Hank Arnold (MVP) <rasilon@aol.com> wrote:
> I'd still go with Lanwench's recommendation.

<curtseys>

> Set up DHCP and then
> assign workstations IP addresses via DHCP.
>
> BTW, if you do install DHCP, be sure to exclude all the fixed IP
> addresses you have assigned. Also, add an exclusion range that you can
> use later if you want to add more devices needing a fixed IP...
>
> BTW, I disagree with Lanwench on one thing: I would *never* assign a
> printer to DHCP. It can only cause problems if the printer is turned
> off for some reason....

DHCP *reservations* ...not DHCP alone. That way if you move a printer to
another network, you don't have to scurry around looking for the manual so
you can reset it to factory defaults. So you end up with nonchanging IP
addresses for printers, but you don't have to worry about keeping track of
yet more static IPs. The fewer the better, in my book. Just my $.02.
>
>
> lenny wrote:
>> Off course. The server has a static IP (192.168.1.5), there are only
>> 2 PC's and 2 Laptops on the network plus a couple of printers and a
>> router. The router already has a static as do the printers. Since
>> setting the PC's to static IP's there hasn't been a problem, but it
>> might just be a coincidence. I will be updating the drivers as
>> recommended at the earliest opportunity. Cheers
>>
>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>> message news:%23WIwzV5AJHA.3348@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>> What about giving the workstations their own IP address
>>> You mean statics? I wouldn't recommend that. Too much management
>>> overhead. DHCP is the way to go.
>>>
>>>> and leaving
>>>> the server on unlimited lease?
>>> Servers should not be using DHCP anyway. Servers and network devices
>>> should have statics - printers should have DHCP reservations or
>>> statics - and workstations should be using DHCP.
>>>
>>> You can't set up a DHCP server to have a DHCP-assigned IP address,
>>> either, note.

Hi,
We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were booted out
so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest version and 2 hours
later we are all kicked out again. There is still nothing showing in the
eventlogs.

Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any way.

"lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
> Hi,
> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro) connecting via a
> LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders. There is also a Draytek
> Vigor 2800 router for internet access with a static IP and DHCP disabled.
> The server is giving out the IP's for the client computers but about twice
> a day the clients are going 'Off Line', they loose their IP address (it
> reverts to 169.xxx....) and are unable to access the server or get onto
> the internet or print (The printer is set up through the server). I have
> tried giving the clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I
> have also tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on the clients.
> I can log on to the router from outside the LAN which has it's own static
> WAN and LAN IP but the server is not pingable (timed out). I reboot the
> server and the clients are then given an IP and we are back up and
> running. I have checked the Event Viewer but there doesn't seem to be
> anything relevant and there certainly isn't anything that relates to the
> times the connection is lost. 2 of the clients that are always on loose
> the connection about 5 minutes apart. One computer will say it is off line
> and 5 minutes later the other one will loose it too.
>
> First, I would like any advice about what might cause this on the server
> because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal. Also, could I
> take DHCP away from the server and give it to the Router instead? Why do
> they loose connection even when they have a static IP? Because of this I
> don't think getting the IP from the Router will make any difference. When
> the server decides it wants to close it's connection it will.
>
> Any advice greatly appreciated.
> Cheers
> Lenny
>

lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
> Hi,
> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
> booted out

All at the same time?

> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is still
> nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>
> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any way.

Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to say that
the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.

Also, what kind of switch?
>
> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>> Hi,
>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro) connecting
>> via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders. There is also
>> a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access with a static IP and
>> DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the client
>> computers but about twice a day the clients are going 'Off Line',
>> they loose their IP address (it reverts to 169.xxx....) and are
>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print (The
>> printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving the
>> clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I have also
>> tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on the clients. I
>> can log on to the router from outside the LAN which has it's own
>> static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not pingable (timed out). I
>> reboot the server and the clients are then given an IP and we are
>> back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but there
>> doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly isn't
>> anything that relates to the times the connection is lost. 2 of the
>> clients that are always on loose the connection about 5 minutes
>> apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5 minutes later the
>> other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice about what
>> might cause this on the
>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they have a
>> static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP from the
>> Router will make any difference. When the server decides it wants to
>> close it's connection it will. Any advice greatly appreciated.
>> Cheers
>> Lenny

All at the same time within a few minutes of each other. The problem is that
the staff only notice that they are not working online when the sync icon in
the system tray pops up and tells them that they are working off line. This
could be when it try's to do a sync with the server instead of the actual
moment when the system is kicked out. We are just using a basic unmanaged 8
port belkin Ethernet switch/hub.


