View Workgroup Computers

[Metallo]

Hi,

I have a small home network connected as follows:

- My Desktop (Server) wired
- My Laptop (Client) wireless
- One Printer
- Linksys router WAG354G V.2
- OS on both computers: WXP Pro SP2 fully updated

Both computers have a static IP address.

I have shared the printer and a few folders in my desktop, of course the
workgroup name is the same on both machines.
I also configured my firewall (ZA free edition) and the result is OK, from
my laptop I can share the printer and access the folders on my desktop.

The question is the following:
If I click "View Workgroup Computers" on my desktop, I see nothing
If I click ""View Workgroup Computers" on my laptop, I see only the icon of
my laptop but not my desktop.

I read on some forums that this is because I don't use the NetBEUI protocol,
but I also read that while it might solve the problem, it opens to security
issues.
In addition, being both OS WXP Pro, I should not have any problem and that
using TCP/IP should be fine.
This is the theory, the reality is what I described above.

Can anybody help me to solve the dilemma?

Thank you
Alex

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hi,

I have a small home network connected as follows:

- My Desktop (Server) wired
- My Laptop (Client) wireless
- One Printer
- Linksys router WAG354G V.2
- OS on both computers: WXP Pro SP2 fully updated

Both computers have a static IP address.

I have shared the printer and a few folders in my desktop, of course the
workgroup name is the same on both machines.
I also configured my firewall (ZA free edition) and the result is OK, from
my laptop I can share the printer and access the folders on my desktop.

The question is the following:
If I click "View Workgroup Computers" on my desktop, I see nothing
If I click ""View Workgroup Computers" on my laptop, I see only the icon of
my laptop but not my desktop.

I read on some forums that this is because I don't use the NetBEUI protocol,
but I also read that while it might solve the problem, it opens to security
issues.
In addition, being both OS WXP Pro, I should not have any problem and that
using TCP/IP should be fine.
This is the theory, the reality is what I described above.

Can anybody help me to solve the dilemma?

Thank you
Alex

TCP/IP is the only protocol you need. NetBEUI is an un-supported
protocol in Windows XP. Microsoft wouldn't have dropped support for
NetBEUI if Windows XP networking required it. In fact, no version of
Windows has ever required NetBEUI for networking. I've written about
it on this web page:

Windows XP Network Protocols
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/network_protocols.htm

On each computer, make sure that:

1. In the local area connection properties, there are check marks in
the boxes for "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" and
"Client for Microsoft Networks".

2. Any firewall program is configured to allow access by other
computers on the local network.

3. The Server service is running and is configured to start
automatically.

4. NetBIOS Over TCP/IP (NetBT) is enabled:

a. Open the Network Connections folder.
b. Right click the local area network connection.
c. Click Properties.
d. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
e. Click Properties.
f. Click Advanced.
g. Click WINS.
h. Click the Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button.

If those suggestions don't help, try accessing the other computer
directly, without using My Network Places. Click Start > Run, type
the other computer's name in the box in this format, and click OK:

\\computer

If that fails, see whether the computers can ping each other, by IP
address and by name.
--
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

 

[Metallo]

TCP/IP is the only protocol you need. NetBEUI is an un-supported
protocol in Windows XP. Microsoft wouldn't have dropped support for
NetBEUI if Windows XP networking required it. In fact, no version of
Windows has ever required NetBEUI for networking. I've written about
it on this web page:

Windows XP Network Protocols
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/network_protocols.htm

On each computer, make sure that:

1. In the local area connection properties, there are check marks in
the boxes for "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" and
"Client for Microsoft Networks".

2. Any firewall program is configured to allow access by other
computers on the local network.

3. The Server service is running and is configured to start
automatically.

4. NetBIOS Over TCP/IP (NetBT) is enabled:

a. Open the Network Connections folder.
b. Right click the local area network connection.
c. Click Properties.
d. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
e. Click Properties.
f. Click Advanced.
g. Click WINS.
h. Click the Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button.

If those suggestions don't help, try accessing the other computer
directly, without using My Network Places. Click Start > Run, type
the other computer's name in the box in this format, and click OK:

\\computer

If that fails, see whether the computers can ping each other, by IP
address and by name.
--
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

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your suggestions.

The only thing that was not enabled was the NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button, all
the rest was already as you mentioned.
Maybe, I was not clear with my previous mail, the two PCs communicate
without problems, they can ping each other and I can share the printer and
see the folders.

My problem is that I cannot see the icons if:

I click "View Workgroup Computers" on my desktop, I see nothing
If I click ""View Workgroup Computers" on my laptop, I see only the icon of
my laptop but not my desktop.

I believe I should see both PCs on both machines, or not?

One point, if I type \\computer in Run, I get an error: "No Network provider
accepted the given network path"
This is very strange as well, as I said the two PCs ping each other.

My router has the DHCP server enabled and I use static IP addresses in both
PCs.

What to do?

Thanks
Alex

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your suggestions.

