Network File/Printer Sharing

Question

I have a Dimension 4500, a Dell Latitude laptop and a Gateway desktop.  I have been trying to network these three PC's for months.  The router is integrated into a cable modem (Toshiba PCX 5000) via hardwire connection.  The laptop and the Gateway share files and a network printer just fine.  They also 'see' the Dimension 4500.  However, I have never been able to access files or the printer connected to the Dimension via either the Gateway or laptop.  When I try to view the workgroup PC's via the Dimension, the error message saying 'workgroup not available and I might not have access permission and I should see network administrator etc'.  I have done all of the Dell troubleshooting suggestions and have talked to endless online help techs.  I even had the tech who installed my cable modem try to get the Dimension to share files without success.  I have Norton virus and firewall software installed, but disabling these makes no difference.  I have turned off all the Windows firewalls as well on the three PC's.  Any suggestions on what is blocking this file sharing on the Dimension desktop and printer?

jmwills · Answer

Just exactly how are all these machines connected to one another?

jtwhitmer · Answer

They were all connected by ethernet cards and hard-wired to each other.  The ethernet cards are operating at 100 Mbps.

jtwhitmer · Answer

Yes, I have them set to share files etc.  There are four hub ports built into the router.  I can ping the Gateway, the laptop and the router from these two PC's.  I am able to access the Internet simultaneously with all three PC's.  The only component in the network that I can ping with the Dell Dimension is the router-modem.  When I try to view the workgroup computers from the Dimension, I get the error message that the 'Workgroup MSHOME is not accessable.  Check with network administrator to gain permission to access.'  All three are definitely on the MSHOME workgroup.

jmwills · Answer

Check the Advanced propeties for TCP/IP and go to the WINS tab.  Check: Enable NetBIOS over TCP/IP.

jmwills · Answer

Do you have the Dimensions's files and printer setup to be shared? Sounds like a dumb question, but you never know what may have been overlooked.

I have no experience with a combo modem/router but how many ehteenet ports are on the router side of the device? Can both machines access the internet? Can you ping both machines from the other?

jtwhitmer · Answer

OK, did that.  It had no effect.  Got same 'MSHOME not accessable'.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

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