Hi All

I have a wireless network consisting of a desktop PC, a laptop and a broadband router. The router is obviously connected to the cable modem but neither PC is physically connected to the router. Both PC's attach to the network fine and both access the internet through the router no problem at all.

My problem is that the PC's cannot see each other. I want to be able to share and transfer files etc. between each PC. Is this not possible with this setup or am I missing something obvious ?


Both machines are running XP although only the laptop has the SP2 upgrade.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers,
Tim

 

You need file and printer sharing enabled.

Open up "My Computer", right click your C:\ drive and click on "Properties". Click on the "Sharing" tab and then click on "Share this Folder".

The C:\ drive should now be shared with all the other PC's.

 

Make sure that you have the same WorkGroup name for the two machines too.

I assume IP address for the Laptop and PC are assigned dynamically by the router??

 

no really an issue if both pc's are XP,

though it will be an issue if you have firewalls, especailly norton/mcafee

 

I have given up with this also. I too have a wireless lappy and a wired desktop, both run xp but cannot for the love of god get them to see each other. Have now given up

 

Firewalls will make no difference to two machines on the same switch(on the router) seeing each other.

If the router is assigning IP addresses then the subnet masks will be the same hence the question about server assigned IP addresses.

The only other thing is if the workgroups are set differently, like HOME and WORKGROUP then the machines will not see each other, but will be able to access the internet quite happily.

Press start and then control panel. Press performance and Maintenance and then System and then the Computer Name tab. Check each machine to make sure the Workgroup names are the same.

If both machines are using the internet the wireless network is OK.

 

firewall WILL make a difference,,,

trust me it's my job


to setup wireless follow thses simple instructions

1 turn ALL firewalls off

2 setup a SSID on router, win NO security

3 setup clients with same SSID, make sure you can now browse the internet

4 add WEP security on router with 26 key

5 now add same key to cleints, re check you can still access interent

6 if you have MAC security on router now is the time to add that

7 on router turn off broadcast SSID

8 download porn and have fun

 

he doesnt need to setup the ssid, he can already browse the internet so the wireless access point is already talking to the PCMCIA card and the wireless connection is already made.

its the other PC on the LAN side of the router he cannot see. This will be something simple like workgroup names!!!

 

Find out what the pc's IP address are:

Start > run > cmd <enter>

ipconfig /all <enter> will give you a host name and IP address, e.g. 192.168.1.34

If you have firewalls on the PCs, set them to allow all ICMP functions (it's not a major security issue, especially if your router is firewalling you anyway). You'll need to check your documentation to find out how to do that.

Go to the other computer.

Start > run > cmd <enter>

ping [other computer's IP address] <enter>

... e.g. ping 192.168.1.34 <enter>

You should get a reply. If it says "destination host unreachable", you're probably on different subnets - make sure both PCs receive dynamic IP addresses from the router, and do "ipconfig /release <enter>" and then "ipconfig /renew <enter>" at the command prompt.

Whether or not the ping works, go to Start > run and type "\\" followed by the other PC's IP address, e.g.

"\\192.168.1.34" and click ok. If Windows can see it, it'll open an explorer window and let you select a folder to view.

Hope that helps get you started If all else fails, build yourself a server box and run a windows domain That'll be nice 'n easy

/al

 

start > settings > control panel > administrative tools > local security policy > local policies > secuirty options > network access : sharing and security model for local accounts > classic - local users authenticate as themselves

start > settings > control panel > network connections > right click on your wireless connection > properties > make sure Client for Microsoft Networks is installed

both machines need identical user accounts with identical usernames/passwords

both machines need to be in the same workgroup

If all that is set then you should be able to see both clients in network neighbourhood

 

Thanks for everyones suggestions

I will give them a go tonight and let you know how I get on.

Cheers,
Tim