VISTA NETWORKING - basics - The "nuts and bolts" of VISTA networking
All links on this page and site are set with the target="_blank" to open in new browser windows so the page under review remains open for further referencing [you may not like that or need that, but...]. Also note that these pages are constantly being updated with the sites/forums that I find seem the easiest to use, so *bookmark* or *favorite* this site link and save some time in the future. Here's some good advise, take it or leave it, but its best to look through this page at ALL the related/potential issues FIRST, before trying the fix you think will work.
There are a lot of variables involved with even simple home networks, and using the WRONG fix can cause more problems than you had to start with. So look at the links and information provided, READ some of the related materials, THEN decide which one ACTUALLY addresses your issue in the best form. That's why this page is here...
Okay, here's the dig: if your still having VISTA issues after looking at this site's two networking pages, on March 18, 2008, Microsoft made Windows Vista Service Pack 1 available for general download via Windows Update.
The number of issues associated with this service pack would appear to make a wait to install a good idea. At least until Microsoft fixes the critial errors by hotfixes [after a few months of those].
If you have issues with VISTA in the OS or the other aspects, keep checking the Knowledge Base and TechNet [the blogs sometimes provide what you may need] for fixes [and check back here of course].
Help articles, files, blogs, and information
Vista handles networking in a slightly different way than prior Microsoft
OSs and its settings can make a BIG difference.
Searching Microsoft KBs can be accessed via:
Microsoft Support KBHOWTO Search - English -choose your language when
there.
For VISTA, these are the *primers* from Microsoft:
922120 - Windows XP patch for Sharing with Vista - Microsoft LLTD "Network Discovery"
The first step is usually to turn on sharing and Network Discovery. Did you
do that?
If not:
1. Click the Start button, type net and click *Network and Sharing
Center*.
2. Set the Network Discovery option to On.
3. Set all the other settings to whatever you want on or need on that
machine, making notes for potential future diagnostics
4. Close the window.
And you should understand that in a mixed OS network, much of it will need
configured the *standard*/old way, so look here as well:
GENERAL WINDOWS NETWORKING DIAGNOSTICS AND SETUP - this site
Have you looked at this?
TechNet - bb727037
As found above, VISTA is similar to Windows XP networking, but it has little
differences that will be a challenge. Are Microsoft's explanations a little
hard to follow?
Some sites to check:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/
WIRELESS - TechNet - cableguy - cg0406
http://www.chicagotech.net/netforums/
Try Chuck's [Microsoft MVP] tutorial, which will get you started, by
identifying the differences.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/12/ windows-xp-and-vista-on-lan-together.html
Then see: Changes to your network that are needed to accommodate a computer
running Vista.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/ windows-vista-and-routers.html
A computer running Vista won't be *transparent* to your router, and more
so if the router is older.
This article, recently published in the Windows Core Networking blog,
concerns auto-tuning and how it may affect large file transfers and/or Remote
Desktop connections. The article also provides possible solutions to these
problems...
blogs.msdn.com/wndp/archive/2007/07/05/ receive-window-auto-tuning-on-vista.aspx
Having difficulty obtaining or not enough information shows when
running diagnostics or commands?
Did you run the command window as an administrator? Commands need
administrator access. Some refer to this as elevated.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/06/ command-window-in-windows-vista.html
Did you make sure you used the proper command line? Example:
Did you use - netsh interface tcp set global autotuning=disabled
INSTEAD OF:
netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled [correct command]
technet - cableguy - more information on the command
Is it just an Internet connection issue?
The Microsoft web site suggests to reset the winsock protocol for
internet connectivity issues.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211/
Having issues with WPA-PSK Network configuration with VISTA?
Did you follow the instructions in:
support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/928233/en-us
Did you check or set VISTA's *aggressiveness*?
blogs.technet.com/steve_lamb/archive/2007/05/01/ -Windows Vista won't
connect to the network. How to fix the problem by making vista less aggressive
on the network.aspx {Yeah, that was ONE LONG 160 hyphenated character address.
Someone needs to tell these Windows junkies that web addresses a mile long
AREN'T generally acceptable, Don't they know ANYTHING about spiders and the
Internet standards, gees... they trying to choke them or what?}
WIFI - WLan connection issues? What's in the neighborhood, and what
signal strength are you getting? Measure objectively please.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/06/analyse-your-wifi-environment.html
What WiFi Client are you running? Only run one.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/01/stabilise-your-wifi-use-only-one-wifi.html
Does your neighbor know (and approve) of your connecting to their network?
If not, you may be in serious trouble.[Yes, that may include legal action]
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/04/beware-honeypot.html
Sooo, you've been talking to the manufacturer. Did they make sure that
you have the most current VISTA compatible/certified drivers?
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/driver-updates-from-microsoft-please.html
Setting up or trying to diagnose *a simple network* [like a home network] problems?
1st, if you connect the computers through a router, don't
worry about the cross-over cable bit between the two computers, {not yet
anyway}.
