Wireless networking-The computers can't see each other

[Jerry]

I have a wireless netwrok consisted of a desktop PC and a laptop PC.
It is set up as an ad-hoc (Peer to Peer) network with the desktop
having the internet connection (DSL). The network is up and the laptop
can access the internet through the desktop. I do have file and
printer sharing enabled on both machines. The problem is that when I
try to see the netwrok through My Network Places, the laptop doesn't
even see the network name and the desktop sees the netwrok name and
itself, but does not see the laptop. Any ideas?

Jerry

 

[Andrew L.]

Jerry:
You need to be a little more detailed. You say the network is "UP", so
what's the problem exactly? Can you ping from one to other, are you
using router, if using encryption check that the correct key is
entered in the setup for each machine. Wireless routers usually ship
with a SW utility enabling you to see the available networks and
configure them...have you done that? If this network is wireless, I
assume you ARE using a wireless router, so the laptop should be
connecting to THAT, not through the desktop.

 

[Jerry]

Andrew,

I clearly indicated that it is a peer to peer network (i.e. no
router). Each system reports that the connection is up and I can
connect from the laptop to the internet through thye desktop using the
wireless connection (There is no other connection), but when I look at
network places, the desktop only sees itself and the laptop says it
cannot access the workgroup .

Jerry

 

[Andrew L.]

Peer to peer has nothing to do with using a router. It refers to the
fact that both pc's are on "equal footing" ie, no server/client
relationship.

Your dsl modem must be connected to some wirless device to which you
are connecting from the desktop. That unit IS a router, all-be-it
wireless. Please, describe your setup in some detail or there's just
not enough info here to go on...

 

[Ron Sommer]

Have you allowed any folders or drives to be shared?
What about your Firewall settings?

 

[Nick Goetz]

With a wireless network, "Ad-Hoc" refers to a "computer to
computer" connection (much like using a cross-over cable between 2
computers) and is commonly called "peer to peer". He is not using
a router. The modem is connected directly to his computer network
card.

NG

 

[Jerry]

I solved the problem by running the home netwroking wizard in the
Norton Firewall. It didn't appear to change any settings (I had the IP
range that included both computers in the trusted zone before running
the wizard and that didn't change when I ran it, but everything is
fine now.


Jerry