Cannot share folders

[ycim]

As well as doing programming myself, I also run a small business on the side (not a computer business). But I really don't know much about operating systems or networks or the like. I am running XP home edition-SP2, as, until 2 weeks ago, I only had 1 computer at the front desk. Now that it is growing, I have added another staff, and another computer.

To set the scene....
So I have computer A - named FRONTDESK (which has always been there) and computer B - named OFFICE (which is the new computer). The network has been set up as the standard MSHOME workgroup. A has a wireless DLink router set up to it. B accesses the internet, and the network via wireless. There are no existing problems accessing the internet or email from either computer.

The problem.
A can see the shared folders on B computer, and access those files without issue. However, B cannot see any folders (or printers) on A. When I try to share folders on A, it just goes through the routine, but I never get a "shared hand" icon. If you look, none of the folders are being shared. You can go into the <sharing> option, and set them up, however. It even does the Microsoft Jig and shows them being set up.

Same with printers....I cannot share them. I can tell it to share them, but cannot.

Another very odd thing...which may or may not mean anything to you gurus out there, is that no matter how many times you check the "Remember password" box in Outlook or any other program, it simply does not remember the passwords, and always prompts you for it when trying to access email or files. This is very annoying behaviour, but beyond that doesn't appear harmful.

I have all the most current updates completed form the Microsoft site.

If anyone has some suggestions for me, I would love to hear them!

 

[linney]

Is "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" enabled on FRONTDESK?

Have a look at the Local Area Connection Properties.

How to configure file sharing in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

Running the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy. This may help if the problem is being caused by file corruption.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

These might come in handy too.

Simple File Sharing- enabled

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp/filesharing.htm

Simple File Sharing - disabled

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm

http://www.michna.com/kb/wxnet.htm

OL2000: (IMO) Your Password Is Not Retained in Windows 2000 or Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q259416

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_oe_passwords.htm

 

[rvnguy]

ycim,

Just a couple of items for verification.....

Both computers running XP home SP2????

You have unique copies for each? (not a load from the same copy)????

with this being as it should be... you do have an unusual quirk going on with "A" as you have tried, with no success, it should allow the devices to be shared.

Begin by working backward on each machine and delete each share, then in the control panel select network connections and view what is there. There ahould be no more than two entries, a network connection and possibly an internet connection. Right click on each and delete. Reboot...check to insure that there are no connections..repeat if required.

Start with one machine and through cp; network conn; in a left panel you should see and select "set up home or small network" and follow the steps to setup. Assuming you are connected via broadband (not dial-up) and are not connecting to the internet via a gateway, make sure to select the "this computer connects directly to the internet" connection. You will be prompted to make an install diskette do so if you wish as this just prevents typos in the set-up or just insure that each setup is identical where it need to be which is all but the computer name. Once this is comlete check the net conections; there should be a shared folder and each computer displayed from the setup. if ok reboot each machine and re-check connections, then try sharing a file through the shared folder. this should work. OK now try sharing a device on "A" and hope that it is successful.

If you have inadvertantly set-up internet connection via a gateway you might not be able to delete the connection. My brother, for reasons we won't get into, has done this more than once, and I have not found a solution for this excepting a clean install.

Good Luck.......keep us posted as to you progress.

rvnguy

 

[ycim]

Thanks guys. You have some wonderful suggestions. I will try them this weekend and get back to you.

For linney...yes file sharing is enabled.

Yes...I have individual copies of Windows. These operating systems are the same that came with the machines (OEM version).

I am sure that I am up for an interesting, but frustrating, weekend.