Can't share hard-drive(s) via Ethernet!!

[Bill Stanton]

I read the material at wown.com regarding file/disk
sharing, but can't figure out why I still can't see
shared disks between two XP-Home systems
connected via Ethernet cable.

On each machine, I checked both boxes and gave
a share-name in the sharing section of the disk
properties. Then, at each machine, I tried to
see the other by using Windows Explorer and
"Entire Network". I also tried to see from one to
the other via My Network Places, but still no
luck.

As a side note here, Internet Connection Sharing
is working perfectly. And, since the user interface
is similar, in terms of the property setting actions,
I thought I was taking the correct steps???

What am I missing here?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[KG]

Make sure the Workgroup for each machine is the same name.

Make sure you add the logon userID/password of machine A to machine B and
visa versa.

Make sure each machine has "Use DHCP to obtain IP address" checked in the
Properties of the TCP/IP protocol.

By using ICS, the machine with ICS will have IP address 192.168.0.1. The
other machine should receive 192.168.0.2.

If none of the above help, try:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com for help.

 

[Bill Stanton]

"KG",
Neither of the two machines run with passwords.
I.e., they are single user machines that don't even
present user selections when they've booted up.
With that, can I ignore your suggestion regarding
userID and passwords?

While you're digesting this question, I'll look at the
other items you mentioned... I know I've not set
any IP addresses with XP as yet.

Bill

 

[KG]

You shouldn't need to set IP addresses manually as long as both machines are
setup to use DHCP.

Unfortunately, you will need to assign a password to each userID. I've
tried it without a password and sharing won't work.

 

[Bill Stanton]

"KG"
The only reference I can find to DHCP is in the "Advanced TCP/IP Settings"
on
the WINS tab. There, the "Default" is selected, which refers to "Use
NetBIOS from
the DHCP Server. Is that what you wanted me to check?

The IP addresses for ICS are 192.168.0.1/2 as you inquered. And, since ICS
is
working perfectly, that's what we would expect to find.

Bill

 

[davetest]

You shouldn't need to set IP addresses manually as long as both machines are
setup to use DHCP.

Unfortunately, you will need to assign a password to each userID. I've
tried it without a password and sharing won't work.

Doesn't the "no password" option work as long as you keep the
"guest" account active?
Dave

 

[Bill Stanton]

"KG",
Are you telling me that I have to enter a
password at each machine everytime I
boot up?

What about Davetest's question?

Bill

 

[Gray@FA]

What kind of router if any?

Is "Enable file / printer sharing" in your connection properties?

 

[KG]

I don't know. I've never tried his suggestion. Try it! I've always kept
the Guest account "disabled". Again, you may find your answers at
http://www.practicallynetworked.com

You haven't mentioned what the Workgroup name is on each machine. Is it the
same? It may be something like MSHOME or WORKGROUP.

 

[davetest]

I don't know. I've never tried his suggestion. Try it! I've always kept
the Guest account "disabled". Again, you may find your answers at
http://www.practicallynetworked.com

You haven't mentioned what the Workgroup name is on each machine. Is it the
same? It may be something like MSHOME or WORKGROUP.

I took a look at my own config and that's what I'm doing -
leaving guest active. It works great, but if you do it,
please use a firewall for security!

Dave

 

[Sharon F]

I read the material at wown.com regarding file/disk
sharing, but can't figure out why I still can't see
shared disks between two XP-Home systems
connected via Ethernet cable.

On each machine, I checked both boxes and gave
a share-name in the sharing section of the disk
properties. Then, at each machine, I tried to
see the other by using Windows Explorer and
"Entire Network". I also tried to see from one to
the other via My Network Places, but still no
luck.

As a side note here, Internet Connection Sharing
is working perfectly. And, since the user interface
is similar, in terms of the property setting actions,
I thought I was taking the correct steps???

What am I missing here?

Thanks,
Bill

Are both computers in the same workgroup? XP uses "MSHOME" as the default
workgroup name. Other versions of Windows use something different. Make
sure the firewall is applied to the internet connection only. If present on the
LAN connection, remove it. If using XP Pro, may want to disable simple file
sharing. Sharing and authentication will go much smoother if user accounts
have passwords (safer too).

Also, may want to visit the microsoft.public.windowsxp.network_web
newsgroup for further tips and advice.

 

[Bill Stanton]

The "Local Area Connection" properties do not include
anything like "Enable file/printer sharing". However, there
are four items listed in the properties, one of which is
"File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks" that
is checked.

The two computers involved are hard-wired via Ethernet
cross-over cable, thus there is no router.

Bill

 

[Bill Stanton]

"KG"
Sorry, I forgot to include that the workgroup on each
machine is "Wishram".
Bill

 

[Bill Stanton]

Sharon,
The only firewall I'm aware of on my machine is
Norton Internet Security 2003, which is installed
on both machines. If there's another, where would
I look to find out?
Bill

 

[Bill Stanton]

The discussion here is getting me more confused
by the minute. XP is entirely new to me, so the
notion of guests is totally foreign to me. Also, I've
never had the need for passwords on a home LAN,
so that's all new to me as well.

So, I don't know how to follow either "KG"'s or
Davetest's suggestions regarding either of the two
ideas regarding guests and/or passwords.

Can we discuss an aside here while I get these two
XP features better understood? I.e., do I create a
guest? Just flip on some option to enable guests?
where do I find the "handles" for these features?

By-the-way, I did go to www.practicallynetworked.com,
but didn't find anything about file and printer sharing. (Great
discussion about ICS though)

Thanks,
Bill

 

[Bill Stanton]

Correction to my earlier post regarding IP addresses.
The host TCP/IP properties shows 192.168.0.1, as
set up by the Wizard. The client has two TCP/IP
items shown in its LAN connection properties:
1) "Microsoft TCP/IP Version 6" is checked but
properties button is not enabled.
2) "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" has properties
and "Obtain an IP address automatically" is checked.
If I set the IP address, submask and gateway, ICS
stops working and I have to change it back and re-
boot to get it working again.

Bill

 

[Paul Fedorenko]

I read the material at wown.com regarding file/disk

sharing, but can't figure out why I still can't see
shared disks between two XP-Home systems
connected via Ethernet cable.

Are the machines connected using a router or a switch? Or a re they
connected directly? If directly, are you using a cross-over cable or
straight?

 

[Bill Stanton]

Ethernet cross-over cable port-to-port.

Are the machines connected using a router or a switch? Or a re they
connected directly? If directly, are you using a cross-over cable or
straight?

 

[Gray@FA]

When you click properties on local area connection, under advanced, you can
see if the XP firewall is on or off for that connection. However I don't
believe this firewall could cause the problem. I can see how Norton's could
block it though. Make sure Norton's is configured to allow your LAN free
access on both machines.

I am assuming that you have opened "my computer" right clicked the CO: or
primary hard drive, clicked the "sharing" tab, and enabled it there on both
machines.

I have a newborn in the house so sleep has been rare, so I apologize ahead
of time for any redundancy.

Sharon,
The only firewall I'm aware of on my machine is
Norton Internet Security 2003, which is installed
on both machines. If there's another, where would
I look to find out?
Bill

 

[Gray@FA]

I am assuming that you have opened "my computer" right clicked the CO: or
primary hard drive, clicked the "sharing" tab, and enabled it there on both
machines.

CO: meaning C:

Damn spell checkers.