PC won't share files.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Microsoft BOB
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Microsoft BOB

I have 3 Windows XP computers at home networked with a DLink router. One of
the PC will not share its files with the others. The other 2 share files
with out any problems. The PC that will not share can be seen by the other
PC's but when I try to open and access a file it comes up with an error
message telling me to talk to the system administrator. I have turned on
file sharing and turned off the fire wall. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Hello,

Try Searching for the computer that will not share...Use the search
tool...When the computer is found, map...
 
I have heard of the following situation, the user may not be able to "see"
the computer under the network node. When the user searches for the computer
by name, the search may be successful and will allow the person to access
shares via this route. Some users give their share folders specific names for
each computer.

Also, you may have to change the permissions in the security folder. At
times it can be beneficial to create a custom network group or use the
existing network group. A MVP user by the name of MALKE has provided a nice
description that may help you. Just search for his name under "english" and
click of the correct link. I can't remember where it was located.
 
I guess it would apply if I couldn't see the computer. I can see the
computer I just can't access any files or folders.
 
Microsoft said:
I guess it would apply if I couldn't see the computer. I can see the
computer I just can't access any files or folders.
Click to expand...

I know you said that you already turned off the firewall, but the problem
you describe is most commonly caused by a misconfigured or overlooked
firewall. Perhaps you have McAfee or Norton AV with "Internet Worm
Protection" or the like that you've overlooked.

Run the Network Setup Wizard on the computer, 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:

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
 
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