Setting up a home, wireless network 2

[CDTrader]

I purchased a Linksys BEFW11S4 Router/Access Point thanks to the help that I got from this site *thanks!* and I want also to set up a small network in my home (at the moment, 2 desktops and 1 laptop). I ran the Network setup wizard on all three computers, used the same workgroup name on all three, etc, and this is what happens: sometimes I can see the other computers from one of them and sometimes not... sometimes I can access the directories that I mapped from my desktop and sometimes I can't... sometimes I can access the printer that I have connected to the same dektop and sometimes I can't...

Most of the time I have problems accessing folders that I configured to be shared with everyone from the computers other than my Desktop.... I really can't understand the reason for the inconsistency of the network connections between the PC's.

I suspected the reason was the firewall protection bundled with XP so I disabled it with no difference at all... I also have installed Norton Internet Security, and I don't want to disable it... Is this probably the problem?

If it is relevant, I'm getting the IP assignment automatically using the DHCP server.

Please, I need entry-level advice on this.

-CD Trader

 

[linney]

You might find this article to be a good reference.

http://support.gateway.com/support/manlib/Desktops/8508344/8508344.htm

 

[bcastner]

Checklist:

1. Both computers have the same Workgroup name
2. Client for Microsoft Networking, File and Printer Sharing and TCP/IP installed on all;
3. A real logon on both machines with username and password, no blank passwords, and no hitting Esc or Cancel
4. Something shared on all machines: folder, drive, printer, something;
5. No firewalls enable on any machine for the LAN *;
6. Under TCP/IP properties, Advanced, DNS tab, "Enable Netbios over TCP/IP" enabled on all machines;
7. Users of computer A added as users on computer B, and vice-versa for all machines.

* You need to place your local network in the "Trusted Zone" and permit all traffic between network computers on your lan. I do not know Norton IS, but usually there is an option to specify your Intranet as a Trusted Zone, or to specify that all traffic from 192.168.0.1 -- 192.168.0.255 is permitted (adjust for your IP addressing scheme).

Final note: check the Linksys site as I suspect you are due for a firmware upgrade. Version 4 of your router had new firmware released three weeks ago.

 

[CDTrader]

Thanks! I'll try these tips as soon as I arrive to my home and post the results.

-CD Trader

 

[CDTrader]

Ok... I got access of the shared files + printer on the laptop from the Desktop, but I can't say the same on the opposite way (I can see which folders are shared, but I can't open them). I tried using the hint I found on the Windows XP help sections, by using the IPX/SPX protocol for folder and printer sharing, but I was not able to see the other computers of the Workgroup from any of them.

By the way, Norton IS did have the "trusted zones" configuration. On the main screen, click "Personal Firewall", then choose the "Home Networking" tab, and click "add" on the Trusted Zone tab. There you may choose the option to set a range of IP's, a single IP or a retwork address.

-CD Trader

 

[CDTrader]

Can you tell me why I can share folders just from the dektop (XP Pro) to the laptop (XP Home), but not in the opposite way?

Thanks,

-CD Trader

 

[bcastner]

Quote:
"7. Users of computer A added as users on computer B, and vice-versa for all machines."

You can make your life easier by Enabling the Guest Account on the XP machine: Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Computer Management, Local Users and Groups, local users, double-click Guest and check to enable the account.

When you create the shared resource on the XP Machine make certain you include the Group "Everyone", and if you enable the Guest account, Guest. Give them suitable permissions. You can edit the shares you created and make this change.

Oh, and get rid of IPX/SPX on both machines.