Campus
Network Advisory
PROBLEM
Many XP computers on campus have a configuration
that may make them susceptible to an exploit that kicks them off the network.
The symptom is that the computer can connect but it operates for only a
short time (10 minutes to a few hours) before web browsing no longer works.
Usually restarting the computer or pulling out, then reinserting the Ethernet
cable will reset the system until it fails again. Yet the computer
usually has no problems on a home connection such as DSL or a cable modem.
SOLUTION #1
If your computer has the kb902400 patch
installed, remove it. Here's how:
Go to Start --> Settings --> Control Panel
--> Add/Remove programs
Scroll down until you see Windows Hotfix
kb902400.
Click on line, hit Change/Remove button
to remove it.
Reboot.
SOLUTION #2
The cause of this is that some XP computers
have a vulnerability that makes them easily overloaded due to a file sharing
vulnerability. So, to get rid of the vulnerability, turn file sharing
off.
Here's how.
Go to Start --> Settings --> Control Panel
--> network connections
Right click network connections &
select Properties
Select "Client for Microsoft Networks"
and click uninstall
Select "File and printer sharing" and
click uninstall
Uncheck Packet Scheduler
What should be left is only an entry for
TCP/IP using DHCP.
Restart.
Then, go to Xp firewall. Select
"Restore defaults".
Then, make an exception to allow ICMP
echo.
SOLUTION #3
If your computer still experiences spontaneous
disconnections, they can sometimes be prevented by purchasing a router
to use between your computer and the wall jack. If you would like
to find out if this solution would work, feel free to contact Network Services
at x3485.
Last updated 07/29/2006
|
