\\computername is not accessible

[Paul]

I posted this message a few days ago. I still have my
problem. I have also received numerous emails from
others with the same problem, so I will repost and see if
we can get any further.

I have 2 machines, one with XP pro and one
with XP Home. They both belong to the "WORKGROUP"
workgroup. I have turned on the enable NETBIOS and
Computer Browsing service as mentioned in numerous
messages to no avail. I have also checked that simple
file sharing is turned on on both machines. I can see
the machines under WORKGROUP. When I click on the
machine I am on, I can see everything fine. But when I
click on the other machine, I get the ever so popular
message "\\computername is not accessible. You might not
have permission to use this network resource. Contact
the administrator of this server to find out if you have
access permissions." I can't believe this message. You
would think msoft would document an error like this at
least in their knowledge base.

Here's some additional info:

Both firewalls (ICF) are turned off.
I am using a linksys router with DHCP. I can ping both
machines from both sides, but I can't see any of the
shared services.

It would be great if someone from msoft could help us
out!

Thanks,
Paul

 

[GTS]

Have you added Users on the machines matching the network names and
passwords of the other? It would be helpful if you specified which is
which.
Note also that Brian's post is in error. Although XP Home cannot function
as a member of a domain, it can operate as a member of a workgroup.

Also, you might take a look at http://www.practicallynetworked.com/ which
has some excellent trouble shooting information.

 

[Kent W. England [MVP]]

That error message is the one you get when you have simple file sharing
disabled and you haven't created a matching account on the machine being
accessed for the user logged on to the machine making the access
request.

If simple file sharing is enabled, make sure that you are sharing the
Shared Documents folder in the All Users profile and not some other
folder that you setup when you had simple file sharing turned off. If
you still have trouble, disable simple file sharing, unshare the share,
enable simple file sharing and re-enable sharing of Shared Documents.

 

[Paul]

Thanks for your response.

Yes, I have user accounts on both machines with the same
password that have administrator rights.
I have also checked out
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/ which has a lot of
great info, but it hasn't helped me to solve my problem.

Thanks,
Paul

-----Original Message-----
Have you added Users on the machines matching the network names and
passwords of the other? It would be helpful if you specified which is
which.
Note also that Brian's post is in error. Although XP Home cannot function
as a member of a domain, it can operate as a member of a workgroup.

Also, you might take a look at

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/ which

 

[Paul]

Thanks for your response.

I have the same user accounts on both machines with the
same password and administrator rights.

I am sharing in the "All Users" profile on both machines.
I went into the XP Pro machine and unshared the folder,
disabled Simple File Sharing, rebooted, turned it on and
reshared the folder. Still doesn't work.
I wasn't able to figure out how to disable SFS in XP Home.
Is that my problem? There is no box to check in folder
options to turn on SFS. I thought it was default in XP
Home.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[GTS]

Paul,

I have another thought for you. Linksys routers usually have a built in
firewall. Have you looked at the configuration? The usual way to access
it is through a web browser at http://192.168.1.1/ You want it configured
to allow file and printer sharing on the local network and blocked
externally (assuming you have a broadband of other external connection).
You might disconnect any external connection and turn the firewall off for a
quick initial test.

If you have a crossover cable, you might also or alternatively try
connecting the 2 machines directly to see if you can rule the router in or
out as the problem.

 

[Kent W. England [MVP]]

XP Home uses simple file sharing by default and it can't be disabled.
You can set any local access file permissions you want in safe mode, but
all remote access is via guest authentication. Since Guest has no
password by default, there should be no prompt for a password, no IPC$
request, and no "access permissions" error.

Make sure that Guest or Everyone has local access permission on your
shared document.