Help - computer network problems

[shorthair]

I have two computers connected by cables to a router. They each have internet connection. Through ipconfig, I can ping each computer from the other. Yet, though I've gone through the network setup wizard several times on each, and have selected file sharing, two things:

1. I can't share files

2. I don't even see the other computer (from whichever one I'm looking) on the network


Anyone have any idea?

[patrickmaher]

What version of windows is on each computer?

Check that they are set to use the same workgroup. In Windows XP this setting is in the System Properties (press Windows key + pause key) under the Computer Name tab.

Any software firewall installed on either computer? Norton Internet Security or McAfee Security Center will block file sharing unless you set your local network as trusted.

[shorthair]

Yes, they're both set for the same work group. One is XP home, the other XP Pro. Both have norton, though I couldn't find anything in their properties that would correspond to this. I have file sharing checked for the files/folders on each I want to share. Also, I have Windows firewall for both and have file sharing and stuff as exceptions.

[patrickmaher]

Is it just Norton Antivirus or is it Norton Internet Security which has AV and firewall?

I don't remember the exact procedure but if it is NIS in the main Norton window it will show the status of each type of protection including antivirus and firewall. You want to select the firewall and configure it. I think you highlight it and then there is a configure button at the lower right or there might be an options button at the top. Under the Norton firewall settings you should be able to make an exception to allow all traffic from local computers, which would be any computer hooked up to your router. The local network to make the exception for will look something like 192.168.1.x, depending on what you set on your router it may be different.

If you don't want to go through all those settings to see if it work you could just completely turn of the firewall on both computers temporarily and see if file sharing works.

When you look at your workgroup can you see the shared files that the computer that you are sitting at is sharing?

[shorthair]

It's just norton AV on both. I turned off the Windows firewall on both, though, and nothing. In My Network Places: one computer will show two folders that are on it as existing in the local network; nothing from the other computer. The other computer just shows nothing in My Network Places. Neither computer shows anything in 'view workgroup computers'.

[SGT]

Can you access the other computer using the IP address by typing (for example) the following after clicking  Start and then Run:

\\192.168.1.2

Obviously using the real IP address instead of 192.168.1.2

If that works, can you use the computer name instead of the IP-address

\\computer2

Again using the your computer name instead of computer2

[shorthair]

You know, I forgot exactly how to do that. I did it the other day with a tech on the phone. But I could ping each from the other by address.

[SGT]

You know, I forgot exactly how to do that. I did it the other day with a tech on the phone. But I could ping each from the other by address.

You need to get the IP address and the host name of both computers.
CLICK Start>Run
type:
CMD <ENTER>
type:
IPCONFIG /ALL <ENTER>
note the host name and the ip address

for example, if the host names and ip addresses of the the two computers were:
computerA 192.168.1.1
computerB 192.168.1.2

Then on computerA:
CLICK Start>Run
then type the following in the small window:
\\192.168.1.2

This should open up a window to show the shares on computerB. You also need to see if the same window opens by typing the following on computerA:
CLICK Start>Run
then type the following in the small window:
\\computerB

[ahofle]

Do you have blank (empty) administrator pwds on either machine?

[Popcorrin]

Did you select any files to share?  You won't be able to see the other computer on the network unless it has files that are shared.

[ahofle]

I have file sharing checked for the files/folders on each I want to share

[shorthair]

ahofle: I'm not sure what you mean there.

SGT: I did the first thing you said. The only thing I could think that might be an issue in this is 'IP routing enabled' was set to 'no'. I dont' remember how I got it them to ping each other, but that second thing doesn't work. It says 'the network location cannot be reached'. Maybe these two are related?

[ahofle]

ahofle: I'm not sure what you mean there.

When you install windows, it will usually create an administrator account for you.  You don't have to enter a pwd.  If you don't, file sharing usually won't work.  You can fix it by going to 'control panel' -> 'administrative tools' and run 'local security policy' and make sure to disable 'limit local account use of blank passwords to console only':

[shorthair]

OH, password. I don't know all these abbreviations. On both computers, I'm the administrator. However, there isn't 'local security policy' in administrative tools. I'm using XP.

[tomsurfnj]

Make sure you tell each PC WHO is allowed to see or use the share. I create accounts on each of my PC for each user I want to access the shares. I never let everyone in. I also use read only on my shares. Then tyr to UNC to each PC. \\computer1\share-name. I hope some of this helps

[BradC]

Networking XP Home and XP Pro together is notoriously tricky and fickle. My guess would be that you have the hardware setup correctly and there are just some specific things you need to do to get those two versions talking. Your best bet would be to google

network XP Home Pro

and see what comes up. There are even a couple articles on Microsoft.com's knowledge base on how to get it working, which should be clear and easy to follow. Good luck.

[shorthair]

tom: the thing is, both are my name. Maybe there's a conflict in that?

brad: I did google, but didn't find anything that looked new. The ---smurfing--- bizarre thing is I did, once very early on, have it working. Then it didn't all of a sudden.

Anyways, thanks all.