Seeing both computers on the network

I have a wired network running on ME and a wireless network running on XP,
both desktops. The each use the internet and printer with no problems. I
can see each of them on their corresponding computers but I can't see the
other from either of them. I've read through the postings and viewed some of
the links that others have posted but being that all issues are unique, I
still need assistance.

donotspam wrote:

> I have a wired network running on ME and a wireless network running on
> XP,
> both desktops. The each use the internet and printer with no
> problems. I can see each of them on their corresponding computers but
> I can't see the
> other from either of them. I've read through the postings and viewed
> some of the links that others have posted but being that all issues
> are unique, I still need assistance.

What error messages do you get? Did you run the Network Setup Wizard on
XP? If not, you should do so and see the following information:

This is most commonly caused by a misconfigured firewall. Run the
Network Setup Wizard on both computers, making sure to enable File &
Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will turn
on the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party
firewall or have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like
Norton 2005/06) which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have
third-party firewall software, configure it 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.

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 your XP computer is XP Pro:

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.

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
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"

Unfortunately, I am not computer suave. I don't understand your response,
I've seen this response on another posting and didn't understand it then
either. I need baby steps. I can tell you that I get no error messages and
I do have Norton Antiv. The wireless computer is XP home edition.... I
believe. Do you think you can still help me?

"Malke" wrote:

> donotspam wrote:
>
> > I have a wired network running on ME and a wireless network running on
> > XP,
> > both desktops. The each use the internet and printer with no
> > problems. I can see each of them on their corresponding computers but
> > I can't see the
> > other from either of them. I've read through the postings and viewed
> > some of the links that others have posted but being that all issues
> > are unique, I still need assistance.
>
> What error messages do you get? Did you run the Network Setup Wizard on
> XP? If not, you should do so and see the following information:
>
> This is most commonly caused by a misconfigured firewall. Run the
> Network Setup Wizard on both computers, making sure to enable File &
> Printer Sharing, and reboot. The only "gotcha" is that this will turn
> on the XPSP2 Windows Firewall. If you aren't running a third-party
> firewall or have an antivirus with "Internet Worm Protection" (like
> Norton 2005/06) which acts as a firewall, then you're fine. If you have
> third-party firewall software, configure it 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.
>
> 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 your XP computer is XP Pro:
>
> 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.
>
> 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
> --
> MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic"
>

donotspam wrote:

> Unfortunately, I am not computer suave. I don't understand your
> response, I've seen this response on another posting and didn't
> understand it then
> either. I need baby steps. I can tell you that I get no error
> messages and
> I do have Norton Antiv. The wireless computer is XP home edition....
> I
> believe. Do you think you can still help me?

Those *are* baby steps.

1. Run the Network Setup Wizard, enable file & printer sharing.
2. On ME, enable file sharing.
3. Configure firewalls on both machines to allow local area network
traffic.
4. Share desired resources.

I think that if you don't understand what you have to do - and there is
no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea since we all have our
areas of expertise - you should have a local pro come in and set up
your network. It will not take long and will not be very expensive.

I really don't see any other way for you to get this to work if you
can't go through Mr. Michna's troubleshooter which is a step-by-step
process. I'm not saying this to hurt your feelings; just being
practical.

Malke
--
MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic"

Thank you for your help, we are up and running!

"Malke" wrote:

> donotspam wrote:
>
> > Unfortunately, I am not computer suave. I don't understand your
> > response, I've seen this response on another posting and didn't
> > understand it then
> > either. I need baby steps. I can tell you that I get no error
> > messages and
> > I do have Norton Antiv. The wireless computer is XP home edition....
> > I
> > believe. Do you think you can still help me?
>
> Those *are* baby steps.
>
> 1. Run the Network Setup Wizard, enable file & printer sharing.
> 2. On ME, enable file sharing.
> 3. Configure firewalls on both machines to allow local area network
> traffic.
> 4. Share desired resources.
>
> I think that if you don't understand what you have to do - and there is
> no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea since we all have our
> areas of expertise - you should have a local pro come in and set up
> your network. It will not take long and will not be very expensive.
>
> I really don't see any other way for you to get this to work if you
> can't go through Mr. Michna's troubleshooter which is a step-by-step
> process. I'm not saying this to hurt your feelings; just being
> practical.
>
> Malke
> --
> MS-MVP Windows User/Shell
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic"
>