Can't view network computers

[lankia]

I have a cdrom-less, floppy-less laptop connected to my desktop through a crossover cable under the same workgroup. Both are running WinXP pro edition. I got my latpop in late February and was able to share internet and folders with my desktop computer. Recently (perhaps, starting a week ago), my laptop has been unable to access the shared folders on my desktop. I can still access shared internet connection from my laptop, however.

I am quite positive that I didn't conciously set off any unwanted changes on the network configs. Both computers have "Client for MS Network," "File and Printer Sharing," "IPX/SPX," and "TCP/IP" protocols or services installed. If I go to "My Network Places" and click on "View Workgroup Computers" on:
1. my laptop: I get to see my laptop in it
2. my desktop: an error msg appears and essentially says that I don't have the right permissions to view the workgroup computers, even though I log in as the administrator.

The only major change I made to my computer, which I am aware of, was to change the START menu caption to my nick, LANKIA. That involved changing explorer.exe, but I don't see how it could have affected my network components.

I hope someone can help me out here. Thanks in advance!

-lankia

 

[mee987]

check the IP addresses of both systems (run ipconfig from command prompt)... its always better when the first 3 numbers are the same (the ICS host will already be set to 192.168.0.1, set the other system to 192.168.0.xxx)

when you have the IP set to autoasign sometimes it will give you a 169.254.xxx.xxx address, and that always gives me trouble on my home network

 

[lankia]

i believe my laptop is always 192.168.0.xxx.

what i don't understand is why i can't view my "workgroup computers" .. it keeps telling me that i don't have the right permissions to do so.

-lankia

 

[mee987]

are you able to access the shares by running "\\<ipaddress>"?

 

[lankia]

me987, no, i can't access the shares by running \\<ipaddress>.

-lankia

 

[lankia]

Argh .. i should have known to reinstall "Client for MS Network" client service before i post my question on anandtech!! anyway, thanks for those who responded to my question.

-lankia