Supposedly Simple File Sharing Problem

[Dutch Squirrel]

I have a simple wireless network that is set up like this: http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m167/jaapstam/?action=view&current=PB.jpg&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch1[/url]

Both machines connect to the internet without problems, however they will not connect to one another after running the Win XP (on both machines) 'create a new connection' wizard.

One thing that I found particularly odd, and apologies if I'm being dopey here, but both times, on the desktop machine, the wizard offers your connection medium as your NIC, yet later on it suggests it's the IEE 1394 card that's being used :confused:

* I have noticed during my research that, on the desktop machine, we selected the option 'my computer connects directly to the internet' as opposed to the option referring to it connecting via a residential gateway, which was used on the laptop.

Would changing this likely solve the problem, since clearly the router is what it means by a gateway, or might other factors be relevant, such as router settings/firewall?

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks:happy:

[Spyders]

Both machines should be selected to connect directly to the internet. Make sure the two computers belong to the same group and that file and printer sharing is enabled. Also, do you have a software firewall or a "security suite" that would block windows file and printer sharing? If you do set up a trusted zone within the security suite to allow communication. Let me know about the above items.

[cramer]

wtg spyders!!! just what i had in mind...

just be sure to check for...

1. same workgroup
2. network stacks present ie, IP, file and printer sharing...
3. disable all firewall, i mean all!!!
4. make sure its on the same network, and IP address class.

just helping out...

cramer

[Dutch Squirrel]

Thanks guys.

OK:

1)Workgroup is the same - just the default 'MSHOME'

2)TCP/IP obviously is enabled as both machines access the net.

File and Printer Sharing I did not check, however I will do so.

But what about 'Client for Microsoft Networks'? This would be needed, yes?

3)There was Norton Internet Security enabled, so it could be that.

4) As for IPs, the router should take of this. I'd rather not meddle.

I was trying to help out someone who thought they were a bit of a know it all, so I assumed he had done all of these things, but maybe not!

Incidentally, I helped a friend network two machines recently - both on XP, and it appeared that not all of the network stacks as you call them were installed by default, as I had to install them and reboot before the machines could see each other, which I found a little odd.... is this normal?

Thanks :)

[Dutch Squirrel]

Both machines should be selected to connect directly to the internet.

In the wizard? As opposed to connect via a gateway?

I selected it as this however I have read elsewhere that the gateway option should be selected because of the router :confused:

Thanks

[Archangel122184]

If both computers are connected to the router and TCP/IP is installed, you shouldn't have to do anything else. What they were describing to you was setting up an "internet connection" in your Network Connections menu. Basically, doing this just reaffirms that you are using a LAN connection and isn't necessary.

For file sharing, all that is necessary is that they be on the same network, file sharing is enabled, and the firewalls are set to allow NetBIOS requests.

[Dutch Squirrel]

Thanks guys.

This is what I thought, however the guy whose it was claimed to be experienced in doing this kind of stuff, so I assumed he had made sure it wasn't the firewall and that the network stacks were installed properly.

If there's any follow up with it, I'll let you guys know.

Thanks again.