Struggling with home network

[Good Companion]

I've got a home network where I'm trying to do something relatively simple and it's really turned into a task. Unfortunately, I've changed so many settings at this point that I'm not sure how much info I can provide.

I've got an old machine running Win2k that I'm trying to set up to do double duty as a file and print server. It is on 24/7 and the printer is connected to it and shared. I installed a Rosewill ATA controller card and have 2 120GB hard drives connected to it. I have one of the drives shared and the other is designed to mirror the other, but RAID is not enabled. (I couldn't get it to work.)

I was doing fine until I added the controller card and the 2nd drive and attempted RAID. Where I'm at now is that I've restored the shared drive and the shared printer. However, my connectivity is intermittent and I can't figure out why. For example, during a file transfer I got an error message that the share was unavailable midway through. By the way, the machines attempting to access the shared resources are all running WinXP.

If anyone has an idea what's wrong, please jump in. In the alternative, if I need to restore all settings and start over, I wouldn't mind a link to a good how to. I've checked a bunch that have been posted in the past and they don't seem to address linking xp to 2k.

[nemowolf]

Can you give the details on the rest of your network?

- What kinda routers/switches are you using?
- What distances are you covering?
- How many computers are accessing the file/print server?
- Why are you not running SB/2k3 Sever with those services install?
- Would using a NAS device or converting your PC into a NAS device not be an option?
- Network Printer not a possible upgrade for you printer?

[Good Companion]

Originally Posted by nemowolf

Can you give the details on the rest of your network?

- What kinda routers/switches are you using?

I'm using a Linksys router (the ubiquitous one, I'd have to check for the actual model number. It is wireless but the Win2k box is connected to a wired port.

Originally Posted by nemowolf

- What distances are you covering?

All are in the same room, 10x10 maybe.

Originally Posted by nemowolf

- How many computers are accessing the file/print server?

4 at present, but I expect to add one more. They do not all access simultaneously.

Originally Posted by nemowolf

- Why are you not running SB/2k3 Sever with those services install?

This was an old Win2k box that was collecting dust. I figured I could put it to good use and I didn't think I'd have so much grief doing basic sharing.

Originally Posted by nemowolf

- Would using a NAS device or converting your PC into a NAS device not be an option?

Yes, it would be, but I'm not sure how to do that.

Originally Posted by nemowolf

- Network Printer not a possible upgrade for you printer?

I can't convert this printer to a network printer, but I could certainly buy a new one. The one we have is an all in one laser, since my wife needs a fax for her business.

[sr71000]

it sounds like either your router can't handle all the traffic or one of your computers is losing it's connection. I'd say check with each computer and see if you can recreate the error and find if it's the client or the server that loses connection, or both. Start sending large files around the network and see which ones crash (iso/zip files in excess of 10 gigs work well for stress testing a network!) Are the cables home made or store bought?

[nemowolf]

Originally Posted by sr71000

Are the cables home made or store bought?

Even bought cables, are they name brand or some off/home brand? Cables do go bad, try switching them out.

[nemowolf]

Originally Posted by Good Companion

I'm using a Linksys router (the ubiquitous one, I'd have to check for the actual model number. It is wireless but the Win2k box is connected to a wired port.

- Is this a Linksys Linux router or is this a box running a linux software router?

Originally Posted by Good Companion

All are in the same room, 10x10 maybe.

- okay so distance isnt an issue. How is the wiring run? Are there just cables along the floor or do you have in-wall wiring done?

Originally Posted by Good Companion

4 at present, but I expect to add one more. They do not all access simultaneously.

- Is everything plugged into the same router? Are there any switches involved in this equation? Are any of the other computers experiencing problems?

Originally Posted by Good Companion

This was an old Win2k box that was collecting dust. I figured I could put it to good use and I didn't think I'd have so much grief doing basic sharing.

- Just because your having problems doesnt mean its not worth it. Much cheaper then buying a server license and some CALS.

Originally Posted by Good Companion

Yes, it would be, but I'm not sure how to do that.

Depending on the device, plug it into the network and access its IP for a GUI interface and rock on from there.

Originally Posted by Good Companion

I can't convert this printer to a network printer, but I could certainly buy a new one. The one we have is an all in one laser, since my wife needs a fax for her business.

Okay, what model printer is it? Something to understand is that some drivers are made with restrictions built in. HP and other manufacturers are notorious for this. Some drivers are built specifically for a USB interface, this is the most common, and sharing the printer is a hit and miss. Depending on the model of the printer, you could be experiencing this problem.

IF its an older printer, just buy a newer laser printer with networking. It will save you not only grief but also money on lower power requirements but also more efficient toner usage.