XP and laptop problems

[Bremmario]

Im trying to make a network between an amd 1700xp desktop pc and 2 laptop pcs. All pcs have xp installed. The desktop is the server and I'm using a 4 port hub to connect the three computers. The desktop has an adsl connection which I would like to be shared with the laptops. In order to share it im using winroute (inbuilt xp internet sharing doesnt seem to work through a hub to the laptops)
I set the network up so that it was working perfectly.
However whenever any of the laptops disconnects from the network (ie is taken elsewhere) the network refuses to work unless I reconfigure the whole thing. Any suggestions? This is really annoying and is costing money as I am having to maintain 2 internet connections rather than just one.

 

[karenlise]

In reply to xp and laptop problems. Its been my experience that the problem is XP. I'm a network administrator, I network all day, for several different organizations, however I run Win2000. I have a laptop with XP Pro and have had the same stupid problems. Also tried XP on one of the 2000 busioness networks and the computer forgot its network printer connections on a daily basis. When I travel with the XP laptop it sometimes takes me 20 minutes to hook up to a broadband connection. XP home is even worse. I would suggest "upgrading" to Win 2000.

 

[sbolinger2]

Have you considered purchasing a router? It might make your life a whole lot easier without having to change OS's to WIN2000. I use a Linksys BEFSR41 and can remove and install PC's with no reconfiguration. Good luck!

 

[jlanka]

to simplify the problem, when you come "back" to the network after moving one of the laptops, can you get an IP address (ipconfig/release, ipconfig/renew)?

<i>It's always the one thing you never suspected.</i>