Local networking problems on XP

[nzuri]

I'm having problems getting a simple home network to work properly. I'm
trying to connect my laptop and desktop using an ethernet cable. Both
machines are running Windows XP home. The machines are talking to each
other - at least the icon showing the connection is in the task tray and
indicated the machines are connected. What I can't do is get the machines
to appear in 'my network places' when I try to set up a network and add one
machine to the other's list.

Odd thing is that this worked, intermittently, when I first tried to set it
up. I was able to transfer files etc., although often the icons in 'my
network places' (both the laptops and the desktops) disappeared and I had to
set them up again. Now I can't even set them up.

I've tried turning off the firewalls on both machines (I use Sygate) exited
virus checkers (Avast), rebooted many times and still no joy.

Any ideas gratefully received!!

 

[Chuck]

I'm having problems getting a simple home network to work properly. I'm
trying to connect my laptop and desktop using an ethernet cable. Both
machines are running Windows XP home. The machines are talking to each
other - at least the icon showing the connection is in the task tray and
indicated the machines are connected. What I can't do is get the machines
to appear in 'my network places' when I try to set up a network and add one
machine to the other's list.

Odd thing is that this worked, intermittently, when I first tried to set it
up. I was able to transfer files etc., although often the icons in 'my
network places' (both the laptops and the desktops) disappeared and I had to
set them up again. Now I can't even set them up.

I've tried turning off the firewalls on both machines (I use Sygate) exited
virus checkers (Avast), rebooted many times and still no joy.

Any ideas gratefully received!!

NZ,

An intermittent visibility problem (My Network Places) is probably the browser
(no not Internet Explorer) acting up.

Make sure the browser service is running on the desktop computer. Control Panel
- Administrative Tools - Services. Verify that the Computer Browser, and the
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper, services both show with Status = Started. Disable the
browser on the laptop.

After checking / disabling / enabling as above, power both computers off to
reset the browser settings on each. Then power them both on again.

The Microsoft Browstat program will show us what browsers you have in your
domain / workgroup, at any time.
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=188305

You can download Browstat from either:
<http://www.dynawell.com/reskit/microsoft/win2000/browstat.zip>
<http://rescomp.stanford.edu/staff/manual/rcc/tools/browstat.zip>

Browstat is very small (40K), and needs no install. Just unzip the downloaded
file, copy browstat.exe to any folder in the Path, and run it from a command
window, by "browstat status". Make sure all computers give the same result.

For more information about the browser subsystem (very intricate), see:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=188001
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=188305
<http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winntas/deploy/prodspecs/ntbrowse.mspx>

Also, the browser requires anonymous access, so look at registry key
[HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa], values restrictanonymous and
everyoneincludesanonymous.
<http://www.microsoft.com/windows200...2000/techinfo/reskit/en-us/regentry/46688.asp>
<http://www.jsifaq.com/subf/tip2600/rh2625.htm>
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=246261
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=296403
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=278259

The above articles refer to Windows 2000. Remember WinXP is NT V5.1, and Win2K
is NT V5.0.

Have you used the Registry Editor before? If not, it's a scary tool, but it's
pretty simple once you get used to it. Here are a couple articles that might
help:
<http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...home/using/productdoc/en/tools_regeditors.asp>
<http://www.annoyances.org/exec/show/registry>

Just remember to backup the key (create a registry patch) for
[HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa] before making any changes, if
appropriate.

From the Annoyances article:
You can create a Registry patch by opening the Registry Editor, selecting a
branch, and choosing Export from the File menu. Then, specify a filename, and
press OK. You can then view the Registry patch file by opening it in Notepad
(right-click on it and select Edit). Again, just double-click on a Registry
patch file (or use Import in the Registry Editor's File menu) to apply it to the
registry.

 

[nzuri]

Make sure the browser service is running on the desktop computer. Control Panel
- Administrative Tools - Services. Verify that the Computer Browser, and the
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper, services both show with Status = Started. Disable the
browser on the laptop.

Chuck,

Many thanks for that - have tried disabling the browser on the laptop but
still can't see either computer from the other so I'll have a go at the
registry settings later.

Andrew

 

[Dana Ware]

Is your Ethernet cable wired properly for conecting two PC's ? I believe
you need a crossover wiring scheme.

Dana

 

[Chuck]

Chuck,

Many thanks for that - have tried disabling the browser on the laptop but
still can't see either computer from the other so I'll have a go at the
registry settings later.

Andrew

Andrew,

If the other suggestions don't produce any improvement, let's try diagnosing the
problem. Provide ipconfig information for each computer.
Start - Run - "cmd". Type "ipconfig /all >c:\ipconfig.txt" into the command
window - Open c:\ipconfig.txt in Notepad, copy and paste entire contents into
your next post. Identify operating system (by name, version, and SP level) with
each ipconfig listing.

 

[nzuri]

If the other suggestions don't produce any improvement, let's try diagnosing the
problem. Provide ipconfig information for each computer.
Start - Run - "cmd". Type "ipconfig /all >c:\ipconfig.txt" into the command
window - Open c:\ipconfig.txt in Notepad, copy and paste entire contents into
your next post. Identify operating system (by name, version, and SP level) with
each ipconfig listing.

Chuck - many thanks again. Won't have time to try this until later today
(I'm in the UK and am just off to work!) but will post later and will let
you know how I get on.


Jerry

 

[Chuck]

Chuck - many thanks again. Won't have time to try this until later today
(I'm in the UK and am just off to work!) but will post later and will let
you know how I get on.


Jerry

Thanks for the update, Jerry. Just reply in this thread when you're ready to
continue.