Network computers not visible

[Ken]

XP Pro SP2

When viewing "Entire Network|Microsoft Windows Network|MSHOME" in My
Computer, from either of the two computers on my simple network, I can't see
the other computer.

From my desktop, only that computer itself shows up when MSHOME is expanded.
The laptop does not appear.

From the laptop, only the desktop shows up when MSHOME is expanded.

In other words, the laptop does not show up as a member of MSHOME on either
computer. The desktop shows up as a member on both computers.

Both computers are connected by cable to a Belkin router. They can ping each
others, and I can transfer files from one to another. (And yes, both are
indeed members of the MSHOME workgroup.)

I'm able to create on my desktop "Network Places" of shared folders residing
on the laptop by typing the complete path, but I can't do the simple thing
of browsing my way to the desired share.

It doesn't seem to be a firewall problem, because it persists even when the
firewall (Norton Personal Firewall) is turned off on both machines. FWIW,
I've configured both firewalls to trust the other computer, identifying it
both by MAC address and IP address.

Help?

Thanks.

Ken Isaacson
SILENT COUNSEL, a legal thriller
www.KenIsaacson.com

 

[John John (MVP)]

Check that the laptop isn't hidden from the Browse List. On the laptop
open a Command Prompt and issue the following command:

Net Config Server

Look to see if the server is hidden. If it is hidden issue the
following command to unhide it:

net config server /hidden:no


You can also check the same at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanManServer\Parameters

Value Name: Hidden

0 = visible
1 = hidden

John