"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in message
news:%23XVZmPkCJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>> Hi,
>> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
>> booted out
>
> All at the same time?
>
>> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
>> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is still
>> nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>>
>> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any way.
>
> Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to say that
> the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.
>
> Also, what kind of switch?
>>
>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>>> Hi,
>>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro) connecting
>>> via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders. There is also
>>> a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access with a static IP and
>>> DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the client
>>> computers but about twice a day the clients are going 'Off Line',
>>> they loose their IP address (it reverts to 169.xxx....) and are
>>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print (The
>>> printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving the
>>> clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I have also
>>> tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on the clients. I
>>> can log on to the router from outside the LAN which has it's own
>>> static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not pingable (timed out). I
>>> reboot the server and the clients are then given an IP and we are
>>> back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but there
>>> doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly isn't
>>> anything that relates to the times the connection is lost. 2 of the
>>> clients that are always on loose the connection about 5 minutes
>>> apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5 minutes later the
>>> other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice about what
>>> might cause this on the
>>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they have a
>>> static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP from the
>>> Router will make any difference. When the server decides it wants to
>>> close it's connection it will. Any advice greatly appreciated.
>>> Cheers
>>> Lenny
>
>
>

Have changed the LAN card and it is still the same - if not worse!-.
Defiantly not the Hub as all the connections going through it can ping each
other.

When the connection is working fine I can ping the server with 4 full quick
replies. When it is playing up I can either not ping at all or only 1 or 2
replies.


"lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
news:qoWdnbmkxIPedSfVnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@pipex.net...
> All at the same time within a few minutes of each other. The problem is
> that the staff only notice that they are not working online when the sync
> icon in the system tray pops up and tells them that they are working off
> line. This could be when it try's to do a sync with the server instead of
> the actual moment when the system is kicked out. We are just using a basic
> unmanaged 8 port belkin Ethernet switch/hub.
>
>
> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
> message news:%23XVZmPkCJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>> Hi,
>>> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
>>> booted out
>>
>> All at the same time?
>>
>>> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
>>> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is still
>>> nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>>>
>>> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any way.
>>
>> Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to say
>> that the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.
>>
>> Also, what kind of switch?
>>>
>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>>>> Hi,
>>>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro) connecting
>>>> via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders. There is also
>>>> a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access with a static IP and
>>>> DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the client
>>>> computers but about twice a day the clients are going 'Off Line',
>>>> they loose their IP address (it reverts to 169.xxx....) and are
>>>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print (The
>>>> printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving the
>>>> clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I have also
>>>> tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on the clients. I
>>>> can log on to the router from outside the LAN which has it's own
>>>> static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not pingable (timed out). I
>>>> reboot the server and the clients are then given an IP and we are
>>>> back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but there
>>>> doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly isn't
>>>> anything that relates to the times the connection is lost. 2 of the
>>>> clients that are always on loose the connection about 5 minutes
>>>> apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5 minutes later the
>>>> other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice about what
>>>> might cause this on the
>>>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>>>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>>>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they have a
>>>> static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP from the
>>>> Router will make any difference. When the server decides it wants to
>>>> close it's connection it will. Any advice greatly appreciated.
>>>> Cheers
>>>> Lenny
>>
>>
>>
>
>

lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
> Have changed the LAN card and it is still the same - if not worse!-.
> Defiantly not the Hub as all the connections going through it can
> ping each other.

Are you using a hub or a switch? Hubs should be avoided.

>
> When the connection is working fine I can ping the server with 4 full
> quick replies. When it is playing up I can either not ping at all or
> only 1 or 2 replies.

Can you log in at the console at those times?

