View share folder in other PC only by typing \\PCname?

[Guest]

From my laptop(with Vista) I have no problem to access or share files with my
DesktopPC(with XP) but I can only access if I click Start & type \\PCname.
If I click Start, Network I cannot see my XP PCname appear in the Network
Window but If I type \\PCname in address bar than the XP PC name will appear
in the Network Window. No problem at all to access or share files between my
laptop and my PC.
I just wonder why I need to type \\PCname? Why the name doesn't appear when
I click Start, Network? Anyway to fix this ? Thanks
However my XPPC are able to see my laptop name by Clicking Start, My Network
Place but why the laptop name doesn't appear when I view workgroup computers
?Both of them have the same workgroup name.

 

[Robert L [MVP - Networking]]

This is very good question. I believe this is computer browser issue. Use the browstat to check the master browser status. This how to may help,

Computer BrowserHow do I know I have a computer browser problem How to disable Master Browser in XP .... You have a master browser issue if you have the following symptoms. ...
http://www.chicagotech.net/browser.htm



Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
From my laptop(with Vista) I have no problem to access or share files with my
DesktopPC(with XP) but I can only access if I click Start & type \\PCname.
If I click Start, Network I cannot see my XP PCname appear in the Network
Window but If I type \\PCname in address bar than the XP PC name will appear
in the Network Window. No problem at all to access or share files between my
laptop and my PC.
I just wonder why I need to type \\PCname? Why the name doesn't appear when
I click Start, Network? Anyway to fix this ? Thanks
However my XPPC are able to see my laptop name by Clicking Start, My Network
Place but why the laptop name doesn't appear when I view workgroup computers
?Both of them have the same workgroup name.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Robert. I have tried yesterday looking at my router firewall setting
and found that my PC and notebook have different setting in the router
firewall. the PC is Max Pretection and the notebook is Allow all
Applications. I am using the 2wire2700HGV wireless. This setting also cause
both machines to have a different default gateway address eventhough both are
log in to the same private secure network. I don't know why but after I
adjust the setting in the router firewall to Max Protection for both machine,
I am now able to view all pc name in my network window. I have 2 notebook &
1 PC all machines now have no problem to view, access or share files at all.
My problem is solve but I hope to know why this setting can solve my
problem??? Thanks for any input to this ?

 

[Robert L [MVP - Networking]]

I haven't seen this problem before, but thank you for the feedback.

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Thanks Robert. I have tried yesterday looking at my router firewall setting
and found that my PC and notebook have different setting in the router
firewall. the PC is Max Pretection and the notebook is Allow all
Applications. I am using the 2wire2700HGV wireless. This setting also cause
both machines to have a different default gateway address eventhough both are
log in to the same private secure network. I don't know why but after I
adjust the setting in the router firewall to Max Protection for both machine,
I am now able to view all pc name in my network window. I have 2 notebook &
1 PC all machines now have no problem to view, access or share files at all.
My problem is solve but I hope to know why this setting can solve my
problem??? Thanks for any input to this ?