Any Ideas Why I Keep Losing Network Access To My Computers?

Mike Finley

I have 3 computers, 2 desk tops and one labtop, all running XP professional and the lap top runs Tablet PC on top of it. I have a wireless network using a router and shared internet access.

I never lose internet access on any of the computers, but from time to time I lose network access to the shared drives on the computers themselves. Both desk tops run 24 hours a day and the lap top runs off and on for days at a time.

Tscarborough

That is Bill Gates way of saying, "Sucker".

mickeyco

I could think of many reasons, sounds like you'll have to try a few things and see what works, could be as simple as moving the hard drive/wi-fi unit closer to the base or a bad wi-fi unit with an intermittent problem, try swapping with one of your other units (might create a MAC address problem). I'd check the hard drives for errors because you can lose the stream and files won't transfer simulating a disconnect (if you have an ADS hard drive enclosure that's probably the problem). If you have DSL and don't have the proper filters or faulty filters an incoming call can cause a disconnect but since it's only the hard drive unit it's most likely not that. FCC rules require all of the wireless devices to accept interference, so any signal on or near the freq. of your network could cause it; airplane or emergency vehicle going by, garage door opener, cordless phone, wireless lights, wireless camera (this was the cause of my problems), neighbor with wireless network on same or near freq. etc., some units handle interference better than others. A mixed network, wireless b an g (that's what I have) can cause this sometimes especially if the wi-fi units are from different manufacturers. Might be that you're hard drive/wi-fi unit is in a "dead spot", outside the range or near the outer limits, or near an appliance that's causing interference, fixed by moving the unit. I'd start with checking the hard drive for errors, I think XP has a utility for this, and relocating the hard drive/wi-fi unit.

BreyerConstruct

Mike,

I've gotta come clean. It's all my fault. Since we've been slow the past 2 months, I've sent my elves out your way look for work... it appears they've found trouble instead.

Again, my apologies. If you find my elves, spank them & send them back East...

~Matt

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Mike Finley

I will also look into some of the stuff mickey put up. I went onto one of the desk tops today, looked in the my network places and now the icon for the other desk top and the tablet pc aren't there! WTF?

PipeGuy

I paid "a tech guy" to come in and set up a wi-fi for my 5 PC's (Web access, file and printer sharing). It worked well for about 3 hours after he left. It sort of worked for another couple of weeks. He came back and got it to work again for another few hours. These days, the only thing that works is the web access (I can sometimes get one of 3 printers to 'share' but only if all firewalls are disabled).
I've come to think that expecting to establish a reliable network with Windows is like expecting to talk to someone in the next state over on the CB channel 14 walkie-talkies you had as a kid.

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Fortunately I keep my feathers numbered for...for just such an emergency. -Foghorn Leghorn

Mike Finley

Pipeguy, that's my scenario too, I paid a guy too to set this up.

Maybe if I paid 5 or 6 hundred bucks to upgrade to Vista life would be good?

PipeGuy

Good for Bill maybe. At this point I'd rather drop $100 on a case of Sailor Jerry's http://www.sailorjerry.com/rum/ and just shout, from my PC, to my wife at hers in the next room.

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Fortunately I keep my feathers numbered for...for just such an emergency. -Foghorn Leghorn