Laptop cannot see rest of workgroup...

homestarmy

Diamond Member
Apr 16, 2004
3,528
2
0
artwilbur.com
I have a workgroup setup at home so I can share mainly media files accross computers.

I have three computers, one main PC and a PC in my theater and living room that can all connect and share data, no problem.

My laptop was able to do this as well, but one day it just stopped. Nothing changed. All are running XP Media Center Edition 2005 by the way (essentially XP pro). The laptop can still get on the network, and can still remote into the other computers and move data via disk drives that are shared through the remote desktop program.

To tell you the truth, I did a bit of troubleshooting when it first happened, but I do not remember exactly what was done, as it has been awhile. I have been very busy.

If I recall correctly, I believe I changed the computer name and changed it back, changed the workgroup and changed it back, uninstalled and reinstalled file and printer sharing, etc.

What other directions can I look into to try and fix this problem? Any other information I can provide?
 

JackMDS

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 25, 1999
29,562
431
126
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 it is allowed to be shared.
Basic XP - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/filesharing.mspx

Advanced XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;304040

Vista - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/network/evaluate/vista_fp.mspx

Printer Sharing XP - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/honeycutt_july2.mspx

Windows Native Firewall setting for Sharing XP - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/875357