Sharing files/folders on a workgroup computer

[Hounddog]

I am running two computers on a peer-to-peer hard-wired network, using a
cable modem and a Linksys cable/dsl router w/ 4 port switch. Computer A,
which is my primary computer, is running Win XP Media Center w/ SP2.
Computer B is running Win XP Home. Both computers are able to
independently browse the Web with no problem. However, I cannot get the
computers to communicate with each other and share folders, files,
printers, etc.

Both computers are using Zone Alarm firewalls and the Windows firewall
for each computer is turned off.

On Computer A, under Tools/View/Folder options/Advanced Settings, I have
checked the box "Use simple file sharing." However, when I go to My
Network Places and try to connect to Computer B, I get a message saying
Computer B is not accessible, although I am logged in as the
administrator on both computers. The error message also says that the
network path to Computer B was not found.

Here is what I think is the problem. On Computer B, when I go to Folders
Options/Advanced Settings, there is no box for the "Use simple file
sharing" option. I have tried reinstalling all seemingly relevant
components from my original Win XP Home disk, but I still cannot get a
"simple file sharing" check box to appear.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Robert Broach

 

[Doug Sherman [MVP]]

XP Home supports only simple file sharing - don't spend anymore time looking
for this setting on the XP Home machine.

There is a reasonably good chance that ZoneAlarm is the cause of your
problem. You will have to read the manual to determine how to configure it
to allow file sharing between these computers. An easy test is to simply
uninstall ZoneAlarm on both machines - do not just disable the firewall -
uninstall it altogether.

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I am running two computers on a peer-to-peer hard-wired network, using a
cable modem and a Linksys cable/dsl router w/ 4 port switch. Computer A,
which is my primary computer, is running Win XP Media Center w/ SP2.
Computer B is running Win XP Home. Both computers are able to
independently browse the Web with no problem. However, I cannot get the
computers to communicate with each other and share folders, files,
printers, etc.

Both computers are using Zone Alarm firewalls and the Windows firewall
for each computer is turned off.

On Computer A, under Tools/View/Folder options/Advanced Settings, I have
checked the box "Use simple file sharing." However, when I go to My
Network Places and try to connect to Computer B, I get a message saying
Computer B is not accessible, although I am logged in as the
administrator on both computers. The error message also says that the
network path to Computer B was not found.

Here is what I think is the problem. On Computer B, when I go to Folders
Options/Advanced Settings, there is no box for the "Use simple file
sharing" option. I have tried reinstalling all seemingly relevant
components from my original Win XP Home disk, but I still cannot get a
"simple file sharing" check box to appear.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Robert Broach

Simple file sharing isn't the problem. In Windows XP Home Edition,
simple file sharing is always enabled. It isn't possible to disable
it, and there's no check box.

I recommend un-installing ZoneAlarm while troubleshooting the network,
and not re-installing it until everything is working. Your Linksys
router acts as a firewall, so your computers are protected from
undesired access by other Internet users even without ZoneAlarm.

Run the Network Setup Wizard on each computer, and tell it that the
computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway
(router). Don't let the Wizard create a network bridge if the
computer has multiple network connections.

Make sure that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on each computer:

1. Open the Network Connections folder.
2. Right click the local area network connection.
3. Click Properties.
4. Double click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
5. Click Advanced.
6. Click WINS.
7. Click the Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button.
--
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

 

[Hounddog]

Simple file sharing isn't the problem. In Windows XP Home Edition,
simple file sharing is always enabled. It isn't possible to disable
it, and there's no check box.

I recommend un-installing ZoneAlarm while troubleshooting the network,
and not re-installing it until everything is working. Your Linksys
router acts as a firewall, so your computers are protected from
undesired access by other Internet users even without ZoneAlarm.

Run the Network Setup Wizard on each computer, and tell it that the
computer connects to the Internet through a residential gateway
(router). Don't let the Wizard create a network bridge if the
computer has multiple network connections.

Make sure that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on each computer:

1. Open the Network Connections folder.
2. Right click the local area network connection.
3. Click Properties.
4. Double click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
5. Click Advanced.
6. Click WINS.
7. Click the Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button.

The recommendations by Steve Winograd worked perfectly. ZoneAlarm (free
edition) was the problem. After I uninstalled it and re-ran the Network
Setup Wizard, I had no problem establishing sharing between both
computers and also my printers.

Many thanks to Steve!

I still have one question: the router I am using (Linksys EtherFast
Cable/DSL w/ 4-port switch, Model BEFSR41) is not advertised as having a
firewall although the blurb on the box says, "Built-in NAT technology
helps keep intruders out of your computers." Do I need to re-install the
ZoneAlarm free firewall, or should I use some other type?

Robert Broach

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

The recommendations by Steve Winograd worked perfectly. ZoneAlarm (free
edition) was the problem. After I uninstalled it and re-ran the Network
Setup Wizard, I had no problem establishing sharing between both
computers and also my printers.

Many thanks to Steve!

I still have one question: the router I am using (Linksys EtherFast
Cable/DSL w/ 4-port switch, Model BEFSR41) is not advertised as having a
firewall although the blurb on the box says, "Built-in NAT technology
helps keep intruders out of your computers." Do I need to re-install the
ZoneAlarm free firewall, or should I use some other type?

Robert Broach

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

Your NAT router acts as an incoming firewall, preventing other
Internet users from accessing your computers. You don't need a
software firewall like ZoneAlarm for that.

ZoneAlarm has a capability that the NAT router doesn't: it can prevent
undesired outgoing access from your computer to the Internet, which
could be caused by virus and spyware programs. If that's important to
you, install ZoneAlarm, and configure it to put your local area
network in the Trusted zone to allow file and printer sharing.
--
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