Firstly, thank you for the reply. I tried to be as thorough as I could in describing the situation and I neglected to mention that I do not have any such programs up and running at this time. Any other suggestions?
When you say "No such display ever surfaced on the laptop at any time", do you mean that you cannot find My Network Places on your laptop, or when you open My Network Places and select "View Workgroup Computers", nothing shows up?
That is exactly what happens. On the desktop, when I used the - setup network wizard - and following the rebooting of the desktop, I selected the - start - selection. When I did, added to my choices and just above the -control panel - option, a new option - my network places - was listed. Selecting it would show me my network places and when I selected - workgroup computers - I would not only see my desktop listed but also the laptop.
Utilizing the same steps on the laptop as I did on the desktop, did result in the laptop surfacing unto the desktop as one of the workgroup computers. That's the only thing that I can say that resulted from my actions. Nothing on the laptop ever surfaced as it did on the desktop. I don't see the new option - my network places - above the - control panel - as an option. I have to go deeper, by selecting - control panel - option, then select -network and internet connections then select - network connections and on that page select in the box titled "other places" before I get the option to see - network places. Once at -network places- I finally have the option to view - workgroup computers - and when I select it, I get a blank screen with no computers listed. That is confusing to say the least and frustating as well.
In thinking a bit more on the problem, I'm was assuming that my 1370 PCI CARD, the card that allows me to work wirelessly is also my network card? All computers do need a network card don't they? If so, is it a separate card and not the card I am referencing? I'm also assuming that if a computer is loaded with software that offers you networking options, that they might all have such capability. Am I straying off base on this?
It goes without saying that I appreciate your assistance. Looking forward to your reply.
The reason My Network Places is not showing on the Start menu on the laptop is because you don't have the Start Menu Options set to show it. This can be overcome by clicking on Start, then right clicking any blank space on the Sart Menu and selecting Properties from the drop-down menu, then clicking on the Advanced tab, and, under Start Menu Items, scolling down and placing a check mark next to My Network Places.
That, however is only a minor problem and not the real problem you are seeking to solve. It will just make My Network Places more easily accessible.
The next thing to check is to see if both computers are in the same workgroup. To do this, on each computer, right click on My Computer and slect Properties from the drop-down menu. Then click on the Computer Name tab. If the computers are in different workgroups. Change the workgroup on one so that it matches the other by clicking on the Change button. You will have to reboot the computer on which you made the change, then check My Network Places > View Workgroup computers again.
As I said in my first reply, you need to be absolutely certain that there are no third party firewalls running the are configured to block local network access. If there are, you will never get this to work.
Thanks for your suggestion but, before I do, I'd like to give it a - good ole boy try -! I do have a gentleman who is trying to help me with this issue and that fact alone gives me hope. That was some serious money I spent for the router. I would hate to give up on it. Thanks again for your input. If I have to resort to doing so, I'll be sure to let you now. Right now, it looks as if I'll be learning a lot about this problem, hopefully enought to overcome the problem.
As you mentioned getting the - My network Places - to show was a snap. It's now there. However, as you also mentioned the real problem is still unresolved.
I have been doing some investigating here and there and came to the conclusion that the problem that I am experiencing could be a unique problem which has to do with the Windows XP and laptops, specifically Dell laptops. I may be wrong. I'll be downloading and printing the articles that have been suggested by my program when it comes up with an error. In a nutshell, the impression I get is that I cannot use the Window Wizard to set up because the hardware that Dell uses in their laptop has to be the initiator. I could be wrong. If you have the time and still have the interest in this matter, you might go to the website - Microsoft.com - and search out 871122, a number that was listed along with the error I received when I tried to complete the setup of the network. The 871122 article list other references to view as well but, in the event that your of the mind that - I don't need this aggrevation - I'll thank you now for your help. However, if you need a challenge, I think this is it....
I have never trusted the Microsoft network wizard, and that article suggests one reason why it may not work. Basically it is saying that it won't work if you are using some other utility to manage your wireless network. In you case that would be the utility that came with your wireless network adapter.
To fix this so that the wizard might work, open the Dell Wireless Utility and remove the check mark next to to "Let this tool manage your wireless networks". Then open Network Connections, right click your wireless connection, select Properties, click on the Wireless Networks tab and make sure there is a check mark next to "Let Windows manage the wireles networks".
