Need Help with a "strange" LAN problem

[Jim]

I'm running 4 Windows XP Pro systems on a LAN. ComputerA, ComputerB, and
ComputerC can
access each other with no problems. ComputerD can access the other three
computers.

Even though the shares are set properly on ComputerD, none of the other
computers can access it. The message displayed is "you might not have
permissions ..". However, I can access the CD drive on this computer with no
problem.

When I enter \\ComputerD in the Microsoft browser it will display all the
resources on that system but the only one I can access is CD drive.

Suggestions greatly appreciated. Note: this worked at one time but something
must have happened.

Jim

 

[Owen]

You could try and add an incoming connections from network connections. In
network connections, create a new connection, then select advances, incoming
connection and follow the wizard. Do this on the pc that is hosting the
files.
When you have to enter a username and password in the incoming
connectoions setup, make sure this is the same as the windows logon password
and username of the computer that is trying to view your files.
Hope this works. ;-)

 

[Jim]

Sorry but that didn't work, I'm really at a loss as to what to do now. My
router setup seem to be correct.

Jim

 

[Chuck]

I'm running 4 Windows XP Pro systems on a LAN. ComputerA, ComputerB, and
ComputerC can
access each other with no problems. ComputerD can access the other three
computers.

Even though the shares are set properly on ComputerD, none of the other
computers can access it. The message displayed is "you might not have
permissions ..". However, I can access the CD drive on this computer with no
problem.

When I enter \\ComputerD in the Microsoft browser it will display all the
resources on that system but the only one I can access is CD drive.

Suggestions greatly appreciated. Note: this worked at one time but something
must have happened.

Jim

Jim,

On any XP Pro computer, check to see if Simple File Sharing (Control Panel -
Folder Options - View - Advanced settings) is enabled or disabled. With XP Pro,
you need to have the SFS settings properly set on each computer.

With XP Pro, if SFS is disabled, check the Local Security Policy (Control Panel
- Administrative Tools). Under Local Policies - Security Options, look at
"Network access: Sharing and security model", and ensure it's set to "Classic -
local users authenticate as themselves".

With XP Pro, if you set the Local Security Policy to "Guest only", make sure
that the Guest account is enabled, and has an identical, non-blank, password on
all computers. If "Classic", setup and use a common account with identical,
non-blank, password on all computers.

For XP Pro with Simple File Sharing enabled, make sure that the Guest account is
enabled, with identical, non-blank passwords, on each computer.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF or third party)? If so,
you need to configure them for file sharing, by opening ports TCP 139, 445 and
UDP 137, 138, 445, and / or by identifying the other computers as present in the
Local (Trusted) zone. Firewall configurations are a very common cause of
(network) browser, and file sharing, problems.

Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.

 

[Jim]

Hi Chuck,

Thanks very much for your suggestions. It's a long story but you made me
re-think several things about SFS and now everything works just fine.

Jim

 

[Chuck]

Hi Chuck,

Thanks very much for your suggestions. It's a long story but you made me
re-think several things about SFS and now everything works just fine.

Jim

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the update. SFS is like that - there's usually something else to do
to it.

One day when you have a few minutes maybe you could tell the long story. These
forums exist to help - and some who read here may not post, but they might learn
from your experience anyway.

Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.