network permissions

[Guest]

I've setup several networks before and know the basics but I'm having
problems trying to setup a small 2 computer network at my brother's house due
to (I think) windows XP security issues. Both computers get on the internet
fine through a linksys router. The home PC is wired into the router and the
laptop communicates wirelessly. Both were setup on a common workgroup. The
home PC doesn't see the laptop at all. The laptop sees the home PC via
network neighborhood but I can't open the icon to get into the computer since
I keep getting an error message saying I don't have permission. I tried
using the network wizard and created a network disk that I installed on the
2nd computer but the same problem exists. Please help.

 

[Malke]

I've setup several networks before and know the basics but I'm having
problems trying to setup a small 2 computer network at my brother's
house due
to (I think) windows XP security issues. Both computers get on the
internet
fine through a linksys router. The home PC is wired into the router
and the
laptop communicates wirelessly. Both were setup on a common
workgroup. The
home PC doesn't see the laptop at all. The laptop sees the home PC
via network neighborhood but I can't open the icon to get into the
computer since
I keep getting an error message saying I don't have permission. I
tried using the network wizard and created a network disk that I
installed on the
2nd computer but the same problem exists. Please help.

This is most commonly caused by a misconfigured firewall. In XPSP2
Windows Firewall is active after running the Network Setup Wizard. If
you are running a third-party firewall or have an antivirus with
"Internet Worm Protection" (like Norton 2005/06) which acts as a
firewall, then access problems arise. If you have third-party firewall
software, make sure the WF is off and configure the third-party
software 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.

I also don't see where you've told us what version of XP both computers
are running, Pro or Home. If one of the computers is Pro, make sure the
Simple Sharing setting (Folder Options>View) is either disabled OR
create identical user accounts and passwords on both machines. Do not
use blank passwords. With only two computers, it never hurts to create
the identical user accounts/passwords anyway.

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