Simple networking

[Richard]

I have two computers that are both running Win XP Pro.
One computer has a dialup internet connection (computer
1) and the second has a printer attached (computer 2). I
decided to try networking them to share these facilities.
I started at Computer 2 and ran the networking wizard.
all seemed to go well and I created the networking disk.
I called my network HOME. I went to computer 1 and
inserted the disk and followed the prompts, all seemed to
go well until the end where it said an error had occurred
and it asked if I wanted windows to solve the problem so
I said yes and clicked the OK button. All appeared to go
well and it finished saying that all was OK. (Note that
it created a bridge that I can see when I click on
network connections).
On Computer 1, in My Network Places, I can see 4 folders
that I have created and then said that I wanted to share
these with other users on the network. These folders have
a network symbol below them that suggests to me that I
achieved my goal. On this computer when I choose "view
workgroup computers" I get a message that "Home is not
accessible. You might not have permission to use this
network resource. Contact your administrator to find out
if you have permission. The list of servers for this
workgroup is not currently available".
On Computer 2 I can see the folders that were shared on
Computer 1 plus a folder called shared docs on computer 2
but I cannot open these folders. If I click on "view
workgroup computers" on this computer all I can see is a
folder for Computer 2. If I try to connect to the
internet from this computer, computer 1 dials up but I
cannot see anything on computer 2.
Heeelp! Please.

 

[Chuck]

I have two computers that are both running Win XP Pro.
One computer has a dialup internet connection (computer
1) and the second has a printer attached (computer 2). I
decided to try networking them to share these facilities.
I started at Computer 2 and ran the networking wizard.
all seemed to go well and I created the networking disk.
I called my network HOME. I went to computer 1 and
inserted the disk and followed the prompts, all seemed to
go well until the end where it said an error had occurred
and it asked if I wanted windows to solve the problem so
I said yes and clicked the OK button. All appeared to go
well and it finished saying that all was OK. (Note that
it created a bridge that I can see when I click on
network connections).
On Computer 1, in My Network Places, I can see 4 folders
that I have created and then said that I wanted to share
these with other users on the network. These folders have
a network symbol below them that suggests to me that I
achieved my goal. On this computer when I choose "view
workgroup computers" I get a message that "Home is not
accessible. You might not have permission to use this
network resource. Contact your administrator to find out
if you have permission. The list of servers for this
workgroup is not currently available".
On Computer 2 I can see the folders that were shared on
Computer 1 plus a folder called shared docs on computer 2
but I cannot open these folders. If I click on "view
workgroup computers" on this computer all I can see is a
folder for Computer 2. If I try to connect to the
internet from this computer, computer 1 dials up but I
cannot see anything on computer 2.
Heeelp! Please.

Richard,

You have connectivity between the two computers (computer 2 will at
least make computer 1 dial up the internet connection). Start with
the file sharing issue.

On any XP Pro computer, check to see if Simple File Sharing (Control
Panel - Folder Options - View - Advanced settings) is enabled or
disabled. With XP Pro, you need to have SFS properly set on each
computer.

If SFS is disabled, check the Local Security Policy (Control Panel -
Administrative Tools). Under Local Policies - Security Options, look
at "Network access: Sharing and security model", and ensure it's set
to "Classic - local users authenticate as themselves".

If you set the Local Security Policy to "Guest only", make sure that
the Guest account is enabled, thru Local User Manager (Start - Run -
"lusrmgr.msc"), and has an identical, non-blank, password on all
computers. If "Classic", setup and use a common non-Guest account,
with identical, non-blank, password on all computers.

For XP Pro with Simple File Sharing enabled, make sure that the Guest
account is enabled (thru Local User Manager (Start - Run -
"lusrmgr.msc")), on each computer.

Do any of the computers have a software firewall (ICF or third party)?
If so, you need to configure them for file sharing, by opening ports
TCP 139, 445 and UDP 137, 138, 445, and / or by identifying the other
computers as present in the Local (Trusted) zone. Firewall
configurations are a very common cause of (network) browser, and file
sharing, problems.

Cheers,