w2k server family/1 server and then 8 pc's with winxp?

Question

detailed help and steps please ..

I have 1 server pc running win2k server family
edition and 8 other pc's running winxp.
only 3 are keeping the connection
to two of the drives we need
acess to from the server..


here is my problem in full
''i went to my computer, manage, system tools, expanded shared folders and clicked session (also ''open files'')

it is only picking up 3 computers (3 people on each pc) there are 8 pc's and then the server.the other pc's keep dropping the mapped drives after 15-30 minutes.. how do i get the rest of the pc's to keep connected to these two mapped drives on the network??''

so, how do i get the other pc's to do this? how do i get them to show up in there with the other 3 pc's ?

please be aware i am learning here..


if you are up to it, i appreciate it and thank you ..

the old network admin went adding and deleting the wrong users.i seen two users with the same name and lower/upper case letter.how can i view every user? any tools besides ''ad''? that server setup is a mess.
even if i determine whos who, how do i get them to show up like the other 3 pc's that keep the drive connected? how do they get added in the first place?

well, everytime i try to click on the drive, i get an error saying it cant be reached.this happens after 15-30 minutes after a start-up of xp.

Answer 1

If you right click My Computer, there is an item which allows you to Map Network Drives. Assuming your drive mapping is not being done through a Login script, try this method. Why ? Because there is an option to connect drives at login which you can tick. Also check the server vs. client licenses. Do you have enough ? It maybe a case where one PC gets kicked off when another one logs in since you may not have enough licenses. Good luck.

BTW, I'd also think about biting the bullet and getting a good network technician in to re-create your network. I know this is tedious and expensive but you will be starting off with a fully functional network. If the old admin has made a mistake somewhere which is causing these computers to fall off, than a re-do will fix this probelm. But get a good technician and do not stinge on the cost. After all, you do get what you pay for.

Answer 2

First question is : Are all users on the domain, aka AD ? and logged in correctly..

If your mapped drives are dropping constantly, check your cabling, also from experience, faulty network card drivers can also cause this problem.

Next check your hub/switch, I had a smiliar case just like yours few months ago, caused by one of the switch.

Answer 3

Are you sure the User ID's and passwords match exactly? They have to be the same between the Server and the workstation.

What happens when they "lose" their connection?