Computer on Network Can't See Itself

[Doug]

I have two computers on my Windows XP Home network. One is a desktop
computer, which is connected by Ethernet cable to my DSL modem/router. The
other computer is a laptop computer, which has a wireless adapter.

For several years, I have been able to share files between the two
computers. Now, however, when I go to My Network Places / Microsoft Windows
Networks and select my network name, I cannot see the laptop computer from
either the desktop computer or the laptop computer itself. However, from
both computers, I can see the desktop computer in the network, and I can
share the desktop computer's files.

Internet access from the laptop computer is fine, and both computers respond
to pings from the other. My wireless router sees the name of my laptop
computer.

I tried turning the Windows XP firewall off on both computers, but the
problem persists. I am not running any other firewall software.

I have run the Network Setup Wizard several times on each computer, and file
sharing is still enabled for my folders on the laptop computer.

Does anyone have an idea which step I can try next to fix this problem?

Thank you.

 

[Eddie Cosma]

What is your laptop's name? Check by right-clicking "My Computer" and
clicking "Properties." Press Windows+R or go to Start > Run... to open the
Run command and type two backslashes (\\) followed by your computer name.
For example, something like "\\Laptop" and hit Run. What error message do
you get?

 

[tek]

What is your laptop's name? Check by right-clicking "My Computer" and
clicking "Properties." Press Windows+R or go to Start > Run... to open the
Run command and type two backslashes (\\) followed by your computer name.
For example, something like "\\Laptop" and hit Run. What error message do
you get?









- Show quoted text -

It appears the MS firewall settings need to be adjusted. The file/
print sharing (NetBIOS) is being blocked on the laptop. I would start
there to see what the settings are on the desktop and make the latop's
settings the same.

 

[Doug]

Thank you for your reply. When I follow your instruction, a window opens up
that is correctly titled with my laptop computer's name. In it are a bunch
of printer drivers, plus a folder containing "Scheduled Tasks."

 

[Doug]

Thank you very much for your help. Can you give me a few tips on exactly
where to find these settings?

 

[Chuck [MVP]]

I have two computers on my Windows XP Home network. One is a desktop
computer, which is connected by Ethernet cable to my DSL modem/router. The
other computer is a laptop computer, which has a wireless adapter.

For several years, I have been able to share files between the two
computers. Now, however, when I go to My Network Places / Microsoft Windows
Networks and select my network name, I cannot see the laptop computer from
either the desktop computer or the laptop computer itself. However, from
both computers, I can see the desktop computer in the network, and I can
share the desktop computer's files.

Internet access from the laptop computer is fine, and both computers respond
to pings from the other. My wireless router sees the name of my laptop
computer.

I tried turning the Windows XP firewall off on both computers, but the
problem persists. I am not running any other firewall software.

I have run the Network Setup Wizard several times on each computer, and file
sharing is still enabled for my folders on the laptop computer.

Does anyone have an idea which step I can try next to fix this problem?

Thank you.

What antivirus protection do you use?
<http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>
http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html

Have you removed any malware recently?
<http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html>
http://networking.nitecruzr.net/2005/05/problems-with-lsp-winsock-layer-in.html

If no help from the above, lets look at logs from "browstat status", "ipconfig
/all", "net config server", and "net config workstation", from each computer.
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

 

[tek]

Thank you very much for your help.  Can you give me a few tips on exactly
where to find these settings?





- Show quoted text -

Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall -> Exceptions (tab)

 

[tek]

Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Firewall -> Exceptions (tab)

Also check the Advanced (tab)

 

[Exasperated]

I'm having the exact same problem and I have traversed the entire internet
without finding a solution. I have, however, found that many people have the
same problem. It's bad enough Microsoft creates these problems. What does it
take to get them to solve them. This would be a helpful threat if someone
from Microsoft would actually chime in and SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

 

[Lynne-IT]

--
Lynne

I'm having the exact same problem and I have traversed the entire internet
without finding a solution. I have, however, found that many people have the
same problem. It's bad enough Microsoft creates these problems. What does it
take to get them to solve them. This would be a helpful threat if someone
from Microsoft would actually chime in and SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

 

[Lynne-IT]

I had problem with machines communicate with each other. I solved problem by
turning off simple file sharing. Read documentation on this, follow the
steps. Make your login name the primary name as you follow the steps.