See Computer, But Access Denied

[Guest]

Windows Xp SP2 Home Edition. home network comprising wireless router,
desktop PC cable-connected to router, plus 2 laptops wireless-only connected.

When I click "View Network Computers" from either of the laptops the desktop
PC I want to access (call it "PROBLEMPC") appears in the list but on
double-clicking it I get Access Denied message. That PC is ethernet-cable
plugged in to our wireless router - our 2 others are wireless laptops with no
access problems between themselves. I have no problem viewing files on the 2
laptops when on PROBLEMPC, the difficulty is just one-way when trying to
access PROBLEMPC from one of the laptops. If I connect a crossover cable
direct between a laptop and PROBLEMPC, all is fine and I can see PROBLEMPC's
files from the laptop. I've tried disabling all firewalls etc but no joy.
If, on a laptop, I go Start|Run and type in the file location of a shared
file on PROBLEMPC, lo-and-behold it appears and I can access it. So there
obviously is a connection, all I want to do is access PROBLEMPC in the normal
way from My Network Places. Any offers?

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Windows Xp SP2 Home Edition. home network comprising wireless router,
desktop PC cable-connected to router, plus 2 laptops wireless-only connected.

When I click "View Network Computers" from either of the laptops the desktop
PC I want to access (call it "PROBLEMPC") appears in the list but on
double-clicking it I get Access Denied message. That PC is ethernet-cable
plugged in to our wireless router - our 2 others are wireless laptops with no
access problems between themselves. I have no problem viewing files on the 2
laptops when on PROBLEMPC, the difficulty is just one-way when trying to
access PROBLEMPC from one of the laptops. If I connect a crossover cable
direct between a laptop and PROBLEMPC, all is fine and I can see PROBLEMPC's
files from the laptop. I've tried disabling all firewalls etc but no joy.
If, on a laptop, I go Start|Run and type in the file location of a shared
file on PROBLEMPC, lo-and-behold it appears and I can access it. So there
obviously is a connection, all I want to do is access PROBLEMPC in the normal
way from My Network Places. Any offers?

Start PROBLEMPC in "Safe mode with networking" and see if the other
computers can access it. If they can, the problem is caused by a
program, like a firewall, that only runs in normal mode. Disabling a
firewall sometimes isn't enough. To find out for sure if a firewall
is causing the problem, un-install the firewall.

If that doesn't help, check the registry entry that allows browsing
the computer. Run the registry editor on PROBLEMPC and open this key:

HLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\LSA

If the value of RestrictAnonymous isn't 0, set it to 0, reboot and try
accessing the computer again.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Guest]

Steve - what a genius! Never in a 1000 years myself! The Safe Mode made no
difference : the registry change did, now all is perfect on our very amateur
home network. Many thanks - "Most Valued" is right on the money!

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Steve - what a genius! Never in a 1000 years myself! The Safe Mode made no
difference : the registry change did, now all is perfect on our very amateur
home network. Many thanks - "Most Valued" is right on the money!

You're welcome, Simon. I'm glad that my suggestion helped you solve
the problem.

Your detailed description of the problem pointed out the solution.
When you can't browse a computer but can access its shared folders
directly, RestrictAnonymous is probably responsible.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com