Why can't my laptop access the shared files on my desktop?

Question

My desktop can access the shared files on my laptop, but the laptop can't access the desktops shared files. Both computers are connected wirelessly to my Linksys router.

When I try to access the desktop through "My Network Places" folder, the desktops shared folders don't show up. When I try to use Windows Explorer to access the desktop, I get this error message:

"\\Desktop is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.

Logon failure: the user has not been granted the requested logon type at this computer."

I have double checked the desktop, and it's entire My Documents Folder properties are listed as shared.

I went through the entire Network Connections Troubleshooter, and it didn't fix the problem. Any ideas?

PS - I already contacted Gateway, Microsoft, and Linksys. Gateway and Microsoft wanted to charge me to figure out the problem. Linksys couldn't figure out the problem, said it was the OS and to contact Gateway. But I don't have the money to pay them, so hopefully you guys can figure it out for me!

PSS - I have restarted both computers several times. I have turned off both firewalls on both computers (Desktop is using Windows firewall, Laptop is using McAfee firewall. Niether of these steps have helped.

Answer 1

Seems you have a decent understanding of what you're doing, so I'll cut to the chase.

What version of XP is on the desktop? If it's Pro (or even Home) there is a registry fix that may work.

On the computer which cannot be accessed:
1) Open REGEDIT.

2) Under HKLM|SYSTEM|CurrentControlSet|Control|Lsa, change the value of "restrictanonymous" to 0 instead of 1 or 2.
Don't change "restrictanonymoussam" value.
The value should be REG_DWORD and Hexadecimal Base. (That's the default for that key)

3) Restart your computer and access the resources on that PC, it should work properly if restrictanonymous was non-zero.

Answer 2

Just a thought, but make sure both machines are running the NetBEUI over TCP/IP service (in your network setting) if they're not already. If they aren't, they may not "broadcast" their presence on the network. Although if you're seeing the machine names they probably ARE on the network.

Make sure neither machine is connected to a VPN, as that will make one machine appear to not really be on your network.

Turn off Internet Worm Protection in your antivirus software such as Norton on both machines. DO NOT turn off your antivirus, just worm protection. Norton AV v6 and up treats repeated requests to access a machine as a worm attack.

Sometimes if one machine is running an older OS such as win 98, other machines can see it but it can't see newer machines. If that's the case, most likely they don't speak the same flavor of NetBIOS, and they will only be able to "see" each other over TCP/IP (see comment above about NetBIOS / NetBEUI over TCP/IP).

Try looking to see if either machine actually DOES have a login with permissions. You may have to enable access for "Guest" on one or both of the machines. If that's the case, set a password you'll remember and if prompted for a login,use it.

Instead of browsing the network by clicking on the machine name under My Network, try going into Explorer and just typing the machine name, like this:

"\\other_machine"

I have to do this to access my network printers. I don't know why, but try it.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Run the network wizard on both machines and make sure you turn on file sharing on both machines. Next make sure you check the connections properties to ensure the file sharing is checked. Also lastly make sure your machines are both have the same workgroup name. There are some services that need to be turned on too. Goto www.theeldergeek.com to ensure you are running the right services to see your network resources. They will tell you what each of the services do so you will be able to turn on the right ones to make the network work for you.

Answer 4

since networking is really hard at times. it will be easier if your using the same os for the laptop and desktop. now try to reconfigure your network connection by using the wizard if you are using windows xp. now after that make sure both desktop and laptop are shared to one another will full access since its your home network i presume. after that you should be able to access both ways. it takes time to configure it but try and try on different settings for both desktop and laptop till they communicate. check and recheck again.

Answer 5

Don't spend your money on those services, they all will tell you the same thing that its the other hardware/software's problems. Make sure you setup the Network Setup Wizard on the desktop, and right click on each folder you'd like to share. Make sure you are operating on the same DOMAIN name. "MSHOME" or "WORKGROUP" as long as they're the same whatever name you choose on both computers. You can right click on "My Computer" and going to Properties and clicking on COMPUTER NAME to identify if your computer is running on the same domain as your laptop. Good Luck!

Answer 6

a million. confirm that your ext. HDD is formated 2. open My pc 3. staggering click on ext. HDD 4. choose for residences 5. Sharing - permissions - all human beings finished get entry to six. protection tab - upload.. all human beings finished get entry to or delete sharing of this HDD and upload back making use of Sharing wizard

Answer 7

Turn off both firewalls and try again.

Answer 8

try restaring it...