XP desktop can't access Vista laptop via the network - a solution

[bill945]

I just spent almost 5 days trying to figure out why my 3 XP desktop
computers can't access my wireless Vista laptop and finally found the
solution. I'd thought that I post because this might help someone
plus I'm grateful for all the postings that people have posted
regarding the same problem.

Configuration:

1 Acer Aspire 3680 running Vista Home edition with a Atheros internal
wireless adapter
1 Netgear WGT624 V.3 wireless router
3 HP desktops running XP
Firewalls disabled on all computers but not the router.

Problem:

XP can't see the Vista laptop drives when the laptop is running
wirelessly. When the laptop is cabled directly to the router, the XP
machines can see the Vista laptop drives just fine.

Solution:

Use WEP security instead of WPA-PSK [TKIP] for the router and wireless
adapter. Pro - the laptop works perfectly with the XP desktop, as if
it's cabled directly to the router. Con - WEP is less secure than WPA-
PSK [TKIP}. I don't know if Vista, XP, Netgear or the security
setting is the culprit but it works and I'm tired of spending anymore
time on it 8^)

 

[Barb Bowman]

Intel cards (don't know what is in the HPs) have driver issues. WEP
is like leaving your door open and the key under the mat. Hope you
don't have personal data or use financial programs, etc. because
they are at great risk.

No idea what you tried to resolve your sharing issue, but using WEP
is not a viable solution.

Solution:

Use WEP security instead of WPA-PSK [TKIP] for the router and wireless
adapter. Pro - the laptop works perfectly with the XP desktop, as if
it's cabled directly to the router. Con - WEP is less secure than WPA-
PSK [TKIP}. I don't know if Vista, XP, Netgear or the security
setting is the culprit but it works and I'm tired of spending anymore
time on it 8^)

--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/