Re the clients, I'd disable offline files. I've had nothing but problems
with that feature and it sure isn't necessary on LAN-connected desktops.
>
>
> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
> news:qoWdnbmkxIPedSfVnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@pipex.net...
>> All at the same time within a few minutes of each other. The problem
>> is that the staff only notice that they are not working online when
>> the sync icon in the system tray pops up and tells them that they
>> are working off line. This could be when it try's to do a sync with
>> the server instead of the actual moment when the system is kicked
>> out. We are just using a basic unmanaged 8 port belkin Ethernet
>> switch/hub. "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>> message news:%23XVZmPkCJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>> Hi,
>>>> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
>>>> booted out
>>>
>>> All at the same time?
>>>
>>>> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
>>>> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is
>>>> still nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>>>>
>>>> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any way.
>>>
>>> Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to
>>> say that the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.
>>>
>>> Also, what kind of switch?
>>>>
>>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>>>>> Hi,
>>>>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro)
>>>>> connecting via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders.
>>>>> There is also a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access with a
>>>>> static IP
>>>>> and DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the
>>>>> client computers but about twice a day the clients are going 'Off
>>>>> Line', they loose their IP address (it reverts to 169.xxx....) and are
>>>>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print (The
>>>>> printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving the
>>>>> clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I have also
>>>>> tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on the clients. I
>>>>> can log on to the router from outside the LAN which has it's own
>>>>> static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not pingable (timed out).
>>>>> I reboot the server and the clients are then given an IP and we
>>>>> are back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but there
>>>>> doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly isn't
>>>>> anything that relates to the times the connection is lost. 2 of
>>>>> the clients that are always on loose the connection about 5
>>>>> minutes apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5 minutes
>>>>> later
>>>>> the other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice
>>>>> about what might cause this on the
>>>>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>>>>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>>>>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they have a
>>>>> static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP from the
>>>>> Router will make any difference. When the server decides it wants
>>>>> to close it's connection it will. Any advice greatly appreciated.
>>>>> Cheers
>>>>> Lenny

Hi Lanwench, Thanks for your endless thoughts and help on this matter. I
think it is solved. RAM. It turns out that everything was freezing up but
that didn't get mentioned to me. I only noticed it go off line when logged
in remotely.That would explain the lack of errors in the Event Viewers.

There is one advantage to using offline files on LAN connected PC's - When
the server starts playing up or you have endless connection problems like I
have been having then users can still carry on working and the server gets
updated when it comes back online.

Thanks again for your time on this problem.


"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in message
news:%23J7id8DDJHA.4916@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>> Have changed the LAN card and it is still the same - if not worse!-.
>> Defiantly not the Hub as all the connections going through it can
>> ping each other.
>
> Are you using a hub or a switch? Hubs should be avoided.
>
>>
>> When the connection is working fine I can ping the server with 4 full
>> quick replies. When it is playing up I can either not ping at all or
>> only 1 or 2 replies.
>
> Can you log in at the console at those times?
>
> Re the clients, I'd disable offline files. I've had nothing but problems
> with that feature and it sure isn't necessary on LAN-connected desktops.
>>
>>
>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>> news:qoWdnbmkxIPedSfVnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@pipex.net...
>>> All at the same time within a few minutes of each other. The problem
>>> is that the staff only notice that they are not working online when
>>> the sync icon in the system tray pops up and tells them that they
>>> are working off line. This could be when it try's to do a sync with
>>> the server instead of the actual moment when the system is kicked
>>> out. We are just using a basic unmanaged 8 port belkin Ethernet
>>> switch/hub. "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>>> message news:%23XVZmPkCJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>>> Hi,
>>>>> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
>>>>> booted out
>>>>
>>>> All at the same time?
>>>>
>>>>> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
>>>>> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is
>>>>> still nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>>>>>
>>>>> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any way.
>>>>
>>>> Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to
>>>> say that the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.
>>>>
>>>> Also, what kind of switch?
>>>>>
>>>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro)
>>>>>> connecting via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders.
>>>>>> There is also a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access with a
>>>>>> static IP
>>>>>> and DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the
>>>>>> client computers but about twice a day the clients are going 'Off
>>>>>> Line', they loose their IP address (it reverts to 169.xxx....) and
>>>>>> are
>>>>>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print (The
>>>>>> printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving the
>>>>>> clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I have also
>>>>>> tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on the clients. I
>>>>>> can log on to the router from outside the LAN which has it's own
>>>>>> static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not pingable (timed out).
>>>>>> I reboot the server and the clients are then given an IP and we
>>>>>> are back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but there
>>>>>> doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly isn't
>>>>>> anything that relates to the times the connection is lost. 2 of
>>>>>> the clients that are always on loose the connection about 5
>>>>>> minutes apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5 minutes
>>>>>> later
>>>>>> the other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice
>>>>>> about what might cause this on the
>>>>>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>>>>>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>>>>>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they have a
>>>>>> static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP from the
>>>>>> Router will make any difference. When the server decides it wants
>>>>>> to close it's connection it will. Any advice greatly appreciated.
>>>>>> Cheers
>>>>>> Lenny
>
>
>

lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
> Hi Lanwench, Thanks for your endless thoughts and help on this
> matter. I think it is solved. RAM. It turns out that everything was
> freezing up but that didn't get mentioned to me.

