Re: Sharing files/folders on a workgroup computer

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In article <-qKdnb7xn6f1tMHfRVn-1A@xxxxxxxxxxx>, Hounddog
<rebroach@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>Steve Winograd [MVP] wrote:
>> In article <SNadnUDhpZ6obcbfRVn-og@xxxxxxxxxxx>, Hounddog
>> <rebroach@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>>>I am running two computers on a peer-to-peer hard-wired network, using a
>>>cable modem and a Linksys cable/dsl router w/ 4 port switch. Computer A,
>>>which is my primary computer, is running Win XP Media Center w/ SP2.
>>>Computer B is running Win XP Home. Both computers are able to
>>>independently browse the Web with no problem. However, I cannot get the
>>>computers to communicate with each other and share folders, files,
>>>printers, etc.
>>>
>>>Both computers are using Zone Alarm firewalls and the Windows firewall
>>>for each computer is turned off.
>>>
>>>On Computer A, under Tools/View/Folder options/Advanced Settings, I have
>>>checked the box "Use simple file sharing." However, when I go to My
>>>Network Places and try to connect to Computer B, I get a message saying
>>> Computer B is not accessible, although I am logged in as the
>>>administrator on both computers. The error message also says that the
>>>network path to Computer B was not found.
>>>
>>>Here is what I think is the problem. On Computer B, when I go to Folders
>>>Options/Advanced Settings, there is no box for the "Use simple file
>>>sharing" option. I have tried reinstalling all seemingly relevant
>>>components from my original Win XP Home disk, but I still cannot get a
>>>"simple file sharing" check box to appear.
>>>
>>>Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>>Robert Broach
>>
>>
>> Simple file sharing isn't the problem. In Windows XP Home Edition,
>> simple file sharing is always enabled. It isn't possible to disable
>> it, and there's no check box.
>>
>> I recommend un-installing ZoneAlarm while troubleshooting the network,
>> and not re-installing it until everything is working. Your Linksys
>> router acts as a firewall, so your computers are protected from
>> undesired access by other Internet users even without ZoneAlarm.
>>
>> Run the Network Setup Wizard on each computer, and tell it that the
>> computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway
>> (router). Don't let the Wizard create a network bridge if the
>> computer has multiple network connections.
>>
>> Make sure that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on each computer:
>>
>> 1. Open the Network Connections folder.
>> 2. Right click the local area network connection.
>> 3. Click Properties.
>> 4. Double click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
>> 5. Click Advanced.
>> 6. Click WINS.
>> 7. Click the Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button.
>
>The recommendations by Steve Winograd worked perfectly. ZoneAlarm (free
>edition) was the problem. After I uninstalled it and re-ran the Network
>Setup Wizard, I had no problem establishing sharing between both
>computers and also my printers.
>
>Many thanks to Steve!
>
>I still have one question: the router I am using (Linksys EtherFast
>Cable/DSL w/ 4-port switch, Model BEFSR41) is not advertised as having a
>firewall although the blurb on the box says, "Built-in NAT technology
>helps keep intruders out of your computers." Do I need to re-install the
>ZoneAlarm free firewall, or should I use some other type?
>
>Robert Broach

You're welcome, Robert. I'm glad that my suggestions helped you solve
the problem.

Your NAT router acts as an incoming firewall, preventing other
Internet users from accessing your computers. You don't need a
software firewall like ZoneAlarm for that.

ZoneAlarm has a capability that the NAT router doesn't: it can prevent
undesired outgoing access from your computer to the Internet, which
could be caused by virus and spyware programs. If that's important to
you, install ZoneAlarm, and configure it to put your local area
network in the Trusted zone to allow file and printer sharing.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
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