How do I fix my ?DNS? network problem?

[rudy45]

I have been trying to print to a network printer, without success. Some more findings: - My computer is one of four on network (one ethernet attached, three wireless attached). My ip address is 192.168.0.101. - I can both ping and do a net view of another computer, 192.168.0.102. It gives me all the information I'm supposed to get - HOwever, I cannot ping or net view that same computer by referring to its computer name. The ping fails, and the net view gives me system error 53.

I think I have a problem with DNS? Isn't the DNS supposed to translate between computer name and IP address? How can I confirm that I have a DNS problem and how do I fix it? The computers all run XP Home with SP2.

How do I ensure that I have NETBIOS running on TCP/IP? I believe that also may be a factor. Thanks.

[jdm]

ping.

[Michael Goldsberry]

It's a DNS issue. One easy fix is to add the hostname/IP to /etc/hosts. (Or wherever your OS puts that file.)

Make sure /etc/nsswitch.conf hosts entry reads something like "files DNS NIS". (Or wherever your OS puts that file.)

[Cinnamon]

Control Panel,Network Coneections, Right-click your network connection, scroll to prperties... highlight TCP/IP, click on properties, DNS tab, and manually add your DNS IP example 192.168.0.1.

ok out of all that an try your connection again.

[rudy45]

Thanks, but shouldn't Windows be smart enough to set up the DNS for me? Is there some configuration utility that will populate the DNS automatically with what's supposed to be there? Thanks.

[martin_fierro]

Thanks, but shouldn't Windows be smart enough to set up the DNS for me?

Let's not go there.

[dinasour]

> Thanks, but shouldn't Windows be smart enough to set up the DNS for me?

Yes, it should. It doesn't always work, except for other computers running Windows. Funny that it just happens to have a problem with non-Microsoft stuff.

I've had the same issue with computers running Linux and just had to give them fixed addresses such as 192.168.0.10 and put a line in windows/system32/drivers/etc/hosts to give them a name.

[rudy45]

OK, under "Advanced TCPIP settings" I see a tab for DNS. However, the screen on which I add entries asks only for an IP address. It doesn't ask for a computer name. I thought the DNS was supposed translate between the two. I can add the IP address for the computer that has the printer I want to use. However, how do I tell DNS that this IP address is associated with "kitchen_computer"?

Thanks.

[rudy45]

I tried putting in the IP address of the other computer in my home network, into the DNS. Whan i did, I promptly lost access to Free Republic. So I took it out.

The issue I have with not with the Internet itself. It's with another computer in my local network. Thanks.

[MikefromOhio]

Thanks, but shouldn't Windows be smart enough to set up the DNS for me?

If you have to ask the question, you can probably give yourself the answer :)

[Cinnamon]

yeah, you have to do it on the computer that is giving you the problem. sometimes you have to manually add the DNS IP on a windows network.

try this on the computer in question, open up a command window(Start, Run... and type: cmd, click OK) and type: ipconfig /flushdns then hit Enter

[rudy45]

Thanks, I want to make sure I'm clear.

My laptop (call it DELL_COMPUTER, IP 192.168.0.102) wants to print to a printer CANONMP5 attached to KITCHEN, IP 192.168.0.100). I can ping 0.100, I can net view 0.100.

Where is the translation between 0.100 and KITCHEN supposed to be occurring? Does each computer have its own DNS? Where should I try the flushdns command?

Also, for the heck of it, I went into command prompt on DELL_COMPUTER and did a NET USE of CANONMP5 on KITCHEN, and it worked. However, I'm not seeing the printer from any Windows application print selection drop down. Should I be? Thanks.

[NonValueAdded]

With an address starting with 192.168 you are on a local network, probably behind a firewall, so there really isn't a DNS translation happening. 192.168 addresses are non-routable - they never leave your building. It is going to depend on what kind of switch or gateway you are using. I suggest you start with it's manual.

[rudy45]

Yes, I'm on a local network. The question remains: how does the network know that 192.168.0.100 is "KITCHEN"? There has to be translation going on somewhere, I would think. It's a DLINK 614+ router. Thanks.

[NonValueAdded]

What operating system version are you using?

[Spruce]

Windows machines use NetBios for name resloution with other local windows machines.

Ensure all your computers are running NetBios over TCP/IP.

If that still does not help you may need to manually add entries to your system32\drivers\etc\hosts file.

[rudy45]

XP Home, with SP2

[rudy45]

Neither computer had NETBIOS over TCPIP enabled. I did so just now. Should that change be reflected automatically, or should I restart both computers? Windows didn't say I had to restart, but maybe I should?

[Spruce]

You probably do not need to restart.

open a command prompt and type: nbtstat -RR
That will register and refresh your NetBios WINS name cache.

Then type nbtstat -n to list the names that WINS knows about.

Also, make sure all your systems are in the same workgroup.

[freedumb2003]

Based on those IPs I assume you are on wireless?