The only thing that was not enabled was the NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button, all
the rest was already as you mentioned.
Maybe, I was not clear with my previous mail, the two PCs communicate
without problems, they can ping each other and I can share the printer and
see the folders.

My problem is that I cannot see the icons if:

I click "View Workgroup Computers" on my desktop, I see nothing
If I click ""View Workgroup Computers" on my laptop, I see only the icon of
my laptop but not my desktop.

I believe I should see both PCs on both machines, or not?

One point, if I type \\computer in Run, I get an error: "No Network provider
accepted the given network path"
This is very strange as well, as I said the two PCs ping each other.

My router has the DHCP server enabled and I use static IP addresses in both
PCs.

What to do?

Thanks
Alex

You're welcome, Metallo.

As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.
--
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

 

[Metallo]

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important, the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name ,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of

Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important, the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name ,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

 

[Metallo]

Hi Steve,

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Yes, the laptop fails to ping the desktop if I use the name, but it pings
if I use the IP address.

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

100% sure.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

I can try, but the firewall of my router is disabled, as well as the one in
windows xp, does it make sense to try?

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer.

No relevant messages.

I repeat, everything works perfectly in the network, how could ZA be the
problem if the network works?
It's just the icons in My Network Places and the ping by name laptop ->
desktop that do not work.

I'll give a try anyway without ZA and come back.

Alex

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important,
the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name ,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

 

[Metallo]

Steve,

I uninstalled ZA from both PCs, tried to ping each other, same result, maybe
even worse given that the desktop can only ping using the IP address, it
failed when tried the laptop name.
As far as the view on My Network Places, the same as before, nothing on my
desktop, only the laptop icon on the laptop.

Now I go back and reinstall/configure ZA, waiting for new instructions if
you have more...

Thanks
Alex

Hi Steve,

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Yes, the laptop fails to ping the desktop if I use the name, but it pings
if I use the IP address.

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

100% sure.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

I can try, but the firewall of my router is disabled, as well as the one
in windows xp, does it make sense to try?

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer.

No relevant messages.

I repeat, everything works perfectly in the network, how could ZA be the
problem if the network works?
It's just the icons in My Network Places and the ping by name laptop ->
desktop that do not work.

I'll give a try anyway without ZA and come back.

Alex

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important,
the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name
,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

 

[Dr Teeth]

I was just thinking how wonderful life was, when "Metallo"

I uninstalled ZA from both PCs

PMFJI, but I have heard that ZA services/processes can still be
present even after a supposedly successful uninstall.

Is there anything in task manager, under 'image name' that starts with
'vs'?

--
Cheers,

Guy

** Stress - the condition brought about by having to
** resist the temptation to beat the living daylights
** out of someone who richly deserves it.

 

[Metallo]

Well, right now I see vsmon.exe, but to my knowledge, this is an essential
component of ZA... and now I have installed ZA again, therefore it should be
there.

I do not understand why you seem so worried about ZA creating the issue I
have, as I see it, everything works fine, except the fact that the icons do
not appear in My Network Places and pinging by name, so how can ZA influence
this?
My feeling is more something else doesn't work in WXP, but that is only my
feeling and I have no way to prove it, that's why I'm trying to discover the
reason with the help of this forum.

Thanks man
Alex

 

[Metallo]

Steve,

Just a thought, what about the master browser problem?

How could I check this?

Alex

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important,
the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name ,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

 

[Dr Teeth]

I was just thinking how wonderful life was, when "Metallo"

Just a thought, what about the master browser problem?

How could I check this?

Follow the instructions here:- HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in
Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427. Look under the system
section.

--
Cheers,

Guy

** Stress - the condition brought about by having to
** resist the temptation to beat the living daylights
** out of someone who richly deserves it.

 

[Chuck]

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important,
the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name ,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

Steve,

Just a thought, what about the master browser problem?

How could I check this?

Alex

Alex,

To check for a master browser problem, run "browstat status" from each computer,
and compare the results. Download browstat (free, small, and easy to install).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html

 

[Metallo]

Chuck,

Thank you for the excellent link you gave me.
I ran browstat status and then followed the instructions on the website.
I can now see both PCs on both PCs!
The PC server is now the master browser.

Only from my laptop I get an Error 5, but I understand it is due to the fact
that the server is set as Guest user. I prefer to keep it so.

I can ping the machines each other, both by IP address and by name.

The only outstanding issue (or maybe not) is when I check the IPconfig/all,
both machines show Node Type: Unknown.
Is this a problem?

Thank you
Alex

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important,
the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name
,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

Steve,

Just a thought, what about the master browser problem?

How could I check this?

Alex

Alex,

To check for a master browser problem, run "browstat status" from each
computer,
and compare the results. Download browstat (free, small, and easy to
install).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html

 

[Dr Teeth]

I was just thinking how wonderful life was, when "Metallo"

The only outstanding issue (or maybe not) is when I check the IPconfig/all,
both machines show Node Type: Unknown.
Is this a problem?

