[Advanced] TCP/IP Issue in mixed MS network

[Carbooja]

Okay guys, I'm trying to wrap my head around this one, but it just doesn't jive.


18 Workstation Environment with 98, 2000 and one XP station.

Windows 2000 Advanced server as the PDC.

Router as the gateway.

TCP/IP
NetBeui

Basically what happens is in some instances, you can no longer ping the server, however you can browse the server and access its public folders etc which means the Netbeui is working, however the TCP/IP is failing. This error happens randomly, and this is what i've done so far.

Changed network card on server and one of the workstations. (The test station)
Replaced cables.
Plugged into another jack.
Replaced the hub with a switch.
pointed the workstation's WINS and DNS to the server.

Now I have no problems browsing the server, however we're using the main server as an SQL server as well, thus it's adament we use TCP/IP

I'm running out of ideas, however I'm wondering if it has to do with the servers DNS settings some how, regardless any input would be helpful.

[Dangertux]

This is something extremely simple, and is probably not the case. Howerver, I find starting simple with networking usually solves most problems.

First you may have blocked ICMP packets from on your server.

Secondly can the workstations ping eachother's IP address.

Thirdly, This is a last resort check all of your IPsec policies very carefully. You may have inadvertently denied some TCP/IP packets you didn't want to. Also any more information would be greatly appreciated as I am curious about the cause of this problem. Please post what it was when you resolve it

[Carbooja]

Alright, I've checked the IPSec policies, and added permit on all LAN traffic, in addition I've made sure WINS is running, however still no luck, but here's the interesting part, when I lose TCP/IP connectivity to the server, meaning when I can't ping it, soon as I ping something else on the network, I can then ping the server.

I know it's the server because I've now looked at every workstation on the network and experienced the same problem.

Any Ideas?

[javajoe]

Silly question, but are you pinging the servers IP Address or name (NetBIOS and/or FQDN)?

Also, make sure the server does not go into standby mode, which may effect the NICs ability to respond.

Is the server able to ping the w/s without problem? Are you using DHCP or static IP?