Computer Sharing

Question

My Dell 8100 desktop is plugged into a Linksys WRT54G router which is connected to a cable modem.  My Dell 9100 laptop is connected to the router via a wireless connection.  The 9100 recognizes both machines as a member of the workgroup, but the 8100 does not even recognize itself.  Both function well over the internet, but not with each other.  When I ask the 8100 to view workgroup computers in My Network Places folder, it returns a 'workgroup name' is not accessable.  You might not have permission to use this network.  Contact administrator, etc.....  I am the administrator I suppose.  What do I need to get to get the 8100 to become accessable to the 9100 for file and printer sharing?

JOKERSWILD · Answer

Control panel, network connections, right click local area connections select properties. Check to see if everything is selected the same as your other computer.

camron · Answer

i know its not essential, but i have tried it and worked. no harm in trying right? :D

jmwills · Answer

IPX/SPX is not needed for two Windows machine to network, unless there is a Novell Server in the mix, and the poster did not mention that.

www.homenethelp.com

http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_sharing.htm

http://service.dell.com/dell/topic/1,,33732+30+26124,00.html

What Operating Systems are involved? More than likely it's just a case of the XP Firewall being turned on and it needs to be turned off.

Message Edited by jmwills on 07-04-2004 04:48 PM

camron · Answer

do they have the same workgroup name? if they do, install IPX/SPX in your desktop and that should make it see the other pcs on the network. hope it helps!

WayneW · Answer

On the 9100 laptop I have two LAN or High Speed Internet connectors.  Dell Wireless WLAN 1350 WLAN Mini-PCI Card. The 8100 desktop uses a  3Com fast ethernet connector.  Both seem to have the same boxes checked.  It seem like the desktop is reluctant to join the workgroup............

JOKERSWILD · Answer

Both workgroup names need to be the same.

WayneW · Answer

Both machines are running XP.  There appears to be a problem w/ the desktop software in that everytime I change the workgroup name to 'Home', it changes it reverts to the default of MSHOME.   The two computer screen icon is apparent in the taskbar.  I am using a LINKSYS WRT54G router.  Anyone know why it won't join the workgroup?

jmwills · Answer

Does the Acount you are using have Admin priviledges?  Are all of the updates and patches installed? Make sure you are trying to join via a workgroup and not a domain.  They are not the same.

WayneW · Answer

Thanks for the good suggestions folks, but it ain't helping.  I have reset up my gateway, renamed computer descriptions, names, and workgroups, but my hardwired desktop still won't join the workgroup.  The wireless laptop identified both computers as in the workgroup so it is lurking around here somewhere.  When I go to My Network Places on the desktop, and go to View Workgroup Computers, it responds with an X'd box message saying '(workgroup name) is not accessable.  You might not have permission to use this network resource.  Contact the administrator, etc'.........Also says,  'The list of computers in this workgroup in not currently available.'  Well, I am logged in as administrator.  Any new ideas why this turkey won't gobble?  Running XP Home upgraded from Windows ME, and just did new install of everything with a replaced hard drive.  (That was before I added the network.)

jmwills · Answer

Can you ping the router @ 192.168.1.1? Also try pinging 127.0.0.1 and post your results from both.

WayneW · Answer

192.168.1.1 opens the Linksys Setup screen.  127.0.0.1 doesn't open.........

jmwills · Answer

Ping from Start>Run>type 'cmd' without the quotes.  Type ping 192.168.1.1 and then ping 127.0.0.1 Post those results.  Sounds like the card is working jut fine.

WayneW · Answer

Both pinged good..........

jmwills · Answer

Okay, we know the NIC is working as it should.  Have you installed all the Service packs and Upgrades to the toruble machine?

WayneW · Answer

I think I found the problem.  Norton Internet Security wasn't configured to permit home networking access.  Should have used Occam's Razor:  Always look for the simplest solution...............   Thanks guys, it was a good exercise........

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Computer Sharing

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