Can't Browse Networked Computers With Win XP Pro SP2

[pareez]

I'm unable to browse computers through My Network Places. If I search for
computers I can find them but I can't get to them through My Network Places.
Never had this problem with SP1. I haven't changed the network configuration
in my home either and I'm not using a router or any firewall whatsoever
(I've disabled the one built into SP2 too as well) just a Linksys 8-Port
Switch. Both computers can get on the Internet just fine but I can only
network them by searching for them and can't browse for them. I have a
password set up for each Administrator account on each computer as well and
I use Tweak UI to automatically log the computers in. Both computers have
the same workgroup name as well and TCP/IP configured to obtain IP addresses
automatically. Also, I use simple file sharing and have folders, drives and
a printer shared between the computers.

The error message I get, whether both or just one computer is on and I try
to browse through My Network Places is the following:

Workgroup is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this
network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if
you have access permissions. The list of servers for this workgroup is not
currently available.

Any help appreciated, thanks.
Pareez

 

[Steve]

Go to Control Panel. Click on Network Properties. Right
click on Network Bridge (if present) or Local Area
Connection(if no Network Bridge). Select Properties.
Highlight Protocol TCP/IP (or if not present install it)
and click on the Properties button. Click on the Advanced
button. This will produce a screen with four tabs. The
DHCP tab should have a box saying "DHCP enabled." Click on
the WINS tab. Change from the default setting of "Use
NetBIOS from DHCP server" to "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP."
Click "OK" untill you are out. That should solve your
problem.

 

[Dave Neve]

Hi

As no one has answered, I'll hasard a guess that one of your Window Services
is not loading up automatically or is damaged.

The problem is to find which one.

Start in Services (via Start menu, Administrative Tools, Services)

Good luck

 

[pareez]

Didn't work, still the same error message. I checked Microsoft's KB and
reviewed this link:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318030&Product=winxp

I have both the Computer Browser service started and NetBIOS over TCP/IP
enabled. Still the same result.

 

[smiths]

I had the same problem but then figured it out:

The Windows Firewall service has to be running (regardless of whether
the firewall is enabled or disabled) for the Computer Browser service
to function. If the service isn't running then the browser will
timeout (see your event log) and then you will not be able to access
the network.

I assumed I could disable it too since there are no other services
listed as dependent on it. But apparently the Computer Browser
service does...

Steve