<sigh> Yeah.

I only noticed it go
> off line when logged in remotely.That would explain the lack of
> errors in the Event Viewers.

Ach! Yes, indeed.
>
> There is one advantage to using offline files on LAN connected PC's -
> When the server starts playing up or you have endless connection
> problems like I have been having then users can still carry on
> working and the server gets updated when it comes back online.

Yes, but I don't want users working when the server is unavailable. Of
course, I will do everything in my power to ensure that the server is
*never* unavailable, or as close to it as humanly possible, but if it goes
down I don't want to run the risk of lost or orphaned files.
>
> Thanks again for your time on this problem.

You're most welcome; glad you've got it sorted.
>
>
> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
> message news:%23J7id8DDJHA.4916@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>> Have changed the LAN card and it is still the same - if not worse!-.
>>> Defiantly not the Hub as all the connections going through it can
>>> ping each other.
>>
>> Are you using a hub or a switch? Hubs should be avoided.
>>
>>>
>>> When the connection is working fine I can ping the server with 4
>>> full quick replies. When it is playing up I can either not ping at
>>> all or only 1 or 2 replies.
>>
>> Can you log in at the console at those times?
>>
>> Re the clients, I'd disable offline files. I've had nothing but
>> problems with that feature and it sure isn't necessary on
>> LAN-connected desktops.
>>>
>>>
>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>> news:qoWdnbmkxIPedSfVnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@pipex.net...
>>>> All at the same time within a few minutes of each other. The
>>>> problem is that the staff only notice that they are not working
>>>> online when the sync icon in the system tray pops up and tells
>>>> them that they are working off line. This could be when it try's
>>>> to do a sync with the server instead of the actual moment when the
>>>> system is kicked out. We are just using a basic unmanaged 8 port
>>>> belkin Ethernet switch/hub. "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>>>> message news:%23XVZmPkCJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
>>>>>> booted out
>>>>>
>>>>> All at the same time?
>>>>>
>>>>>> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
>>>>>> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is
>>>>>> still nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any
>>>>>> way.
>>>>>
>>>>> Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to
>>>>> say that the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.
>>>>>
>>>>> Also, what kind of switch?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>>>>> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro)
>>>>>>> connecting via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders.
>>>>>>> There is also a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access
>>>>>>> with a static IP
>>>>>>> and DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the
>>>>>>> client computers but about twice a day the clients are going
>>>>>>> 'Off Line', they loose their IP address (it reverts to
>>>>>>> 169.xxx....) and are
>>>>>>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print
>>>>>>> (The printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving
>>>>>>> the clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I
>>>>>>> have also tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on
>>>>>>> the clients. I can log on to the router from outside the LAN
>>>>>>> which has it's own static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not
>>>>>>> pingable (timed out). I reboot the server and the clients are then
>>>>>>> given an IP and we
>>>>>>> are back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but
>>>>>>> there doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly
>>>>>>> isn't anything that relates to the times the connection is
>>>>>>> lost. 2 of the clients that are always on loose the connection about
>>>>>>> 5
>>>>>>> minutes apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5
>>>>>>> minutes later
>>>>>>> the other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice
>>>>>>> about what might cause this on the
>>>>>>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>>>>>>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>>>>>>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they
>>>>>>> have a static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP
>>>>>>> from the Router will make any difference. When the server
>>>>>>> decides it wants to close it's connection it will. Any advice
>>>>>>> greatly appreciated. Cheers
>>>>>>> Lenny

DOH!
3:50pm this afternoon the connection was lost again! Now What? I have double
checked the event logs and there are no indications at all of any problem
with the Server.

