b can't ping a, but a can ping b

[sklett]

1 win2k pro machine and 1 winXP pro machine.
both have a workgroup set that matches
both are basic installations as far as I can tell, I didn't do anything
special
linksys wireless router/switch, both are WIRED to the router

so, computer a can ping b but b can't ping a (times out)
b has internet access as does a

I have no idea where to start, this is confusing for a newbie. If the
machines can see each other, why would a ping fail?

Any ideas? Further tests?

Thanks for any help!
Steve

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

quoted from http://www.ChicagoTech.net
One-way ping only

If you can ping other computers and other computers can't ping your
computer, this is often caused by an improperly configured firewall
on you computer. For example, ICF should not be enabled on LAN NIC.


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[Strikz]

Only time I've seen something like this is when:

a) Theres a firewall involved - Does either PC have one? Is there one
in-between. If they are running XP, then that has one built in.
b) The routing patterns on one of the PCs doesn't allow routing to the other
(do a "route print" from cmd.exe), or try a traceroute.
c) Check the firmware on your Linksys, see if any updates are available.

 

[sklett]

Thanks all for the suggestions!
When I get home, I will explore these possibilities. There is no inbetween
firewall, however in could be the XP built in one.

Thanks again!