Can't communicate between PC's

[Ferdy]

My two XP home PC's won't talk to each other.
When I click on the opposite PC it says not available

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

can you ping each other?

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[GordL]

Hi Ferdy

I am assuming that you aren't running a PDC so you will be operating as a
Workgroup. (If you are not sure what a PDC is, don't worry. You aren't
running one.)

Do you have any resources shared on either of the two PC's? If there are no
shared resources then they won't be visable across your network because
there is nothing to be visable. Be sure that both machines are in the same
workgroup (not strictly necessary but easier) Will you be using any form of
Internet connection sharing? If yes then please repost to this thread.
There will be security issues that should be addressed right up front. Are
you using static IP addresses or are you using "auto configuration"? If you
are unsure then go to Start|Run and type "cmd" without the quotes. This
opens a command line window. Type ipconfig /all with the space and the
forward slash exactly as shown. If the IP addresses start with 169 then you
are using auto configuration. This has some benefits and some drawbacks.
Please repost. If you are not running a PDC then you will most probably
want to set up two logon identities that are replicated in terms of user IDs
and passwords on each machine.

With these questions answered we can most likely get your machines talking
in the next post.

GordL

 

[Ferdy]

Two PC's runnibg XP
Main PC has broadband (DSL) internet connection and
printer.
Using static IP addresses, no PDC.
PC's can ping each other.Main PC recognises workgroup and
shows both PC's on it.
Second PC does not recognise workgroup or even itself as
part of it..( but it has done)
Main discs are marked as shared as is printer.
Main PC says other is not accessible when trying to
access no.2
No.2 says network is inaccessible.
Both PC's recognise when the other is turned off

 

[GordL]

Hi Ferdy

This sounds like you may have a bindings problem on the 'client' PC or a
missing protocol on the 'server'. There are a couple of issues here. Check
both PC's network properties and make sure that the (Obsolete) NetBEUI
protocol is installed on both machines. Bind 'File and Printer Sharing' on
both machines to the NetBEUI protocol on both machines. >IMPORTANT!> Unbind
'File and Printer Sharing' from the TCP/IP protocol on both machines.
<IMPORTANT!< Bind both protocols to your NIC. This arrangement will allow
you to share files and printers across your LAN but uses 'protocol'
(language) isolation to avoid sharing your files and printers across the
Internet. Check www.grc.com and look for a page called 'network bondage'
for the best advice I have ever seen on setting up a home network and safely
sharing an Internet connection. Exact, step-by-step instructions are
available on this page for Win98 but it is not hard to adapt them to WinXP.

We should be getting close to a solution at this point. Get your LAN
working on NetBEUI first. Next, get your server properly working on the
Internet and last, get your clients talking TCP/IP to your server. I have
never used Microsoft's implementation of ICS but, from what I hear it is
easy to set up.

Best regards
GordL

 

[Ferdy]

Have installed netbui on main PC but cannot on client.
Binding Printer and files? I don't understand.
Since installing netbui on main PC it no longer shows
client PC in network group

 

[GordL]

Hi Ferdy

When you say that you cannot install NetBEUI on your client machine it
raises the question "why not?".

If you cannot select NetBEUI then check this article from Microsoft on how
to manually install NetBEUI so that you will be able to select it.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;301041&sd=tech

Then check this article from Steve Gibson's site.

http://grc.com/su-bondage.htm (This is the 'Network bondage' article that I
spoke of)

You are going to have to do a little work for yourself though. If you are
going to play in networked computers you will need to go up a learning curve
and, I can't provide you with cookie-cutter instructions because every
scenario is different.

GordL

 

[Ferdy]

Thanks for the site info which I will digest in the next
couple of days.
Sorry if I appeared to want a quick answer, not so..but I
believe you may have assumed I had more knowledge than I
actually have. Thanks again