networking with XP and 98

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 properly configured.  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 Center, make sure they are configured to allow local network traffic.

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