can't share files (networking)

We hired a professional (Bestbuys), but he said he couldn't make our file or
printer sharing working. And he left! I figured out how to share a printer
and now I can use printer downstairs from here (my notebook upstairs). But I
still can't share files (from the desktop pc downstairs - host pc). I found
out today that in Desktop's My network place, workgroup shows both the
desktop and my notebook, but in my notebook's Network place, i couldn't find
any pc at all! I guess that's a part of my problem with not being able to
share files. The desktop can access my notebook's file, but my notebook can't
access the desktop pc's files. I hope someone can help me with this.

On the desktop::

A file you want to share. Right Click/Properties/sharing/allow my files to
be shared on the network.

On the notebook:

Then go to the desktop/my network places/view workgroup computers/double
click on the desktop and there you go


Hope this helps
xxxxxxx

When I clicked the pc in "workgroup computers," I got X-warning note that
said the "pc in question is not accessible. You might want not have
permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this
server to find out if you have access permissions."
Well, so this might be my problem (finally!). But then I have another
problem. I don't know how to fix that. It's not like I don't have permission
to get into that particular pc. I use it everyday more so than my husband. He
doesn't understand this "permission" business either. How do I fix this? I
am sure I can do something at his desktop, but I don't know how.
Thank You!
"edamlowe" wrote:

>
> On the desktop::
>
> A file you want to share. Right Click/Properties/sharing/allow my files to
> be shared on the network.
>
> On the notebook:
>
> Then go to the desktop/my network places/view workgroup computers/double
> click on the desktop and there you go
>
>
> Hope this helps
> xxxxxxx
>
>

Well, we both run XP Home edition version 2002 and I am running NEtBios over
TCP/IP although I have no idea what that means. I just followed someone's
direction on how to do that! As far as firewall is concerned, it's off. In
fact Window's firewall is shut off and I get a message that says my computer
is in danger!
Well, after I read your comment and others here, I decided to do "Start-Run"
in order to access files from other pc (my desktop pc downstairs).
To my surprise, it worked!!!! I had to pay $150 to Best Buys' Geek squad for
coming over to my house and set up network, but he couldn't do the job! I
mean I got highspeed internet connection, but not file sharing!
Anyway, I am stil frustrated with the fact I had to go through Start-Run
method to get to the file from another pc. Why can't I access the desktop
directly at My network places? I mean I can access my notebook from the
desktop so why not in the opposite direction by this method?
I like to know why I can't access the desktop (server) from my notebook
directly instead of going through Start-Run method. Honestly why? I don't get
a message like "access denied" when I click my notebook icon at Desktop's
network places!
And what's mapping a network drive? I heard that this method should let you
share files from other pc in the network. Is this method not as easy as
Start-Run method?
I guess I have to learn about "Simple File sharing." Chuck, you wrote some
important information about that at the bottom of the last comment. Thanks. I
wish I had more information on that though.
Thanks!

"Chuck" wrote:

> On Fri, 29 Apr 2005 16:16:01 -0700, "MitsueHS"
> <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
> >
> >When I clicked the pc in "workgroup computers," I got X-warning note that
> >said the "pc in question is not accessible. You might want not have
> >permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this
> >server to find out if you have access permissions."
> >Well, so this might be my problem (finally!). But then I have another
> >problem. I don't know how to fix that. It's not like I don't have permission
> >to get into that particular pc. I use it everyday more so than my husband. He
> >doesn't understand this "permission" business either. How do I fix this? I
> >am sure I can do something at his desktop, but I don't know how.
> >Thank You!
>
> Are you running XP Home, XP Pro, a combination, other? All of this makes a big
> difference.
>
> Do either of the computers have a software firewall (ICF / WF, or third party)?
> If so, you need to configure them for file sharing. Firewall configurations are
> a very common cause of (network) browser, and file sharing, problems.
>
> Are you running both Client for Microsoft Networks, and File and Printer Sharing
> for Microsoft Networks (Local Area Connection - Properties), on each computer?
> Do you have shares setup on each?
>
> Are you running NetBIOS Over TCP/IP (Local Area Connection - Properties - TCP/IP
> - Properties - Advanced - WINS) on each computer?
>
> On any XP Pro computer, check to see if Simple File Sharing (Control Panel -
> Folder Options - View - Advanced settings) is enabled or disabled. With XP Pro,
> you need to have SFS properly set on each computer.
>
> On XP Pro with SFS disabled, check the Local Security Policies (Control Panel -
> Administrative Tools). Under Local Policies - Security Options, look at
> "Network access: Sharing and security model", and ensure it's set to "Classic -
> local users authenticate as themselves".
>
> On XP Pro with SFS disabled, if you set the above Local Security Policy to
> "Guest only", enable the Guest account, using Start - Run - "cmd" - type "net
> user guest /active:yes" in the command window. If "Classic", setup and use a
> common non-Guest account on all computers. Whichever account is used, give it
> an identical, non-blank password on all computers.
>
> On XP Home, and on XP Pro with Simple File Sharing enabled, make sure that the
> Guest account is enabled, on each computer. Enable Guest, with Start - Run -
> "cmd", then type "net user guest /active:yes" in the command window. Ensure
> that the password for Guest is blank, with Start - Run - "control
> userpasswords2"; select Guest, click Reset Password, click OK without entering a
> new password.
>
> Remember, with Simple File Sharing, you'll not be able to access "C:\Program
> Files", "C:\Windows", or any of the profile related folders such as "My
> Documents". All of those folders require individual user, or administrator
> access, and Guest access gives you neither.
>
> On XP Pro, if you're going to use Guest authentication, check your Local
> Security Policy (Control Panel - Administrative Tools) - User Rights Assignment,
> on the XP Pro computer, and look at "Deny access to this computer from the
> network". Make sure Guest is not in the list. Look at "Access this computer
> from the network", and make sure that Everyone is in this list.
>
> --
> Cheers,
> Chuck
> Paranoia is not necessarily a bad thing - it comes from experience.
> My email is AT DOT
> actual address pchuck sonic net.
>