Intermittent connection

[Vteds1]

Hello,

I realize this subject has been addressed multiple times and believe me I have read many posts (here and on other sites) and have yet to solve my problem. Thought I'd outline it in detail to try to get other ideas.

I have been able to share files on both my computers a couple of times, but am unable to maintain a constant connection between the two.

I have 2 computers, main box on desk, and laptop, both running XP Home w/ SP2.
Satellite internet connection from modem to router.
Main computer is hardwired to router, laptop is wireless.
Internet works on both with no issues.

Problem is that I am not always able to see both computers in the workgroup when I "view workgroup computers" in My Network Places. AND even when I can see them I am not always able to access them.

I can ping each computer from the other via command prompt by IP address but not by name (actually I CAN ping each computer by its own name, just not the other) . Both computers have the same workgroup name "OFFICE", and each has a unique computer name "EDS" and "LAPTOPII".

Both systems have unique IP addresses (192.168.1.100 and 192.168.1.104), both have the same submask (255.255.255.0), and the same default gateway (192.168.1.1)

The desktop has XP firewall disabled in registry (although it shows as "on" in security center. I assume it's picking up on Sygate being active) and am using Sygate firewall with exceptions for both IP addresses. Laptop has XP firewall turned off. I am also running sQusi Tracking Blocker on both systems.

I had initially thought this was a firewall issue and although I have (many times) closed both Sygate, XP firewall, and sQusi and not been able to see the computers on the workgroup, I DID have a good working network connection with sQusi running on both and Sygate active with exceptions on the desktop.

I have done recent MS updates on both systems. I have run both Adaware and Spybot S&D on both systems. I have also done basic HD maintenence (defrag, etc.) on both.

Under "network connections" the desktop shows a "1394 Connection" (I'm not sure what this is) and "Local Area Connection" both with "client for MS neworks", "file and print sharing" and "internet protocol (TCP/IP) checked (netbios over TCP/IP). It also shows an "internet connection" an unused dialup connection, and the satellite connection.

The laptop shows a "local area connection" and a "wireless network connection 2" which is the active connection to the router, both with "client for MS neworks", "file and print sharing" and "internet protocol (TCP/IP) checked (netbios over TCP/IP). This also has an "internet connection" listed. The "local area connection" on the laptop I am assuming to be the hardwire ethernet port which I am not using and I always have to "ignore" when running the connection wizard (which has been run on both systems repeatedly).


The "local area connection" on the laptop is disabled (although I have tried it both ways.

So that's the story. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

Stuart

[johnwill]

The lack of pinging by name indicates you may be missing a started service.

Checklist for networking Windows Machines with TCP/IP
-----------------------------------------------------
- PCs which are not XP must have TCP/IP installed.
- Each PC must have a unique computer name.
- Each PC must have a network share defined.
- ALL NICS must be on the same subnet (e.g. IP 192.168.0.* subnet mask 255.255.255.0).
- XP PCs must have Netbios over TCP/IP enabled (only essential for XP to talk to W9X PCs).
- MS Client and file & printer sharing must be enabled on each machine.
- All NICs must have their node type = anything except p-node (peer to peer, or point-point).
* To check, open a command prompt and type IPCONFIG /ALL.
- XP's ICF firewall is permanently disabled. (Only necessary for pre XP SP2).
- All 3rd party firewalls are disabled, uninstalled and deleted (until connection is working).
- PCs have the same workgroup (helps, but not essential for XP/2K, necessary for 9X/ME).

Allow 15 mins after rebooting a PC for that PC to appear in the workgroup, or
for it to see all other PCs. Or you can search for the PC by its computer name.


Additional things to check if you still have problems:
-----------------------------------------------------
- Check your Services are Started on all PCs: Workstation, DHCP Client, Server, TCP/IP Netbios helper, Computer Browser.
- XP gives access to its shares via the Net Guest Account. (Note, not the same as the local guest account in user accounts which should be off). Net Guest Account is enabled by default in XP, but to check it, open a command prompt and type: NET USER GUEST
Should return a line with 'Account active yes'.


Check XP Security policies:
--------------------------
- Access this computer from the network: add guest
- Deny logon locally: remove guest
- Network access:Sharing and security model... -> Guest only
- Deny access to this computer from the network-> check Guest is not here.

[Vteds1]

Thank you for your reply. I've checked your suggestions and most seem to be ok.

Could you tell me how to check that I have a network share defined?

All noted services have been started.

Not sure how to check security policies on XP home.

One other thing is that I am able to access both computers by using the "run" command and putting in \\[IP address].

I seem to be soooo close but yet so far...

Thanks again for any and all help.