Network Problems

[lxq_ikrana]

Hi,
I have a very simple two PC network at my family's business - one functions as a server, the other as a client for billing. Since the past couple of days, I'm facing a perplexing problem with the said network.

The two PCs are connected, and have individual IP addresses assigned. However, neither PC can ping the other. Basically, the network isn't working at all, even though both PCs show 'network connected' when the wires are plugged in.

I've noticed that the ethernet port light on the client is continuously orange - even when the PC is off. However, this isn't stopping me from connecting to the internet (using the same PC to post this thread).

If I replace the client with a laptop, the laptop can access the server, so I'm guessing that the problem lies in the client. I tried a separate install of XP in order to check if some network settings have been changed by accident (I'm just the tech support guy, don't use the PCs). Even that isn't helping. I thought the onboard ethernet controller may be damaged, tried an ethernet card. That won't work either.

I'm basically completely confused as to where the problem might be. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[anfjavid]

The solid orange indicates a less-than-100mb connection. Or it could be a duplexing issue. Or it could be tits-up dead. But since you say that you arent able to access the server even with a PCI ethernet card, i think that you might have installed some wrong drivers in your client.

Try disabling your onboard ethernet controller in BIOS and use your PCI lan card. And do you see the continious amber light even in this PCI lan card ?. If no, then did you check your system for viruses ?

 

[nish_pinto]

check whether the ip addresses arent clashing. it cud be the clients network protocols that might have altered. and also try refreshing the ip addresses. are they manually configured or automatic? if its manually done then by setting it up automatic , the dhcp server should fix the issue.

 

[always-shri]

Hope you are using a cross-cable to connect two PCs directly.

Are both the systems running Windows?

 

[anfjavid]

Crossover or straight through its not going to make any difference.... Both are supported by modern NICs...