IP conflict in lan

[ankur 16]

In my college, a small local area network is present, using 192.168 series ip.
Now the computer which I used today is giving me a error of ip conflict , denying me to share any file with other hosts.What I want to ask here is how can I know that which two hosts on the lan have been assigned same ip
due to which I am getting this error.One way can be to go to each host and check their ip,is there any easier method?

[Raymond]

I guess you'll need to check one by one because there is no way to tell where the computers are located.

[ankur 16]

I guess you'll need to check one by one because there is no way to tell where the computers are located.

It means that I have to go to each of the host and find their ip.But there are more than 60 computers and it wont be convenient to go to each of these.

Hmm what I am thinking is can't I use the server to view all my hosts and find their ip?

[Raymond]

Oh ya, unless you've set up the hostname, then its possible.
SoftPerfect Network Scanner can scan an ip range and giving you the hostname.
http://www.softperfect.com/products/networkscanner/

[PeterB]

Hi ankur 16
A networkscanner is good, but in this case since you can't get an ip adress, you cannot scan the network. To use it you will have to go to one of your friends on that network and scan there to find a free IP.
Normally, you let the DHCP on the router find you an IP adress. It it very rare, that it makes a coalision in ip adresses. So go to the router a see if it is enabled.

Another thing, maybe the network is split up by a subnet mask. you say that you have more than 60 pc's. if the network mask is set to 255.255.255.192, there can only be 62 pc's(hosts) on the same network. Then you need to change it to 255.255.255.128 to allow 126 pc's(hosts) on the same network. Or you could just set it to 255.255.255.0, then there is room for 254 pc's(hosts).
If you want to learn more about subneting, read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subnetwork

If you already are using DHCP, then check the netcable. other electric cables may interfer then running side by side with your netcable.
If you are using a cable, it sometimes helps to set it to run in 10mbit half duplex.
just try it.

hope this helps.

[ankur 16]

Thanks peter, I will consider this when I will visit the lab next time.