Can't see laptop

If you have file and printer sharing enabled on the laptop and you have designated drives and/or folders as shared resources, then the problem is likely due to a firewall running on the laptop that has not been configured to allow local network access.  On any computer running Windows XP with SP1, disable the Windows XP firewall. It will not allow File and Printer Sharing. On computers running Windows XP with SP2, make sure that the Windows XP firewall has File and Printer Sharing checked off on the Exceptions tab. If you are running any third party firewalls, like those provided by such programs as Zone Alarm, Norton Internet Security, or McAfee Security Suite, make sure they are configured to allow local network traffic.

 

Steve

Since it is always a good idea to disable File and Printer Sharing on the wireless card when you are connecting to a network other than you own, did you do this when you connected at the hotel?  If so, then you must enable File and Printer Sharing once you are back on your local network.  To see if it is disabled or enabled, open Network Connections, right click your wireless connection and select Properties, then make sure there is a check mark in the box next to File and Printer Sharing.

 

Steve

Thanks.  I can print from the laptop and I can transfer files from the laptop to the main computer.  Turning off the Microsoft Windows firewall has no effect.  I have no other firewalls running.  Everything was OK until I went on vacation and used a wireless connection at a hotel.

 

Thanks.  I never disabled the settings, but I checked anyway.  They are all checked.

 

Under Network Tasks, the laptop shows up.  When I right click on the Laptop icon, and then on properties, I get a box that says laptop, workgroup and type.  The cursor remains in hourglass mode until I click OK.  When I double left click, I get a box with two folders:  "printers and fax" and Scheduled tasks. 

I have no idea what you are talking about when you say you look under "Network Tasks."  Where is this?

 

Have you tried using System Restore on the laptop?

 

Steve

Good to hear you solved the problem.

 

Steve

Thanks for continuig to work with me.

 

I clicl on "My Network Places.  A box appears.  On the left it says Network Tasks.Under Network Tasks, I click on View Workbook Computers.  Thats when I see icons for Laptop and main Computer.

 

I solved the problem.  You probably told me to do this, but I didn't understand.  Here's what I did:

Webt to Sfolder Shared Documents on Laptop and roght clicked.  Then I clicked on Properties, then on the Security tab.  I found out that Windows had prevented me from sharing this file on the network.  I changed the setting, and this folder appeared under network places.

 

Thanks again.