Need help with DEC WINDOWS on DEC 3100 stations

[James D Moore]

I have a problem that I cannot seem to figure out. We recently
installed a Dec 3100 system and 3 Dec 3100 stations. We are running
Ultrix and DEC WINDOWS.

The problem is that whenever a person tries to log into the
client stations the DecWindows accepts the login and the password
and then seems to time out and return the login prompt. After
several tries (random number but usaly more than 5-6 tries)
it eventualy will allow a person to log into the system. From 
that point on all appears to work well. I have tried calling Dec 
Support about this and they seem to think  it has to do with 
"ethernet errors". I am quite familiar with unix but I have dealt 
little with setting up networks. I am not sure what to check. 
I was told to make sure that the thinwire net we are using
is not too long. However with only one station in the chain and a
cable well under the specified lengths I still have the problem.

Any suggestions on what to check would be extreemly appreciated.

Jim Moore
Purdue University
jmoore at cidmac.ecn.purdue.edu