File sharing problem

[Gerry Kelley]

Since I installed SP2 I've been experiencing file sharing malfunctions. I
have two XP computers connected, originally, by wired Ethernet using a
wireless router's rear connectors. A cable modem provides both computers
with Internet service. I've had no problems with the Internet or with
printer sharing.



When I look at files on one PC using the other PC, only the folders created
before the installation of SP2 are visible without compromise. However, the
newer folders, created around the end of February and later, show only about
half to two-thirds of the files that the folder actually contains. If I map
a network drive and open the resulting "drive," I am unable to open the
newer folders, receiving the message "Z:\[Folder name] is not accessible.
The specified server cannot perform the requested operation." With
DVD-/+RWs, there is a twist: folders I open on the drive show multiples of
about 30 to 40 of the same file.



All this occurs whether my firewall, Zone Alarm, is running or shut down.



It sounds like a virus, but I have run a virus detector, with updated
definitions, many times with no luck. I also regularly run Ad-Aware and
Spybot and clean out the registry using Fix-It Utilities software.



I have tried two different wireless routers (using the wired Ethernet
connectors) and a hub. I even tried connecting the two PCs directly. I
changed all the network cables; I even switched one computer's LAN card to a
wireless G. Still no luck.



Has anybody got any solutions or helpful suggestions?

 

[Phil M.]

Since I installed SP2 I've been experiencing file sharing
malfunctions.
[...]

All this occurs whether my firewall, Zone Alarm, is running or shut
down.

[...]

What about Windows firewall?

 

[Gerry Kelley]

I use ZoneAlarm, not Windows firewall.
Gerry K.

Since I installed SP2 I've been experiencing file sharing
malfunctions.
[...]

All this occurs whether my firewall, Zone Alarm, is running or shut
down.

[...]

What about Windows firewall?

 

[Phil M.]

I use ZoneAlarm, not Windows firewall.

Yes, but if you installed sp2, the Windows firewall will be turned on by
default. You might want to check it.

[...]

 

[Gerry Kelley]

SP2 automatically turns off Windows' own firewall when it detects another
active firewall during installation. Besides, SP2 security alerts constantly
remind you of what SP2 security measures, including the firewall, are turned
off or on. I have never turned on the windows firewall and it remains shut
down.

Gerry K.

I use ZoneAlarm, not Windows firewall.

Yes, but if you installed sp2, the Windows firewall will be turned on by
default. You might want to check it.

[...]

 

[Phil M.]

SP2 automatically turns off Windows' own firewall when it detects
another active firewall during installation.

OK, I didn't know that. Thanks.

 

[Guest]

Gerry -- I am having this problem as well, but only with 16 bit apps. When
you say that you are looking at one machine's folders through another
machine, are you using explorer, Net Neighb, or a 16 bit program?

Tom Keane

 

[Gerry Kelley]

This happens with all programs. Windows Explorer, My Power Desk (which comes
with Fix-It Utilities) and when I go through My Network Places. And as I
previously mentioned, when I map to a drive on the network, I can't open any
newly created folders.

Gerry K.

 

[Interrogative]

This happens with all programs. Windows Explorer, My Power Desk (which
comes with Fix-It Utilities) and when I go through My Network Places. And
as I previously mentioned, when I map to a drive on the network, I can't
open any newly created folders.

You sound like you don't have permission to do that to me. It is possible to
create a folder and lose permission to open it locally or remotely. You can
adjust this in registry or security. However, I got around it all the easy
way at home by having exactly the same name and password logon to each XP
machine and sharing at each machine. Eg, to get a direct access to Desktop
on one machine from another, I had to share C, documents and settings, the
username and then Desktop.