Start with both computers able to get Internet - when you have that, then
physical / logical connectivity will be good.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/08/solving-network-problems-tutorial.html
2nd, work on file sharing between the two computers.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/12/windows-xp-and-vista-on-lan-together.html
3rd, Work on printer sharing.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/06/network-printing-from-windows-vista.html
Still having issues? Then check these:
1st, Look at the DNS client setup on each computer.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/05/identifying-dns-problem-in-your.html
2nd- Look at the MTU setting.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/06/determining-mtu-to-single-server.html
Is it a sharing issue? Then here are things to check and understand:
If you are having trouble accessing anything in the personal space (EXAMPLE:
"c:\documents and settings" OR "c:\users") on a mixed OS network, you'll need
to be aware of the *junction point* concept. Chuck says [and so does Microsoft]
be very careful about this, and do not use personal space shares at all in a
mixed network. [Since VISTA is such a new OS, ANY of the updates to it may
destroy your non-standard settings. So, at least until after the first service
pack, try to keep everything [networkwise] *standard* to avoid issues cropping up and ease
diagnostic issues.]
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2007/07/ windows-vista-and-personal-storage.html
It may seem frustrating that while you already have access to the share that
you must supply a username and password using the backup application in Windows
Vista. If you haven't already, I suggest you read the link which explains this
in a little more detail:
blogs.technet.com/filecab/archive/2006/09/27/458871.aspx
What are the security zones for each network adapter?
The local int
RAnet should be set to *Private* [that's the local network],
and the connection to the Int
ERnet should be set to *Public* [that's out here on the web].
This link will explain the difference and how to check the settings.
www.microsoft.com/technet/community/columns/cableguy/cg0906.mspx
Also make sure that only the wireless internet connection has a default
gateway set and the private wired does not [or vice versa if the Internet is
hard wired and the local is wireless]. Otherwise, this could cause you to send
packages to the Internet to the wrong gateway.
If you have any networks besides [in addition to: subnets, print servers,
etc.] the one attached to the local network, you will need to use routing
statements.
Though you can permission the Security on a folder to allow anyone to read and change any files in any folders, with *GUEST* being used for Sharing (network access), any files in the VISTA "\user\" folder structure WILL NOT be accessible, without major tweaking.
Only the owner of the folder will have share access. Since GUEST is the only account used for sharing under SFS [simple file sharing], the actual owner WILL NOT have access [because that is an actual assigned user/owner account, NOT the GUEST account].
NO? Better read about Security vs Sharing permissions.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/09/server-access-authorisation.html
And about the limitations of Guest only access.
nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/06/file-sharing-under-windows-xp.html#Guest
Hmm, still unable to resolve your issues?
Vista How to:, and other information from chicagotech.net and howtonetworking.
How to: disable Vista password protected sharing ... Post Posted: Wed Feb
07, 2007 3:23 am Post subject: How to: disable Vista password protected sharing
. ...
howtonetworking.com/vista/vista.htm
Cases: Vista networking {sharing}
2) If browsing in Vista network, receive Network error: error code
0x80070035 - The network path was not found. Solution: 1) Make sure you have
shared some ...
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?t=356 - Supplemental Result - Similar
pages
Vista: Error Code Collections
Error code 0x80070035 - The network path was not found. Resolution: check
this link Vista networking -
http://www.chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?t= ...
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?p=771
Vista sharing issues
Solved: Vista sharing - Access denied ... To share a folder, there are
two places, you need to assign permission. sharing and security tabs. ...
chicagotech.net/vista/vistasharing.htm
Vista Network Sharing
Vista Network Sharing. How to access a sharing printer in Vista How to
check or setup Windows Vista home network How to protect a shared folder with a
...
howtonetworking.com/vista/networksharing.htm
Vista Permission Issues
Post Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2007 5:14 am Post subject: How to: check
permissions using Vista icacls command,
chicagotech.net/vista/vistapermission.htm
Vista Wireless Issues
Post Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 4:26 am Post subject: Vista: Wireless
connectivity issue ... The wireless connection may drop when you use battery
power...
chicagotech.net/vista/vistawireless.htm
VPN Error 766 - A certificate could not be found
chicagotech.net/VPN/vpnerror766.htm
No network - server execution failed
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?t=1001
Frequently unable to get an IP via DHCP with Vista
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?t=974
Vista can't see XP on ...The information posted above actually does not
respond to the "XP can't see Vista network map" issue -- it actually responds
to the "Vista can't see XP on ...
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?t=236
ISSUES WITH PRINTER? PRINTING?
Vista: Cannot connect to the printer, access denied
Vista: cannot connect to the printer - error 0x000003e3
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewforum.php?f=1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64 - Net MIA and apps crash
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?t=964
No network - server execution failed
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?p=1598#1598
Wireless doesn't work because of ...Or the Vista network location is Public.
