Need some XP home networking help...

[boxofrocks]

I have a wireless connection on my laptop--I know it can see my switch, because I can access the internet.

When on my desktop, I can see and access the shared folders on my laptop, but when on the laptop, I can't see anything on my local network.

Sometimes, after waiting a very long time watching the hourglass (several minutes), I can drill down into one folder on the network, but usually, the "My Network Places" window just locks up on me.

Adding new network places doesn't seem to work, either.

I have tried to use the XP troubleshooter, but no help there. Anybody have an idea what to try?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

[srwatters]

Is the Windows firewall activated on the desktop? (easiest answer)

Are you using Home Edition or Professional on both systems? (home sux)

Is there a policy set on the WLAN router that denies the WLAN -> LAN (very possible, what device are you using?)

[ndsimm]

I could be wrong, but I thought XP home didn't have the file and printer sharing feature? I thought that was why you had to get XP Pro?

[bbailey]

Sounds like the firewall is setup on the machine or the file and printer sharing feature/service is turned off. Check under the network connection settings to see if the firewall is set on the machine you are trying to reach. If so, turn it off - at least to test to see if you can connect then.

I don't have the home edition, but do you have a folder/file shared on the PC?

[bbailey]

Originally Posted by ndsimm

I could be wrong, but I thought XP home didn't have the file and printer sharing feature? I thought that was why you had to get XP Pro?

Home has basic file and print sharing capabilities, Pro just adds more control and the ability to log into domains, etc.

[photosteve]

You need to make sure both machines are in the same workgroup so they can see each other.


PhotoSteve

[Odinhaus]

XP just does not do it LOL

I got my new laptop with XP home and hubby (who works for HP) tore his hair out trying to get it networked... in the end it turns out XP Home it is a "no-can-do". He formatted my brand spanking new laptop and installed XP Pro.. VOILA!

[srwatters]

People, please don't give advice that is just plain wrong. Even if you heard it from your best friends cousin who knows this guy in IT that was sure he read it on some website.

Windows XP Home Edition does have file sharing. In fact it is by default turned on for Home Edition. Here is a KB article on Microsoft web site for reference. http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304040

What Home Edition lacks is the ability to connect to a Windows Domain or Active Directory. I doubt that most folks have an Active Directory or Domain network at their home (although I would't put it past some of the pheeks here ).

[boxofrocks]

Thanks for all of the replies.

XP firewall is off on both machines.

FWIW, the laptop used to network just fine--great, in fact. I got some kind of trojan horse a few motnhs ago, and had to do a system restore. Since then, I haven't been able to see files or printers on the network. Like I said, the wireless is working fine.

Both are in the same workgroup (at least they used to be). How can I check the workgroup name?

[Odinhaus]

Crap, I never read the whole thread correctly... my bad.

We do have a domain network here in our house.. and Home does not support it... .

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by Odinhaus

Crap, I never read the whole thread correctly... my bad.

We do have a domain network here in our house.. and Home does not support it... .

Sorry I wasn't picking on you. It's just I see so many home computer experts giving wrong answers or the famous, "I thought it was...".

Sort of like the urban myth thing. Just wastes time and bandwidth.

And I figured that someone would have a Domain at home

[ndsimm]

Originally Posted by srwatters

People, please don't give advice that is just plain wrong. Even if you heard it from your best friends cousin who knows this guy in IT that was sure he read it on some website.

Windows XP Home Edition does have file sharing. In fact it is by default turned on for Home Edition. Here is a KB article on Microsoft web site for reference. http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304040

What Home Edition lacks is the ability to connect to a Windows Domain or Active Directory. I doubt that most folks have an Active Directory or Domain network at their home (although I would't put it past some of the pheeks here ).

Well I don't use the Home version because I have a domain setup at home and always wipe any PC I get with XP Home and install XP Pro so my knowledge of Home was limited....I knew it could do basic file sharing, but since there was an issue I thought it had to do with the Home version....

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by srwatters

(although I would't put it past some of the pheeks here ).

Did you just coin a phrase?

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by boxofrocks

FWIW, the laptop used to network just fine--great, in fact. I got some kind of trojan horse a few motnhs ago, and had to do a system restore. Since then, I haven't been able to see files or printers on the network. Like I said, the wireless is working fine.

Both are in the same workgroup (at least they used to be). How can I check the workgroup name?

OK. If you did a system restore and it was working before, then I'll bet it's the registry keys for the workgroup membership. Right click on "my computer" and go to properties. Then click on the computer name tab and select the Network ID button. Even if it is correct, change it to something else then choose OK. You will most likely have to reboot. Now go back and do the same thing again, only change it to the correct workgroup that matches the machine that works. Again yet another reboot and try the file sharing. It should work.

If it doesn't, get into the car, drive to the nearest Apple store and buy a real computer

Just kidding. It will work. System restore is a nice feature, but it has some niggles that are a real pain. I use it only as a very last resort before wiping the machine and re-installing. Which BTW, might not be a bad idea if you had a nasty Trojan.

YMMV.

[boxofrocks]

Originally Posted by srwatters

I use it only as a very last resort before wiping the machine and re-installing. Which BTW, might not be a bad idea if you had a nasty Trojan.

YMMV.

Yeah--I know. When I have a day with niothing to do I'm gonna get right on that.

Thanks, I'll try the above.