Re: Another Network Problem

Graeme wrote:
I am trying to set up a network with two pc's, neither are connected to the internet, or have 3rd party firewalls. You may have to bear with me as I am a newbie at this.

I am trying to connect my desktop running XP Home, to my laptop running XP Pro. I have completed the create new network wizard on both computers - although on the desktop I had a print spooler error which meand I had to turn the spooler off.

If I go into my workgroup computers, my laptop can only see itself. My desktop can also see itself and the laptop, but when I click on it, I am told I do not have permission to access the network. I have gone into the control panel and user accounts and turned guests on.

What else do I need to do?

1. How are you physically connecting the two computers? If you are connecting them directly to each other without going through a hub or router, you need to use crossover ethernet cable, not the normal straight-through cable.

2. If you are connecting directly or through a hub (not a router), assign static IP addresses to each computer, making sure they are in the same subnet; i.e, 192.168.1.12 and 192.168.1.13.

3. You say there are no firewalls. Be sure this is really true; recent antivirus programs such as Norton and McAfee have a firewall component that need to be configured. Otherwise, make sure the Windows Firewall is set for file/printer sharing. There is no need to turn it off.

4. Since you have XP Home and Pro, see this:

If one or more of the computers is XP Pro or Media Center:

a. If you need Pro's ability to set fine-grained permissions, turn off Simple File Sharing (Folder Options>View tab) and create identical user accounts/passwords on all computers.

b. If you don't care about using Pro's advanced features, leave the Simple File Sharing enabled.

Simple File Sharing means that Guest (network) is enabled. This means that anyone without a user account on the target system can use its resources. This is a security hole but only you can decide if it matters in your situation.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users' home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share folders inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the Shared Documents folder.


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
.

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