Cannot Get computers to view each other on workgroup

[BKLounger]

So I am trying to set up a workgroup in windows. All devices are on the same network. The network consists of 2 laptops, an xbox and a desktop. Via ip address or computer name i can talk with any computer, but when i try to view all the computers through my network places. I can see all the devices except the desktop. When I go on the desktop i can connect to any other computers but it can't view any computer in it's workgroup what could be the problem? any help is appreciated.

 

[nweaver]

assuming this is XP...

go into the display properties, and customize the desktop to not show the network neighborhood icon....really, it's better for your sanity that way.


Windows (and network browsing in general) is a flaky, black art. Sometimes sacrificing a goat before opening network neighborhood helps, as an FYI.

 

[JackMDS]

Successful Sharing involves some general consideration in Network settings, http://www.ezlan.net/sharing.html

As well as specific adjustment of each computer according to what is allowed to be shared.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

:sun:

 

[bluestrobe]

Originally posted by: nweaver
assuming this is XP...

go into the display properties, and customize the desktop to not show the network neighborhood icon....really, it's better for your sanity that way.

I agree. If you want to access a computer's resources, then just go into "My Computer" and type "\\computername" in the text box.

"Network Neighborhood" and "My Network Places" should be banned from existance.

 

[BKLounger]

therein lies the problem, i can go to run \\compname\foldername and get there no problems, but i am in a situation where i need to be able to get the computers to show up in a workgroup. I moved about two weeks ago onto a campus and have almost lost what little shred of my sanity i had left trying to get my network to be flawless like it was before i moved. Now i no longer can use any type of networking device(hubs switches, routers). I need to use the schools connection and i have no control over the management of the network. Or if anyone is an xbox media center guru. Please help a desparate man.

 

[bluestrobe]

Originally posted by: BKLounger
therein lies the problem, i can go to run \\compname\foldername and get there no problems, but i am in a situation where i need to be able to get the computers to show up in a workgroup.

Even in a perfect situation all of my computers don't show up in the workgroup. You are wanting something that is nearly impossible.

 

[spidey07]

On a computer open a command prompt and type "ipconfig /all"

If there are wins servers listed and the netbios node type is "hybrid" you should be OK as long as all your machines have the correct netbios name server (WINS). If not you are probably SOL as getting browsing to work on a netwok you don't control is darn near impossible - some other computer than ones you control is maintaining a list of computers/services.

besides, I can't think of ANY reason why you would require this when you can use computer name or IP address.

 

[BKLounger]

Thanks for the help everyone. my perfect little network is finally working. All my machines are on a workgroup. The reason i needed them all on a workgroup in to get media streaming to my xbox. For some reason my xbox would only stream via workgroup. The issue was the most retarded thing ever. It was one of jacks links that struck me. Apparently my g/f thought it was neccessary to have the windows firewall running. I did not realize it was running. I shut it off and now my network is all crystal. My sanity is slowly coming back. Thanks alot to everyone.

 

[ktwebb]

Run a firewall. THere are exclusions/exceptions with any firewall. You just have to create or enable them. XP's file and printer sharing exclusion is a default. Just not enabled by default.

Oh, just for the record, if the nodes all had the same workgroup name then they were always in a workgroup. Accessibility doesn't define being in or out of a workgroup.

 

[nweaver]

workgroup has nothing to do with sharing files, and it makes me cringe when folks start off "cannot access share on my other machine" with "put them in the same workgroup..."

also, ifyou are on uni, get that firewall on. I would even bet you violate the rules running without a firewall. not to mention you will be posting somewhere else on the forums about cleaning up your hacked boxes

 

[BKLounger]

i'm on top of that nweaver. Last night was about getting all the various shares set up, getting a couple devices on the network and also about getting the xbox streaming media. Tonight's exciting little adventure will be getting the various security running on the network and generally hardening the machines/network. Also on a pride basis alone if i ever got hacked i would never come to at with that story. It would stay with me and a freshly reimaged machine. If i have any security que's later on i'll continue the post.