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5032
January 10th, 2006 13:00
Network (File sharing) problem withe other computers.
I have two destktop computers (Dimension 8400 w/XP MCE, Dimension 4550 w/XP Pro) and two laptops (Inspiron 8600 w/XP Pro and new Inspiron 6000 w/XP MCE). I need to setup a new network for my new Inspiron 6000. I followed "Network SetUp Wizard" and successfully add 6000 to my network. But, the problem happens: not only 6000 but also other computers cannot access the files in 8400 (this computer is connected directly to my DSL modem.. and other computers are connected wirelessly via Netgear router). Odd thing is that 8400 can still access the files in other computers. So, the problem is not both ways; other computers cannot access files in 8400.
I did not have this problem before I set it up. But 8400 network was unstable (sometimes I need to reboot the computer to enable to acess the files in 8400). I tried to re-setup a network at 8400 (I am wondering which option I need to choose...
when I setup the computer connection...I chose a "residential gateway one" and "directly connect to the internet and other computers are connected through this computer" but no go. In fact both options are not correct. Because 8400 is directly connected to DSL modem and other computers are connected via Router. DSL modem is directly connected to Router. I am not sure if this section cause the problem. Please advise me how to resolve this issue.
I contacted DELL software support (since I purchased laption within 30 days), but they said that they no longer offer 30days free software support.
kyutaek
33 Posts
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January 10th, 2006 14:00
volcano11
2 Intern
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28K Posts
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January 10th, 2006 14:00
If you want all of the computers on the same network, you need to connect the 8400 to the router to share the dsl connection. I don't understand why you have it connected directly to the dsl modem.
Steve
kyutaek
33 Posts
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January 10th, 2006 15:00
volcano11
2 Intern
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28K Posts
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January 10th, 2006 15:00
The proper way to hook this up is to connect the dsl modem to the WAN (sometimes called Internet) port on the router. The 8400 should connect to one of the LAN ports on the router. There should be no direct connection between the 8400 and the dsl modem. The dsl modem should be configured to provide any PPPoE service required by your ISP. The 8400 willl connect to the internet through the router and should connect to all of the wireless computers through the router.
Once this is set up correctly, make sure that firewalls on all computers are 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
kyutaek
33 Posts
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January 10th, 2006 21:00
Steve... I just checked the connection. It was set up exactly as you described above (Destktop Ethernet hooked up at one of port of router and DSL modem is connected to WAN port of the router. DSL modem is not connected to the router). I am sorry for misinformation.
Then, I checked Firewall setting and did not find "file and printer sharing" in the exception list. I don't know how to add it. For a test, I turned the firewall of 8400 off. But, I still cannot access the files in 8400.
volcano11
2 Intern
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28K Posts
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January 10th, 2006 22:00
Is file and printer sharing enabled on that computer? To enable it, go to Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connections > Network Connections, right click on your network connection, then select Properties from the drop-down menu. Look in the list of installed items and make sure that File and Printer Sharing is listed and has a check mark in the box next to it. If File and Printer Sharing is not in the list, click on the Install button to add it.
Steve