Examining a UPS,” earlier in this chapter, for more information.
✦ Net Watcher doesn’t disconnect the user — Sometimes Net Watcher doesn’t discon-
nect a client user when you indicate you want the user disconnected. This is a minor glitch in the program. It disconnects the user, but when the user logs on to the network
again, he or she can reconnect to the resource. If you don’t want a user connected to a resource, you must change the password on the resource.
✦ Sluggish system resources — Your system resources — memory, processor speed,
caching, and so on — might seem to decrease even though no programs are running. This situation happens when you start a program and then quit it before you let it start
all the way. Stopping the program before it starts “leaks” memory and decreases system
Appendixes
resources. Leaked memory consists of data that is stored in temporary RAM and takes up space until you turn off the computer. The only way to resolve this problem is to
restart the computer. If you still have the problem, check carefully for viruses on your system. Viruses often work in the background to eat system resources.
✦ Problems with the System Monitor — If your System Monitor suddenly quits without
notice as you view other computers on the network, it’s probably because someone on the network pressed Ctrl+Alt+Delete. This action not only causes the networked com-
puter to reboot or display the task list, but it also hangs the System Monitor.
Solving share problems
If you need to look at the network resources and their shares for the network, you can use the NET VIEW command. Use the command at the MS-DOS prompt if you’re having trouble locating
a shared resource. NET VIEW is great for finding the drives, folders, printers, and other names of resources.
To view shared resources, follow these steps:
1. Choose Start ➪ Programs ➪ MS-DOS Prompt for Windows 98 or Start ➪ All Programs ➪
Accessories ➪ Command Prompt for Windows 2000 or XP.
2. At the C prompt, type the following command: net view \\computername
For example, type net view \\sue.
The command displays the share name for the drives, folders, printers, and other resources; the type of share; and any comments about the share. Figure A-13 shows the results of the
command example in Step 2. Note that the folders, a Zip drive, and a printer are shared on the referenced computer.
Figure A-13: Find out about the shared drives, folders, and other resources.
Missing the Network Logon dialog box
Sometimes the network logon dialog box disappears during logon. If the dialog box isn’t there for the user to enter a username and password, the user cannot access the network resources.
Any of several causes might be responsible; following are the more common reasons:
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
✦ AutoLogon in the Registry is a number other than 0.
✦ The network interface card is improperly configured.
✦ The Primary Network Logon field isn’t set correctly.
To resolve the problem, check your Network dialog box first choose Start ➪ Settings ➪ Control Panel ➪ Network icon in Windows 98 or, for both Windows 2000 and XP, right-click My Network
Places ➪ Properties then right-click Local Area Connection and choose Properties. Check to see if the network card configurations are correct. You should check to see that the card is bound
to the correct protocol and that the IRQ and IO addresses are correct. See Chapter 25 for more information. If you made any changes, restart your computer to see if the Network Logon dialog
box comes up now.
Before you close the Network dialog box, check the Primary Network Logon in the Configuration tab, as shown in Figure A-14. The primary logon should be set to Client for
Microsoft Networks. If it’s been changed to a Windows Logon, the Network Logon dialog box will not appear. If you changed the primary network logon, restart the computer.
If neither of these configurations solves the problem, you need to change an entry in the Registry. The following entry will only be listed in your Registry if you’re on a clientserver
network. Follow these steps:
1. Choose Start ➪ Run. The Run dialog box appears. 2. In the Open text box, enter regedit and then press Enter. The Registry Editor appears.
3.
Appendixes
Troubleshooting with the System Configuration Utility
Windows 98 and XP have a program that helps you diagnose system configuration issues. The System Configuration utility is also called msconfig enables you to select check boxes that
turn off certain settings so you can find out which settings are causing the problem. msconfig is especially useful in locating viruses in your system that could affect your computer and the
entire network.
You can set your configuration preference for the following files in the System Configuration utility:
✦ System.ini
✦ Boot.ini
✦ Win.ini
✦ Programs that startup with the computer
✦ Environment and International settings in Windows XP
In XP, you must log on as an administrator to use msconfig. To start msconfig, follow these steps:
1. Click Start ➪ Run. The Run dialog box appears. 2. Type msconfig in the Open text box and click OK.
You can perform various tasks with msconfig. On the General tab, you can choose to start the computer with a diagnostic startup in which Windows loads only the basic devices and services,
step-by-step, so you can determine if a device or service is causing your problem. When you use diagnostic startup, networking, Plug and Play, and other services are temporarily disabled.
You can alternatively use the Selective Startup option on the General tab. Deselect processing of the system.ini, boot.ini, win.ini, and so on to see if one of those files is causing a problem
with Windows. When you use selective startup, deselect only one process or system at a time and then reboot. If you choose multiple services or systems to disable, you won’t know which
one is causing the problem.
You can stop individual files from loading on boot in the System.ini, Win.ini, or Boot.ini tabs. The Boot.ini tab is available only in Windows XP. Naturally, if you’re unsure of what you’re
doing and you’re not sure what these files do, you shouldn’t edit the configurations; you could disable your computer.