It shouldn't be.

http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/address-resolution-on-lan.html

--
Cheers,

Guy

** Stress - the condition brought about by having to
** resist the temptation to beat the living daylights
** out of someone who richly deserves it.

 

[Metallo]

Hi Guy,

I followed the instructions in the link on how to fix the Unknown Node Type
but no change.
In fact, I found no entry for EnableProxy on both PCs, therefore I created
it with value "0", also, I tried "1", but no change.

Dektop
Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : wxp
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : No

Laptop
Windows IP Configuration

Host Name . . . . . . . . . . . . : wxplaptop
Primary Dns Suffix . . . . . . . :
Node Type . . . . . . . . . . . . : Unknown
IP Routing Enabled. . . . . . . . : No
WINS Proxy Enabled. . . . . . . . : Yes

Alternatives?
Alex

 

[Chuck]

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important,
the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name
,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

Steve,

Just a thought, what about the master browser problem?

How could I check this?

Alex

Alex,

To check for a master browser problem, run "browstat status" from each
computer,
and compare the results. Download browstat (free, small, and easy to
install).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html

Chuck,

Thank you for the excellent link you gave me.
I ran browstat status and then followed the instructions on the website.
I can now see both PCs on both PCs!
The PC server is now the master browser.

Only from my laptop I get an Error 5, but I understand it is due to the fact
that the server is set as Guest user. I prefer to keep it so.

I can ping the machines each other, both by IP address and by name.

The only outstanding issue (or maybe not) is when I check the IPconfig/all,
both machines show Node Type: Unknown.
Is this a problem?

Thank you
Alex

Alex,

Leave the node type at "Unknown". The "error = 5" is indeed caused by Guest
only authentication.

Do you have any other problems?

 

[Metallo]

Well, I do actually, but there's already an open thread on it called
Sharing a Canon i865 - No "preview before printing"

....but nobody seems to know the solution so far...

maybe you can help?

You can close this thread if you want.

Thanks

Alex

[snip]
As you can see from reading messages in this news group, network
browsing in My Network Places is unreliable. It's so unreliable that
I recommend not using it all. Instead, access the other computer by
typing its name in the Start > Run box as I showed above. After
access using Start > Run is working, you can troubleshoot My Network
Places if you want to.

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

If IP address succeeds and computer name fails, there's a problem with
name resolution, which uses NetBIOS over TCP/IP. Be sure to set
NetBIOS over TCP/IP to "Enable", not to "Default".

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem. Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus? Those programs contain firewall
components.

Hi Steve,

Here's the answer to your questions below:

Can the computers ping each other by IP address and by computer name?
For example:

ping 192.168.1.101
ping desktop

The desktop (server), yes, both IP and name.
The laptop (client), yes on IP, no on name. (maybe it is not important,
the
name of my desktop is WXP)

NetBIOS over TCP/IP is "Enabled" on both machines, both LAN and wireless
connections.

Start both computers in "Safe mode with networking", and try accessing
them through My Network Places and "\\computer". If that works, a
misconfigured firewall (ZoneAlarm or Windows Firewall) is probably
causing the problem.

Done, nothing works, neither the run \\computer, nor the ping IP or name
,
on both PCs.

Does either computer have a recent version of
Norton or PC-cillin Antivirus?

Nope. I only have ZA Free version and AVAST Home Edition (free) on both
machines.

Mistery or WXP?

Thanks
Alex

I can't tell from your reply which computer failed to ping the other
one. From your earlier messages, I assume that the laptop failed to
ping the desktop. Is that right?

Are you sure that you started the computers in "Safe Mode with
Networking"? Pinging and network access should work in that mode. If
you started them in regular "Safe Mode", nothing would work on the
network.

I'd un-install (not just disable) ZoneAlarm on both computers while
troubleshooting the network. That's safe, because your router acts as
a firewall. If that gets networking to work, then ZoneAlarm is the
problem.

Are there relevant messages in Event Viewer on either computer? To
run it, click Start | Control Panel | Performance and Maintenance |
Administrative Tools | Event Viewer. For more information, see:

HOW TO: View and Manage Event Logs in Event Viewer in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308427
--
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

Steve,

Just a thought, what about the master browser problem?

How could I check this?

Alex

Alex,

To check for a master browser problem, run "browstat status" from each
computer,
and compare the results. Download browstat (free, small, and easy to
install).
<http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html>
http://nitecruzr.blogspot.com/2005/05/browstat-utility-from-microsoft.html

Chuck,

Thank you for the excellent link you gave me.
I ran browstat status and then followed the instructions on the website.
I can now see both PCs on both PCs!
The PC server is now the master browser.

Only from my laptop I get an Error 5, but I understand it is due to the fact
that the server is set as Guest user. I prefer to keep it so.

I can ping the machines each other, both by IP address and by name.

The only outstanding issue (or maybe not) is when I check the IPconfig/all,
both machines show Node Type: Unknown.
Is this a problem?

Thank you
Alex

Alex,

Leave the node type at "Unknown". The "error = 5" is indeed caused by Guest
only authentication.

Do you have any other problems?

--
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.