There are an awful lot of events in the Security view. All Success Audit
with Events 540, 538, 576, 512, 514 etc but nothing that looks out of the
ordinary (Not that I would know. but I can't see any errors)

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in message
news:OBKnk6IDJHA.4724@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>> Hi Lanwench, Thanks for your endless thoughts and help on this
>> matter. I think it is solved. RAM. It turns out that everything was
>> freezing up but that didn't get mentioned to me.
>
> <sigh> Yeah.
>
> I only noticed it go
>> off line when logged in remotely.That would explain the lack of
>> errors in the Event Viewers.
>
> Ach! Yes, indeed.
>>
>> There is one advantage to using offline files on LAN connected PC's -
>> When the server starts playing up or you have endless connection
>> problems like I have been having then users can still carry on
>> working and the server gets updated when it comes back online.
>
> Yes, but I don't want users working when the server is unavailable. Of
> course, I will do everything in my power to ensure that the server is
> *never* unavailable, or as close to it as humanly possible, but if it goes
> down I don't want to run the risk of lost or orphaned files.
>>
>> Thanks again for your time on this problem.
>
> You're most welcome; glad you've got it sorted.
>>
>>
>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>> message news:%23J7id8DDJHA.4916@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>> Have changed the LAN card and it is still the same - if not worse!-.
>>>> Defiantly not the Hub as all the connections going through it can
>>>> ping each other.
>>>
>>> Are you using a hub or a switch? Hubs should be avoided.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> When the connection is working fine I can ping the server with 4
>>>> full quick replies. When it is playing up I can either not ping at
>>>> all or only 1 or 2 replies.
>>>
>>> Can you log in at the console at those times?
>>>
>>> Re the clients, I'd disable offline files. I've had nothing but
>>> problems with that feature and it sure isn't necessary on
>>> LAN-connected desktops.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:qoWdnbmkxIPedSfVnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@pipex.net...
>>>>> All at the same time within a few minutes of each other. The
>>>>> problem is that the staff only notice that they are not working
>>>>> online when the sync icon in the system tray pops up and tells
>>>>> them that they are working off line. This could be when it try's
>>>>> to do a sync with the server instead of the actual moment when the
>>>>> system is kicked out. We are just using a basic unmanaged 8 port
>>>>> belkin Ethernet switch/hub. "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>>>>> message news:%23XVZmPkCJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>>> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
>>>>>>> booted out
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All at the same time?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
>>>>>>> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is
>>>>>>> still nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any
>>>>>>> way.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to
>>>>>> say that the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Also, what kind of switch?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>>>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>>>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro)
>>>>>>>> connecting via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders.
>>>>>>>> There is also a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access
>>>>>>>> with a static IP
>>>>>>>> and DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the
>>>>>>>> client computers but about twice a day the clients are going
>>>>>>>> 'Off Line', they loose their IP address (it reverts to
>>>>>>>> 169.xxx....) and are
>>>>>>>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print
>>>>>>>> (The printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving
>>>>>>>> the clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I
>>>>>>>> have also tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on
>>>>>>>> the clients. I can log on to the router from outside the LAN
>>>>>>>> which has it's own static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not
>>>>>>>> pingable (timed out). I reboot the server and the clients are then
>>>>>>>> given an IP and we
>>>>>>>> are back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but
>>>>>>>> there doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly
>>>>>>>> isn't anything that relates to the times the connection is
>>>>>>>> lost. 2 of the clients that are always on loose the connection
>>>>>>>> about 5
>>>>>>>> minutes apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5
>>>>>>>> minutes later
>>>>>>>> the other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice
>>>>>>>> about what might cause this on the
>>>>>>>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>>>>>>>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>>>>>>>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they
>>>>>>>> have a static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP
>>>>>>>> from the Router will make any difference. When the server
>>>>>>>> decides it wants to close it's connection it will. Any advice
>>>>>>>> greatly appreciated. Cheers
>>>>>>>> Lenny
>
>
>

DOH!
3:50pm this afternoon the connection was lost again! Now What? I have double
checked the event logs and there are no indications at all of any problem
with the Server.

There are an awful lot of events in the Security view. All Success Audit
with Events 540, 538, 576, 512, 514 etc but nothing that looks out of the
ordinary (Not that I would know. but I can't see any errors)

"Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
<lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in message
news:OBKnk6IDJHA.4724@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>> Hi Lanwench, Thanks for your endless thoughts and help on this
>> matter. I think it is solved. RAM. It turns out that everything was
>> freezing up but that didn't get mentioned to me.
>
> <sigh> Yeah.
>
> I only noticed it go
>> off line when logged in remotely.That would explain the lack of
>> errors in the Event Viewers.
>
> Ach! Yes, indeed.
>>
>> There is one advantage to using offline files on LAN connected PC's -
>> When the server starts playing up or you have endless connection
>> problems like I have been having then users can still carry on
>> working and the server gets updated when it comes back online.
>
> Yes, but I don't want users working when the server is unavailable. Of
> course, I will do everything in my power to ensure that the server is
> *never* unavailable, or as close to it as humanly possible, but if it goes
> down I don't want to run the risk of lost or orphaned files.
>>
>> Thanks again for your time on this problem.
>
> You're most welcome; glad you've got it sorted.
>>
>>
>> "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>> message news:%23J7id8DDJHA.4916@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>> Have changed the LAN card and it is still the same - if not worse!-.
>>>> Defiantly not the Hub as all the connections going through it can
>>>> ping each other.
>>>
>>> Are you using a hub or a switch? Hubs should be avoided.
>>>
>>>>
>>>> When the connection is working fine I can ping the server with 4
>>>> full quick replies. When it is playing up I can either not ping at
>>>> all or only 1 or 2 replies.
>>>
>>> Can you log in at the console at those times?
>>>
>>> Re the clients, I'd disable offline files. I've had nothing but
>>> problems with that feature and it sure isn't necessary on
>>> LAN-connected desktops.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:qoWdnbmkxIPedSfVnZ2dneKdnZydnZ2d@pipex.net...
>>>>> All at the same time within a few minutes of each other. The
>>>>> problem is that the staff only notice that they are not working
>>>>> online when the sync icon in the system tray pops up and tells
>>>>> them that they are working off line. This could be when it try's
>>>>> to do a sync with the server instead of the actual moment when the
>>>>> system is kicked out. We are just using a basic unmanaged 8 port
>>>>> belkin Ethernet switch/hub. "Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]"
>>>>> <lanwench@heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmailatya hoo.com> wrote in
>>>>> message news:%23XVZmPkCJHA.4700@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> lenny <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>>> We have had about 5 days without any problems then today we were
>>>>>>> booted out
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All at the same time?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> so I have updated the LAN Card driver to the latest
>>>>>>> version and 2 hours later we are all kicked out again. There is
>>>>>>> still nothing showing in the eventlogs.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Should I change the LAN card? It doesn't show up faulty in any
>>>>>>> way.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Yes, I'd try an Intel. I don't much like Broadcoms. That isn't to
>>>>>> say that the Broadcom is the issue, mind you.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Also, what kind of switch?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> "lenny" <lenny@thetakeout.com> wrote in message
>>>>>>> news:BoSdndC3Ur3-cTzVRVnyhAA@pipex.net...
>>>>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>>>> We have a Microsoft Server 2003 with 3 computers (XP Pro)
>>>>>>>> connecting via a LAN to synchronise files in the shared folders.
>>>>>>>> There is also a Draytek Vigor 2800 router for internet access
>>>>>>>> with a static IP
>>>>>>>> and DHCP disabled. The server is giving out the IP's for the
>>>>>>>> client computers but about twice a day the clients are going
>>>>>>>> 'Off Line', they loose their IP address (it reverts to
>>>>>>>> 169.xxx....) and are
>>>>>>>> unable to access the server or get onto the internet or print
>>>>>>>> (The printer is set up through the server). I have tried giving
>>>>>>>> the clients static IP's but the same thing happens anyway. I
>>>>>>>> have also tried disabling and enabling the LAN connection on
>>>>>>>> the clients. I can log on to the router from outside the LAN
>>>>>>>> which has it's own static WAN and LAN IP but the server is not
>>>>>>>> pingable (timed out). I reboot the server and the clients are then
>>>>>>>> given an IP and we
>>>>>>>> are back up and running. I have checked the Event Viewer but
>>>>>>>> there doesn't seem to be anything relevant and there certainly
>>>>>>>> isn't anything that relates to the times the connection is
>>>>>>>> lost. 2 of the clients that are always on loose the connection
>>>>>>>> about 5
>>>>>>>> minutes apart. One computer will say it is off line and 5
>>>>>>>> minutes later
>>>>>>>> the other one will loose it too. First, I would like any advice
>>>>>>>> about what might cause this on the
>>>>>>>> server because I am sure rebooting it twice a day isn't normal.
>>>>>>>> Also, could I take DHCP away from the server and give it to the
>>>>>>>> Router instead? Why do they loose connection even when they
>>>>>>>> have a static IP? Because of this I don't think getting the IP
>>>>>>>> from the Router will make any difference. When the server
>>>>>>>> decides it wants to close it's connection it will. Any advice
>>>>>>>> greatly appreciated. Cheers
>>>>>>>> Lenny
>
>
>