Cannot open client systems through Entire Network

We have a Windows 2000 server that has a static IP address with a subnet mask. It is connected to a few client computers in a local area network (LAN). Previously we were able to access the client systems thru the server machine, but now, when I go to Entire Network for the Windows 2000 (server m/c), I am unable to open any of the client systems. The error is: "System1 is not accessible. The network path not found." And when I try to check the ping status of system1 from the command prompt, I get the error: "Unknown host system1."

I am able to access client systems from within themselves. For instance, I am able to access system1 from system2. The only exception is the Windows XP Professional system cannot be accessed from the Windows ME system in one case. Can you guide me as to where the error might be?
The best I can do is get you started isolating the problem. The first thing you want to figure out is if it is a connectivity or a name resolution problem.

Can you ping the IP address of the other systems from the server? Can the clients ping the server's IP address? For example, does "ping xxx.xxx.xx.x" succeed from a client? If it's successful, then you probably have a name resolution problem. Check the Computer Browser Service, the WINS settings and the DNS settings.

If you can't ping by the IP address, you have a connectivity problem. Check the IP address, subnet mask and gateway settings of the server.

Good luck!

This was first published in February 2003

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