Networking Noob wrote:
> Hi all, I am trying to set up a wireless network in my house with 2
> computers, 1 laptop and 1 desktop. I am running a motorola SB5100
> cable
> modem to a NETGEAR WGR-614 wireless router. I have wireless
> capabilities for
> both computers and I have a VOIP and MP3 player wired to my router. I
> have used the windows wizard to try and configure a network and here
> is where the problem starts....... On my laptop I am able to see the
> network that I have
> setup, but on my desktop I am not able to access the workgroup. Can
> anyone help me out here, much appreciated.
>
> Mike
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 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
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User