Can't Share a Folder

[JCO]

Running several computers all with WindowsXP Professional.
I typically have a shared folder on each computer named "Public". This
allows me to send files back & forth to each computer. Just recently, one
computer stopped sharing. The proper icon is displayed... that is, it shows
the Hand underneath the icon as if it is shared. But you can't see this
folder via the network or from other computers.

I'm guessing it might be the network card, but I have no issues getting on
the Internet.
Any Ideas?

 

[JCO]

Added Information:
There is nothing wrong with my hardware. I have multiple harddrives for
this computer and the "Share Folder" works fine when I boot up using the
other drive. I'm convinced that I have some software installed that is
blocking the Share. Its not the typical Firewall issue. I've tested that.
I don't know how to pin down the installed software that might be causing
the issue. I certainly don't want to uninstall stuff. This drive has some
very large applications installed such as Visual Studio 2008 and a very
elaborate Drawing Package (CAD/CADAM type).

Any ideas?

 

[Twayne]

I wouldn't expect your larger apps to be the culprits, actually, assuming
they are from "standard" sources and not something unique or unheard of by
most.
You mentioned "public" is the folder. How about if you use the standard,
XP provided share directory? Will that share OK? Will ANYthing on that drive
share? Printer? Etc.

But since you apparently have two "identical" drives(?) I'd tend to agree
with you. Unless the "bad" disk has problems the other doesn't. Have you
run chkdsk and mfr test software on them both? I haven't followed this whole
thread but since it's been here so long I thought I'd take a peek at it.
I think I'd be sorely tempted to "clone" one disk to the other here if
things are as they seem to be. If they're not identical drives, I've
misunderstood you somehow.

As for uninstalling, that shouldn't be an issue if you have current
backups/images of the drive being worked on. Delete away until you find the
culprit or have no results. But start with the smaller apps, unusual apps,
helper apps, anything to do with drive permissions, things like that.
Then when you think you've located a culprit, re-image/Restore the drive
from backup, and check the fix there. If it still works, you're all set.
It's just too easy to restore a disk to let uninstalling get in your way.
Considering the work you're doing, if you don't have both the OS and data
backed up, you are making a huge mistake that will definitely really trash
you someday.

Anyway you look at it, you're going to have some work to do. Back up both
drives and play away with whatever you wish. Were there specific error
messages that were lost along the way in this thread? Have yo ucheck gpo's,
etc too? Permissions? Is Event Viewer clean? Every error will be recorded
there, along with pre/post activity.

HTH,

Twayne`

 

[JCO]

This is an old thread but you're the only reply. Yes "Public" is the name
of the folder.

Nothing at all will share on this drive. It's a hassle because I have lots
of things that I transfer from one computer to the other. Now I'm doing that
by a flash drive.

I have no doubt that it is something installed but it is not the typical
Virus or Firewall issue. I've tried turning both of those off and it still
will not share. Plus the same virus protection is on my other harddrive
(Its AVG Free Edition) which when installed on the same computer.. shares
just fine. The only firewall I have is what comes with XP.

I have it cloned on my backup drive already because this is the drive that I
do my programming on (so it is important). I just don't know when I would
be able to restore it to another HD.

In the Event Properties under System: I see some errors:
1. A parity error was detected on \Device\Ide\IdePort0
2. The driver detected a controller error on \Device\Harddisk0\D

It is possible the hard drive controller is going bad and the HD may go out?
I will clear all the errors and watch it for a few days.