Can't access shared folders via My Network Places

[Sickboy]

Three PCS as follows:-
2 running XP Media Center, 1 running XP Pro SP2
All running NOD32 Anti Virus but just using Windows Firewall
XP Pro is wired to WG834GT Router, MCE machines are wireless.

XP Pro PC can see all PCs in My Network places but cannot access shared folders.
MCE Machines can only see themselves.

Both MCE machines can ping router and XP PRO machine but not each other.
Pro machine can ping one MCE machine and access shares via command line but not the other. Just tried that again and it can no longer ping either MCE machine, nor can it access shares via command line. Nothing changed in the meantime.

Both MCE machines can access shares on Pro machine via command line but not on each other.


I've tried loads of "fixes" including installing IPX/SPX/NETBIOS compatible protocol as recommended on many forums. I have simple file sharing disabled on all machines, they are all on the same workgroup and have an account with the same user/password. I've also set the "restrictanonymous" reg key to 0 as recommended by Microsoft. I've tried disabling antivirus on all machines.
Nothing seems to work and any help would be greatly appreciated.

[leprechaun_40]

Turn off windows firewall on all machines. Give it a try. I know it caused me endless headaches when sharing.

Also, enable simple sharing.

[Sickboy]

I've already tried that and also disabled NOD32 (although the NOD32kernel still runs and won't shut down). I don't fancy uninstalling my AV program but if necessary I will.

[Sickboy]

For an unrelated reason I flashed the firmware on my router to Netgear's latest as the Sky firmware is c**p. Lo and behold, the network was fine; folders shared without problem.

However I have now replaced the router with a DG834PN in an attempt to include my main PC in the wireless network (it's further away and beyond two brick walls).

Now my network has gone awry again - back to the same problem mentioned in my OP.

Obviously a router issue but can't seem to sort it. Anyone?

Edit: Forgot to mention; wireless clients not showing in "attached devices" on router configuration interface. Don't know if this is significant.

[Sterling_Aug]

Most wireless signals will NOT go thru 2 brick walls.

Sounds like you will need to run Cat6 wiring thru those walls and set up an access point if you want wireless.

[Sickboy]

I'm still hardwired to the router on the main PC at the moment using D-Link Powerline adapters. Waiting for the wireless adapter to go with the MIMO router. Netgear claim to be able to get a usable signal through brick walls with MIMO, if not then both items will be going back from whence they came. I'm getting more than a little hacked off buying gear that doesn't do what it says it will.

Back to the problem in hand.

Don't know if this is another clue but when accessing the router interface wirelessly from one of the MCE PCs, when I click on "Attached Devices" the signal seems to be dropped and I need to repair the network connection in order to get back online. This only happens when clicking that particular link - all others are fine. I can access that part of the configuration interface OK with the hardwired PC but it still doesn't show the wireless machines as attached.

[Sickboy]

OK, as a test I went back to my old Sky router (with Sky firmware) and now my network is sharing folders correctly. WTF?

[Sickboy]

Well I've decided to abandon wireless for my main PC and the MIMO router and adapter (which has just turned up) are going back. My network is now functioning perfectly. Thanks for your help.