Re: Networking Multiple Computers
- From: Malke <notreally@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 09 Jun 2007 11:30:09 -0700
Eric Myles wrote:
I'm trying to network 2 Desktop Computers and a laptop.
I've setup up everything for file and printer sharing. I check the auto assigned IP address with ipconfig and I can ping all three computers (I'll call them DESK1, DESK 2 and LAPTOP) in all directions. Everything seems to be working fine at this level.
When I try to access them through Windows XP, I can access DESK 2 from DESK 1, LAPTOP from DESK 2, DESK 2 from LAPTOP but I can't access either DESK 1 from either DESK 2 or the LAPTOP. I also have a networked backup drive and I can access this from any of the three computers.
I've tried everything I know and the response I get is "\\DESK1 is not accessable. YOu might not have permission to use this network resource.
When I go to Network Neighbourhood, all computer are showing when I ask to "View Network Computers" They are all setup to a MSHOME workgroup.
You left out how you physically connected the machines but I'll assume a router going to a cable/dsl modem since that is the most common scenario. Here are standard networking troubleshooting steps:
This is most commonly caused by a misconfigured firewall. Run the Network Setup Wizard on all computers, making sure to enable File & Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will turn on the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party firewall or have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like Norton 2005/06) which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have third-party firewall software, configure it to allow the Local Area Network traffic as trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an IP range. Ex. would be 192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would substitute your correct subnet.
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.
If that doesn't work for you, here is an excellent network troubleshooter by MVP Hans-Georg Michna. Take the time to go through it and it will usually pinpoint the problem area(s) - http://winhlp.com/wxnet.htm
Malke
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Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
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