Trouble setting up a simple Windows LAN[MOVED]

[Maest]

I've posted this in the "File and Application Sharing" section 5 days ago but haven't received any response, so I thought I could try my luck here. Here's the original post:


The setup I currently have is a desktop PC, running windows XP SP3, Kaspersky AV, and a laptop running XP SP3, Norton AV, no windows firewall, just the Norton one) both connected to a Trendnet router. My desktop is wired, while the laptop is wireless.



I've been trying to set up a file sharing network between the two. I've looked up some tutorials on the web and did what they told, but something isn't working.

On the desktop PC:

I selected "Set up a home or small office network" -> "Use the existing shared connection to the Internet" -> named the network MSHOME -> turned on file and pritner sharing. -> hit finish.

On my laptop:

Went through pretty much the same steps as above, except I didn't receive the "Use the existing shared connection to the Internet" option, but a window asking me to describe as best as possible how my network is set up. I chose "This computer connects to the Internet directly or through a network hub. Other computers on my network also connect to the Internet directly or through a hub." since I felt that was the best way to express how my network was set up.

I've tried disabling the firewall and AV on my desktop, but it didn't work. At one point, I managed to see my laptop from my desktop, but not the other way around, and it failed to work 5 minutes later.

[spike2me]

Both computers must have a password associated with them. First Right click My Computer/Properties/Computer Name/Change make sure both computers have the same Workgroup name. Then right click a file that you want to share and choose Sharing, and share this file. Now go to Start/Run and type CMD and hit enter. In the Command Prompt type ipconfig and hit enter. You should get an IP Address that starts out the same but has a different last number: (192.168.0.x or whatever) and the Subnet mask and Default Gateway should be the same on each computer. (Default Gateway is your Router). Now ping the IP address of the other computer: type ping 192.168.0.x or whatever) It should come back with replies. If not then restart the modem, router and both computers. If you get replies then you should be able to browse the computers in Network Places.

[Maest]

I'm sure they are both on the same workgroup, "MSHOME".

I've tried pinging them, but neither responds to the other, even after pausing protection on Kaspersky (I've known it to interfere from time to time).

I'm unsure what password you are talking about. If you're referring to the WLAN password, only the laptop needs one, because my desktop is wired to the router.

[spike2me]

You have to have a user name and password on each computer not the WLAN password, to access it across a network. Go to Control Panel/Users set a password for your user account on each computer. Re-Confirm that each computer is on the same Workgroup name, don't guess, by Right clicking My Computer/Properties/Computer Name/Change. You also have to have files shared to view the other computer. Does each computer have an IP Address and the same Default Gateway? Sometimes you have to restart everything 2 or 3 times before they see each other.

[Maest]

Ok, I've set a password for my desktop (the laptop already had one). When I said I was sure that they're in the same workgroup, I mean I've rechecked. I've also rechecked whether there are any shared files (although I don't see any reasons why I'd need to share anything just to be able to ping one pc from the other.)

Default gateways are identical and the IPs are basically consecutive. I've restarted both computers and the router (I've restarted by unplugging it for 5 seconds, not by using the "delete all settings" button.)

I'm still unable to ping one computer from the other.

On a somewhat related note. Is there any way I can ping my router, if that makes sense?

[spike2me]

Yes, the Default Gateway address is your Routers IP Address, so you should be able to ping it. If you don't have shared files, there is nothing to view, so each computer will have to have shared files. When you click on it, it will ask for the user name and password to be able to access the file.(hence needing a password on each computer) Once you can ping each computer. Then go to Start/Run and type \\ and the computer name of the computer or the IP Address.(\\192.168.0.x or \\computername) and hit enter. You can also go to Control Panel/Network Places/Microsoft Networks/MSHOME and see each computer. If not, restart everything again.

[Maest]

Shouldn't I be focusing on getting the computers to ping each other?

Ok, when I try opening \\192.168.10.102 from the Run screen (that's the laptop) i get the following:

"\\192.168.10.102 is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to see if you have access permissions.

Logon failure: the user has not been granted the requested logon type at this computer."

When trying to connect from the laptop I get a simple "\\192.168.10.101 The network path was not found."

Is it possible that the desktop isn't responding to incoming connections?


EDIT: on the upside, when accessing "view workgroup computers" I'm seeing both computers on the laptop and on the desktop.

[Maest]

I have no idea what just happened, but it seems to be working now. I had to rework through the network wizard on both PCs. I think setting up a password for my desktop did the trick.

It's frustrating really. Seems moody from my perspective.

[spike2me]

it takes awhile for the computers to see each other, and you needed the password. You won't have any problems anymore once they see each other.

[Maest]

what about the sharing speed? I would've expected for the transfer to be somewhat faster. I mean, I can stream a video from one pc to the other, but the speed still feels too low.

Is there a way I can test the transfer speed? Other than just copying files from one pc to the other.