Can't view workgroup computers!

[Scott Egbert]

I am having some issues with my home network.
I have a network setup using my desktop as the server.
The desktop is connected to a wireless router via an Ethernet cable, while
the other two notebook computers are connected wirelessly.
The two notebooks can always see each other, but rarely see the desktop,
why?
I have configured Norton firewall to allow all communications to these
computers.
I have even turned off firewalls.

What's really strange is that I use windows briefcase to synchronize files
between desktop and one of the notebooks , and it always connects.

When I go to view "workbook computers" from the desktop it searches for a
long tome and then a error message pops up "workgroup is not accessible"

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Scott Egbert

 

[Scott Egbert]

Computer is running Windows XP with Norton Internet Security

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I am having some issues with my home network.
I have a network setup using my desktop as the server.
The desktop is connected to a wireless router via an Ethernet cable, while
the other two notebook computers are connected wirelessly.
The two notebooks can always see each other, but rarely see the desktop,
why?
I have configured Norton firewall to allow all communications to these
computers.
I have even turned off firewalls.

What's really strange is that I use windows briefcase to synchronize files
between desktop and one of the notebooks , and it always connects.

When I go to view "workbook computers" from the desktop it searches for a
long tome and then a error message pops up "workgroup is not accessible"

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Scott Egbert

Start the desktop computer in "Safe mode with networking" and notice
whether it can see and be seen by other computers. If it can, a
program that only runs in normal mode on that computer, like a
firewall, is causing the problem.

If that doesn't help, start in normal mode and try accessing each
computer from the other directly, without using My Network Places.
Type the other computer's name in the Start > Run box in this format:

\\computer

If that doesn't work either, open the LAN connection's properties and:

1. Make sure that "File and Printer Sharing" and "Client for Microsoft
Networks" are enabled.

2. Click "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" > Properties > Advanced > WINS,
and make sure that "Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP" is selected.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Scott Egbert]

Hey Steve,

Okay, they could see each other in safemode.
But they also "see each other" when I turn on Notebook first and then start
the desktop after notebook is finished booting.
If I start desktop (Ethernet cable to router) first, and then turn on
notebook (wireless to router) they do not see each other.
Also, if both computers are on and "see each other" and I turn off the
notebook, then network becomes "inaccessible" again.
Shouldn't the desktop see itself regardless?
All LAN setting were as you suggested.

Scott

 

[Scott Egbert]

Sorry,

If I use the run command (\\computer name) , both computers see each other,
but stall and eventually the "inaccessible error pops up
when I try to "view workgroup computers".

Scott

 

[Scott Egbert]

Any more ideas?

Sorry,

If I use the run command (\\computer name) , both computers see each
other, but stall and eventually the "inaccessible error pops up
when I try to "view workgroup computers".

Scott

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

Any more ideas?

Scott,

I have ideas, Scott. You have a lot of reading to do though.

What you're describing sounds like a master browser conflict, possibly involving
a NetBT setting mismatch.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-using.html

The browser subsystem (which is what lets you "see" other computers) is a lot of
fun to work with.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always-see.html

If your browsing changes depending upon which computer starts first, you have a
conflict there. Compare logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", "net
config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer. Look at
"browstat status" logs from each computer, and compare when you start the
computers in different orders too - you should see differences. 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

And what antivirus program do you have? Many antivirus programs include an
antiworm component that will block SMBs, and cause browser problems. Turning
off a firewall won't solve such a problem.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

It's also possible that one computer has a corrupt LSP / Winsock stack.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[smlunatick]

Any more ideas?

Scott,

I have ideas, Scott. You have a lot of reading to do though.

What you're describing sounds like a master browser conflict, possibly involving
a NetBT setting mismatch.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-usi...>http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/07/advanced-windows-networking-usi...

The browser subsystem (which is what lets you "see" other computers) is a lot of
fun to work with.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always...>http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/04/nt-browser-or-why-cant-i-always...

If your browsing changes depending upon which computer starts first, you have a
conflict there. Compare logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", "net
config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer. Look at
"browstat status" logs from each computer, and compare when you start the
computers in different orders too - you should see differences. Read this
article, and linked articles, and follow instructions precisely (download
browstat!):
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighbo...>http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighbo...

And what antivirus program do you have? Many antivirus programs include an
antiworm component that will block SMBs, and cause browser problems. Turning
off a firewall won't solve such a problem.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-eith...>http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-eith...

It's also possible that one computer has a corrupt LSP / Winsock stack.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer...>http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer...

--
Cheers,
Chuck, MS-MVP 2005-2007 [Windows - Networking]http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Sccot, if you are running Norton Internet Security, you need to
check / change the anti-virus setting "Internet Worm." This module is
also a firewall like module.