At the office we are using a Windows for Workgroups 3.11 PC network (which I think probably needs upgrading) and we have just bought another PC which came with Windows 95. Is it possible to network the Windows 95 PC with the 3.11 network because I can't seem to do it?
Also, if this isn't possible, do you think it is worthwhile upgrading to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 instead? We will have about 10-12 PCs on the network; all Pentium 100s (or higher) running with 16Mb of RAM. The 3.11 network seems to be having more and more General Protection Faults and other errors each day.
- Peter Moncrieff
Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95 and Windows NT all use the same basic networking and so are compatible. With Windows 95 networking, if it doesn't work first time, then either the network protocols need reconfiguring or there is a hardware problem. Often no matter what goes wrong you get the same basic symptom of not being able to connect to the network. Your best tool for network problem-solving is to work methodically.
First eliminate hardware problems. Look in the System part of Control Panel. Under Network Adaptors is there a card listed? Double-click on the card and look under Device status. Does it say the network card is working properly? Swap the network card; does this help? It could be the network point; test this by swapping computers around.
Next look at your network setup. In the Network Control Panel make sure that you have entered a unique name for the computer and that the workgroup name is the same as all the other computers on your network. Make sure your Primary Network Logon is Client for Microsoft Networks.
Chances are you are using NetBEUI as the protocol as this is better for small networks and is installed by default when Client for Microsoft Networks is installed. There is nothing that needs configuring for this protocol to work.
If you are using IPX/SPX then make sure the I want to enable NetBIOS over IPX/SPX check box is selected as this is essential for Microsoft networks using IPX/SPX. In the Advanced tab check the frame type. It should be on auto but this does not always work properly and your computer might be selecting a different frame type to your Windows 3.11 workstations. Go around all your computers and manually specify the same frame type on every computer. Whatever protocol you are using make sure it is bound to the Client for Microsoft Networks.
As for upgrading your network, a fairly typical setup for a network of 10-30 computers is to run Windows NT server to provide central network resources. All data files would reside on the server and be backed up regularly to a tape drive. You could then choose to run Windows 3.11, 95, NT or 97 (when it is released) depending on your workstation needs rather than your networking needs.
- Roy Chambers
Windows 95: something's amiss with this network adaptor card 
Windows for Workgroups: frame type and other protocol settings can be adjusted if necessary
|
Category: Win95, Networking, Windows 3.x
Issue: Mar 1997
Pages: 168
|
Integrating Windows for Workgroups and Windows 95