Networking Multiple Computers

[Guest]

I'm trying to network 2 Desktop Computers and a laptop.

I've setup up everything for file and printer sharing. I check the auto
assigned IP address with ipconfig and I can ping all three computers (I'll
call them DESK1, DESK 2 and LAPTOP) in all directions. Everything seems to
be working fine at this level.

When I try to access them through Windows XP, I can access DESK 2 from DESK
1, LAPTOP from DESK 2, DESK 2 from LAPTOP but I can't access either DESK 1
from either DESK 2 or the LAPTOP. I also have a networked backup drive and I
can access this from any of the three computers.

I've tried everything I know and the response I get is "\\DESK1 is not
accessable. YOu might not have permission to use this network resource.

When I go to Network Neighbourhood, all computer are showing when I ask to
"View Network Computers" They are all setup to a MSHOME workgroup.

I would appreciate any suggestions anyone could make.

 

[Malke]

I'm trying to network 2 Desktop Computers and a laptop.

I've setup up everything for file and printer sharing. I check the auto
assigned IP address with ipconfig and I can ping all three computers (I'll
call them DESK1, DESK 2 and LAPTOP) in all directions. Everything seems to
be working fine at this level.

When I try to access them through Windows XP, I can access DESK 2 from DESK
1, LAPTOP from DESK 2, DESK 2 from LAPTOP but I can't access either DESK 1
from either DESK 2 or the LAPTOP. I also have a networked backup drive and I
can access this from any of the three computers.

I've tried everything I know and the response I get is "\\DESK1 is not
accessable. YOu might not have permission to use this network resource.

When I go to Network Neighbourhood, all computer are showing when I ask to
"View Network Computers" They are all setup to a MSHOME workgroup.

You left out how you physically connected the machines but I'll assume a
router going to a cable/dsl modem since that is the most common
scenario. Here are standard networking troubleshooting steps:

This is most commonly caused by a misconfigured firewall. Run the
Network Setup Wizard on all computers, making sure to enable File &
Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will turn on
the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party firewall
or have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like Norton
2005/06) which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have
third-party firewall software, configure it to allow the Local Area
Network traffic as trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an
IP range. Ex. would be 192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would
substitute your correct subnet.

If one or more of the computers is XP Pro or Media Center:

a. If you need Pro's ability to set fine-grained permissions, turn off
Simple File Sharing (Folder Options>View tab) and create identical user
accounts/passwords on all computers.

b. If you don't care about using Pro's advanced features, leave the
Simple File Sharing enabled.

Simple File Sharing means that Guest (network) is enabled. This means
that anyone without a user account on the target system can use its
resources. This is a security hole but only you can decide if it matters
in your situation.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users'
home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share
folders inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the
Shared Documents folder.

If that doesn't work for you, here is an excellent network
troubleshooter by MVP Hans-Georg Michna. Take the time to go through it
and it will usually pinpoint the problem area(s) -
http://winhlp.com/wxnet.htm


Malke