home network

[bullshoot]

I have setup a small home network with two computers. my son's is #2 and mine is #1.
the #2 system will not see #1 at all. it says the connection is made, but it will not see the #1 system. i have pinged system 2 and it returns a good ping.

The #1 system will not see the #2 system either.
ping is fine.

All setting are, as far as i know, correct.

I have the "connected" icons on both computers.

Running windows xp pro on both systems.

Linksys 5 port switch.
Internet shared connection is fine.
What could be the problem?

 

[bcastner]

Check under both machines:

. that the same Workgroup name is used. Use all CAPITAL letters to enter the name, do not exceed 12 characters, and have no spaces or odd characters. WORKGROUP is fine as a choice.

. Do not use blank or empty passwords.

. Make sure that under TCP/IP, Properties, Advanced, WINS tab, that you explicitly enable 'use Netbios over TCP/IP' and not the default.

. do an IPCONFIG /All on both machines and look at the value returned for "Node Type". You want to see Broadcast or 'Not Defined.' Any other choice can be problematic. See Hans-Georg's notes on resetting the Node Type value and other troubleshooting here:

http://www.michna.com/kb/wxnet.htm