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Thread: xp home network

  1. #1
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    xp home network

    Hi, i really hope someone can help with this, its driving me crazy!
    I have two pcs each running xp home and i'm trying to get them to connect with eachother so that i can copy files between the two. I have a modem which is plugged into a router, which both pcs are connected to. both pcs are connected to the internet, so i know the router is working.
    i've run the network setup on both pcs, and one of them can see the other, but cannot acces it. it says network path cannot be found. The other pc does not even see the one that can see it!

    hope that makes sense, please help!!!
    Last edited by busDriver; 07-17-2009 at 02:16 PM.

  2. #2
    Stark Raving MOD Midknyte's Avatar
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    check your firewall apps and make sure you can ping each system from the other
    verify that workgroup and username/passwords are identical on both systems AND/OR enable simple file sharing

    also check the guides in Best of Networking

  3. #3
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    thanks for the reply.
    i'm only using windows firewall and have no idea how to 'ping'.

    workgroup names are the same and i've not set passwords.

    how do you enable simple file sharing?

  4. #4
    Stark Raving MOD Midknyte's Avatar
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    Ping is one of the basic network connectivity tests. Open a CMD window and type:

    ping IPaddress

    IPaddress = the IP of the box you are trying to contact.

    Do you know how to get your IP? Again in a CMD window, type:

    ipconfig /all

    workgroup names are the same and i've not set passwords.
    Are the usernames the same?

    How to enable Simple File Sharing

  5. #5
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    both computers are seeing each other now, but they still wont connect. it says the pc is 'not accessible. you may not have permission to use this network resource'.

    simple file sharing must be enabled because i read that you cant disable it in xp home.

    i wonder if this has anything to do with it........i'm using a netgear wireless router. the wireless network has a different name to the network i've setup with the 'create a home or office net wizard', which is called 'mshome'. do they need to be the same name? both pcs are connected to the router with cables.

    please keep it simple because i'm very confused!
    Last edited by busDriver; 07-18-2009 at 08:58 AM.

  6. #6
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    i've pinged and it fails.

    how do i check user names...which ones do you mean?

  7. #7
    Ultimate Member cat6's Avatar
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    Since both have Internet connection the issue is File Sharing configuration.

    Make sure that the Software Firewall on each computer allows free local traffic. If you use 3rd party Firewall On, Vista/XP Native Firewall should be Off, and the active Firewall has to adjusted to your Network IP numbers on what is some time called the Trusted Zone (consult your 3rd Party Firewall instructions.

    General example, http://www.ezlan.net/faq#trusted

    Windows XP File Sharing - http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304040 http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;304040

    Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...utt_july2.mspx

    Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357
    cat6
    MS - MVP, Networking.

  8. #8
    Ultimate Member Rocketmech's Avatar
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    When you setup a home network all your XP pc's need to belong to the same workgroup. The default name is mshome , workgroup, etc. You can change it if you like , but all the pc's must use the same name .
    http://www.ehow.com/how_4797908_name...p-network.html

    All the pc's that will be sharing files need to have logon usernames and passwords configured on each pc. It helps if all users are setup on all pc's, but not necessary.
    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u.../accounts.mspx

    You will need to setup a share , ex. share a folder
    http://www.practicallynetworked.com/...ilesharing.htm

    The Netgear wifi is named (SSID) to help you or others to id your wifi connection (router AP). A cable ethernet connection does not use a name to id the router since its directly connected. Wifi is broadcasted , so you could pick up your nieghbors wifi for example.

  9. #9
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    thanks for all your help...its working now.

    i had zone alarm installed but had closed it down so thought it would have no effect but i think something was still running in the background so i uninstalled it and its working fine now so i guess it was blocking the connection.

    i'm just using windows firewall now...do you think its safe or should i try zone alarm again?

  10. #10
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    Reinstall Zone Alarm as it is better than the Windows Firewall .. Then see this link for how to set up Zone Alarm
    to allow the network to see the other computers

    http://www.leeindy.com/firewall_zonealarm-1.shtml

  11. #11
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    nice one thanks everyone for the help x

  12. #12
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    Back again....

    I've reinstalled zone alarm, but just can't work out how to add the network to trusted zone in zone alarm!
    I'm using the latest version of ZA, which is different to one on the link posted above.
    I wonder if the new free version does not support home networking? Hope I'm wrong....

  13. #13
    Stark Raving MOD Midknyte's Avatar
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    I don't like ZA. I recommend Comodo or Online Armor. Links are in AV/Antispy.

  14. #14
    Ultimate Member cat6's Avatar
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    The least intrusive, efficient, and free Software Firewall for Vista and Windows 7 is PCTools.

    http://www.pctools.com/firewall/

    In Network setting, the worse are ZA and Norton.
    cat6
    MS - MVP, Networking.

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