The "forced election" should not be related. How do you have your DNS configured on the W2K machines. Do you have an internal DNS server or are you using host files for internal clients? If you have an internal DNS server what platform is that running on?
I will attempt to answer your questions. The W2K machines are set to obtain an ip address automatically and to obtain DNS server address automatically. This information is from the DNS tab of TCP/IP advanced properties of Network properties. I was under the impression that the Cayman DSL modem/router acted as a DNS server as it dispences the IP addresses to the clients. The IP address of the router is 192.168.1.254 and one of the W2K's is 192.168.1.4. I assume that this is typical of small intranets. I'll show my ignorance of the subject matter by admitting that I'm not familiar with host files.
If you consider this a lost cause, I will certainly understand, but I've answered your questions to the best of my ability. The systems continue to operate today, so perhaps it was congestion or some such issue. I just found it strange and too coincidental that only the W2K machines were affected.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond.