Networking with Windows XP SP2

[Guest]

I have issues with file sharing between my Vista RC1 PC and my roomates XP
SP2 PC. I cannot access the SP2 computer from my RC1 computer, but i can vice
versa. I have constant IP conflicts (even when the ip address is set to
automatic on both computers) and when i 'diagnose' the problem, the wizard
cannot change my ip address (or it has no effect, the error messages are
still somewhat vague). Games seem to work fine, however. I have change dthe
firewall settings on both computers (currently windows firewall) and even
turned them off (when not on net) to no avail.
I am using realtek network cards (the rc1 computer has an intergrated
realtek network adapter)

Any help or comments would be appreciated.

 

[Garry]

Yes- Having a similar problem but the other way round.

The message given by the wizard is useless. A suggested answer would be:

Firewall on target computer is blocking access - Change firewall settings on
the target computer to allow acess from the LAN
or
Firewall on this computer is blocking access to the LAN - Chang firewall
settings
or
There is an IP conflict between the source and target computers
or
The target computer folder is ReadOnly etc etc etc

Something you can get your teeth into.

But No. You get a vague and useless message from the wizard.

Private LANs are becoming much more accepted and used as the 'master' of the
house wants to keep his wife away from his computer and let the children
play computer games on their specific computer while all have access to the
Internet thru some Hub/Router. Microsoft duznt seem to have caught on to
this and is still farming out the old errors without giving the user a clear
choice to define a Local Area home Network from each machine.

How about a single screen where the user can define ALL the parameters
needed to make his/her computer compatible for a home private network. From
this screen, to see what other computers are presently visible and to allow
each one specific permissions on the source computer. Something simple for
simple people who are not network administrators.

Microsoft must have thousands of programmers in teams dealing with these
problems. A little more attention to home private LANs would be much
appreciated.

Let us hope that Microsoft will re-appraise its relationship to home LAN
users many of whom are professional users or Business users.

Garry