Desktop can't see laptops on network

[Thad Smith]

I have a home network with an XP desktop and one laptop with XP, another
with W98SE:
\\desktop
\\mary
\\satellite

They all access a broadband modem/router through a hub fine for internet
access. The laptops see each other and the desktop sees the laptops.
Although there is some problem searching for the computers, I can see
\\mary from \\satellite, for example, by typing \\mary into the Window
Explorer address bar.

The problem is that the laptops cannot see or access the desktop. I
have a shared folder and shared printer, which I can see by viewing
\\desktop from \\desktop. I just can't see \\desktop from the other two.

Does anyone have suggestions or links that can help me?

 

[Chuck]

I have a home network with an XP desktop and one laptop with XP, another
with W98SE:
\\desktop
\\mary
\\satellite

They all access a broadband modem/router through a hub fine for internet
access. The laptops see each other and the desktop sees the laptops.
Although there is some problem searching for the computers, I can see
\\mary from \\satellite, for example, by typing \\mary into the Window
Explorer address bar.

The problem is that the laptops cannot see or access the desktop. I
have a shared folder and shared printer, which I can see by viewing
\\desktop from \\desktop. I just can't see \\desktop from the other two.

Does anyone have suggestions or links that can help me?

Thad,

One of the most common causes of this problem would be a misconfigured or
overlooked personal firewall, or other security component. There are several
other possibilities too, and any might be the cause of your problem. Read this
article with an open mind.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html

Also make sure that NetBT is consistently Enabled on all computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2006/04/netbios-over-tcpip.html

You could look at "browstat status", "ipconfig /all", "net config server", and
"net config workstation", from each computer, and diagnose the problem. 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

 

[Thad Smith]

One of the most common causes of this problem would be a misconfigured or
overlooked personal firewall, or other security component. There are several
other possibilities too, and any might be the cause of your problem. Read this
article with an open mind.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/10/irregularities-in-workgroup-visibility.html>

Thanks, Check. Your blog is an excellent resource! The problem turned
out to be a firewall problem. I had tried opening it up once before but
I didn't realize there were TWO firewalls active.

 

[Chuck]

Thanks, Check. Your blog is an excellent resource! The problem turned
out to be a firewall problem. I had tried opening it up once before but
I didn't realize there were TWO firewalls active.

Yup, the old multiple firewalls. Thanks for the feedback, Thad.