my Dell does not recognize other PC on my network

Question

I have set up a home network, using a wireless router (to which my Dell PC is directly connected) and a wireless adapter for my other PC.  My other PC recognizes itself & the Dell as part of the network, but when I try to access Dell from the other PC, it says 'Network path not found.'  When I am on the Dell, and search for the other PC, it is unable to locate it.  I have spent many hours on the phone with Dell, Microsoft, and online chat with Dell, with no help in sight.  Anyone have any ideas?  Thanks

volcano11 · Answer

Since I have no idea what you have discussed with Microsoft and Dell, I guess we'll have to start over.  The most common reason for this is firewall settings.   Have you either disabled the Windows XP firewall (if you have SP1), placed file and printer sharing in the exceptions list of the Windows XP firewall (if you have SP2), or configured any third party firewalls to allow local network connections? Steve

arkrazor · Answer

Thanks Steve, for your quick reply.  I have disable the Winows firewalls on both my computers.  My wireless router has a firewall already, and since both computers are connected to it, that should be sufficient (or so I have been told).  The router recognizes both computers, and I have no trouble with internet connections with either computer.  I do have Windows XP Home SP2 on both computers.  Dell finally got back with me today & told me basicly that it's my problem and they cant help me unless I pay them a lot more money.  Sigh

volcano11 · Answer

The router firewall does not interfere and should be no problem. Are you absolutely sure that you have no other software firewalls running? I can't count the number of times I've gone through this with someone who insists that all firewalls are off and after several days of back and forth discussion, the user finally comes back and says something like " I finally got it to work after I disabled Norton Internet Security (or McAffee Security Center or Zone Alarm)" Is File and Printer Sharing enabled on both computers? Have you designated Drives or Folders as shared resources?

Steve

arkrazor · Answer

Steve, you are a genius!!!  The Norton Internet Security program included a firewall, which I had forgotten about.  After I disabled it, everything works just fine.  I can't believe those (expletive deleted) support people at Dell didn't suggest that.  I wish I could return the favor somehow, but  as you can tell, I'm just a computer novice.   Thanks a million, Steve.  You're the best!

Rucecia · Answer

Arkrazor,
I have a network of 5 computers set up in my own home. I have Norton Internet security installed on all of them. It is my opinion that these days you can never have too many firewalls. In Norton Internet security you can go to the options on your firewall. What I did was add a range of IP Adresses on my network as safe. That will allow them to work through you firewall. In SP2 you can do something similar.
I hope this helps.

Ruce

arkrazor · Answer

Thanks, Ruce.  I'll give that a try.  I appreciate your input.

Fisher808 · Answer

Yep, great work Steve - I too had the same issues and following your advice, ran the Networking Wizard for Norton 2005.

It found the IP and subnet mask for my BIPAC Wireless Router and set up the exceptions for the firewall, following which, everything worked fine.

Interestingly enough, I hooked up my IBM laptop wirelessly to the network in August 2004 with no probs. whatsoever - It came loaded with Norton 2004 but upgraded to 2005 in November without any dramas........ very strange!

Cheers.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

my Dell does not recognize other PC on my network

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