file sharing problem

[Guest]

I have 2 machines running xp pro w/ sp2. They are connected through a
router. They used to share files just fine. Now machine 1 can access
machine 2, but machine 2 cannot access machine 1, although machine 2
occasionally "knows" machine 1 is there, it says it's not accessable. I'm
not sure if the problem began before or after I installed sp2.

I tried uninstalling sp2 from machine 1, and initially everything worked
until I rebooted - then same old thing. I have since re-installed sp2.

machine 1 runs mcafee firewall, and machine 2 runs norton internet security.
Both firewalls have the most recent updates, and are configured to use home
networking. Disabling them does not help.

Neither machine has problems accessing the internet.

 

[Guest]

Hi Mac,

You've got to go one simple step to make things work fine. It happens very
often with XP due to its permissions and security polycies. Run Security
Policy MMC snap-in and Locate the Policy that says "Limit Local Accounts use
of blank password to console Logons only" then Disable. by default it's
enabled.

Also, if your machines are not connected to the public network such as the
internet, then it's worth to Grant Everyone Permissions to anonymous users.
this helps in streamlining XP communications with even downlevel client on
the same network.

Awwal MD,
MCP

 

[Guest]

It was enabled on both machines, but disabling it did not change the
problem.

 

[Guest]

I also cannot ping machine 1 from machine 2, by name or by IP address.
It doesen't matter if mcafee firewall is disabled or not

 

[Guest]

On machine 1, I cannot do anything with the sp2 firewall. I get a message
saying that the service is not running and would I like to start it?
When I say yes, it fails.