I had 3 computers, 1 wireless, linked by a Belkin router without an internet
connection. All 3 could see each other and share files and printer. Then I
got AT&T DSL modem and started having problems. I first posted that thought
the computers could see each other, I had a one way sharing between the 2
that I use all the time. After trying to follow some of the instructions on
the suggested links, I lost more and more capabilities till now those
computers can't see each other. I removed almost everything from the
startup folders on both so I don't think any AV or firewall is present.
I made the mistake of running the network wizard multiple times to try to
get things back, then read in one link that this can cause problems, but have
had no answer how to undo it. I've read dozens of pages of links suggested
and am farther than ever from restoring what once worked so well.
I have to wonder if anyone really has a clue as to how to solve such
problems as all they do is lazily send you to links that are essentially a
course in networking. I keep running into steps that aren't applicable or
can't be followed.
Then someone else says they don't know why anyone uses Network Neighborhood
as it would be so simple to set up with command prompts, but doesn't offer
how. There seems to be a certain smugness about having ithings right,
helping some people in detail and others not much.
Sorry but I have posted different aspects of this problem as well as 4
others and never solved any. Very disappointing and frustrating.
I'm sorry that you're having so many problems with the network.
Did you see my reply to your message about running the Network Setup
Wizard multiple times? Here it is:
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...a759ca81026?lnk=st&q=&rnum=1#4be48a759ca81026
I've used, recommended, and written articles about the Network Setup
Wizard for years, and your message is the first time that I've heard
of problems caused by running it multiple times. Please tell us what
you've heard about that and what web sites or other sources you've
found for that information. I'll be happy to look into it.
Adding a DSL modem to your Belkin router shouldn't change anything
about the way that your computers see each other and share files.
Start both computers in Safe mode with networking. If they can share
files in that mode, but not in regular mode, the problem is probably
caused by a firewall program.
To undo what the Network Setup Wizard did, you can re-install Windows
XP from scratch, or you can use System Restore to go back to a time
before you ran the Wizard for the first time. But there's no need to
do either of those things. Run the Wizard again and specify the right
connection method for your current setup. If the Wizard detects your
router's shared Internet connection, tell it to use that. Otherwise,
tell it that your computer connects to the Internet through a
residential gateway (router). Tell the Wizard to ignore any
disconnected network hardware, and don't let it create a network
bridge.
Here's what the Network Setup Wizard does. The exact list of actions
depends on the answer that you give to the "Select a connection
method" prompt. You can manually change all of the settings if you
don't like what the Wizard did:
All computers:
1. Set the computer name, computer description, and workgroup name
that you specify.
2. Install these network components if they're not already present:
a. Client for Microsoft Networks
b. TCP/IP
c. File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
3. Share all printers connected to the computer.
4. Create the "Shared Documents" folder if it doesn't exist.
5. Share the "Shared Documents" folder.
Internet Connection Sharing host (This computer connects directly to
the Internet. The other computers on my network connect to the
Internet through this computer):
6. Enable Internet Connection Sharing on the network connection
that you specify.
7. Enable the Internet Connection Firewall on the shared network
connection (XP RTM, SP1 only).
8. Create a Network Bridge if more than one enabled, non-ignored local
area network connection exists (XP RTM, SP1 only).
9. Configure the local area network connection (or Network
Bridge) with IP address 192.168.0.1, subnet mask
255.255.255.0.
Direct Internet connection (This computer connects to the Internet
directly or through a network hub. Other computers on my network also
connect to the Internet directly or through a hub):
10. Configure the local area network connection to obtain an IP
address automatically.
Internet Connection Sharing or broadband router client (This computer
connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or
through a residential gateway):
10. Configure the local area network connection to obtain an IP
address automatically.
11. Install UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) software to allow the
client to control the host's Internet connection.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)
Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.
Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com