Can't detect XP computer on network for file sharing

> Matt wrote:

> > I have 3 wireless laptops using a linksys router. 1 using Vista and the
> > others with XP. I want to access shared file folders on the XP machines. I
> > can do it fine between the two XP machines, but the Vista machine can't seem
> > to detect either of them. They don't show up on the "network" screen, though
> > the printer does. These computers are all registered for the same workgroup,
> > but I can't figure out how to get the vista computer to recognize them.

>
> This link will take you through Vista networking very well:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/net.../vista_fp.mspx
>
> Problems sharing files between computers on a network are generally
> caused by 1) a misconfigured firewall; or 2) inadvertently running two
> firewalls such as the built-in Windows Firewall and a third-party
> firewall; and/or 3) not having identical user accounts and passwords on
> all Workgroup machines; 4) trying to create shares where the operating
> system does not permit it.
>
> Here are some general networking tips for home/small networks:
>
> 1. Configure firewalls on all machines to allow the Local Area Network
> (LAN) traffic as trusted. With Windows Firewall, this means allowing
> File/Printer Sharing on the Exceptions tab. Normally running the Network
> Setup Wizard on XP will take care of this for those machines.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 2006/07) which acts as a
> firewall, then you're fine. With third-party firewalls, I usually
> configure the LAN allowance with an IP range. Ex. would be
> 192.168.1.0-192.168.1.254. Obviously you would substitute your correct
> subnet. Do not run more than one firewall.
>
> 2. With earlier Microsoft operating systems, the name of the Workgroup
> didn't matter. Apparently it does with Vista, so put all computers in
> the same Workgroup. This is done from the System applet in Control
> Panel, Computer Name tab.
>
> 3. Create identical user accounts and passwords on all machines. If you
> wish a machine to boot directly to the Desktop (into one particular
> user's account) for convenience, you can do this. The instructions at
> this link work for both XP and Vista:
>
> Configure Windows to Automatically Login (MVP Ramesh) -
> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/Autologon.htm
>
> 4. If one or more of the computers is XP Pro or Media Center:
>
> 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.
>
> I think it is a good idea to create the identical user
> accounts/passwords in any case when Vista machines are involved and it
> isn't an onerous task with home/small networks.
>
> 5. 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. See the first link above for details about
> Vista sharing.
>
>
> Malke
> --
> Elephant Boy Computers
> www.elephantboycomputers.com
> "Don't Panic!"
> MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
>

> Thanks, I determined that the problem was the Norton Firewall running on the
> vista machine. I reconfigured that to allow file sharing and the problem
> went away. Thanks!