Remote Desktop and Computer Names

[Pat Lafontaine]

I have three computers on my local network behind a router all IP addresses
within the range 192.168.0.100 - 105. I can connect to all using remote
desktop by using the computer name. All are running XP Pro SP1.

I just added another computer, XP Pro SP2, and have tried doing remote
desktop. It works if I use the IP address but if I use the computer name I
get the error msg:

"The specified remote computer could not be found. Verify that you have
typed the correct computer name or IP address, and then try connecting
again."

I know the computer name is correct. All other computers can still be
accessed via their name. Under Control Panel I have ticked off using remote
desktop (obviously as it connects with the IP addess).

Is there any way around this?

Pat

 

[Guest]

The SP2 computer is blocking NETBIOS IDENT requests. I advise that you turn
off the windows firewall on that computer. That should allow you to connect
using the netbios name. In general I disable the windows firewall and use
another like zonealarm, kerio, ... These will allow you to customize what
traffic goes trough.

best regards

 

[Pat Lafontaine]

That did the trick, Thanks

Pat

The SP2 computer is blocking NETBIOS IDENT requests. I advise that you turn
off the windows firewall on that computer. That should allow you to connect
using the netbios name. In general I disable the windows firewall and use
another like zonealarm, kerio, ... These will allow you to customize what
traffic goes trough.

best regards

 

[Bill Sanderson]

You may want to experiment some more with the firewall settings.

Opening the full range of file and print sharing, restricted to the local
subnet, should fix this for you, but you may also be able to reduce
that--try just 445 alone, for example.

I'd recommend keeping the firewall as functional as possible.

For example, just yesterday I plugged a blaster infected laptop into my home
network.

None of my machines were susceptable to infection from this critter, but
substitute something new or rather esoteric for blaster, and consider the
risk. For a home network, it's much smaller than for a large corporate
setting, but still present.