LAN connection problems

[silver2972]

We just started using windows xp and I was trying to set
up the network. I followed the steps, I can see all the
computers I can access all but one. The one I am having
trouble with is the only other computer on the LAN with
XP. When I try to access it, it brings up a log in screen
and the user name is guest but it won't let me change it
and it won't accept the passwords. Well it won't accept
the passwords because the guest account is disabled, but
I need to find out how to log in either under my user
name or my computer name on the LAN. Am I going about
this wrong? Should I allow the guest login? What
reprocussions to security does that pose? How can I
limit log in's to only a select few without limiting from
where they log in?

 

[Chuck]

We just started using windows xp and I was trying to set
up the network. I followed the steps, I can see all the
computers I can access all but one. The one I am having
trouble with is the only other computer on the LAN with
XP. When I try to access it, it brings up a log in screen
and the user name is guest but it won't let me change it
and it won't accept the passwords. Well it won't accept
the passwords because the guest account is disabled, but
I need to find out how to log in either under my user
name or my computer name on the LAN. Am I going about
this wrong? Should I allow the guest login? What
reprocussions to security does that pose? How can I
limit log in's to only a select few without limiting from
where they log in?

Check your local security policy on each WinXP computer. Control
Panel - Administrative Tools - Local Security Policy gives you the
Local Security Settings wizard. Under Security Settings - Local
Policies - Security Options (in left panel of wizard), look for the
policy "Network access: Sharing and security model for local
accounts", and ensure it is set to "Classic - local users authenticate
as themselves".

The default value for that policy is "Guest only". If it is set to
Guest only, no matter what account you logon with, you will need Guest
access to any computer on the network.

The Guest account, which is enabled by default in a WinXP install, is
a major security hole. Many brute force attacks against computers
start with attempts to access using the Administrator and Guest
accounts. Proper deployment of a WinXP computer starts with renaming
Administrator, disabling Guest, and using accounts which are harder to
guess.

Cheers,

Chuck
I hate spam - PLEASE get rid of the spam before emailing me!
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.