A handy tool for locating viruses is the Startup tab of the System Configuration Utility. The Startup tab lists the programs, the program command and path, and the location of the files
that open when you start up your computer. By deselecting a startup item, you can stop your computer from booting with that item. You can select the item again if and when you find the
item was not causing a problem.
A virus might show up in the Startup tab of your computer. For example, Figure A-15 shows the run= command at the bottom of the list in the Startup tab. The alexir.exe and
instit.bat are both leftover viruses. The antivirus quarantined the files, but the run= com- mand in startup still searches for them when the computer boots. Deselecting the line in the
Startup tab stops the operating system from looking for the virus files.
Appendix A ✦ Troubleshooting Network Operations and Connections
Figure A-15: Stop individual items from starting up with the operating system.
Troubleshooting Macs
There are many troubleshooting procedures to go through if you’re using an AppleShare network — with all Mac computers. This book, however, is about using Macs with PCs, so
this section is targeted to those networking problems you might have with your mixed net- work. If you have trouble with AppleShare or with your individual Mac computer, see the
documentation or go to www.apple.com for more information.
You should use ping and other network troubleshooting tools just as you do with a PC to make sure the hardware connection is still viable. If the ping doesn’t work, then check
cables, network card, hubs or switches, and so on. Next, verify that the Mac is correctly configured for TCPIP. Many issues can cause problems
with attaching to the network: A TCPIP setting could accidentally change, a duplicate IP address could appear on the network, a system file or TCPIP preference file might become
corrupted.
In addition, you should check the following things on your Mac and network: ✦
Make sure network wires are strong and stable, or if wireless, make sure the network follows the wireless distance and direction guidelines.
✦ Swap out the network card with a working computer.
✦ Reset the PRAM see your Apple documentation.
✦ Delete TCPIP settings and reconfigure.
Appendixes
✦ Turn off non-MacOS extensions consult your Apple documentation.
✦ Reinstall Open Transport.
✦ Reinstall the system software.
You can also check out some of these Wiley books for help and information about your Macintosh: Mac OS X For Dummies, 2nd Edition; Mac OS Bible, Jaguar Edition; and Mac OS 9 For
Dummies.
Troubleshooting Linux
Linux comes in so many different flavors that it’s hard to offer specific help. You can, how- ever, purchase books, go to online forums, and check the Web for information troubleshoot-
ing your distribution. Following are some interesting sites that help you troubleshoot problems with Linux:
✦ www.linuxquestions.org for questions, forums, FAQs, a glossary, and more informa-
tion about Linux. ✦
http:www.ibiblio.orgpubLinuxdocs for documents that answer a variety of questions and troubleshoot problems with Linux.
✦ www.cnet.com is a good search engine for help with Linux, plus CNET offers advice and
tips for Linux users. ✦
www.linuxreinstall.comdebian.htm offers troubleshooting information about the Debian distribution.
✦ www.linuxreinstall.comsuse.htm offers troubleshooting for the Suse distribution
of Linux. ✦
www.linux-mag.com offers experts to answer your questions about Linux. In addition, following are a couple of books you can purchase to help you with specific distri-
butions of Linux. Wiley publishes the Red Hat Linux 9 Bible by Christopher Negus 2003 plus many other Linux titles, including Red Hat Linux 9 For Dummies by Jon “maddog” Hall and
Paul G. Sery 2003, the WROX title Beginning Red Hat Linux 9 by Sandip Bhattacharya et al. 2003, and Linux For Dummies, 4th Edition by Dee-Ann LeBlanc, Melanie Hoag, and Evan
Blomquist 2002.
✦ ✦
✦
IP Addressing
T
ransmission Control ProtocolInternet Protocol TCPIP is an excellent protocol for using in a home or small-business network.
Although it is difficult to configure, after you get the hang of it, you will be pleased with the results. TCPIP is an efficient protocol that
speeds up your network communications. Windows contains every- thing you need to install and configure TCPIP on your network
computers.
Understanding TCPIP
TCPIP is actually a set, or suite, of network protocols designed by the government’s Advanced Research Projects Agency in the 1970s. Each
of the protocols that are part of TCPIP contributes to making it an efficient and fast communications language for the Internet and for
local and wide area networks LANs and WANs.
TCPIP works with a variety of hardware and software products. You can use it on Unix computers, Macintoshes, and PCs using Windows,
NetWare, OS2, and more. Many manufacturers and vendors support TCPIP because it is so widely used.
The most common hardware connection for home or business TCPIP networks is Ethernet. If you’re using a phone line network
or wireless, you need to check the documentation to make sure that they can use TCPIP.
TCPIP is especially useful today, because it enables local networks to plug into the Internet easily, corporate intranets to become virtual
private networks VPN quickly, and VPNs to become extranets, thus linking the world together in a variety of ways. A VPN is a network
you set up that uses the Internet as your communications base. The VPN, for example, might connect two or more corporate LANs across
the country or across the world. An extranet is a corporate network that extends to the Internet so that vendors, manufacturers, and cus-
tomers can access corporate data.
