Trouble Networking 2 computers

[Guest]

Hi all,

Really in desperate times here and wondering whether anyone can help. Am
running two desktops (A & B) that we would like to network to enable access
to files on both machines. Machine A is an Intel P4 1.6ghz, 768mb ram,
running a wireless broadband connection (siemens speedstream 6520 adsl
router) on win XP pro.

Machine B is an AMD 64bit 4000+ system, 4gb ram, with Win XP 64. We have
used one of the built-in ethernet ports of machine B to connect directly to
one of the 4 ethernet ports of the siemens, and as such, are able to use the
internet.

The problem is, that no matter what we try, we are unable to get either
machine to appear on the other. The Siemens does also have a wan/lan port and
we were wondering whether we need to make use of the other ethernet
connection and use a crossover to connect? Or is it something that we have
missed altogether?

BTW this is only a temporary solution using a 'wired' network - I am waiting
for Netgear to release native 64-bit drivers so I can utilise my wireless NIC.

Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Chuck]

Hi all,

Really in desperate times here and wondering whether anyone can help. Am
running two desktops (A & B) that we would like to network to enable access
to files on both machines. Machine A is an Intel P4 1.6ghz, 768mb ram,
running a wireless broadband connection (siemens speedstream 6520 adsl
router) on win XP pro.

Machine B is an AMD 64bit 4000+ system, 4gb ram, with Win XP 64. We have
used one of the built-in ethernet ports of machine B to connect directly to
one of the 4 ethernet ports of the siemens, and as such, are able to use the
internet.

The problem is, that no matter what we try, we are unable to get either
machine to appear on the other. The Siemens does also have a wan/lan port and
we were wondering whether we need to make use of the other ethernet
connection and use a crossover to connect? Or is it something that we have
missed altogether?

BTW this is only a temporary solution using a 'wired' network - I am waiting
for Netgear to release native 64-bit drivers so I can utilise my wireless NIC.

Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Sherry,

If both computers are able to access the Internet, then they are probably
physically connected properly, so let's look at something other than cabling.

Your stated problem is "we are unable to get either machine to appear on the
other", I presume that you mean in Network Neighborhood.
# Registry setting restrictanonymous.
# Misconfigured / overlooked firewall.
# Browser conflict.

Check restrictanonymous on each computer.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/07/restrictanonymous-and-your-server.html>

Look for any misconfigured or overlooked firewalls. What antivirus products do
you use?
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/your-personal-firewall-can-either-help.html>

Diagnose a browser conflict by running "browstat status" on all computers.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#Browser>

If no help yet, provide "browstat status" and "ipconfig /all" for each computer,
as explained in this article here.
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/troubleshooting-network-neighborhood.html#AskingForHelp>

--
Cheers,
Chuck MS-MVP [Windows - Networking]
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/
Paranoia is not a problem, when it's a normal response from experience.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck mvps org.

 

[Guest]

Hi Sheery, the basic procedure is to run the networking wizard on both PCs
choosing the same Workgroup on both machines and enabling File and Printer
Sharing. You then need to check that your firewall is set to allow the IP/s
of the other PC/s on your network as "trusted". If it is the Windows Firewall
this should be done automatically, otherwise you would have to do it manually
for third party firewalls. Both PC's should be connected directly to the
router either wired or wireless. If you can get the internet on both then
your setup is correct. You can also check the IP addresses of both PCs to
make sure they have been allocated correctly.
Allow 5 minutes for the PC's to "see" each other - it doesnt happen
immediately.
If that doesnt work post back here as there is some seroius gurus who should
be able to help further.

Peter G

 

[Guest]

Chuck,

Thanks for the info. Currently working through each step. If unable to work
it out, will post again.

Thanks.

Sherry