I can't network my computers

[Sp33d]

I'm using a Dell 8400 desktop and an HP dv1411 laptop, and I want to network them. I used the Microsoft network setup wizard, and created a workgroup. However, when I open the workgroup, no computers show up on my desktop or my laptop. Also, nothing shows up under My Network Places on the desktop, but I can see my shared folders (folders on the laptop that I'm sharing) and "local gateway" on my laptop in My Network Places. I'm using a Netgear 614v6 router, if that's useful. Could somone please help me?

 

[Sp33d]

I'm using Norton Anti-Virus/Internet Security 2004 on the desktop, and Zone Alarm Suite on the laptop, if that helps. I added each of the respective IPs to the full allow.

 

[bruceb]

First, make sure all the Workgroups and Logins are correct on each machine
Second, make sure File and Folder Sharing is Enabled on each machine
Third, see if you can Ping Each Machine
Fourth, are trying to directly connect one pc to another ? ? If so, you need a Crossover Type Cat 5 cable
Fifth, if you are going thru a router to reach the other pc, you may need to alllow the router firewall to pass
the ip of the machines ... same with Norton ... there may something blocked in that ... easy way to tell is
go into MSCONFIG, Disable Norton from starting, reboot, try again ... if it works, then you know Norton is at fault

 

[Slowlearner]

Take a look at this website: http://www.ezlan.net/#Networking. You may have to shutdown firewalls initally, get the network working and then re-activate the firewalls. If you are connecting to the internet fine with both pcs, you already have a working network.