Late this afternoon, I did get to do as you suggested. Unfortunately, I didn't get anywhere.
To be honest, I wonder if I'm barking up the right tree? I do have connectivity. I can access the internet through my router. My only problem is that I can't get (see) my network places and my desktop. I thought maybe it was because I was mixing apples and oranges (ethernet wired unit and a wireless unit). So, on my second attempt I hard wired them both to the router. Still no show on "network places and workgroup computers. I guess I'm being repetitious here, but I guesss I'm thinking it out again hoping that somewheres/someplace I might have mistepped and you might pick up on it. I took in so much info today, I think I'm saturated with it all and will have to have a mind dump so that I can take it all in again but in an orderly fashion. lol...... I have connectivity but cannot add this computer to the network, and the one time it did show on my desktop as being in the network, I couldn't see either on my laptop. So, I think I'll start over and take it one step at a time. Thans again Steve. Don't give up on me. I'm open to any and all suggestions.
If you open My Network Places and then click on Add Network Place, can you find the other computer by typing its name into the box? The name you should type in has the form - \\computername (where comuptername is the name of the computer you are trying to access over the network?
Steve
Message Edited by volcano11 on 03-30-2008 01:59 PM
I tried that avenue and it seems as if it is looking for a folder as well. I've tried differing combinations of what it listed as example and not one of them suceeded. I think I'll have to start all over from scratch. I just got my desktop on line. For some reason I couldn't access the internet. Thanks goodness for restore points. I went back a couple of weeks and it restored my connection. I'm taking a day off. I'm burnt out. That's what Sundays are for aren't they? Hope you'll be around later.
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
March 27th, 2008 18:00
If you are running any third party firewalls (Norton, McAfee, Zone Alarm, etc.), make sure the firewalls are configured to allow local network access.
Steve
oki.al
7 Posts
0
March 27th, 2008 21:00
Hi Steve
Firstly, thank you for the reply. I tried to be as thorough as I could in describing the situation and I neglected to mention that I do not have any such programs up and running at this time. Any other suggestions?
Al
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
March 27th, 2008 22:00
When you say "No such display ever surfaced on the laptop at any time", do you mean that you cannot find My Network Places on your laptop, or when you open My Network Places and select "View Workgroup Computers", nothing shows up?
Steve
oki.al
7 Posts
0
March 28th, 2008 02:00
That is exactly what happens. On the desktop, when I used the - setup network wizard - and following the rebooting of the desktop, I selected the - start - selection. When I did, added to my choices and just above the -control panel - option, a new option - my network places - was listed. Selecting it would show me my network places and when I selected - workgroup computers - I would not only see my desktop listed but also the laptop.
Utilizing the same steps on the laptop as I did on the desktop, did result in the laptop surfacing unto the desktop as one of the workgroup computers. That's the only thing that I can say that resulted from my actions. Nothing on the laptop ever surfaced as it did on the desktop. I don't see the new option - my network places - above the - control panel - as an option. I have to go deeper, by selecting - control panel - option, then select -network and internet connections then select - network connections and on that page select in the box titled "other places" before I get the option to see - network places. Once at -network places- I finally have the option to view - workgroup computers - and when I select it, I get a blank screen with no computers listed. That is confusing to say the least and frustating as well.
In thinking a bit more on the problem, I'm was assuming that my 1370 PCI CARD, the card that allows me to work wirelessly is also my network card? All computers do need a network card don't they? If so, is it a separate card and not the card I am referencing? I'm also assuming that if a computer is loaded with software that offers you networking options, that they might all have such capability. Am I straying off base on this?
It goes without saying that I appreciate your assistance. Looking forward to your reply.
Thanks
Al
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
March 28th, 2008 04:00
The reason My Network Places is not showing on the Start menu on the laptop is because you don't have the Start Menu Options set to show it. This can be overcome by clicking on Start, then right clicking any blank space on the Sart Menu and selecting Properties from the drop-down menu, then clicking on the Advanced tab, and, under Start Menu Items, scolling down and placing a check mark next to My Network Places.
That, however is only a minor problem and not the real problem you are seeking to solve. It will just make My Network Places more easily accessible.
