I have three computers connected to a router and cable modem. Each
computer can access the Internet but cannot network with other
computers. The wizard for setting up a home network has several
configurations, none of which are clear. Can anybody help with this
problem? Thanks...Skip |
Request for Question Clarification by
supermacman-ga
on
02 Jan 2004 22:52 PST
You mention "but cannot network with other computers". Do you mean
that the three computers cannot communicate with each other? What do
you want them to do - share files?
Also, what operating system (Windows NT/XP/2000? Mac?) are you using
on each of your three computers?
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Clarification of Question by
skippy60-ga
on
03 Jan 2004 06:27 PST
Exactly, the computers work fine with the Internet but cannot share
files, cannot see each other, etc. Even when I try to map another
computer with \\server\folder, it says cannot find server.
Yes, I want the computers to share files. All have unique names and
all have their C drives set up for sharing. I have used the network
troubleshooter and gone through all suggestions until the network
troubleshooter gives up and says call an expert. All network cards
check out okay, so it appears to be a software problem, probably in
how I am trying to set up the home network.
I am using Windows XP on each of the computers. In trying to set up
the network, I use the network setup wizard, which asks if the
computer is a direct connection, through a hub, through another
computer, etc. The connection is through a router, so I am not sure
what to answer.
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Request for Question Clarification by
supermacman-ga
on
03 Jan 2004 09:55 PST
Alright. I have extensive experience with Windows NT, not XP, but
given an XP machine (if I sat down in front of it) I could probably
get it to work. I can't tell you what to do off the top of my head,
however.
Nevertheless, I have a few guiding tips.
1) Never, ever use Microsoft's wizards. They mess things up more than
they help. You should configure manually.
2) You need to turn on File Sharing, which in NT involved loading the
appropriate Services in the Network control panel. I'm sure there's a
similar procedure in XP.
3) You need to put each drive on a Share, which you can do so by
right-clicking on the Drives under My Computer.
A router is basically a hub. If you insist on using the wizard, try
saying that. But be warned - the wizard might mess up your
DHCP/Internet settings.
I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Let me know how you make out, and
post back to this question, and I'll see if I can give more specific
pointers.
- supermacman
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Request for Question Clarification by
hummer-ga
on
04 Jan 2004 19:47 PST
Hi Skip,
I'm sorry that you haven't received a quick answer to your problem -
I'll try to help.
First, make sure there is no firewall running. In addition to Norton,
ZoneAlarm, etc., XP has a built-in firewall. Turn off the Internet
Connection Firewall ICF in the advanced settings for the Lan
Connection.
Next, have a look at this:
http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/wxpwin9x.htm
And this:
Networking problems:
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxNetwork.htm
Follow these steps:
Windows XP ?How to Set Up your Network Connection Manually?:
http://support.chartermi.nenetwork router sharing files
lant/support/pipeline/windows/winxp_network.html
Additional Links:
Windows XP Network Troubleshooting:
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/troubleshoot/slowbrowse02.htm
Cannot Join Windows XP Client to a Windows NT Domain:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314366
Hopefully there's enough here to enable you to get your computers
talking to each other.
Good luck,
hummer
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Clarification of Question by
skippy60-ga
on
07 Jan 2004 05:25 PST
Hummer,
I think you got it! Here is what happened with my three computers (A, B, C)
Computer A could not see the shares on other computers. I turned off
the firewall on computer A and it was then able to see the shares on
the computers B and C.
Computer B cannot see the shares on other computers. I tried to turn
off the ICF on computer B but on the Advanced tab for turning off the
ICF, I got a message the the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
information was corrupted. The suggestion was to restore the system to
an earlier point, which I tried but still got the same corrupt message
on WMI.
Computer C cannot see the shares on other computers. Computer C is a
new notebook computer and it does not show an Advanced tab under
"Change settings of this connection".
Bottom line: Looks like ICF and/or other firewalls were and are the
problem and you got the answer. Go ahead and enter it firewall as
answer so I can pay you.
Thanks,
Skippy
P.S. Thanks also to Supermacman-ga for trying.
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