problems logging on to workgroup

30 Dec 2006 3:08 AM

WiLLerZ

I'm having problems correctly setting up a computer to access our home
workgroup. The new computer accesses the internet without problems, I
can ping all the other computers, and I have checked that the workgroup
name is correct etc, but I just can't share printers (which is the main
reason I want to network them). It was kind of weird though - I
couldn't ping myself, and other computers can't ping the new computer.
I also noticed that the new computer's name appears on the list of
computers in the workgroup, but I can't actually access any files. So
it's like it's sort of there, but not quite.
Does anyone have some pointers about settings I can check?

30 Dec 2006 3:15 AM

Steve Winograd [MVP]

In article <1167448092.936568.19***@k21g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,

"WiLLerZ" <willer***@hotmail.com> wrote:
>I'm having problems correctly setting up a computer to access our home
>workgroup. The new computer accesses the internet without problems, I
>can ping all the other computers, and I have checked that the workgroup
>name is correct etc, but I just can't share printers (which is the main
>reason I want to network them). It was kind of weird though - I
>couldn't ping myself, and other computers can't ping the new computer.
>I also noticed that the new computer's name appears on the list of
>computers in the workgroup, but I can't actually access any files. So
>it's like it's sort of there, but not quite.
>Does anyone have some pointers about settings I can check?

When a computer can't ping itself, the problem could be caused by an
incorrectly configured firewall program.

Make sure that NetBIOS over TCP/IP is enabled on the new computer:

1. Open the Network Connections folder.
2. Right click the local area network connection.
3. Click Properties.
4. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
5. Click Properties.
6. Click Advanced.
7. Click WINS.
8. Click the Enable NetBIOS Over TCP/IP button.

--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

30 Dec 2006 3:16 AM

Malke

WiLLerZ wrote:

> I'm having problems correctly setting up a computer to access our home
> workgroup. The new computer accesses the internet without problems, I
> can ping all the other computers, and I have checked that the workgroup
> name is correct etc, but I just can't share printers (which is the main
> reason I want to network them). It was kind of weird though - I
> couldn't ping myself, and other computers can't ping the new computer.
> I also noticed that the new computer's name appears on the list of
> computers in the workgroup, but I can't actually access any files. So
> it's like it's sort of there, but not quite.
> Does anyone have some pointers about settings I can check?

It sounds like a firewall issue. Make sure you only have one firewall
enabled on that machine and if you are using a third-party firewall or
security program (like Norton or McAfee) that has a firewall component that
you've configured it properly to allow the Local Area Network traffic as
trusted. I usually do this with my firewalls with an IP range. Ex. would be
192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would substitute your correct
subnet.

If one or more of the computers is XP Pro or Media Center:

a. If you need Pro's ability to set fine-grained permissions, turn off
Simple File Sharing (Folder Options>View tab) and create identical user
accounts/passwords on all computers.

b. If you don't care about using Pro's advanced features, leave the Simple
File Sharing enabled.

Simple File Sharing means that Guest (network) is enabled. This means that
anyone without a user account on the target system can use its resources.
This is a security hole but only you can decide if it matters in your
situation.

Then create shares as desired. XP Home does not permit sharing of users'
home directories (My Documents) or Program Files, but you can share folders
inside those directories. A better choice is to simply use the Shared
Documents folder.

If that doesn't work for you, here is an excellent network troubleshooter by
MVP Hans-Georg Michna. Take the time to go through it and it will usually
pinpoint the problem area(s) - http://winhlp.com/wxnet.htm

Malke

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