Why can't I easily access files and printers over my network?

Question

I can't access files and printers across my network. I am using windows xp on both computers that are connected over a wireless network. I have enabled file and printer sharing for both. I tried using a trial version of network magic which worked but when the trial ended I couldn't access them.

Answer 1

I had the same problem. Find and install netbui protocol. (Google for more info if you need it), It's on the install CD or you can probably find it on the internet. It isn't "officially" supported but it's still available. Once you install it you'll see the shared drives and printers as soon as your wireless network finds them.

Answer 2

If you have firewalls setup, then you have to configure it for sharing files. Sometimes, you have to add the IP addresses of your other computers in the exception list or trusted zones.

The most important thing is that both computers have the same workgroup name. Otherwise, you will never see each other's computers. They need to have unique computer names as well.

To change this, right click on My Computer, go to properties. Under Computer Name tab, you can change those two names.

Once you set everything up, reboot each computer. Then go to My Network Places, Entire Network, Microsoft Windows Network and you should see both your computers listed.

To share a folder or printer, right click on a folder or printer and select Sharing and Security. You can enable sharing by clicking the link under Network sharing and security.

Answer 3

You do not need netbuei because both computers are windows xp. What you need to do is set them up in the same workgroup and have similar ip addresses. I.E 192.168.1.90 and 192.168.1.91.

Make sure both computers have the Cdrive shared. Once you go into networkplaces and look at the workgrouped computers they should be able to see each other. The most important thing is that they are in same group as I mentioned before. After getting them in the same iprange and group you should be able to see both computers and share the files. If you want to know if they can see each other, go ahead click on start, go to run, type cmd, and then type ping 0.0.0.0....that being the ipaddress not just 0's.

Good Luck.!

Answer 4

You might want to try running the applet in control panel setting up a wireless network.
To print to a network printer you have to add the printer under printers and faxes found on the pop up when start is clicked.
You have name each computer uniquely. When yoou add the printer you will be asked the host computers unique name.
( \\computer's name \shared printers name).

Have you gone to my network places to see what is being shared and if the computer you are working on "sees" the shares?
also you have to share individual folders on each computer.
If you do not do this, nothing is shared. Rigth click folder go to sharing.

Start--->My Network Places

If it "sees" thyem you ought to be able to click a folder and use it.
Also make sure you have uninstalled network magic.
Hope I have helped.

Answer 5

Are you sure your permissions are set correctly? Do you have your firewall set up to allow file and printer sharing? Those are the first two things I would check, as NetBeui is obsolete for good reason. If you have a 3rd party firewall it is probably configured incorrectly and if you have windows xp SP2 with the firewall enabled, then you need to allow file and printer sharing. TO check the firewall, simply set it to "allow all" or close it and see if the file sharing works.