Windows Networking
 

I have two computers, a laptop and a tower PC. They are both connected to the same Netgear switch, which in turn is connected to the broadband modem.

Both computers have Internet access, no problem.

The problem is that I can't share files between the two computers.

I've tried hooking up my laptop to the WORKGROUP workgroup but it keeps telling me that "Workgroup is not accessible, might not have permission..." etc etc

I've successfully hooked up the tower PC to the WORKGROUP workgroup, and it looks cool there. I can see the other computers on it, including my laptop (bizarrely), but am unable to access it to view shared files etc.

Any ideas on what I could be doing wrong? I've done this before and it all worked great, but I'm not an expert so I'm struggling to figure out what the problem could be here.

Thank you!


Sharon x

Do you have your folders shared?

Right click on the folder(s) and go to properties, and check the Sharing tab. Make sure you have set permissions to allow other computers access the folders and their contents.

Another thing you can try is to map the drive. If you know what the login is for the other computer:

Computer 1 -
-Open a command window by going to: Start > Run > and enter 'cmd' (no quotes) and hit enter. This will bring up the command window
-enter the following 'ipconfig' (no quotes) and copy down the IP Address. Mine is 192.168.1.47 in my local network.

Computer 2
-Open a command prompt and enter the following:
net use K: \\192.168.1.47\C$ /user:login password

where K: = an unused drive letter that you want to use
where C$ = the name of drive C, as seen in the C: drive properties sharing tab. It may be set differently
where login = the login "sharon" or whatever the user name is
where password = your password "sharonspassword" or whatever the password is

The above may let you map drive C:, but it really is only useful if you can actually access the files/folders. :(

Does the laptop go onto another windows domain at some place? For example, logging onto a domain at work?

Thanks for your replies, guys.

meanSpleen - I'm afraid "Net Use" that gives me System error 5, which Google says is a permissioning error. :( And I have tried sharing the folders.

NotAnAlias - no, I only use the computer at home.

Sharon: Did you try and use the windows network setup wizard? You'll find it in the Control Panel. My guess is that there is some setting or other preventing access to the network for security reasons.

I did try the Windows Network Setup wizard... not being much of a techie that's the only way I know how to do it.

Sharon, What security/anti-virus software do you have on the laptop? The default is generally to deny file sharing activity.

Norton Internet Security and Anti Virus software came installed on my Dell... should I try disabling them?

yes, norton internet security sucks, it is most likely your problem, or at least one of them.

Norton Internet Security basically blocks your PC from doing anything that might be fun. There's a good chance that's it.