Computers on network asking for access password when there isn't one!

[blurredvision]

I need to type this fast, so forgive me if I leave something out. Basically, I just built a new WinXP Pro machine with SP2. The network it is hooked to consists of 6 other computers (7 in all), 1 mac, 1 other WinXP Pro machine, and the rest Win98. Once I got everything installed, the network worked right away. I was able to access the internet fine, and no problem seeing other computers on the network and accessing them.

However, when I tried to map a drive to this new XP comp I've built, it asks me for a password to access the new comp. It does this on any computer I try that's on the network. Thing is, in the last few hours I've spent setting everything up on this new comp, I've never assigned a password to anything. Not the administrator account, nothing. In fact, the administrator account is the only account I have set up on this new comp. I've tried leaving the password blank, but no dice.

Can anyone help me out with this? It's got my brain fried just thinking about it, and all the countless things I've tried. This network is for where I work, and our tech consultants have yet to get back to us. This needs fixed fairly quickly, hopefully before Monday morning, as this new comp acts as the POS server. If I can't figure out what this password thing is, then we can't easily help customers as they walk in the door.

Thanks guys if you can shed some light on this for me.

 

[InlineFive]

It's the way WinXP networking works. You need to either:

1. Change an account on the WinXP computer to have a password. This will be the account that the other computers use to access it so I would advise that you use a User account instead of an account with Administrator priveleges. This helps prevent a virus outbreak on the network if one occurs.
2. In gpedit.msc (via run): Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options > Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only. Set that parameter to disabled, then you should be able to access the computer with a username only.

If you want to use a simpler method look on JackMDS' website, www.ezlan.net, for information on NetBEUI networking.

 

[blurredvision]

Thanks for the info PorBleemo, but it's not asking me for a username. I just tried your #2 suggestion, and it still asks for a password. This is on a Win98 machine. I double-click on the computer in Network Neighborhood, and it just asks me for a password, no username or anything.

It's quittin' time now, but I'll check out the site you provided when I get home.

 

[JackMDS]

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

:sun:

 

[blurredvision]

I think this is what I need. Thanks guys!!