Thank you very much Neil. That is a very useful site.

Alex



>I would use your win2003 server as your primary DNS as your server probably has 100 times more Horsepower than your router. i.e. faster
>
>A start http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Installing_DNS_Windows_2003.html
>
>I would also setup the DHCP as a properly setup DNS & DHCP overcomes a multitude of network problems.
>
>The basics are anything our DNS can resolve is default routed to your ISP's DNS's.
>
>All the above can be setup in the DHCP and just set the workstation TCPIP to automatic for both IP and resolution and it will automatically pickup all settings.
>
>A DHCP starter http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/DHCP_Server_Windows_2003.html
>
>Hope this helps.
>
>>Yes I have Windows Server 2003 configured as a DNS server but my PC does not use it as such. Just pointed to it as the primary DNS. As you know there are lots of options when configuring a DNS Server (!) What configuration do you suggest?
>>
>>Thanks.
>>
>>Alex
>>
>>
>>>This is an old trap, if you lose the internet connection you no longer get resolution.
>>>Do you have a server if so setup the DNS on it, if not what about the router is it DNS Capable, either way it will speed things up markedly.
>>>
>>>>Checking the TCP/IP properties I see that I have defined a preferred and an alternate DNS server, both outside the LAN :)
>>>>
>>>>I always thought of a DNS a way to resolve addresses such as microsoft.com. How should I correct this? The SQL Server is inside the LAN.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks for the help.
>>>>
>>>>Alex
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>As per Sergey's query re: the DNS. Do you have a DNS server or are you using the router's DNS. also where is the SQL Server located, on the LAN or remotely.
>>>>>
>>>>>>We are using a separate switch. Fiber comes into a little box (don't know if that is the router) then goes to firewall then to switch to which the different PCs connect.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Thanks for the help.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Alex
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Are you using a separate switch or the router ports for the network.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>For some reason when we lose internet connection SQL Server does not respond to connections from the LAN. Does somebody know how to correct this?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>TIA,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>Alex