Faulty simple file sharing?

[Ren]

I have mutiple computers connected via a 1gb network under the workgroup:
WORKGROUP, all using SP3 windows xp pro.

One of the computers im having trouble accessing. The problem is that when i
attempt to connect to it via workgroup e.g. \\computer it request i log in
with a guest account (which doesnt work as it should have no password and
clicking ok doesnt cut it).

This shouldn't happen as simple file sharing is switched on so a guest
account should be automatically used without a use of credentials correct?

Note: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\ForceGuest is
set to 1

What should i do to fix it? or is this windowsxp install faulty?

 

[Hodges]

I have mutiple computers connected via a 1gb network under the workgroup:
WORKGROUP, all using SP3 windows xp pro.

One of the computers im having trouble accessing. The problem is that when i
attempt to connect to it via workgroup e.g. \\computer it request i log in
with a guest account (which doesnt work as it should have no password and
clicking ok doesnt cut it).

This shouldn't happen as simple file sharing is switched on so a guest
account should be automatically used without a use of credentials correct?

Note: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\ForceGuest is
set to 1

What should i do to fix it? or is this windowsxp install faulty?

Check the sharing permissions on the folder. Does "Everyone" have at
least read access?

 

[Ren]

I dont even get upto folder access. The guest login pop ups as i attempt to
access the computer resources so typing in \\computer brings up the login box.

 

[John Wunderlich]

I have mutiple computers connected via a 1gb network under the
workgroup: WORKGROUP, all using SP3 windows xp pro.

One of the computers im having trouble accessing. The problem is
that when i attempt to connect to it via workgroup e.g. \\computer
it request i log in with a guest account (which doesnt work as it
should have no password and clicking ok doesnt cut it).

This shouldn't happen as simple file sharing is switched on so a
guest account should be automatically used without a use of
credentials correct?

Note:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa\ForceGuest
is set to 1

What should i do to fix it? or is this windowsxp install faulty?

Unclear on a few things:
Which machines have Simple File Sharing on and which have it off?
Where did you type "\\computer" ?
(without a "share", as in \\computer\share, it usually will only work
in "Start->Run" or in an Explorer Address window)
Is the "Guest" account "active" on the target machine?
(Note that "active" and "enabled" are different... IOW,
what shows up when "net user guest" is entered in command window?)

-- John

 

[Ren]

1. All computers use simple file sharing
2. i type \\computer in explorer, i.e. typing \\computer2 brings up its
shared printers and shareable folders
3. all guest accounts are turned off by default, if thats what you mean?
otherwise could you explain what you want from me in more detail?
4. i dont really understand what you mean by net user guest, but after
hitting enter with \\computer typed in the explorer address bar a log-in
credentials window appears, titled "Connect to computer" user name
COMPUTER\Guest with no possible password combination to log in with or even
using blank.

 

[John Wunderlich]

1. All computers use simple file sharing
2. i type \\computer in explorer, i.e. typing \\computer2 brings
up its shared printers and shareable folders
3. all guest accounts are turned off by default, if thats what you
mean? otherwise could you explain what you want from me in more
detail?
4. i dont really understand what you mean by net user
guest,

The Guest account is essential for access to shared files with Simple
File Sharing enabled. It's OK to "disable" the account, but the
account must remain "active". If you bring up a command window:
Start -> Run -> "cmd"
and then enter the command:
net user guest

There will be a line in the resulting printout that says "Account
Active". It must be "yes" for Simple File Sharing to share files.
If it says "No" then you can re-activate it by entering the command:

net user guest /active:yes

HTH,
John

 

[Ren]

Thanks it was not active so now it is thanks to your help.

Now i get one more error

"Logon failure: the user has not been granted the requested logon type at
this computer"

 

[Ren]

After lotsa reading i found this

"Administrative tools...local security policy...user rights and
assignments


a)"Access this computer from the network" includes Everyone and
Administrators and many others.
b)"Deny access to this computer from the network" make sure that Guest
is not listed there. If you still have problems, then maybe make sure
that nothing is listed there. I had Guest listed there, and it was the
cause of my problems. I have no idea how it got there.
note- the "Deny access" policy is the second policy beginning with D. a
It after "Debug Programs"
c) maybe try this, 'cos i've seen it recommended.
Administrative tools...local security policy..security options
"Network access sharing and security model for local accounts" there
are 2 options either classic or 'guest only'. try the other option. I
found it only works on Guest. But i recall seeing somebody saying it
only worked with 'classic'. I think you shoudl keep it as Guest! Make
sure that the Guest is enabled and not Denied access (See point b)"

so a mix of an inactive account and bad policies was my problem.

Thanks john for your help

 

[John Wunderlich]

After lotsa reading i found this

"Administrative tools...local security policy...user rights and
assignments


a)"Access this computer from the network" includes Everyone and
Administrators and many others.
b)"Deny access to this computer from the network" make sure that
Guest is not listed there. If you still have problems, then maybe
make sure that nothing is listed there. I had Guest listed there,
and it was the cause of my problems. I have no idea how it got
there. note- the "Deny access" policy is the second policy
beginning with D. a It after "Debug Programs"
c) maybe try this, 'cos i've seen it recommended.
Administrative tools...local security policy..security options
"Network access sharing and security model for local accounts"
there are 2 options either classic or 'guest only'. try the other
option. I found it only works on Guest. But i recall seeing
somebody saying it only worked with 'classic'. I think you shoudl
keep it as Guest! Make sure that the Guest is enabled and not
Denied access (See point b)"

so a mix of an inactive account and bad policies was my problem.

Thanks john for your help

Glad you got it fixed.
Thanks for the feedback.

-- John