Cannot see workgroup computers by ''view workgroup computers'' - important!

[kimiraikkonen]

My notebook has WinXP Home SP2 with Windows Firewall is disabled. And
i share files in with my main computer(desktop and Windows 2000 SP4)

The problem is: Although all of important services are set to
''automatic'' and NetBios Over TCP ip is ON.

1-With 2 computers are opened, When i click ''view workgroup
computers'' from my NOTEBOOK, i cannot see any computers including my
computer. But i type my computers name by entering it to ''run'' field
area (start -> run -> \\CompName ) i can access the main
computer(desktop).

Interestingly, when click ''view workgroup computers'' option from my
DESKTOP machine, i can see the all of computers.

What is the matter?

Why cannot see all the computers on the network when i click ''view
workgroup computers'' from my NOTEBOOK.

2-Although my main computer is not prompted for a password during OS
login, (automatic login), i had to type ''Administrator'' to connect
my main (desktop) computer from my notebook. I tried several things
with no luck whic removes username and password prompt requirement
when connecting to my main computer.

Also i want to indicate this on some computers which have SP2 with
''Windows Firewall'' , i had to disable Windows Firewall to prevent
lock ups hangs when the main computer is closed after sharing is
finished. Any ideas?

So i especially expect messages from MVPs.

Please help.

Best regards...

 

[Chuck]

My notebook has WinXP Home SP2 with Windows Firewall is disabled. And
i share files in with my main computer(desktop and Windows 2000 SP4)

The problem is: Although all of important services are set to
''automatic'' and NetBios Over TCP ip is ON.

1-With 2 computers are opened, When i click ''view workgroup
computers'' from my NOTEBOOK, i cannot see any computers including my
computer. But i type my computers name by entering it to ''run'' field
area (start -> run -> \\CompName ) i can access the main
computer(desktop).

Interestingly, when click ''view workgroup computers'' option from my
DESKTOP machine, i can see the all of computers.

What is the matter?

Why cannot see all the computers on the network when i click ''view
workgroup computers'' from my NOTEBOOK.

2-Although my main computer is not prompted for a password during OS
login, (automatic login), i had to type ''Administrator'' to connect
my main (desktop) computer from my notebook. I tried several things
with no luck whic removes username and password prompt requirement
when connecting to my main computer.

Also i want to indicate this on some computers which have SP2 with
''Windows Firewall'' , i had to disable Windows Firewall to prevent
lock ups hangs when the main computer is closed after sharing is
finished. Any ideas?

So i especially expect messages from MVPs.

Please help.

Best regards...

Since you've initially eliminated personal firewalls as the primary problem,
let's look at "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", "net config server", and "net
config workstation", from each computer, and diagnose the problem. Read this
article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely (download
browstat!):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp

 

[Maincat]

Had the exact same problem. You said that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is on, do you
mean that is is set to on or the default setting? Mine is on default and
works well.

 

[Chuck]

Had the exact same problem. You said that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is on, do
you mean that is is set to on or the default setting? Mine is on default
and works well.

The "Default" setting is for a LAN with a real DHCP server (not a NAT router)
providing settings. With a NAT router, it may work, or it may not.

With the problems described here, if 50% involve a personal firewall, maybe 20%
involve the NetBT setting. If NetBT is set to "Default", some computers will
activate NetBT. If NetBT is NOT enabled, some LANs will work using directly
hosted SMBs. Other LANs will NOT work with directly hosted SMBs, and this is
where the problem starts.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html