BleepingComputer.com: Cant network my three computers

Hi,

I previously set up a home network of 1 desktop computer with a cable modem and wireless modem and 2 laptops with wireless cards. I set up a wireless network and all three computers HAD access to the internet AND shared files with each computer. Yesterday I lost the ability to view any workgroup computers on the network, along with any shared files and printers. I tried to re-setup the network, but they will not talk to each other, but my wireless internet is still working on all computers.


I have run through the "set up a home or small office network" option a few times and a few different ways and nothing works. I also tried to set up a new wireless network and that did not solve my problem.

Can someone help me solve my problem?

I have a few minor other things going wrong with my computer lately and I have checked for viruses and spyware, and all looks well with that.

I am running windows xp pro.

hozzi19, on Nov 9 2008, 11:27 PM, said:

Hi,

I also run XP Pro but I never used the Setup Network Wizard, and I haven't had any problems. however, what I do since I like security and use NTFS and don't want any Tom, Dick, or Harry accessing the shared files on the net is I go to Folder Options and disable Simple File Sharing, I then create a special user account (possibly shared as a username and a password of my choice) on all computers and give that account "Read Only" access to the shared files/directory(s) which is done through the Security tab of the Folder's properties.

Anyway, about your problem, can you ping each computer by it's local ip addeess?
Have you checked the firewall(s) on your computer to make sure that they all "allow" File and Print Sharing?
Have you tried to connect to them by their local ip address instead of computer name?

As for me, I'm more of a drive mapper than a file sharer.

Just some ideas off the top of my head.

JB

Im not really familiar with the technical aspects of networking, I just know how to set up a network through the wizard. I tried to Ping by following instructions online and it said it was fine. My wireless connection is working. Its just that my home network isn't working.

I tried shuting off the firewall completely and it didn't work.

Im wondering if a windows update has caused the problem somehow?

Also, I was able to view the icon for one of my computers in my network, but it said I do not have "permission" to access it and I should check with the administrator. I never had this problem before and my network had been fine for over 2 years.

Check your firewall and antivirus, some of antiviruses affects network connectivity. like one I know
try also the following:
1. make sure that you have correct ip configuration for all computers.
2. check if they have same workgroup name.\
3. ping you computer name/ips
4. if everything above is OK, I think that is your firewall!

Cheers