This link may help, Vista Network type - Understand Network Location
Types. When running Vista in a network ...
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewtopic.php?p=1481
Okay, so this IS a mixed OS network, and you still have issues. You
HAVE worked through most of what you found you needed to check and do [such as
the items on this page].
It could be the NTLMv2 authentication issue. this post may help,
View Forum - Networking
Vista: Can't access NAS, MAC, Linux, Samba and Win98,
chicagotech.net/netforums/viewforum.php?f=1
Are you having issues with routing decisions made by Vista? You can try
the command:
Netsh routing ip set loglevel=(tag)
just replace (tag) with:
error ( logs errors only)
warn (includes warnings)
info (includes informational messages)
none (disables logging)
Then check the log for errors or other indications.
Okay, how about VPN issues? Your network is great except for the
VPN.
You made sure ALL necessary ports are open (such as 1723, 1701, 500)
(3389 for Remote Desktop) AND
All GRE VPN passthrus are enabled in the routers and firewalls,
right?
So, are you familiar with the OSI Layered Network structure?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OSI_model
Vista and Domain Issues
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 1:09 am
Post subject: Vista: Can't join the domain ...
chicagotech.net/vista/vista&domain.htm
KB932170 from Microsoft [copying and other related]
When you
copy large files to or from earlier operating systems, the copy operation may
be slower than expected on some Windows Vista-based computers
Methods to fix issues with networking, such as:
Method 4: Disable the automatic adjustment for the TCP window size on the
network
Method A
Hmm, Okay, but Remote Desktop isn't functioning. [referencing The Illustrated Network]
Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking) posted this over on
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing:
What OS is the client running, ie. XP or Vista? If its XP make sure the
RDP 6 client is configured like this...
theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/ScreenShots/XP/RDP6-XPClientSettings.jpg - this
is an image obviously
What is the exact error message? [Use Microsoft's Knowledge Base to find the potential fix.]
Have you run the http://www.canyouseeme.org test for the ports your trying to connect to? Run the test from each PC on your LAN that you want to remotely connect to. Since you can connect over your local LAN then it comes down to a port forwarding issue. Remember, you can't generally call using the public IP of the router from another PC on the same LAN.
theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/RemoteDesktop/TroubleshootingDiagrams/Basic.html
Have you tried resetting your router?
I presume your trying to access multiple PCs with Remote Desktop by opening
multiple ports on your router versus through a VPN or SSH tunnel?
theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/RemoteDesktop/Multiple_PC_RD.html
You need to use a different port for either your wife's PC or your PC [or other nodes within the VPN]. One
PC uses TCP Port 3389 while the other would use TCP Port 3391 for example. It
sounds like your trying to access both PCs through your router using TCP Port
3389. Review these again...
theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/RemoteDesktop/Multiple_PC_RD.html
support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;306759
support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q304304
BTW, the Illustrated Network site is an excellent resource and has the visuals many find useful when setting up networks.
- - - -
Issues with DHCP and IP addressing?
Take a look a this topic: Vista Can't obtain IP address from some DHCP Servers
at:
KB 928233
Hibernation or Wake Up issues?
Reset to defaults and look at:
KB 933872
You need to connect five new Vista Business desktops to your Windows
2000 server *single-label* domain.
You are aware that single-label domains are not recommended PARICULARLY
with VISTA, but Microsoft issued some workarounds to resolve the problem with
XP Professional.[the patch for XP can be found at
KB300684]
so how about VISTA?
For networking [and OS] issues try the Microsoft tech blogs, its news
servers, and forums.
I recommend the above sites, forums and blogs, and these Microsoft News
Server forums:
microsoft.public.windows.vista.networking_sharing ;
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general - though expect some of the normal
flack that comes with typical USENET usage;
microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web
And if your having issues with 9X networking or the OS:
microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
Here is another site and forums manned by some skilled individuals:
Windows Vista Support Center
www.aumha.org/win6/
Windows Vista Support Forum
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=59
I hope these pages have helped you with your VISTA networking "nuts and bolts" issues. Good luck, and make sure you do everything you can to protect yourself while on the Internet. Always keep in mind, that the Internet IS part of your network once you access it. However, since you have NO control over that other part [the world], your local node of that network MUST be secured, and you must take responsibility for your own usage.
Check these out for other needed considerations. Though VISTA has its own built-in
features, its always a good idea to fully understand ALL aspects, and attack
points:
FIREWALLS - WHY YOU NEED ONE AND WHAT TO DO
INSTALLATION OF SIGNING AND TRUST CERTIFICATES
ANTI-VIRUS Programs as part of your Layered Security
Anti-spyware programs as part of Layered Security
And just my personal thoughts: but I seriously question the reliance upon Microsoft's security features ONLY/SOLELY. Such would seem to allow complete control over your system and network by Microsoft, which is something I have never considered as acceptable. Assign ANYONE other than yourself with complete control, and you are obviously at that party's mercy, whim, and desire.