I can't access my workgroup

Question

I recently purchased a Deminsion 8400 with XP home.  I am using a D-Link 2.4 Ghz wireless router.  I have a laptop running ME with a D-Link wireless Cardbus Adapter.  Both computers are connected to the internet just fine, and I can ping each computer successfully using IP's.  I have run through the Network Setup Wizard and should be networked, but neither computer recognizes the other on my network.  When I try to veiw workgroup computers on my desktop, this is the message I get:   Mshome is not accessible.  You might not have permission to use this network resource.  Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permission.    The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available.   My laptop will let me view workgroup computers, but my desktop does not show up.  Either something is wrong, or I am a networking idiot.. Any advice will help.

volcano11 · Answer

The main reasons that Windows XP and Windows 98/ME networks have trouble are due to the following:

1. Make sure all computers are in the same workgroup and have unique names on the network

2. Make sure all firewalls are disabled while setting things up. In particular make sure that Windows XP's built-in firewall is disabled on the local area connection If Windows XP service pack 2 is installed, make sure the Windows firewall has file and printer sharing checked as exceptions on the Firewall - Exceptions tab.

3. Make sure the NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on all computers.

4. Make sure the drives and folders have been designated as shared.

5. If the Windows 98/ME computers have Client for Microsoft Networks as the primary network logon, make sure that the proper username and password are entered when these machines boot. If Windows logon is the primary network logon, make sure that either a null password is used or that the correct password is used when booting these computers. Hitting the cancel button at the password prompt may prevent network connectivity.

Steve

Wingspar · Answer

I have this exact same problem, with the exact same error message. The difference is that I am running two XP machines.

I have a Dimension 8200 XP Home that I have had for two years. I just purchased a refurbished Dimension 8400 with XP home as a backup computer. I have them connected thru a D-Link DI-704UP router. They can both access the network, and if I click on “View Workgroup Computers”, they both show up but not always, as it is not showing up on the 8400 this morning, but double clicking on either of them brings up that error message, and it takes a long time before the error message shows up. Both computers have unique names, if Dimension 8200 and Dimension 8400 can be considered unique names. I have a folder in each computer shared. I’m stumped.

If I could delete messages here, I would, as I solved the problem. Deep inside Zone Alarm is where the problem lay. I had to allow access to the local network thru Zone Alarm, and finding out about that and how to give access is Not easy, but it is done. I can even share printers. Woo Hoo! :)

Message Edited by Wingspar on 11-11-2004 12:11 PM

im2021 · Answer

A common cause for this is that Norton Internet Security is running and the Norton Personal Firewall is on.  You don't need to switch it off - just configure it (under its networking tab) to list the computers on your network as trusted.   Good luck   IM

goldenbug · Answer

Thanks for all the advice.  Configuring Norton Internet Security solved my problem!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

I can't access my workgroup

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