Although most of the discussion in this appendix refers to TCPIP and IP as it applies to the Internet, the topics also refer to the use
of TCPIP on a home or business network. The latter is just on a smaller scale.
Note Note
B B
A P P E N D I X
✦ ✦
✦ ✦
Appendixes
Examining the basics
TCPIP enables multiple computers to link together in a network. If your network uses TCPIP, for example, you can link it to the Internet by using a router. A router is an intelligent device
that connects network segments. Routers transmit network packets from one network to another.
The Internet is, in fact, one huge network of servers and computers attached to each other through a series of routers. They can communicate with each other because of the TCPIP
protocol. TCPIP hides the routers, though, so all computers on the Internet seem like one big network.
IP
One TCPIP protocol, in particular, enables network packets to move data between network segments and travel across routers — Internet Protocol IP. IP is a routing protocol, meaning
it directs datagrams from the source to the destination. Datagrams are packets of data that contain the source and destination addresses, as well as the data. Each datagram contains all
the information it needs to find the target host, no matter which paths the other datagrams have taken.
IP chooses the path the packets take across routers and networks. IP regulates packet for- warding by tracking Internet addresses, recognizing incoming messages, and routing outgoing
messages. Datagrams might arrive at the destination in any order, however, or they might not arrive at all.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol TCP is a higher-level protocol than IP. It provides continuing connections between programs. TCP also makes IP datagrams smaller and faster.
TCP divides datagrams into smaller segments to fit the physical requirements of the servers on the network. It then uses IP to transmit the segments of data. IP doesn’t guarantee the seg-
ments will arrive at the destination in the same order as they were sent. TCP inserts a header into each segment that is used to track every segment from one port to
the other. TCP guarantees that every byte sent arrives — and without duplication or loss. After the segments arrive at the target host, TCP checks for errors. If it finds any corrupted
data, it discards that data and requests that the data be transmitted again.
UDP
User Datagram Protocol UDP is similar to TCP in that it divides some datagrams into seg- ments and sends them over the network by using IP. UDP is, in fact, a primitive version of
TCP. TCP performs error-checking tasks to make sure that the segments arrive without any faults or problems. UDP, on the other hand, doesn’t guarantee that the datagrams will arrive
intact or even at all.
UDP is used in many programs today. For example, UDP works with SNMP applications on the transport level of communications. SNMP, which is short for Simple Network Management
Protocol, is a protocol that manages and monitors the network.
Miscellaneous TCPIP protocols
Some of the other protocols in the TCPIP suite include the following: ✦
Point-to-Point Protocol PPP enables connections between hosts and networks and the nodes routers, bridges, and so on in between.
Appendix B ✦ IP Addressing
✦ Simple Mail Transfer Protocol SMTP is for exchanging e-mail.
✦ File Transfer Protocol FTP is for transferring files. FTP enables one computer to trans-
fer a file to another computer by using TCP. ✦
Server Message Block SMB enables a computer to use network resources as if they were local.
✦ Network File System NFS enables a computer to use files and peripherals as if they
were local. ✦
Telnet is a terminal emulation protocol that enables you to connect to a remote service while in Windows.
✦ Address Resolution Protocol ARP translates 32-bit IP addresses into physical network
addresses, such as 48-bit Ethernet addresses. An Ethernet address is also called a MAC address MAC stands for Media Access Control. It’s a
number written as 12 hexadecimal digits — 0 through 9 and A through F — as in 0080001021ef. Alternatively, a MAC address might have six hexadecimal numbers separated by periods or
colons, as in 0:80:0:2:21:ef. The MAC address is unique to each computer, but it does not iden- tify the location of the computer, only the computer itself.
✦ Reverse Address Resolution Protocol RARP translates physical network addresses
into IP addresses. ✦
Internet Control Message Protocol ICMP helps IP communicate error information about the IP transmissions.
✦ Internet Group Management Protocol IGMP enables IP datagrams to be broadcast to
computers that belong to groups. Some of the TCPIP protocols are also applications. FTP, Telnet, and SNMP, for example, are
programs that you can use over the network because they’re included with the TCPIP suite.
Glimpsing the ISOOSI model
International Organization for StandardizationOpen Systems Interconnection ISOOSI is a set of standards that defines network functionality. ISOOSI sets standards for cabling, net-
work interface cards NICs, protocols, and so on. TCPIP’s layered design works well with the ISOOSI model to transmit network data efficiently
and effectively. As the data moves from the network application Layer 7 to the network card Layer 2, one or more of the TCPIP protocols accompanies it every step of the way.
The seven-layer model defines computer-to-computer communications. Following is a brief explanation of each layer:
✦ Layer 1 — The physical layer defines the cabling.
✦ Layer 2 — The data link layer controls the flow of data through the network cards.
✦ Layer 3 — The network layer defines the protocols for data routing, to make sure that
the data gets to the correct destination. ✦
Layer 4 — The transport layer defines protocols for error checking and message formation.
Note Note
