Error with "My Network Places"

[Playcentric]

My setup:
I have several PCs (XP Prof, W2K) under the same router
with IP 192.168.1.x. I have setup each PC to share
files/printers. Each PC has no problem to access
Internet. I have turned of "Simple file share" and
disabled "Firewall".

What I want to do:
Be able to "see" each PC, share files and printers.

My problem:
"Microsoft Windows Network" gives the error "Workgroup is
not accessible. You might not have permission to use
this network resource..."

Please advise, TIA.

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

can you ping each other by ip? if yes, can you ping by name?

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[Raiden]

Are u using ZoneAlarm ? If so, u need to add the PCs to the
trusted zone.

 

[Guest]

Some routers, a Netgear I just installed for a client, do not allow your PCs to access each other; if all of the PCs have WinXP and the built in firewall is running. Don't ask me why, something with the router manufacturers. If you have a router (that is--a router with a built in firewall), thats your new firewall and you can disable the built in XP firewall

I would try disabling this firewall on your XP systems and rebooting all the PCs. (I actually turned off the PCs and router--just unplugged it. Then plugged the router back in and re-booted) Everything works like a charm now.

You can disable the built in firewall by: right-clicking "My Network Places" selecting properties, right-click on your connection. Select properties again. Click the tab named "Advanced" and make sure that "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet" is un-checked.