The next thing to check is to see if both computers are in the same workgroup. To do this, on each computer, right click on My Computer and slect Properties from the drop-down menu. Then click on the Computer Name tab. If the computers are in different workgroups. Change the workgroup on one so that it matches the other by clicking on the Change button. You will have to reboot the computer on which you made the change, then check My Network Places > View Workgroup computers again.
As I said in my first reply, you need to be absolutely certain that there are no third party firewalls running the are configured to block local network access. If there are, you will never get this to work.
Steve
jtrinkies
1 Message
0
March 28th, 2008 17:00
oki.al
7 Posts
0
March 29th, 2008 13:00
Hi Bronze
Thanks for your suggestion but, before I do, I'd like to give it a - good ole boy try -! I do have a gentleman who is trying to help me with this issue and that fact alone gives me hope. That was some serious money I spent for the router. I would hate to give up on it. Thanks again for your input. If I have to resort to doing so, I'll be sure to let you now. Right now, it looks as if I'll be learning a lot about this problem, hopefully enought to overcome the problem.
Thanks
Al
oki.al
7 Posts
0
March 29th, 2008 13:00
Hi Volcano 11
As you mentioned getting the - My network Places - to show was a snap. It's now there. However, as you also mentioned the real problem is still unresolved.
I have been doing some investigating here and there and came to the conclusion that the problem that I am experiencing could be a unique problem which has to do with the Windows XP and laptops, specifically Dell laptops. I may be wrong. I'll be downloading and printing the articles that have been suggested by my program when it comes up with an error. In a nutshell, the impression I get is that I cannot use the Window Wizard to set up because the hardware that Dell uses in their laptop has to be the initiator. I could be wrong. If you have the time and still have the interest in this matter, you might go to the website - Microsoft.com - and search out 871122, a number that was listed along with the error I received when I tried to complete the setup of the network. The 871122 article list other references to view as well but, in the event that your of the mind that - I don't need this aggrevation - I'll thank you now for your help. However, if you need a challenge, I think this is it....
Thanks again for your input.
AL
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
March 29th, 2008 17:00
I have never trusted the Microsoft network wizard, and that article suggests one reason why it may not work. Basically it is saying that it won't work if you are using some other utility to manage your wireless network. In you case that would be the utility that came with your wireless network adapter.
To fix this so that the wizard might work, open the Dell Wireless Utility and remove the check mark next to to "Let this tool manage your wireless networks". Then open Network Connections, right click your wireless connection, select Properties, click on the Wireless Networks tab and make sure there is a check mark next to "Let Windows manage the wireles networks".
Steve
oki.al
7 Posts
0
March 29th, 2008 21:00
Late this afternoon, I did get to do as you suggested. Unfortunately, I didn't get anywhere.
To be honest, I wonder if I'm barking up the right tree? I do have connectivity. I can access the internet through my router. My only problem is that I can't get (see) my network places and my desktop. I thought maybe it was because I was mixing apples and oranges (ethernet wired unit and a wireless unit). So, on my second attempt I hard wired them both to the router. Still no show on "network places and workgroup computers. I guess I'm being repetitious here, but I guesss I'm thinking it out again hoping that somewheres/someplace I might have mistepped and you might pick up on it. I took in so much info today, I think I'm saturated with it all and will have to have a mind dump so that I can take it all in again but in an orderly fashion. lol...... I have connectivity but cannot add this computer to the network, and the one time it did show on my desktop as being in the network, I couldn't see either on my laptop. So, I think I'll start over and take it one step at a time. Thans again Steve. Don't give up on me. I'm open to any and all suggestions.
volcano11
2 Intern
•
28K Posts
0
March 29th, 2008 22:00
If you open My Network Places and then click on Add Network Place, can you find the other computer by typing its name into the box? The name you should type in has the form - \\computername (where comuptername is the name of the computer you are trying to access over the network?
Steve
oki.al
7 Posts
0
March 30th, 2008 17:00
Hi Steve
I tried that avenue and it seems as if it is looking for a folder as well. I've tried differing combinations of what it listed as example and not one of them suceeded. I think I'll have to start all over from scratch. I just got my desktop on line. For some reason I couldn't access the internet. Thanks goodness for restore points. I went back a couple of weeks and it restored my connection. I'm taking a day off. I'm burnt out. That's what Sundays are for aren't they? Hope you'll be around later.
Thanks
Al