Networking Problem

[echooff]

I have a a 4 computer home network connected to the internet thru a 4 port symens speedstream router. 1 computer uses XP Pro, 2 XP Home and 1 Win2K. The 2 using XP Home can no longer connect out to the internet (about 2 weeks time frame). I can swap files between all four computers with no problem and all 4 have valid MAC addresses. I have swapped inputs to the router for all 4 computers. No matter which port they are plugged into, the same 2 computers can access the internet and the same 2 can't. Anyone have any Ideas?

[Nick]

For starters, if you havent already done so, try running the XP "create small network" wizard thingy again on the machines which can't connect. Solved some similar problems I had.

[echooff]

Thanx for the suggestion. I have already tried that.

[bit-wise]

A few things:

You mentioned four valid MAC addresses, but what about the IP addresses? The Speadstream NATs down to 192.168.254.x. If your computer is reporting an IP address as 169.x.x.x, the internal DHCP server on the router went haywire. When you get into this situation, do the following:

Release all computer's DHCP address (ipconfig /release on each machine). Then shut them all down. Next, unplug the router from the power source. Let it sit for at least 30 seconds so it flushes all the internal IP addresses. Turn the router back on and let it stabilize. Then flip your PCs back on.

Another thing is to check to see if you have security enabled on the router. If so, double check that the registered MAC addresses match the allowed MAC addresses in the security table (and have outbound access).

[echooff]

Thanx bit-wise. You have given me something to try. This has been frustrating.